Posted on May 5, 2014
SGT Kristopher Lather
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I have to ask the general consensus about this, If your opinion differs from someone else, Regardless of Rank is it considered Disrespect or Just standing behind what you believe in ?

My beliefs are not Immoral, Illegal, or Unethical. But yet I always see someone Claiming the "You're being Disrespectful" Card being thrown around like it's a Profile on Convoy Day whenever I am asked my opinion or voice my opinion.
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Responses: 26
SFC William Swartz Jr
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I never viewed a dissenting point of view as being disrespectful so long as the manner in which it was being presented wasn't disrespectful.
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SFC William Swartz Jr
SFC William Swartz Jr
10 y
True, I always had a problem with the sighing or rolling of the eyes!
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
10 y
I say hooah
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MSG(P) Michael Warrick
MSG(P) Michael Warrick
10 y
Standing to your beliefs is an honorable thing so long as your beliefs are moral and virtuous. The tone that you take must be tactful and respectful !
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SFC Section Sergeant
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Always remember everyone has different beliefs and definition of Disrespectful. You are correct though as long as your not Immoral, Illegal, or Unethical you can't go wrong. There are just some people how are just ignorant and are not open minded to someone else's opinion.
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MAJ Deputy Director, Combat Casualty Care Research Program
MAJ (Join to see)
10 y
SSG Butcher - I spent a year sharing an office with a tea party/Mormon (which is about as opposite of me as you can get) and we talked politics a lot. We're both still great friends and had a ton of great conversations because we both approached politics by looking at data and discussing facts vs name calling and opinion. I prefer discussing politics with people I disagree with.
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SSG Robin Rushlo
SSG Robin Rushlo
10 y
Never give up your values or belief. PERIOD  That is why my evaluation report once had RUSHLO does not play well with others.
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COL Strategic Plans Chief
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Depends on the situation. There is no black and white. If you stand by your beliefs when your Commander makes a decision and you make those beliefs public knowledge in a confrontational way...that's disrespect...or more appropriately, disobedience. If you are in casual conversation and in a logical, precise, and professional way voice your beliefs in opposition to another's viewpoint, then you are good to go. Even then...it depends. If the discussion is about race, ethicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that might fall into EO realms, and your belief isn't in line with Army policy, you are treading on thin ice and you'd better damn well know your audience and their level of tollerance for that kind of BS. I disagree with my Commander on a number of issues, but I sure as hell don't stand by my beliefs if his orders are leagal, moral, and ethical...that's disobedience. In private, I make my opinion known, and if he lets me know that the conversation is over, then I move out and execute his orders violently. There's a time and a place for everything. Knowing when to stand firm on something is a fine art and should only be used when something is going horribly wrong. That ain't waffling, and it ain't boot-licking...that's maturity and understanding that you're not the center of the world, and that your opinions, while often interesting to the United States Army, usually aren't relevant to the situation at hand.
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COL Vincent Stoneking
COL Vincent Stoneking
10 y
COL (Join to see)
"That ain't waffling, and it ain't boot-licking...that's maturity and understanding that you're not the center of the world, and that your opinions, while often interesting to the United States Army, usually aren't relevant to the situation at hand."

Might just make it into my quotes file.
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