Posted on Sep 13, 2014
Why do we spend so much time debating the regulations we are expected to adhere to?
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As service members, we have an obligation to adhere to all of the rules and regulations that govern us. We did not write the rules, we did not approve the rules, but we do wear the uniform and therefore are subject to the consequences of not following those rules. So, why do we spend so much time debating them and choosing not to abide by them? I am a strong believer that the small things lead up to the big picture. I do not have to agree with a rule or regulation, but that does not give me the authority or the right to disregard it because it is trivial in my mind. If enough service members have an issue with a rule or regulation, there are appropriate channels available to address them. Until they have been addressed and changed, the bottom line is that we have an obligation to abide by them. Just my two cents. What are your thoughts?
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Army Regulations
Army Regulations
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 21
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Service members spend so much time debating to gain insight and understanding for something which bothers them. This leads to better understanding for the group as a whole and enlightenment for those who did not know. Further with this type of group discussion and information sharing and reviewing, sometimes a better solution is crowd sourced and can be delivered through proper channels to affect change. The great thing about RP is that all of the channels are reading and debating some of the same forums.
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CW2 Ben Schwartfigure
Cpl Hicks, your perspective is very interesting and applicable to many of the blogs throughout RP. I guess the topics that really get my goat are those that reinforce being either disrespectful or cause a service member to believe it is OK to be resistant to the rules. I appreciate your insight.
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Cpl (Join to see)
I think the dilemma you are experiencing May be the dichotomy of a free system, which is stifled by the service. We as Americans are used to our freedoms especially that of speech, which as we see is alive and well here on RP. When we volunteer for service it is difficult to turn that off, especially as we see those who we volunteer for abusing their rights which we defend. Add to that the restraint which we must possess to maintain our oaths is a difficult burden to bear. It came as a great relief to me when my reserve component was fulfilled and I no longer had obligation to fulfill, as I became, to my perception, a full citizen again. In many ways service members are not full citizens, as the saying goes "You are here to preserve Democracy, not practice it".
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PO1 Joseph Silvers
It's tradition, it stimulates conversation and usually promotes camaraderie among the ranks, and helps pass the time during those lengthy deployments...ever hear that old adage --- a marine, sailor, soldier or airman is not really happy unless he/she has something about which to gripe???
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IMHO, certain folks debate the regs for a couple of reasons. 1. They don't like them because they are simply not convenient. 2. They are out of date and not applicable to the current conditions. I totally understand reason number 2 as things constantly change based on our Ops-Tempo. But as for reason 1., sometimes folks need to shut up and color. Instead of complaining, present a solution to the problem. Just my 2 cents.
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CW2 Ben Schwartfigure
I could not agree more that certain regulations could use some updating to bring our standards more current based on Ops-Tempo, but the quibling that I see on here and in many other venues is generally just that. I believe that with every problem a person raises, he or she should also bring with it a solution. Most of what I see or read is simply whining and, in my opinion, one more example of a service member creating resistance. If we placed nearly as much focus on mentoring our young leaders-to-be as we do quibling about trivial issues, I think we would be in a much better state-of-mind across the board. Also, please forgive me sir, but what does "IMHO" mean? I have not seen that one before.
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1SG (Join to see)
CW2 Ben Schwartfigure "IMHO" - In my honest opinion. When I opened this thread, I thought I was getting ready to spend some time reading all kinds of responses and some with differning thoughts. Great topic in my opinion....will have to check back and see what comments follow along later in the day. My thoughts on this are tracking right along with you both.
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Because those in positions of authority want to exercise personal whim instead of military necessity.
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