Why do so many younger soldiers discount mentorship from Veterans that are from older generations?

SGT Christina Wilder — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 14:35:02 -0400

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Sep 9 at 2015 2:38 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 14:38:57 -0400

What is your bases for saying that younger Veterans are ignoring the mentorship from Veterans from a different generation?

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Sep 9 at 2015 2:49 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 14:49:45 -0400

They do? I know that when I was a younger Airman, I was eating that stuff up like CANDY! I couldn't get enough of the wisdom from the "older generation"! I WANTED to work with the oldest civilian working there (who would work with me) and I'd talk to the oldest enlisted and officers who would talk to me! Discounting mentorship from ANYONE would be a huge mistake! If you are not learning what to do from a good mentor, you can always learn what not to do from a poor mentor! :-)

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Sep 9 at 2015 2:50 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 14:50:01 -0400

You are competing against Google & Facebook.....got to get their attention....when they want help, they will bring it to you.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 9 at 2015 2:58 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 14:58:09 -0400

Who wants to sit around in an old dusty VFW or American Legion Hall (I'm a member of both and Past Cdr of the VFW). Listen to Old Men Regurgitate FOX talking point. These youngsters grew up on the Internet. They Love Computer Games. They keep busy trying to stay "Up" on the latest "Social Media" from what I hear Instagram has lost it's luster since it has now been taken over by "Grandpa, Grandma sharing pictures and talking Political". Just the Observations of a Very Old Geek.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Sep 9 at 2015 3:07 PM

SN Greg Wright — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:07:31 -0400

SGT Christina Wilder I've seen evidence of this even here on RP. Kind of makes me scratch my head. I believe it's a phenomenon caused by the advent of the internet -- everyone can be an armchair expert on anything nowadays.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Sep 9 at 2015 3:44 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 15:44:17 -0400

Most of the younger soldiers feel we(older generation) are out of touch,as my sons did,but advice i gave them when they were younger has returned when needed as they got older.Keep advising them on the basics they need and it will be appreciated by them later.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 4:18 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 16:18:03 -0400

SGT Wilder-Maybe I'm just a little too defensive, but I've noticed that trend in various places as well. For example: Met a young enlisted Guardsman in my community who was preparing to enter an officer program...When I attempted to offer some friendly and informal advice, he responded that, "He had served four years already and pretty much had it covered". I was also surprised when meeting a Midshipmen at an alumni event at Annapolis how the attitude was essentially, "Yeah...yeah...new times, Old Man". We all remember being young and "sure" we knew it all...but I also recall being at least respectful for the sake of decency around vets-even those only a decade or so ahead of me. I see this in the civilian side as well...college grads who assume that because they grew up with Facebook and Instagram, I'm obsolete and have nothing to offer. Far from just rubbing my "ego" the wrong way...it kinda concerns me...I mean, are corporations, if not the military taking this "Millennial" newbie-prodigy thing a bit too far?

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Sep 9 at 2015 4:32 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 16:32:03 -0400

Because they are younger and therefore know everything. Some lessons are best learned on their own I guess. On a serious note, it would depend on the Veteran I would assume. I was in the Army way back in '87, right out of school and came back in 2006...the Army was TOTALLY different. So I would certainly not discount leadership advice, but maybe someone who has been out for a long time might not understand the current Army atmosphere. Just a guess, but I guess I really don't know.

Response by SMSgt Tony Barnes made Sep 9 at 2015 5:12 PM

SMSgt Tony Barnes — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:12:36 -0400

Same reason your kids don't listen until they are in their 40s and realize you know what you are talking about.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Sep 9 at 2015 5:29 PM

LTC John Shaw — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:29:14 -0400

SGT Christina Wilder No significant relationships with older service members and veterans. I find many younger Veterans are electronically connected but physically disconnected from local veterans. It will take Veteran organizations getting social media savvy and that starts with the existing members.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Sep 9 at 2015 5:33 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:33:25 -0400

Because it's the time-honored "impetuousness of youth." I'm kind of in that middle place, so I get it. It sometimes seems like the older generations just don't understand the world today and it's frustrating. On the other hand, I'm also now old enough to know that I would still be wise to listen and ponder anything they have to say.

That last bit takes a while to sink in...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 5:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 17:50:30 -0400

Sadly... I've seen a drastic decline in the efforts of leaders to be mentors, in my 12.5 years.

I never had issues with any of my soldiers. I went to them, they came to me...

Things have just changed to a point where leaders were afraid of reprocussins for envoking their charge on subordinates due to (fill in the blank) to a point that those "Joes" (can I even say that!..?) don't have a clue how to do it themselves because tge were never on the receiving end!

Response by SA Harold Hansmann made Sep 9 at 2015 6:57 PM

SA Harold Hansmann — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 18:57:21 -0400

Because the younger people "know it all".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 7:32 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:32:57 -0400

I think that when you look at a SR NCO or leader, like I used to do, and say he or she does not what they are talking about & I will never be like that. 20 + years later and I am that guy. We have gotten so technologically advanced if it does not come on in 10 seconds or takes more than ten minutes to accomplish it is said to be hard work and thefore not worth it. When a SR NCO asks a jr enlisted Soldier to do something and they respond with what are you doing or its after 1600 I'll do it in the morning just about takes my to a level of pissed off few ever will see. Don't yell or challenge them with comsequences/accountability or you will be in front of the CDR answering to an EO or harassment complaint. I have been there and done that. It made me a little gun shy and probably less effective as a leader. I still try to guide, mentor, and coach when given the opportunity. Funny thing happened on day in my office. I had a young PV2 ask what was that sitting on the table in my office so I told him it was an IBM Selectric II typewriter and was ask what it was used for. At that point I relized I am reaching the end of my career.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Sep 9 at 2015 7:33 PM

SGT Michael Glenn — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:33:22 -0400

You are dealing with a generation that thinks its smarter than past generations, its that simple. The same is true for Cars now a days, a kid will set there and slam everyone in sight because he thinks he knows all there is about cars.But yet give them something that isnt a bolt on item and they have to actually think or modify and they just stand there. These new soldiers are book smart but thats it, I started noticing this in Officers as they came into units around the 90's. Not a slam to anyone by all means, just the way it is.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Sep 9 at 2015 7:49 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:49:54 -0400

Because they think they know it all already....and they don't want to be bothered with those who are older....it won't be till they grow and mature that they'll realize...oh wow! I should have spent some time with the old timers.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 7:59 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 19:59:38 -0400

Every generation thinks they have found all of the answers. But, then life asks the questions.

It is amazing how smart the older generation gets between our 16th and 30th birthday.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Sep 9 at 2015 8:57 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 20:57:47 -0400

Because the younger generation thinks they know it all.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Sep 9 at 2015 8:59 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 20:59:33 -0400

Team,

I'd like to submit a different perspective on the dilema/challenge.

In 1984... a young PFC by the name of Wesson did listen to the older soldiers... however, I learned very quickly that there were those that were impressed by what they did... and immediately expected... that we young soldiers should take what they said as scripture... with no qualifiers... in whatever manner given. Frankly... their presentation sucked and was condescending to many if us. I got it... I was not very smart.... but was far from stupid... but that was rarely communicated... except by the true NCOs thar took the time.

Maybe if we collectively change our manner of presentation... and leave the ego at the door...to address the audience we'd fair better?

It works for me today with the young soldiers, officer and enlisted, I now interact with.

My 2 cents

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made Sep 9 at 2015 9:14 PM

SSG Paul Setterholm — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 21:14:58 -0400

In some regards I think it is maturity, others it is kids can't or won't relate. Other times it may be that the changes in the military, the styles of leadership and other factors play into effect.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 9 at 2015 9:24 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 21:24:59 -0400

They are from the "Me generation" and got trophies for participation

Response by LTC Henry Barber made Sep 9 at 2015 11:53 PM

LTC Henry Barber — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 23:53:46 -0400

Based on my experience, quite a few believe mentoring is about how you get ahead (riding one's coat tail) and not what you should learn.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 11:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Sep 2015 23:56:00 -0400

I think it is just the usual generational disconnect. I do try to help my younger soldiers, but I also try to remember that my experiences may not always seem relevant to theirs. I'll even say "my situation was kind of like yours, but there are differences."

I grew up in a very stable Cold War environment to shape my understanding of politics and conflict. The Cold War was huge and frightening, but also very abstract while having a sense that, if it happened, it would be final. I also didn't have access to instant communication beyond the telephone. Now, conflict is fluid, not existentially threatening, but it threatens to drag on for years and years with no real final end or victory. They are used to that-- the younger generation sees that as the new normal, and the old days of definitive victories and periods of peace are a quaint old notion like wearing colorful Napoleonic uniforms with plumed hats.

The result will be the notion that the "old folks" just don't understand the new realities, and many of us "old folks" will reflexively try to fit new problems in old frames of reference because that's what we know. As long as we're all aware of these potential traps and pitfalls, communication can still be had but we all need to retain some self-awareness.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 1:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 01:52:18 -0400

I think its because its not always just mentorship. Im sure the same soldiers hear the leaders say things like "i had it so much harder then you", "back in my day...", " I know what the book says but this is the way i did it in (insert deployment)". I think things like that can turn a soldier off.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Sep 10 at 2015 8:18 AM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 08:18:34 -0400

Each generation believes they are 'singular'... that the experiences they have, are nothing like those we had. Many of them simply don't believe we have anything to add to the discussion because we are not where they are....

The thing is, the battles may change, the politics may change but the experiences never will. Being a good soldier or a good Marine is still the same as it was twenty... fifty years ago, but its hard to get an eighteen year old, fresh out of high school and boot camp, to understand that at times.

What we can do, is nudge them a bit here and there, and hope they make the right decisions, and in some cases, when you are actually asked for advice, you give them the best advice possible, and hope against hope that something in their brains clicks and they see the light before they screw up too badly at times.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 8:22 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 08:22:09 -0400

If they do, they are damn fools. The older generation of warriors that served this country shaped it into what it is today, and anyone that discounts or discredits this is a moron with no respect or honor, and they sure as hell dont belong in this man's Army. If this question wsaz posed in regard to someone's interaction with you, I apologize on their behalf because they're probably too proud and ignorant to do so themself, and I assure you, this behavior a lasseiz faire mindset does not apply to all of us young bucks.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 8:51 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 08:51:34 -0400

Good morning SGT! Well, they think we are old, we don't know the latest thing in, and where technology challenged. I see the real problem is that some of the parents moved away from the old ways of raising (Grandma

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 10 at 2015 9:21 AM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 09:21:24 -0400

SGT Christina Wilder I don't find that to be true here on RP. I get asked a lot of questions and I assist a lot of young soldiers in the active component, as well Reservist and National Guard members. We might not be up to speed on every little thing that has changed over the last decade, but we do something about leadership, mentoring, and coaching. If they are afraid or if they think we don't know anything, give us a try!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 10:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 10:23:20 -0400

I love the advice that all of my former leaders would give me. It helped mold me into the NCO I am today. Now, I am the older veteran giving advice to the younger generation. I truly enjoy the talks I have with soldiers and love explaining how things are suppose to be.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Sep 10 at 2015 10:34 AM

SSG Keith Cashion — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 10:34:27 -0400

It's funny reading these things, and knowing that my wife and I did the same with our daughters. I was talking to my daughters just the other night, and we were talking about kids they went to school with and had their parents do everything for them, and I told my daughters, that even though if we could could, we would have done more for our daughters, but we feel that the advise, life lessons, good work eithic, and lessons in personal responsibility set them on the track to success that they have now. It is funny to hear my oldest (27) talk about dealing with three boys and parenting, full time job, and the pace of life. Every now and them, I get the "I know, you told me this would happen" line and just have to chuckle. In the age of "Everything Now!", it is easier to Google or Facbook, then to ask someone with experience. Even today, I still enjoy talking to the Old Solders, I and I retired almost 10 years ago.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 11:16 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 11:16:08 -0400

Veterans? What do those old codgers know? This is along the lines of how I thought when I was a young soldier. I thought that times would have changed dramatically since they were in, I was wrong. Technology has changed and uniforms, but basic soldiering had not changed.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Sep 10 at 2015 1:21 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 13:21:44 -0400

I think the biggest reason, like many here have said, is that the newer generation feels like the older generation is out of touch with what is going on.
I have had my kids friends and my advice on joining the military and the first thing I ask them is what do they want to do?
That always say they want to go to college and the military has that benefit. I told them yes it does, but you do realize that the military is a lifestyle and you are on duty basically 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. And I also told them to really think about what jobs they want because the ASVAB is going to determine what you are qualified to do. I also offered to go to the recruiter with them.
This generation seems to not think long term, they think about today and don't worry about tomorrow.

Response by SSgt Khanh Pham made Sep 10 at 2015 4:15 PM

SSgt Khanh Pham — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 16:15:21 -0400

American culture is widely independent. Focused on truth and false. a very dry or shallow culture, or however you want to label it. It has its advantage and its disadvantage.

Independent folks tend to take actions and at times act like rebel. Asian cultures are probably the opposite end, where they will take forever to overturn their older generations.

It's probably not a good thing to overthrow the principles our founding father have left for us. On the other end, just look at Vietnam after 1975, a revolution would have done the country good. Their culture is that of followership almost to the point of slaveship. American are more of a leadership type of culture. Now dont take that to mean we make great leader by default. It's a comparative look at culture which in itself means nothing in real world result.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 5:49 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Sep 2015 17:49:38 -0400

I honestly don't know why my generation and younger choose to ignore the wisdom and knowledge of the older generations! I grew up in a famiyl raised with high standards and values. As PV2 im always talking with my leadership and learning as much as i can on what it takes to be a leader. Ive had soldiers in my own platoon say that im kissing ass. But i know thats not the case. I just wanna learn and become the best soldier and leader that i can be. I truly enjoy sitting down with my NCO's and PL listening to their guidance I love the army.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 10:14 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 10:14:03 -0400

SGT Christina Wilder, Many younger Soldiers don’t realize the benefit of mentorship because they are too reliant on self-knowledge and their confidence levels are extremely high even if they don’t have very much practical experience. I didn’t start to realize the need for serious mentorship until after I got promoted to SSG. Never discount anyone’s prior knowledge and experiences when deciding if you can possible grow and learn from what they have gone through in the past.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 10:45 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 10:45:57 -0400

They want the experience older soldiers have.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Sep 11 at 2015 11:03 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 11:03:28 -0400

Probably for the same reason that your parents told you repeatedly NOT to touch the hot stove....and you did it anyway. Some lessons are just learned better by getting burned!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 11:23 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 11:23:01 -0400

SGT Christina Wilder I don't think as a junior member I really "got it" until I finally became an LPO (Leading Petty Officer) and really saw the other side. It is like when you finally have children and you understand all the sacrifices that your parents made. It humbles you and you finally really understand those tough love lessons.

I think it depends. If the advice is from a senior member currently serving, then more stock is put into it. If the advice is from a veteran (regardless if they just got out last month or decades ago), I have seen eyes glaze over and the mentality of, "That might have worked in your day, but standards have changed (etc.)......"

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Sep 11 at 2015 11:39 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 11:39:19 -0400

This extends to the civilian world as well as fresh out of college students dislike mentoring from those that have been around in a company longer.

I feel that as time evolves, things changes. Take what you can from the "old fart" and adapt it to the "new way of doing things".

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 11 at 2015 1:07 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 13:07:26 -0400

Got any examples.

Response by Cpl Christopher Bishop made Sep 12 at 2015 2:47 AM

Cpl Christopher Bishop — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 02:47:40 -0400

I actually do not think it has as much to do with "whatever Era(s) being different". Basic psychology suggests that "Whatever YOU went through is just as bad TO YOU, as whatever someone else went through TO THEM. You can argue all you like about wars being fought differently, or for different reasons, or even be suspicious of why we even had some of them....but you cannot get around my point above. Of course, I'm not one to discount these things.

I further believe that any attempt for people to come across as "But we've had it worse than you did in the past" is someone seeking excuses for present failures rather than seeking solutions for present struggles. Not to mention, its just disrespectful. If you weren't DRAFTED (and thus having your life yanked from you without your own consent, while fighting for the freedom of others but never your own), AND think for a moment you had it rougher than Draftees, then with all due respect, please STFU. I don't care who I was, what I done, or where I did it....I will always give a 'Nam Era Veteran the food off my plate, the shirt off my back, and he can jump ahead of me in lines. And I don't even care about his own details about his own "5-Ws". I don't even care what branch, what job, or how physically or mentally messed up he may be now. I mean this (the whole post here) as vehemently as anything I've ever said on RP (and as most of you know, I've said a lot).

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2015 3:17 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 03:17:06 -0400

I don't personally think very much changes over time with our career fields, so anything you can learn from the old guard is useful. Then again, all the civilians who train our pilots in simulators are old veterans with tons of flight time. It makes it easy and automatic to accept their advice and absorb what they have to say.

Now, keep in mind that not all veterans from older generations would qualify as quality mentorship. A mentee is only going to be as good as the mentor, and a lot of the older veterans from my podunk shit-can of a town are the types who did 2-3 years in the mid-'80s with zero deployments before getting kicked out for behavioral or drug infractions, but will still be the first to tell you what a lethal warrior they are. Those are always the first ones to yell, "Once a Marine, always a Marine!" - the ones that the Corps gave the boot because they couldn't be civilized and drug-free. Growing up with that nonsense, any time I get a whiff of that type of individual I completely glaze over and ignore them.

I guess my point there is that if there's a breakdown in the relationship between junior service members and older veterans, the blame is probably going both ways, not just one or the other.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2015 1:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 13:30:27 -0400

One major reason: the phrase "well that's not how we do it here/now/anymore." as given from a first line supervisor. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this phrase in my 11 years. Commonly after researching a regulation and realizing something is not being done correctly, I was young and naive so I would go to my first line about it, thinking we were going to correct something. nope. The only thing that has been reinforced over and over again over my career was that we have all this regulation, but do whatever the people in charge want, regardless of doctrine.

Response by SPC Daniel Cruz made Sep 12 at 2015 5:40 PM

SPC Daniel Cruz — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 17:40:46 -0400

I totally disagree, I work for the Air force in a civilian engineering squadron and have airman that I mentor every day they respect everything I say and come to me for advice. I think I play an important roll in their training development!

Response by CPT Griff Tatum made Sep 12 at 2015 5:45 PM

CPT Griff Tatum — Sat, 12 Sep 2015 17:45:02 -0400

You have to take the good information from Vets and leave the information that may not apply. Always be courteous and listen, but make sure that you're writing your own story in the military. Sometimes the best way to figure something out is to figure it out yourself. YOUR military experience will be completely different than mine or anyone else. So take the good out of stories and advice, and apply it the best you can. As a leader you must learn to be smart enough to listen, but also develop your own ideas, and make decisions based on your situation and knowledge base.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 13 at 2015 1:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 13:56:37 -0400

Some people are not mature enough to understand the advice and the ramifications.

Response by MSgt Erik Copp made Sep 13 at 2015 2:31 PM

MSgt Erik Copp — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 14:31:02 -0400

Because they are young and think they know it all. It won't be until later on in life they realize how much they don't know.
When you come across ones that want your knowledge, take the time to give it to them.
Now that I am retired and see it from the outside looking in, the old guys are sometimes to blame also. Some old timers that know a lot do what they can to make younger guys feel inferior resulting in them not willing to learn from the old timers.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2015 4:13 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 16:13:25 -0400

The arrogance of youth.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Sep 13 at 2015 9:48 PM

SPC Andrew Griffin — Sun, 13 Sep 2015 21:48:14 -0400

Times have Changed! The World has Changed! Society has Changed! The American Soldier has Changed!

Response by MAJ Anthony Henderson made Sep 14 at 2015 10:41 AM

MAJ Anthony Henderson — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 10:41:18 -0400

I think they look at it like kids to their parents. That is what happened when you were in the service but not now. But then they realize that maybe they should have listened. I believe in Mentorship and it can go both ways. I think it has to be done from an information sharing position than one of let me show you the way or follow me or do what I tell you.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 4:50 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 16:50:57 -0400

SGT Christina Wilder,
It's like when a parent has teenagers and those teenagers are testing their personnel limits as well as their boundaries when it comes to parental rules and more specifically to your question; parental knowledge on the subjects as diverse as the opposite sex to combustible engines. Junior Soldiers sometimes think they are invincible to any number of the laws of nature (for example drinking and driving) that they test the limits. I have often times found myself mentoring a young Soldier and feel as though I am speaking to them as I would my own son or daughter about respect, courage, intestinal fortitude, and following the rules. Anyway, I hope this answered your question. You were speaking of those of us in our 40’s and 50’s mentoring those in their 20’s, correct?

Response by SFC Christopher Springs made Sep 22 at 2015 10:47 PM

SFC Christopher Springs — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 22:47:15 -0400

Because most older people don't talk to younger people. We tend to talk at them. We as a generation of seniors have forgotten the lesson of effective communication. Meaning that as important as the message is we also have to remember that the other person has to be willing and open to receive the message. People of this generation thrive on being different. They are brought up to embrace their individuality. They are also motivated differently then when we were young Soldiers. They don't respond well to the idea that you have to be broken down to be built back up. i speak to younger Soldier each month on the responsibilities of sexual assault/ sexual harassment prevention and the most successful technique that I found so far is to engage them into the conversation by capturing their perspective instead of giving them the Army's perspective and asking them to transform to it. In the age of communication you will find that more people are closed off to interpersonal relationships because they only feel safe speaking their minds behind text, email, Instagram and other social media aspects that do not require direct confrontation. The reason being is because it is easy to be you when no one is looking it is much harder to face who you are when you have to show it to the world.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 28 at 2015 3:18 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 15:18:46 -0400

Some people are incapable of using logic to derive the truth because they can't make the connection, have apathy, or must experience it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 14 at 2015 6:28 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 18:28:43 -0500

Could it be that they are stuck in the here and the now?

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made Mar 22 at 2016 1:19 PM

SFC Marcus Belt — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 13:19:20 -0400

Dissenting opinion: because sometimes what is being offered is not valuable or relevant to the current situation. Missions, OPTEMPO and TTPs change, and they change all the time. People go off to recruiting or Drill and they come back to a brand new MOS. That's just how it happens. Circumstances change, regs change, what is allowed to and expected from our Soldiers has changed over time, in some cases drastically, and in some cases, our elders may not respect the fact that we are, for the most part, well--adapted to our conditions.

That said, we have many points of commonality, and we do stand on their efforts and accomplishments, and have many reasons to be grateful for their sacrifices and resolve. We are better compensated, better cared for and better educated because of the equity our forebears achieved.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Mar 24 at 2016 1:47 PM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 13:47:04 -0400

I have read thru most of the comments on this subject, and most every one has points that I agree with, but I kept thinking that there was a point of view that no one really touched on.
I'm a child of the sixties... I grew up in the seventies, entered the military on the tail end of Vietnam, got out for a year or two to deal with some family issues, then I changed services and returned to uniform. I had this idea that I had enough on my plate being ME, but it seemed as if every single younger Marine wanted my opinion on all sorts of things. Flash forward ten years, and I've become invisible. When I offered advice, there were blank looks, and awkward thanks, and then they went their own way.
Call me crazy, but I think that there is a view by younger, less experienced SM's to believe slightly older troops must know a thing or two, but much older, and we apparently loose brain cells, or our experiences are not germane to their needs or problems.
Its a human thing, I believe. Think back to your own life. How brilliant your parents were when you were a child, and how annoying they were when you hit your teen years, but suddenly, when you hit your thirties, those same people are the ones that you believe can cure a rainy day.
My thought is, that the more experience you gain, the more you value other's experience, but you just never realize how much you could benefit.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Feb 1 at 2021 1:39 PM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 13:39:31 -0500

Probably for the same reason they know more than their parents.