Do you think that Millennials in the military are that different from Baby Boomers?

2017-05-08T14:33:32-04:00

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

A Boomer's Appreciation for Millennials in the Military - Dr. Karan Powell

As a Baby Boomer, I often sit on the fence regarding my views on Millennials, but since I also feel affinities for Gen X-er’s I tend to move easily between the two generations of thought. For example, I generally take a more heterogeneous view on social and cultural diversity, whereas Boomers — especially those born …

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 2:42 PM

2017-05-08T14:42:23-04:00

In many ways the people are the same, but the technology is different. Back in the day, if one wanted to send an intimate picture to your sweetie you had to have or borrow a Polaroid, today, every cell phone has a camera.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2017 3:05 PM

2017-05-08T15:05:09-04:00

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.

Response by SGT Charles Napierala made May 8 at 2017 4:00 PM

2017-05-08T16:00:38-04:00

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.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made May 8 at 2017 4:24 PM

2017-05-08T16:24:04-04:00

They have a lot to prove.

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made May 9 at 2017 9:46 AM

2017-05-09T09:46:53-04:00

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.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 1:04 PM

2017-05-09T13:04:45-04:00

There are defiantly differences and anyone who says other wise is out of touch with reality. I agree that it's a social cultural diffrance and I am sorry to say but not all change is good change. The problem with the military is not the service members but more the politicians trying to make the military conform to society instead of the individuals who join conform to the military. We are more worried about feelings than standards and we have created a culture of coddled children who don't play outside, sit around all day with zero physical activity, and tell them it's not their fault that they can met standards and then attempt to appease them. Trust me when I say this is an issue, I am on the front lines with these Soldiers every single day and the change in attitudes just over the past 10 years is staggering. You can debate me on this if you want, however I see it in the masses. I am by no means and old Soldier; I am only 12 years in but I hold my self to the old values and standards of an upstanding Soldier which the military was formed on. The younger generation is having an increased difficulty communicating in person because they have been raised to have conflict behind a computer screen with the ability to just walk away when they don't agree with ones point, but when face to face they don't know how to practice conflict resolution.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 10 at 2017 11:44 AM

2017-05-10T11:44:51-04:00

Yes, they are a lot younger.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2017 2:28 AM

2017-05-13T02:28:53-04:00

As day is from night, as light is from dark, as white is from black.