Are today's military members less loyal than those during the Cold War era (circa 1980s, early 90s)?

Lt Col John Eliopolo Cpc, Eli Mp — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 11:32:46 -0400

I ask this question because someone mentioned it to me the other day in a conversation on base. I thought, "hmm, I wonder if there is a difference? Are the military members today different form the 80s in terms of their dedication and loyalty to the mission and one another?" Keeping in mind the vast changes in society, technology, lifestyles, etc. in the last 35 years, are there any real differences between the members of yesteryear and today's troops? I'm always careful of the "back-in-the-day" mindset because the thinking (mine included) is often clouded by nostalgia. It's the old "nostalgic for one's youth" phenomenon I try to keep myself aware of and not fall into that trap. Ok, what do you guys think?

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 6 at 2015 11:42 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 11:42:08 -0400

I would have to say yes. This generation is all about themselves and less to the mission or military. Sad to say.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Aug 6 at 2015 11:42 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 11:42:57 -0400

I wouldn't say today's military members are any less loyal than those that served in the 1980s-1990s. I would say we are seeing more and more become burned out after 14 years of continuous deployments but I don't think that impacts their loyalty.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2015 12:24 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 12:24:04 -0400

I would say that when the rubber hits the road, they still get the mission done. We just have more distractors (cell phones, facebook, etc) and ways to get/share/produce information at a moments notice. What we should realize though is that most troops have the same motivators: time and money.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Aug 6 at 2015 2:33 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 14:33:25 -0400

Less loyal? No. Less patriotic? No. Less nationalist? Absolutely. They grew up in a globalized, pluralistic and highly connected world that's much larger than some lines on a map. That means "because America!" is no longer a valid and reflexively accepted justification for everything.

That brings some challenges, but I think, overall, it'll make us stronger.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 6 at 2015 5:43 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 17:43:01 -0400

Loyalty? Nationalism? My Career started in the Mid 70's ended in the Mid 90's and the Navy that I served in for the Most Part it really never was about Country, Nationalism, Parading the Flag. It was more about we were Professionals, Technicians and a Team. I once heard a well versed Veteran put it "We don't fight for God and Country, We Never Did. We fight for our Shipmates, The man beside us that went thru the God Awful Training of Boot Camp and all the Professional Schools that Follow. We Fight to take care of our Mates that we know intimately, we live together in tight quarters that civilians can not immagine".

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 12:47 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 12:47:56 -0400

There could be a difference. It lie's in the concept of 'Truth/Justice in the American way. That's for me anyhow. Point being. I'm sure most members of our nations Armed-Forces , both past and present. Love our country and support our way of life. The disconnect comes in when we start to understand that 'WAR is a Racket'. And we may be called upon to do the dirty work of the super rich , super connected business people that force the world to move in the right direction. Sorry to say i was disappointed to come to learn the truth about world affairs and the current state of affairs that exist in the world. Never the less. I do LOVE me country and think most do. And so the mission and job will get done one way or the other.

Response by PO2 Danetta Troisi made Aug 11 at 2015 1:02 PM

PO2 Danetta Troisi — Tue, 11 Aug 2015 13:02:53 -0400

I have seen many changes in attitude having grown up in the military, served, married a serviceman , and have a son who also served. I think that every generation has different levels of loyalty and it tends to be based on what is happening around us. It also depends on each individual's values and beliefs. My son, for example, grew up with parents, uncles and a grandfather who all served and he is very pro-military, with a strong sense of loyalty to the military community. We have shared our thoughts on the subject of loyalty and agree that there are times when it seems like loyalty is down, but it can be seen throughout the years.

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Aug 12 at 2015 1:14 AM

Cpl Mark McMiller — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 01:14:15 -0400

If the members of this website are any indication, I'd say we have nothing to worry about.