Posted on May 8, 2017
American Military University‎
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This is the age-old debate that seems to see no end! But what, exactly, do you see is different between the generations? Regardless of your generational background, what similarities can you find?

Here's one Boomer's appreciation for the new generation of military heroes: http://rly.pt/2psn1gu
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SGT Charles Napierala
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The problem with this kind of thinking is the same problem that plagues the army, creates stigmas, and stalls integration of new ideas and progression.

"This next generation is a bunch of brats."
"Millennials are entitled."
"Boomers ruined the economy."
"Boomers are out of touch."
Etcetera.

There is no real difference between boomers and millennials other than the technologies, cultures, and present-day social stigmas that the Soldiers are presented and challenged with during their times. We handled things differently as baby boomers because we had to. We handled things differently as millenials because we had to. We, as a human race and as soldiers, adapt and overcome. We need to get over the "it's better this way because it's always been done this way" mentality and continue to adapt to and adopt what's better via proven facts, research, and data.

Boomers were exceptional during their time of service. I will thank a veteran Boomer the same exact way that I'd thank a Millenial veteran for their service.

In the end, we all bleed the same color, we all share the same comraderie, and we all salute the same flag(s).

Stop competing with the inevitable societal changes that come with time and start embracing it. Promote, enhance, and improve the army and each other.
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SFC Senior Counterintelligence Sergeant
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7 y
My thoughts exactly.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
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SFC Dennis A.
SFC Dennis A.
7 y
It doesn't matter what generation your part of, most people don't embrace change because it invades their comfort zone. It's as simple as the music I listen to sounded terrible to my father as does the music my kids listen to does to me.
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MSgt Tricare Oerations And Patient Administration Flight Chief
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Edited 7 y ago
The rebels and 'trendsetters' of the former generations have become the old folks who call the new youngsters the rebels. It's just a repeating cycle. Each generation thinks it is better than those that follow by virtue of having lived in the "good old days".

The article by Mr Aldrich is the sentiment I hope to have when I am the old guy looking at these strange kids and their ways.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
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SFC Intelligence Analyst
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All those descriptions (baby boomers, millennials) aren't even real things. They're simply made up demographics for marketing. That's it. Technically a millennial is born 1982 - early 2000 so I'm a "millennial." I don't identify with any of the people younger than me born in the early 2000s or late 90s. It makes me feel old as hell when I get someone who was born in the 90s and now 2000.

Every generation thinks the one that follows is "entitled" or "lazy" or they say "back in my day..." It's ridiculous.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
7 y
Having grown up in the sixties I identified better with My Dads generation than many of My own. I wasn't a pot smoking hippie, I entered the Armed Forces and also served in Viet Nam. My Dad was a WWII Veteran. It seems to Me it broke down more to values rather than generations.
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SFC Intelligence Analyst
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7 y
I've read the baby boomers were the "me" generation and the 70s was the "me" decade. So it doesn't really matter at the end of the day. It's going to be that way forever.
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