Good Ol Boy vs Networking

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 16:53:36 -0400

I've seen numerous posts about the Good Ol Boy system and I've seen many about networking. Do you think there is a difference between the two or do you think they are the same?

When I first joined the Army I would have told you that I thought the good ol boy system was the root of all evil for me. I watched soldiers get to go to schools than I wasn't offered, or get awarded when I did not. Now, I am not as sure as I once was. After meeting different people and networking I find that I've gotten opportunities based sometimes on who I know and/or impressed. Everyone here knows someone that got a job or something of that sort because of who they know, and they are often referred to as being in the good ol boy clique. Were they really, or did they just network better than you?

Also, do you think you've gotten things you wanted due to your networking? And do you think other peers accused you of being in the good ol boy clique?

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 15 at 2014 5:03 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 17:03:43 -0400

Well I'm a redneck and it all seems as brown nosing, no matter what you call it. Rubbing elbows, networking, Good ol' boy, see what I saying. Everyone does it, just varies to what aspect. If somone stops and goes 4 foot up the !SG Butt might need to back off. But if hard work, being where you are supposed to be, when you are supposed to be there in the correct uniform, got you P's & Q's together and are sharp as a tack! then it is networking.

And yes I have heard that some times that I have been in the Good ol' boy network. I was the PLT RTo for 5 yrs, came in as an E-2 in 9 mths I was E-4 but done what i was supposed to do. And that was my JOB. and it got me places.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 8:48 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 20:48:00 -0400

Networking and good 'ol boy in my opinion are the same. The terminology gets applied when a person for one reason or another has not been able to connect within a given network, thus making them feel hatred against the network, thus naming it the good 'ol boy system. Just my $.02

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 11:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 23:23:00 -0400

I kinda suck at both of them.