Posted on Jun 14, 2014
SGM Mike Bachini
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Ok here is a dangerous topic.

Clubs in the military, whether they are ring knockers from a school, members of the "prestigious" club (you know who) or a civilian club that manages to insert itself into military life.
In my experience, and in broad non specific strokes, most club "members" seem to be of the "self promoting" personality cult of "me first".

Any thoughts on that? For instance, why would you join a club because you think it will get you promoted?
Posted in these groups: Star PromotionsImages 20 NCOs
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Responses: 3
1SG Chris Brown
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I guess it depends on which clubs you're talking about. I am a member of the Sergeant Morales Club and an honorary member of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. As any Army NCO knows, these are both very prestigious clubs that take some serious hard work and dedication to be selected. Has it helped my career? Perhaps indirectly here and there, though I don't attribute any promotion directly to my club membership. For me, working hard to show I'm a cut above was just about being an NCO working toward my full potential. I use the experience to encourage other NCOs to strive to achieve more than just what you are today. I would never look down upon anyone for not being a member. However, I would say it does give an NCO instant credibility with me if I know they are a member.
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MSG Martin C.
MSG Martin C.
10 y
You bring an excellent point. Such clubs if utilized for the enhancement of our NCOs and the better of the Army are great, but just like in any organization a bad apple always creates an stigma. As a Former Drill Sergeant when one DS would get in trouble they would not single the individual but our entire team.
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1SG Chris Brown
1SG Chris Brown
10 y
As a former Drill Sergeant myself, I can certainly agree with that! It's a shame, but an individual can give the club/organization a bad name through poor performance or misrepresentation of their club values.
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MSG Martin C.
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Edited 10 y ago
I agree with you in the Signal community it's a big deal and it does seem as if they do take care of themselves behind closed doors. However I am proud to have earned everything on my own without any clubs etc. I attribute my success to the people that I worked for and specially those who worked for me they are the ones that made it possible for me to shine because of their hard work and trust in me as their leader.
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PO1 Disaster Survivor Assistance Specialist
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Yeah...I'll say you picked a "hot-button" topic.

I have never really had a good experience with the aforementioned "clubs" while on active duty. I agree with you when you stated "most club "members" seem to be of the "self promoting" personalilty cult" ". Some people do join those clubs for self-promotion - you can't remove the JA from the fool no matter how hard one tries. But these types will find a venue no matter whether it's a club or not...it's just in their nature.

Since retiring I've joined two clubs - one being the VFW and the other being the FRA - both military related and both dedicated to helping active duty and other veterans. My choice. My poison - as it were.

What's the solution for those "self-promoters"...dang if I know. I've got some ideas, but I know they're not PC.
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