Do you feel betrayed by your leaders?

Honestly, no. I've never really believed the lofty ideals we preach day in and day out were very realistic. They tend to ignore the human element of the Army. Human failings like greed, apathy, anger, and selfishness have to be taken into account. The higher up we go, the day to day Soldier loses visibility, becomes a number, one of many assets the senior leadership has at it's disposal (and I use the term disposal purposely). We are an asset. A number on a spreadsheet.We cease being people, with bills and children and responsibilies. Our paychecks, to us are necessary. To them, they are an expense. One of many, admittedly.

I don't expect the senior leadership to be any more interested in me than the CEO of Wal-Mart would be in some random clerk in Sheboygan. So I've never put them on a pedestal. To me, they've always been humans, subject to all the same normal human failings as the rest of us.

So do I feel betrayed? No. I don't expect them to care about some random part of the machine. But am I dissapointed? Very much so. I am dissapointed that, while so many of us say "when I'M in charge, I won't do XXX" the machine ensures that those promises are rarely kept. I'm dissapointed to know that, in the end, politics and self interest will always win out over ethical responsibility.

Apologies for being long winded...

Betrayed no, dismayed maybe. I find the idea of cutting down on commissaries and soldiers paying for health care appalling. Even worse a high military official saying it will teach discipline. Troops don't make a lot of money and there are many on food stamps...these benefit cuts could send more on food stamps which is pathetic. I understand the need for fiscal responsibility and there has to be other places to start.

The Leaders way up at that level . . . yes, I do feel betrayed. I wonder what Soldiers were polled reference us willing to sacrifice pay. I didn't get the email, the memo, or the MILPER Message reference regarding that. I could go on about it, but will maintain military bearing and be professional.