Generation "Y" / Generation "WHY". How has the new generation of Soldier strengthened or weakened the force?

I don't know/care. Here's my reasoning. When I enlisted in 1993 I was told that I was part of the Nintendo generation (I never had one...) and all we do is play video games and have no appreciation for hard work. The Marines I worked with all yearned for the "Old Corps" when things were more difficult for everyone. Those two arguments have not changed much; we substituted Nintendo for Xbox (at least I have a Xbox) and we all think things used to be harder.
People come and go, leaders lead and Soldiers will complain about everything!

Honestly, I don't think they weaken the force. The biggest issue I see with them is the leadership not adjusting their leadership styles to maximize their effectiveness. Many leaders have the "do what I say and don't ask why" mentality. This is ultimately self defeating and will not do any good. Millennial troops need to be led differently than the preceding generation of troops. Typically they work well in groups and will find technological solutions to problems. They also have a tendency to need to understand how what they do fits in to the overall picture. Of course this will vary with some individuals, but there are some common traits that the leaders can leverage.

Another factor is TRADOC changing how they are trained. When I was an intern at FT. Lee I did a stint over at the Petroleum and Water Department where the director had me working on new models of training for the AIT Soldiers. They were being taught to think critically and act more independently than what I was when I attended the school. I did bring up that the NCOES schools were not included in this initiative and as a result would lead to some problems down the road.

When I was young and growing up I was always told not to question or ask why! This worked one time in our country but now we need to ask why! The new generation is no different than any "new" generation in the past. I like critical thinkers who are not afraid to ask why. Perhaps asking why can lead to the question of why not this or that! I have a son who is 27 who had changed the way I think and the way I think about things that I took for granted in the past! Just the thoughts of an old man! Thanks for starting the conversation! Dave