Have Soldiers developed a sense of entitlement?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 18:42:52 -0400

I am sure many of you have seen recent articles about a 1SG that was initially refused when he asked to have his ASU top hung up while flying. He was told no, that that was a first class perk. People offered up their seats, so on and so forth. I can't honestly say I have read anything that said the Soldier was outraged, more so the other passengers. I am not saying that the 1SG feels entitled and asking to hang up his jacket is an entitlement, more so some of the responses from service members on the forums of the websites.

However, reading some of the posts on the websites that have ran the article have led me to ask this question. It seems that many Soldiers, past and present, seem to think that if you are serving in the military you should automatically be upgraded to first class or something equivalent to the fact. Statements like, "All Soldiers should automatically be upgraded" were very common on the boards.

Here is my two cents for what they are worth. I never joined for the "perks". I wouldn't expect anyone to give up their seat for me because of the profession I chose. Do not get me wrong, I am certainly humbled and appreciate the gesture but in no way do I think that I am entitled to that level of gratitude. I wouldn't ask anyone to bend the rules for me just because I put the uniform on.

Selfless Service....think about it.

http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/local/passengers-outraged-over-treatment-army-ranger/nhfzk/

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 10 at 2014 6:45 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 18:45:59 -0400

Its a growing trend period, in or out of the military.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 6:47 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 18:47:26 -0400

But doesn't that say something that the passengers were outraged FOR him?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 10 at 2014 6:48 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 18:48:30 -0400

This case you cite really doesn't fit the bill for entitlement. All the soldier asked for was to hang up his jacket, nothing more.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Oct 10 at 2014 6:55 PM

SGT Suraj Dave — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 18:55:24 -0400

I declined 1st class seating the couple times i was offered when flying in uniform (on orders). Mostly because since day 1 in the Army, I was told it is wrong to do that.

People (strangers) have paid for me before though.

All in all though, its pretty scummy to expect free things just because you are in uniform, and its really immature to argue about free things when you are in uniform.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 7:00 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 19:00:34 -0400

I agree with MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca really doesn't fit the bill for entitlement. I don't think there was anything wrong with the 1SG asking to have it hung up. Most of us would be picky and not want it wrinkled also. And as SGT Private RallyPoint Member pointed out it was the passengers who where outraged not the 1SG. But that being said, this whole country is turning into entitlements.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Oct 10 at 2014 7:04 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 19:04:51 -0400

I'm not sure anyone joins the military for the 'perks' and I'm sure there are some that have a sense of entitlement, BUT, is it too much to ask to hang up a servicemembers jacket during a flight?

Again, some may have a sense of entitlement...and some have lost a sense of respect for our servicemembers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 10 at 2014 10:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 22:03:26 -0400

Now since I'm on that side of the coin, you betcha, I'll be that one buying your lunch, giving up my 1st class seat because that's how I feel inside. You can humbly say 'no' all you want but eventually you relent because its a battle you can't win.

You're right, we didn't join for perks or free stuff according to our enlistment contract. Yes I do think sometimes this generation of service members, some not all, let me be clear, some, feel a sense of entitlement. There are those who just milk it for all its worth and I wonder if they are going to ruin it for others and I hope it doesn't come to that. Makes you wonder if some parents didn't learn these youngins some proper manners and respect instead of acting like spoiled ingrates.

When you put on a uniform, that says you're willing to sacrifice, for me, my family, my friends and that is something I hold near and dear to my heart. We're all so busy with what we do, the war is out of sight, out of mind, we're not the ones over there dodging bullets.

When I was in along with my son, he's Airforce, I didn't worry as much, we knew the risks, even when we're in Afghanistan together, but I'm just dad now and I worry. This has been a long conflict and as it drags on, I don't want you all to think you'll one day become invisible. Or worse, despised, like Vietnam veterans who were flown back home in the middle of the night to avoid airport crowds. I'll be damned that I'd would let that happen on my watch.

So if I buy your coffee, your lunch, dinner or give up my 1st class seat, just do me a favor, just humor me and just let me do it...

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Oct 11 at 2014 7:34 AM

SFC Vernon McNabb — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 07:34:51 -0400

Back when I first joined, circa 1989, I thought the "perks" were three hots and a cot. Not to mention free hunting clothes.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 10:05 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 10:05:33 -0400

Has anyone explained yet why he was traveling in uniform? Over 17 years in the Army, I've never been required to do so. Is this a requirement in some units?

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 1:08 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 13:08:38 -0400

I think you are right on the money. We should never expect anything from the general public. If they do offer a discount and advertise it that's fine however I think you should not believe every place owes you one. I don't mind if I get a free coffee once in while if I am on orders and they its on the house. I never go anywhere expecting it. I once saw a guy argue with a waitress because the place did not have one. I thought it was real embarrassing. It brings a little discredit to the military when people do that.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 1:12 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 13:12:43 -0400

This "sense of entitlement" that is creeping ever so handily into the military seems a direct reflection of American society and an ever growing sense of entitlement. More and more from military, the gov't employee sector, and civilian population are under the generalized impression that they don't have to start from the bottom, that they should get paid as much or more than someone else they perceive as not being as competent or that they do as much or more work than regardless of experience level or time in service or other rank factors, that the government owes them something instead of the other way around, that most things should be free for them regardless of who else has to pay for it, that if they are mildly unhappy or feel remotely wronged to sue the crap out the company or government, that regardless if I picked a military specialty with absolutely no direct translation to any civilian job or career I am owed a high paying job somewhere instead of using my GI Bill to get an education or skills necessary to compete, that no one disciplines my kid or fails my kid or corrects my kid at school, etc. Yes I believe you are correct and we are all probably guilty of this is some small fashion at the very least.

Response by SGT Alicia Brenneis made Oct 11 at 2014 1:30 PM

SGT Alicia Brenneis — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 13:30:32 -0400

Some soldiers do feel entitled. The large amount of special treatment we have received is a mix of pride and guilt. It feel like the country is trying to make up for how the soldiers from Vietnam were treated. Because of it soldiers are now expecting it and feel slighted or insulted if special treatments are not offered. Even some spouses expect special treatment. My sister joined a deployed spouses group. The idea was they would help each other with things like child care, car pool, and have some one to relate to. She quit after about 3 weeks because most of them just B****ed about things like those assigned parking spaces and having to wait to be seated at restaurants. She told me about one wife who literally made a store clerk cry at the mall because they didn't offer a military discount. That's when she left the group. So if some spouses believe/act entitled the soldiers are too.

Response by MSG Sean Milhauser made Oct 11 at 2014 3:15 PM

MSG Sean Milhauser — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 15:15:45 -0400

I'm not sure the article mentioned here about the 1SG and the jacket is related to the question being asked. However, with that being said, I do agree with what other leaders have posted here that the creeping sense of "entitlement" is a very real thing, both in and out of the military.

As one example, as an Army Career Counselor, I speak with enlisted soldiers about staying in the Active Army first. If they choose not to stay then I provide referral information for transition assistance. Some of the young soldiers I speak to are under the impression that simply getting out as an honorably discharged veteran (even with a deployment) is going to automatically give them some advantage over other people in getting civilian sector or civil service type job. "I'm going to get out and get a job with the State Police, a GS job, etc."

What they don't necessarily realize is that (according to at least one GAO report I read recently) is that approximately 2.3 MILLION veterans have left active duty since 2001.

My point to them is that during Desert Storm, being a "combat veteran" was a pretty unique thing and yes, it DID give you an advantage for hiring. Now, however, if you think about that number above, being a "combat veteran" in and of itself is not enough anymore. But some of the younger generation feel they will just show up, fill out an application and get a job making $20/hour, with little or no college, and few unique skills that can be translated to a civilian job they want.

Then there are soldiers (and their spouses in a few cases, whom have come in to the office of one of my team and gotten irate because they felt their spouse wasn't getting a duty station or bonus they felt their spouse "deserved") who feel simply because it is time for them to reenlist they should be able to get any duty station or different job they want, and are under the mistaken impression we're going to beg them to stay or make special phone calls, etc. to get them what they want.

These examples are not the norm, but in the last few years they are becoming more frequent for sure.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2014 3:56 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Oct 2014 15:56:21 -0400

What if he was wearing a suite and asked to hang up his jacket. Would there be any difference? I expect customer service all of the time.

Response by Cpl Chris Rice made Oct 13 at 2014 12:18 AM

Cpl Chris Rice — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 00:18:53 -0400

I have not seen this in the real world with entitlement with service members in mass, I have seen a couple of bad apples, and bad apples like to play on the internet. It also has tended to be the younger enlisted, not because of the generation, but because of lack of experience in things. I would not have been offended to be told that they would not hang up my coat, and when you consider it next to some of the Vietnam treatment, it is real easy to get over.

I want US airways to offer to hang up the coat of the college grad who could barely afford to get to the job interview, and can’t afford to have his suit pressed again, as well as the service member. A similar situation happened to me recently as I traveled for an interview basically on charity of family and friends. I just think that people and companies could work a little harder all around to be a little more decent to each other.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 13 at 2014 12:46 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 12:46:59 -0400

Some do some don't. You are trying to take an abstraction from a small sample of an affliction that plagues the populace at large.

I think woman was just having a bad day, people are people. I don't think it is the airlines fault, I doubt they have a policy that prevents this. Her inability to understand what her orders were but see whats happening on ground and be flexible is what caused this issue. Happens in army too.

I hate going around in uniform. It makes you a target anyways like it or not. I don't go all over in ACUs or ASU. Once I have done my duties I take it off before I go do anything else. I am not comfortable with all the support the troops bumper sticks because it is likely that watered down we support you stuff but still view veterans for jobs as a weird potentially violent people.

If you are in this for a selfish sense of whatever, then you are in wrong field.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 13 at 2014 1:57 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 13:57:33 -0400

I don't believe that people join the military for the "perks" or have a sense of entitle from the public, although I do believe that the higher the rank the bigger the sense of entitlement becomes.... and it is much more obvious in some than in others.

I don't have a problem with service members getting a few perks here and there and appreciate the people and businesses that give them to them. I do not, however, like service members to actively request perks/special treatment because of their military status.

As I mentioned in a previous post on the subject of the "coat incident", I think the flight attendant was wrong on not hanging up the coat/blouse of the NCO. Although it may not have SOP to hang the coast/jackets of Coach/Economy passengers in the limited hanging space that is typically reserved for First/Business Class passengers, there was no good reason for not doing so if space was available. Cramming his coat into the overhead space would probably have caused some of his awards and badges to become disarrayed and, at the very least, would have rumpled the uniform.

As a very frequent flyer, averaging 150-200 flights per year, I am given a complimentary upgrade on almost every flight. As such, I sit up front and have observed numerous instances where the flight attendant hung up the personal item of Coach/Economy passengers, if there was space. I have never, as far as I recall, ever seen a flight attendant decline to do so.

Although I fly Delta almost exclusively, I do have occasion to fly on other airlines as well. American Airlines is the only one that I have seen who make it a policy to allow active duty military personnel to board the flight at about the same time as First Class passengers.

I think it is becoming more and more common for First Class passengers to give up their seats for military personnel in uniform. Most do not make a show of it. I usually approach the military member before we board the flight and give him/her my ticket.

As an officer, although I rarely flew in uniform, when I did, I never accepted an upgrade, because I did not want the general public to think that the military was paying for First Class seats.

Should military members expect or seek favored treatment? No Is it OK if they get it? Yes.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 13 at 2014 6:43 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 18:43:11 -0400

It's already being discussed in another post.

Response by 1SG Mark Colomb made Oct 15 at 2014 10:05 AM

1SG Mark Colomb — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 10:05:07 -0400

In this instance I do not wee any sense of entitlement. I fly often and have seen economy passengers have jackets hung in first class. Most times it is not a problem for anyone.

However, as I move about the civilian community I see veterans and active duty military acting as if businesses owe them some kind of discount. When they do not get one they complain loudly about how this business does not support the troops, or appreciate the military sacrifice. I have seen this from young soldiers to older vets.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 9:54 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 09:54:00 -0500

I have seen a couple people since joining the Army that joined for the "perks". My favorite one was a Soldier I had that came into the Army as an Intelligence Analyst so he could get a TS clearance. While in AIT he got a permanent profile for "back pain" so he didn't have to do PT, then he immediately re-classed to CID to get investigative experience. He told me that shortly after becoming CID he was going to get out of the Army then join the FBI with his clearance and CID experience. Myself and another NCO tried to the process started to kick him out, but by then he was already accepted for CID and headed to school.

I have also met other people that joined because they like getting free stuff and discounts at stores/restaurants. Suspiciously they are the same people that think they deserve upgraded flight seats and talk about banning restaurants that don't offer discounts. I have also seen people that joined the Army because they want to get healthcare and end up going to the hospital 10 times a week for appointments and then get med-boarded about 2 years after joining the Army.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 19 at 2015 12:02 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 12:02:28 -0400

I used to work at the Gamestop in the Fort Belvoir PX.

I would get asked if they offer a military discount. Not daily, not hourly, but constantly. This is on a military installation, in the PX. Not just by the service members, but by the spouses, but the kids as well.

I don't know know if it's a sense of entitlement, or just a bad habit that is growing into... a sense of entitlement.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Mar 19 at 2015 12:19 PM

MAJ Jim Steven — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 12:19:28 -0400

not so much in asking for specific things...but...

I get tired of people saying, "i fight for my country" or, "these people fight for our country"

I assume you saw the video/article about the veteran who demanded a McDonald's lower the flag or he was threatening to mass a large demonstration outside the restaurant.

Its an all volunteer force with a pay/benefits package.
But apparently, no amount of 'appreciation' is too large...

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Mar 19 at 2015 1:44 PM

PO3 Steven Sherrill — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 13:44:52 -0400

When I was active duty, I was stationed in Norfolk VA, if a place had a sign posted that they offered a discount, I would ask for it. If not then I would not. My Ex-Wife on the other hand went nuts with that thing. She would ask everywhere. Some of them would even give the discount just because it was easier than dealing with an irate customer. My thoughts would be "there is going to be spit in my soup"

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Mar 19 at 2015 1:45 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Thu, 19 Mar 2015 13:45:32 -0400

I think there is certainly such a sense/expectation of entitlement by some, but not most military members and family members.

There is certainly nothing wrong with companies offering military discounts or for military members to ask about them, any more so than senior discounts, student discounts, etc. When there is an expectation of such, however, that is where the issue lies.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Jun 12 at 2015 9:27 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 21:27:20 -0400

You got to do your homework before accusing anyone of anything!

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Jun 12 at 2015 9:27 PM

CPO Joseph Grant — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 21:27:25 -0400

I appreciate the things the civilians do for us. That's up to them, I don't demand anything. That's just a BS move. I'd rather see the VA do more.

Response by SGT Forrest Stewart made Jun 12 at 2015 9:39 PM

SGT Forrest Stewart — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 21:39:20 -0400

I believe, as CPO Joseph Grant has already said, that the VA should be doing more. Oftentimes veterans are truly suffering from PTSD, injuries from the battlefield and the mysterious government testing, unbeknownst to service members. The problems are real and too many times needy veterans are being brushed under the rug. I'd like to see how quickly things would change if veterans of the United States got the money most politicians receive and the politicians tried to survive on what the veterans currently receive. Would be interesting...

Response by MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. made Jun 12 at 2015 9:43 PM

MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 21:43:27 -0400

Sir,
We ask for nothing more than an equitable and congruent opportunity for:
1. Employment consummate with our degrees and experience.
2. Not to be considered as "enlisted," and the "happens to have a degree."
3. Example: I have uploaded my CV/R -- I select the "careers" tab, and I am key holed into assistant stock manager; truck driver, pharmacy security assistant manager, and inventory warehouse management. All work is honorable -- I have a Ph.D. -- Was even told to reduce my 14-page CVR to one page...And also reminded that I never "held a Command." All well --- smiling about it.
4. When I retired in 2004, I found my own university positions; however, NEVER, did I have the opportunity to connect with the flocks of Fortune 500 recruiters, and professionals who would lead to a meaningful and lasting career -- disabilities aside for one moment.
5. I Asked the officer Tamp/Tap representative why this was not available -- "Because enlisted Marines are to worn down after 20-years to make a contribution."
6. VA Health Care, and reasonable VA Voc Rehab -- to accommodate disabilities that now make this computer nearly impossible to use. Message me, I'll give you my phone number, and give you what really goes on...
7. Finally Sir, "...America to give so much when we volunteered..." Absolutely true --BUT, as a result of 20-years of service, and friends with Parkinson's, ALS, Fibromyalgia, etc. We prefer not to be continually down graded as "non officer, " Therefore, Non-professional.
8. Could give a damn about a 10% discount -- but at a recent VA trip, jobs posted: cemetery grounds keeper, house keeper, maintenance. What I believe our country can repay is dignity, and honor, and with that -- especially for disabled service members, human contact, reading our CVR, and assist in making connections to allow accommodations with adaptive equipment to to help other veterans.
9. I don't look for a handout, or believe I'm owed anything; however, believe my service warrants consideration to best use my talents to best help other veterans to be productive and contributing member of society.

Very Respectfully,
MJB

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 12 at 2015 9:59 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 21:59:59 -0400

To some degree, yes.
However, we have also noticed how civilians who never served, nor ever want to, bitch about how we do our jobs. With no clue why things happen the way they do.

As an example. Being called a baby killer. Even though our missions focused on winning over "hearts and minds".
Building up communities; giving local nationals urgent medical care they couldn't get anywhere else; providing prayer mats for their mosques; and countless other humanitarian tasks that hardly any of the civilians back in the states realize!

So of course we get pissed. Especially when they support cutting funds for national defense.
Its not as though we live in luxury earning as much as sports stars and politicians!

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 12 at 2015 11:29 PM

SSG Trevor S. — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 23:29:13 -0400

I hope most of us can agree that the discounts thing has gone too far. I had to deal with over the top senior ranking individuals getting upset about not obtaining discounts in a previous job. The scene is not pretty.

I think the other parts of your question is more complex. We have a sense of honor, and being dishonored and disrespected by those pansies that lack the mental capacity to grasp the offense they commit against us causes a reaction. I'm getting tired of people telling me I cannot react to being offended. These guys and gals perform acts that are deep soul bruising blows. I may personally react more low key, but I do understand the emotions behind my brothers and sisters that let their feelings show more than I do.

There is yet another aspect to look at. We are in a society that has to a certain point turned the stink eye on Veterans because we have earned benefits many envy in a time of struggle for many. Pure civilians tend to look at us as a place to cut, hopefully to make their plight better at our expense, again. They have shared none of our sacrifices, yet they want some of what we have earned. In this dynamic is a loud mouth vet actually obnoxious or are they actually expressing genuine concern over our actual earned benefits (aside from the dreaded obnoxious discount mongers).

Response by SPC Thomas Baldwin made Jun 13 at 2015 12:10 AM

SPC Thomas Baldwin — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 00:10:20 -0400

I don't feel this is a issue of entitlement in most cases. I would be wrong to say that does not happen though. I think there is a larger than normal group of people though trying to use the good will most of this country is showing to our service members to gain advantages, and they have never served. In the case above the Vet that called the other Vet out in public going so far as to call the Police on him is so wrong on so many levels. 1. he didn't approach the Marine with respect and ask if he served. All of us want the common respect of our fellow service members and until proven otherwise that's what they are a fellow service member. 2. All of us have or should be carrying a ID ask for it, or a copy of there DD214. If we are Active duty, Reserve, National Guard, IRR, Retired or Veteran, we have an ID. We all know with out the ID we a defiantly out of uniform. 3. There are devices and awards and ribbons that we don't know that where earned from different eras. So don't ASSUME that just because you don't recognize it its fake. We all know the vets that hang out at the VFW, AL and so forth that wants to brag to his or her buddy s back at the club, "Yea I call out a Fake Marine at the event today" trying to look big. This is America and even in this case they are innocent till proved guilty, I think the Marine should have gone after the Solder for civil defamation of character. Only because he went way overboard trying to get publicity for calling out a Faker.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Jun 13 at 2015 12:50 AM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 00:50:49 -0400

Sir I can't talk for all the Veterans in RP or by that fact in the United States of America.
I can only speak for my self.
For me a discount because I'm a veteran is something I can only see but I never take advantage of it no matter how good it seems. I don't feel its for me.

last week I went to unemployment to see a VA rep, and instead I saw a civilian rep whom told me that the Veterans rep are only dealing with Veterans whom are Homeless, disable or have some type of problem with drugs or medication.
This too is ok with me. At least my war vets are being taken care of.

Last week I will have gone almost a year since I put in for copies of my 201 files, Medals and awards and DD-214. Haven't heard a thing nor received a thing after doing 3 follow up in both the online and VetCenter where I started submitting my paper work.
I resubmitted my paper work again. So with me this is ok too, see allot of service members served in these past wars and I feel they need more attention then me.
I'm not a combat Vet, but I sure am very proud of those who served in these wars and those whom are currently serving.

I'm a post nam Vet and I didn't need anything from anyone, I never got a thank you and today when I am told thank you for your service I just remain quite.

I served my country for as long as I could. I'm not disable nor do I get any kind of benefits from anyone.
I'm just one of many, today I saw some civilian in a Military uniform and didn't care to say much to him, didn't care to say anything. I know who I am, I know when I served and know I earned my awards and the right to be called a veteran. I don't need to prove that to no one. But my medals I want for my son, so he can have something from me that I felt very proud of and earned the hard way. I'm 56 going to be 57 my son is 6 going to be 7, I just hope I get them (My Military Awards) before I leave this world so I can show them to him and put them on a display for him and my future grand kids.
I don't use the VA unless I am seriously ill, so even with them I always get good treatment.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 13 at 2015 1:19 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 01:19:19 -0400

At least in my experience, the majority of the people with a sense of entitlement seem to be the younger 20something vets or what I like to call the "whY" generation. "Why can't I get a discount?" "Why aren't you kissing my ass because I'm a veteran?" etc. Not that all vets, young or old, are like that. Some are, a lot aren't.

As to the Stolen Valor, this article was actually recently discussed in another thread and I said something like "There's a difference between stolen valor and not remembering every little detail about properly wearing your uniform after 50 years." In other words, do your research (not you personally, but in general) before calling someone out for stolen valor. Also, unless the stolen valor person (if it IS stolen valor) is being obnoxious, speak to them privately first and let them you they're busted. If they refuse to fix themselves, then publicly oust them.

Response by SGT Joe Sabedra made Jun 13 at 2015 8:37 AM

SGT Joe Sabedra — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 08:37:44 -0400

Actually we are fighting back.
PX warriors stealing valor when we know what real valor is.

Civilians talking crap about how easy military people have it with a good job yet they have no idea what we do. We are not all admin soldiers.
I recently heard about how great our health care is while we are in.
I explained how I woke up with the flu one morning. Had to go and tell some one else so I could go on sick call. Then miss breakfast to get to sick call that I had to walk 1/4 mile to get too.
Then walk back to my unit turn in my paperwork. Walk to the hospital for better mess then walk back to get the day off to sleep it off.
Then to do that every day untill I was fit for duty.

Now in the civilian world I just call in I will
Ben out for a few days sick.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 13 at 2015 12:15 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 13 Jun 2015 12:15:46 -0400

His legitimate request was refused. The two outcomes would have made no difference to the air lines, but it could have helped the 1SG.

Response by SGT Scott Henderson made Feb 22 at 2017 8:53 AM

SGT Scott Henderson — Wed, 22 Feb 2017 08:53:45 -0500

I think the type of SM that would be most likely to get offended and invoke some type of "service member perk" would be junior enlisted (E-1 to E-3); possibly junior officer (O-1/ O-2). This is mainly due to the generation these SM are a part of: MILLENNIALS. From what I've experienced this generation in particular has some of the whiniest, self-centered, and entitled dickbags I've ever seen.
I was med-boarded almost 3 years ago and since I've been out I've probably asked for a discount a handful of times- usually when I'm getting work done on my truck (10% of 800 is a nice chunk off the bill). My blue card usually stays in my wallet.
I imagine the 1SG was asking more because the other options were to put it in the over head, fold it in his lap, or keep it on- all of which would have wrinkled the hell out of his coat.

Response by Sgt Diane Jankowski made Jun 20 at 2018 3:08 PM

Sgt Diane Jankowski — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 15:08:47 -0400

Nah, you join for the great meals. Lol

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 20 at 2018 3:41 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 20 Jun 2018 15:41:02 -0400

We take it for granted today that the United States Armed Forces are subordinated to civilian rule, but in the 18th century it was far from certain that any general would simply surrender power to a civilian authority. But for George Washington, civilian control of the military was a core part of his beliefs. Washington’s resignation signaled to the world and the American people that this new nation would be founded on different principles.

An astonished King George III, when he learned of Washington’s intention to peaceably surrender his commission, uttered that “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world.”

Reference: https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-revolutionary-war/ten-facts-about-the-revolutionary-war/

If our founding fathers sought no entitlement, who are we to expect it? I submit we do not deserve, should not seek it, nor should we ever impose it. K. Storm 2018

Ten Facts About George Washington and the Revolutionary War

George Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army in 1775. Learn more about General George Washington and his battles of the Revolutionary War.

Response by SSG Kenneth Ponder made Oct 21 at 2019 5:35 PM

SSG Kenneth Ponder — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 17:35:06 -0400

Hell yes! A lot of Soldiers from all branches seem to think they are entitled and that includes a hell of a lot veterans!
They seem to think every single American owes them for serving and it just is not true. You enlisted, you wanted to go, it was your decision. By volunteering you kept the draft from being initiated. Don't expect people to kiss your ass for the rest of your life, ain't happening. Ruck up! Show 'em you're a damn man!

Response by MGySgt Joseph Magyar made Nov 25 at 2019 5:14 PM

MGySgt Joseph Magyar — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 17:14:02 -0500

Many in the armed forces may have not under stood the word "serve", you are entitled nothing from the civilians or their companies. If they offer it you should be thankful and if they refuse to offer you something that all are getting then you might have a legitimate complaint but other wise treat the people you are serving with respect.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Nov 25 at 2019 9:43 PM

MAJ Matthew Arnold — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 21:43:10 -0500

I am a post Vietnam veteran. I went to basic in ROTC 1973, took a little time to graduate, and served from 1978 to 2002. I remember when there were no perks, none, nada. The only benies you got were on post, such as cheaper gas at the PX station. I am happy to see the younger service members being treated well and receiving some benefits to serving from corporate America. However, I have to say, with great perks, comes great responsibility.

Response by LT Ed Skiba made Jan 17 at 2020 8:24 AM

LT Ed Skiba — Fri, 17 Jan 2020 08:24:27 -0500

Well stated brother.

Response by SFC Timothy Benson made Apr 14 at 2022 1:56 AM

SFC Timothy Benson — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 01:56:10 -0400

Not too long ago NCO were trained professionals, most of the current articles are about ego and entitlement if rank. Stop the ticky-tack crap. Critiques are not ment to be critical, we used then to teach, correct and improve, making the team more effective.