How do we lead in a changing Army of Entitled Soldiers?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 04:56:19 -0500

In my last discussion, a 1SG stated that he would love to see a discussion about entitled soldiers, so here it is.
Throughout my 15 years of service spanning 3 branches of the military, I have seen the face of the military as a whole changing as the millenials filter into our ranks. This new generation of Soldiers, Marines, Seamen and Airmen feel as if they are entitled, and everyone owes them something. They feel that they are entitled to awards for simply doing their job and not getting in trouble, and are upset when they don't receive a high award when they did nothing above and beyond to deserve it. The want to get paid for doing nothing, and complain about having to do work instead of checking out Facebook or playing candy crush on their phones. They believe that serving their country is a right and not a privilege.
What can we as leaders do to stifle this way of thinking, and prevent these entitled Soldiers from becoming entitled NCO's and officers. As these millenials go up through the ranks they will become toxic leaders and destroy the organization and profession of arms as a whole.

Response by SGT Nia Chiaraluce made Feb 17 at 2015 5:06 AM

SGT Nia Chiaraluce — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 05:06:43 -0500

Counseling. It is literally our only opportunity to break the mentality and then groom a new one. Remember not to refer to soldiers outside of their name when upset and you will be headed in the write direction.

Response by SPC Lukas Jones made Feb 17 at 2015 5:12 AM

SPC Lukas Jones — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 05:12:30 -0500

I enlisted in 2005 and have seen this change as well. I felt basic was challenging, but not enough. The same said with AIT. Moving to a brigade, I deeply saw the loss of the line unit mentality which drove me to be better.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 5:51 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 05:51:08 -0500

First, there are no such things as absolutes. As mentors, we have the obligation to set the standard, to form and shape these Soldiers/Sailors/Airmen/Marines, and to be upfront and honest. There is good in every generation. Don't believe me? Google One Boy USO, the story of an 8 year old who has done more to help our Soldiers in lifetime than most of us reading this thread combined. He created a non-profit organization and has sent LITERALLY thousands of care packages and greets homecoming Soldiers at the airport.

If you are honest as to the expectations, people can change and improve. That is part of what we as military leaders are supposed to do. If we simply assume that every person is spoiled or worthless, then we have already failed them as their leaders before we even get off the ground floor. Find out what motivates them, learn about their passions, then feed that passion. Once you ignite the flames, then all you have to do is toss an occasional log on the fire to keep them burning, and sometimes that flame catches and spreads.

Sure there are people that will never learn. Those are the ones that you provide developmental counselings, try your best to develop. If nothing else fails, they will certainly get out. The odds of them becoming leadership with a "it's all about me" mentality is moderately low, because they do not want to put in the added time and are not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to develop beyond small unit leadership. Are there some? Sure...but hopefully we can weed them out and foster the ones that have a potential.
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 17 at 2015 5:53 AM

SGT Jim Z. — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 05:53:33 -0500

I enlisted in 1992 and when I came in we got "smoked" or counseled for the behavior that most soldiers display today. I left the Army in 2004 for many reasons but one them was that this influx of the "me-generation" of young soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. Yes there are some that fit the age demographic that do not display the what's in it for me syndrome and those are the ones I mentored in hopes to instill the discipline and pride that soldiers should have and in hopes for them to change one of their buddies' mindset. As SGT Nia Chiaraluce mentioned counseling is key but do not counsel just for the negative but for the positives as well. Another tactic one my old first sergeants did was switch positions for a day and oh boy what an eye opener that was and it gave me a new respect for what a first sergeant did.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 17 at 2015 6:32 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:32:00 -0500

I have been retired (from the Marine Corps) too long to comment on the "new" generation of military personnel. However, I can say that the "sense of entitlement" is not unique to the military . . . I deal with this same issue in the positions I have held in the private sector and in the federal government since leaving active duty. My point is that the military is, as it should be, a reflection of the larger society. Frankly, I share the concerns expressed about the future as the entitled generation moves up the ranks in both the military and civilian worlds.

Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Feb 17 at 2015 6:46 AM

MSgt Michael Durkee — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:46:38 -0500

I believe counseling and on-the-spot guidance is effective, but more over, leading by example is paramount. Those moments when we think no one is watching and still do the right thing, holding yourself accountable, because there is always someone watching who could be influenced by you.

Not a plug for Liberty Mutual, but the commercial from a few years back definitely leads into the ripple effect.

http://youtu.be/frpp6DjCaJU

!!A HELPING HAND IS CONTAGIOUS!! LIBERTY MUTUAL COMMERCIAL!!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 6:53 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:53:53 -0500

I am a huge fan of devouring their souls. The souls of the millennial Soldiers keep me young and immortal. Once you devour their souls they become steely eyed killers ready to go forth and destroy the enemies of our country!

On a serious note, I devour their souls!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 7:02 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 07:02:03 -0500

It has already happened. The destruction of our military has started and has been going on for years now. Unfortunately we can't do anything to stop it. It's too late.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 9:13 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 09:13:04 -0500

The only things a Soldier is entitled to from me are:
Respect
Fair Treatment
Quality Training
Accountability for my actions

After that, they have to earn it. I believe in rewarding good behavior, particularly above and beyond behavior. But you are not entitled to it. One thing I think I do well is give everyone in my formation opportunities to contribute to training. The ones that put the work in to make it better identify themselves. It is very easy to point out during a narrow window such as AT who performed better and why.
Do you want special treatment? Expect to explain to me why. I will hear you out and if I deam your request worthy, say yes. If not, well too bad. You knew the answer might be no or you wouldn't have asked in the first place.
The flip side of me providing you with excellent training is that I expect you to participate fully, contribute how you can, and get better with each iteration. Sandbaggers will be identified and dealt with accordingly.
Accountability is a two way street. If I make a mistake, I make it a point to find the aggrieved party (if any) and admit my error and apologize. Sometimes that means to the whole formation, and they will tell you that I have done pushups in front of them more than once. If you screw up, own it. Face the music. Don't lie or blame others. You will find that while you might still receive some attention and/or punishment, the response will be less than if you tried to buffalo me. Good luck with that, troop. I've heard them all before.

Do the right thing, work hard, contribute to the unit's mission, and I will take care of you with awards and good evaluations. Don't do those things, and expect to hear about it in counseling. Still don't get it and you will hear about it on your evaluation report.

Trust me. Troops say they want special treatment, but they respect fair treatment. There is a difference. Let them walk over you because you want to be their friend, and it will haunt you.

Response by SPC Benjamin Smith made Feb 17 at 2015 9:22 AM

SPC Benjamin Smith — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 09:22:57 -0500

From a lower-enlisted point of few, I know what you're saying. This is a societal problem. I would like to mention though that our junior Soldiers, myself included, will follow a leader who leads by example. Furthermore, the entitlement you speak of does not always originate in the lower ranks, but sometimes arises in the ranks of the NCO Corps with NCOs that got promoted way before their time due to the necessities of war. I have learned very quickly that rank does not always coincide with leadership abilities, work ethic, and/or personal accountability. While counseling is the correct way to show Soldiers what right looks like, so is the NCOER the correct method to right the wrongs that exist within enlisted leadership. NCOs, we as young Soldiers need solid examples, so stop giving each other a 1-1 just because you deployed together!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 17 at 2015 9:34 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 09:34:14 -0500

Today’s military looks nothing like it did in 1775. As society changes, the military will as well. I’m certain that each generation was utterly convinced that its replacement was a bunch of dandies that would be the death of us all. As society and the citizenry change, the need for defense endures. People change. Technologies change. Tactics change. But the military will endure. It may not be the military of yesteryear, but then we aren’t running around with slings, spears and rocks, so changes aren’t always a bad thing.
When slaves were freed, it would be the death of us. Given the vote? Same. When women were integrated, the sky was falling. Blacks were no longer segregated? What will become of our military?!. Post DADT, same. The one constant in the military has always been those currently serving being utterly convinced of its superiority over their successors.
I’m just a few short years from retirement, and while I’ll admit that the millenials make me want to cringe daily, I understand that it’s nothing more than the natural way of things. The apocalypse it is not….

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 9:39 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 09:39:00 -0500

Staff Sergeant,

If that First Sergeant is still seeking discussions where leaders complain about the "sense of entitlement" in junior enlisted Soldiers and how we're destroying the profession of arms, please let him know that there are many discussions on RP for his reading pleasure:

A new kind of Soldier
Are leader’s allowing Soldiers to become complacent or less disciplined in Garrison?
Attitude of New Soldiers
Declining Discipline
Do some in your unit suffer from a sense of entitlement?
Do you feel as if the Army is getting "too soft"? If so why?
Have Soldiers developed a sense of entitlement?
How are the newest generation of Airmen/Marines/Sailors/Soldiers entering their respective branches stacking up to your generation?
How do I discipline soldiers in this new Army?
New Soldiers and the lack of respect
Thoughts on the Entitlment Generation.
Todays Army Soldiers
What happened to discipline?
...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 9:46 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 09:46:38 -0500

Some of my Soldiers, when they came into the unit, did have this type of mentality. With time, counseling, and reality checks received, that mentality has diminished. It was certainly a long hard road. But, given that I had given them written counselings and verbal 1 on 1 counselings, the issues have pretty much disappeared. The real trick is to find a way to get into their head, find what ticks, and work with that. I feel that part of being a good leader is adaptability. If you can adapt to your Soldiers thought process and get them to see the light, then the job was done right. Especially if your outflanking their brains finally gets them to see the light. If they don't see the light, then they will see the door.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 17 at 2015 9:48 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 09:48:12 -0500

"This new generation isn't as great as us, or the one that raised us"
-Every Generation Ever

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 17 at 2015 10:55 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 10:55:42 -0500

"Idle hands are the Devil's Playground"

One of the best ways to fight entitlement is to keep people occupied. if they aren't occupying themselves with tasks they should be doing. Like mission, training, PME, self development, there's no reason not to provide them with tasking of a "more inventive" nature, as an object less so that in the future they do keep themselves occupied with mission, training, PME, and self development related tasks.

If they complain about "work" pile on more work. If you catch them doing facebook, candycrush, etc when they should be doing mission related items. More work. Instant corrective taskings. If you have more than one troop, one of them is going to figure out what is going on, OR the culprit is going to be stupid enough to ask "why can't X do it?" and you calmly and rationally explain to them that, "X isn't the one sitting there with Facebook up on Government time. Anyone who has it up seems like a prime volunteer for a task, as they have obviously got nothing better to do."

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 2:04 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 14:04:21 -0500

You respond by not rewarding them for just doing their job, nor do you allow them to pout when they have to work. Millennials of which I am a part are a very motivated, team-oriented, and educated group of people. They may not have the intrinsic motivation that past generations had (although I doubt very much the hagiographies of past generations), so it's incumbent upon leadership to motivate them. Find out what makes your Soldiers tick, and then, you know, make them tick!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 4:33 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:33:36 -0500

I love that card...

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Feb 17 at 2015 4:43 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:43:29 -0500

I was told in basic training that I was entitled to 2 A's and a B for meals and could get all B's, and that I was also entitled to 4 hrs of sleep in 24 hrs. They didn't say that the 4 hrs where consecutive, and was proven one night on FTX!

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Feb 17 at 2015 7:01 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 19:01:56 -0500

There's two sides to this coin. From one perspective yes, soldiers feel entitled and that the Army and the government OWES them for their service. Not the definition of service, maybe we should educate them? From another perspective, some of these troops work hard for what they have, and when they see soldiers who get awarded for doing nothing, they feel they should also be entitled to an award.

I appreciate this Military times article: http://www.militarytimes.com/story/opinion/2015/02/09/john-michel-joseph-dunford-exceptional-leaders-commentary/23115849/

Exceptional leaders value substance over superficial. If we award soldiers for substantial work and not soldiers who play the social game with their leadership, we could foster a better environment and reduce this sense of entitlement.

Just my perspective. I am sure I come off as entitled sometimes, but honestly I just want to know what I need to work on to move forward personally and professionally.

What makes an exceptional leaders

Great leaders motivate, make talent development a priority, and create a culture of respect, courage and commitment.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 17 at 2015 7:24 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 19:24:24 -0500

When have new recruits ever arrived already fashioned into proper soldiers? Isn't that part of the process, indoctrination as well as training? No society, especially one as free and free-wheeling as the American society has ever produced natural soldiers. Sure, it would be nice if they did. But, then why would we need DIs?

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 8:53 PM

A1C Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 20:53:01 -0500

So your saying that those of us who go above and beyond should be the ones getting rewarded instead of the ones who sit around and do nothing? I regularly see laziness rewarded and my hard work gets nothing, it's discouraging, but I can't stand sitting around, it drives me crazy. Maybe someday it will be corrected, but when we see people get awards for playing on their phones, that's what we think we have to do. I'm finally competing for one, and the other person would actually have earned it, and we are both milleneal airmen. Just remember, not all of us are the same. (Just to be clear, it's volunteer of the quarter, nothing big, just a fun little competition.)

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 11:10 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 23:10:33 -0500

"The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannize their teachers."

Socrates (469–399 B.C.)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 2:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 02:04:03 -0500

I was always told by the NCOs above me that I was a part of the "new" Army. I found that odd considering that I was learning from the old goats.

This always made me strive towards the soul devouring, face eating NCO style that they feared would die.

Conversely, I always felt that people should do their jobs, and I am entitled to a job well done. I would expect others to expect nothing less from me.

To show how the entitlement fairy gave me a visit, I joined the USAR for one specific reason/duty. After a series of failures, to no fault of my own (IGs words), I happened to procure the ear of someone very high ranking. Instead of asking for just the duty that was in question, I thought this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to ask for unrelated and unrealistic additions for my trouble.

I can say with great certainty that I learned my lesson about entitlement, as I did not receive any of what I asked for and haven't even garnered a response.

Dahwell! Back to hard-charging, soul devouring, and face eating!

Response by SGT(P) Jennifer Brande made Feb 18 at 2015 3:33 PM

SGT(P) Jennifer Brande — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 15:33:43 -0500

SSG Boucher,

I agree 100% with your point. I enlisted into the U.S. Army on Leap Day 2000 and there was a huge difference between being a soldier back then then it is now. was medically retired in 2012 and in the 12+ years that I served, I grew quite accustomed (much against my chagrin) to seeing boot soldiers coming out of training mode who would complain that they should not have to have staff duty or any other everyday detail because they have other considerations that factor into their lives (sadly drinking, playing video games and occasionally the soldier who has a family and wants every moment they possibly can with them since they just came out Basic and AIT)

I have seen the excuses run rampant and then you have to good soldier, the Pvt, Pfc and/or Spc who will give up their down time to perform duty that is expected of every soldier. In this case the soldier is doing exactly what is expected of them and because they did it without complaining, their leader decides since he did the right thing he is entitled to an AAM or even worse an ARCOM (Yes I have seen it happen to soldiers who performed Staff Duty 2 times in one month!).

This is a simple degradation of what "duty" today now defines. I think that a way to clean this blatant abuse of power is to mandate all junior enlisted to the barracks, whether they have family or not (and may actually control Basic/AIT Sweethearts from getting married right after training for the benefit of living outside the barracks/base) for the first year following Basic Training and AIT.

I also personally believe that allowing any person to become a soldier should be a right granted by only the best NCO's and Officers. To resolve this I would highly recommend that the Recruiting/Retention Commands only allow the best leaders to become recruiters, similar to Drill Instructors. Only NCO's with stellar NCOER's and quite frankly at a minimum promotable status only should be allowed to recruit and potentially weed out people who may see the military as a way to be slackers. A truly good NCO or Officer for that matter will be able to spot someone who will try and play the system from a mile away.

My tactics may come across as harsh to some but I went to MEPS in February 2000 and without proper military training I was able to pick out at least 4-5 people who shipped with me that would not advance in their careers past the first enlistment and I was right about 3 of them. On became an E2 and never got higher because he wanted to play the system and he got busted for it, and two others got pregnant right after AIT and got promoted to E4 without doing anything but married their soldiers so they got out and didn't lose any benefits. I on the other hand took my oath seriously and worked hard and got to where I was when I was retired but people like me are hard to come by nowadays and it makes me sad because I know we used to be the best fighting force in the world, but that is no longer the case.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 11:25 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 23:25:22 -0500

Can we blame them? They are rewarded with medals for doing their job, rank for time served regardless if they are good at their jobs, and their supervisors are ridiculed for correcting them because it seems "too mean". I've known several people that shouldn't be supervisors because they can't figure out how to do their own job let alone supervise someone else. Heaven forbid you recommend that they wait a couple of years...

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Feb 19 at 2015 3:05 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 03:05:06 -0500

The bashing of the millennial Soldiers is unjust in my opinion. They just want respect and a level playing field to grow on .
Much of the "entitlement" mindset is a product produced by the DOD. It started in the late 90s when the military went through a drawdown. 1/3 of the military was cut. The experienced leaders left and the NCO ranks was filled by forcing inexperienced unprepared young servicemen to take the helm. It put the military on a downward spiral with the blind leading the blind. When you an E-6 with the military experience of E-3, no need wonder why he or she feels entitled. DOD with their cutbacks is depleted the service of its leadership
Sadly, we learned nothing from history because we're making the same mistake today.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/govt/admin/stories/cohen051797.htm

Washingtonpost.com: Cohen Presses Congress to Approve Military Base Closings, Troop Cuts

Warning Congress against resisting his most politically sensitive proposals for defense cuts, Defense Secretary William S. Cohen yesterday challenged lawmakers to put aside parochial interests and support the closure of more military bases and reductions in the Army National Guard.

Response by SSG Adam Reed made Feb 19 at 2015 6:15 AM

SSG Adam Reed — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 06:15:00 -0500

I'm having a hard time figuring out how to answer this. After many tries and deletions it boiled down to this one question I came up with. What did our leaders think of us and how did they perceive we were going to screw everything up?

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 4:07 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 16:07:07 -0500

So during the Revolutionary War it was not uncommon for officers to resign their commission if someone who they had date of rank on was promoted instead of them. This would occur even if the promotion was directly related to battlefield heroism or actions. The reasoning being that the not-promoted officer felt that he would have acted the same if presented with the same opportunity in combat. I'd love to source this, but I'm on IMA duty and don't have my library handy.

Furthermore if we're talking about the nature of our contemporary society; after the Revolutionary War soldiers were disbanded with notes promising them their pay. Guys who'd been their at Valley Forge even. They had to figure out how to get themselves home on their own dime, and some had to sell their promissory notes just to get the food they needed to travel home.

You can look at that as a comparison of how our society now stacks up with a historical America, not at all bad I'd say.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Feb 19 at 2015 7:10 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 19:10:17 -0500

PFC takes down a light. SSG tells PFC to put the light back up. PFC completely ignores SSG. A SGT in a different unit hears and comes over, tells the PFC to get up and listen to the SSG. PFC doesn't acknowledge either NCOs. PFC runs and gets her CPT who then tells the two NCOs they should be more considerate.

SSG turns in six complete and JAG-approved counselings for a summarized Article 15 packet for a SGT, and recommends a reductions in rank. Commander overturns it and gives SGT two days additional duty.

SFC corrects PFC for her hair being down while in PTs and not conducting PT. The 1SG tells SFC she was perceived as being a bully for the correction and to be careful.

A SGT tells a SPC she has a two-hour guard shift, but there's a flat screen TV, and she's allowed to have her phone and laptop with free wifi. SPC whines and asks why she has to pull guard. SGT tells SPC she isn't allowed to have any of those luxuries and to work on her I Love Me book instead. SFC tells SGT that is an "over the top" correction.

And who is to blame for all of this? The soldiers?
I don't think so.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Feb 19 at 2015 8:03 PM

1SG Cameron M. Wesson — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 20:03:35 -0500

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Jason.... I will have to disagree with your assessment. In turn I will submit to you following for consideration.

I enlisted in 83... Vietnam was over and what you have just submitted was submitted to my year group. You know... We had many with the same self of entitlement that you see today...

Oh... I saw it in the late 80s and in the 90s... And as I retired in 2005. I even see it today with officers and SNCO that should know better... And of course the civilians. There are always those that feel entitled.

As you can see.... This is not a phenomenon to the millenials... It happens all the time.. And will continue to do so.

The difference... You might not been paying as close attention as you thought as "the face changed" .... But you are now... And that's a great thing.

The answer to your question....

- Lead by Example... Hard right over the easy wrong
- Educate Them... And not with kid gloves... But with the facts
- Listen to them empathetically... Then kick them in the butt and motivate them more
- Be a Servant Leader... Put there needs...not wants... First

Toxic leaders and leadership!!!! Trust me.... They were around then... Just as much now. The difference is now those toxic leaders can't hide. Back in the 80.... It was out there and blatant... And no one cared. Don't believe me.... Ask the Rally Point team.

Last item! Fear not! Your care and concern is exactly what kepts this country and the military great! Because we care we try to ensure the pendulum stays toward the center. As sure as I'm alive... 2500 years ago the Roman Legionaires felt exactlybas you do... And their Centurions smiled!

My 2 cents

Response by SGT Tyler G. made Feb 19 at 2015 8:41 PM

SGT Tyler G. — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 20:41:35 -0500

Well, to get the obvious out of the way, we really shouldn't generalize an entire generation like that. I'm pretty sure I'm considered a millennial (1991) and I don't feel particularly entitled to anything but good leadership (as is every soldier). Every generation thinks that the generation after theirs isn't as good, this is nothing new. What we can do as leaders is work to understand generational differences, and use that understanding to better communicate both with our soldiers and leadership above us.

It's at this point I should emphasize, lest I be mistaken, that I'm not saying we should loosen standards, and start babying our soldiers.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 14 at 2015 6:44 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 18:44:56 -0400

I must be lucky, I have some very PME (Physically, Mentally and Emotionally) tough Soldiers. Most join because they want a challenge and want to be part of a team, you really have to challenge them with tough realistic training. Make them want to go to the Soldier of the month competitions, make them be the best they really can.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 18 at 2015 1:09 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 13:09:58 -0400

That is a damn fine question. I believe that generation had the easiest life growing up and are spoiled. They have self induced ADD through the electronic media and working hard maybe mowing the lawn.

I believe the solution starts with culture. Don't let them skater. All cell phones will be not used unless it is an emergency. Work them hard and the leadership needs to be consistent and there needs to be a buy in. Conduct team building activities and have fun. Maybe you can stick one soldier at a time in leadership roles, so they can see what they were as a follower. The Army deserves better, and the soldiers need to harden up and grow up.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2016 5:12 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 17:12:55 -0400

I think every generation of "old Soldiers" thinks the incoming generation is soft and 300 kinds of screwed up. Unfortunately, this generation is soft and 300 kinds of screwed up. I recently came out of position and I am retiring next June. The decision to retire was actually pretty easy. I went from only being involved in 3 Courts Martial in 26 years to having over a dozen of them. IG complaints, congressionals...even a Presidential inquiry because the young man did not like the DFAC being closed on the weekends. Mind you, this is a young man with a car and an open DFAC less than 1/2 mile away from his barracks. Entitled? Yep. Disciplined and bought into the notion that they joined the Army and the Army didn't join them? Nope. I had a Soldier come to me about a month ago because he was convinced that he had been racially discriminated against. See, he was talking in formation and a caucasian SFC "hollered" at him. About a minute later he was talking again (he admitted doing so) and this time a Hispanic 1SG "hollered" at him. He was genuinely upset that the caucasian Soldier standing next to him did not get hollered at, even though he admitted that the other Soldier was not talking. He was listening. I remember asking him if he would like getting corrected if he was just standing there, doing what he was supposed to be doing while somebody next to him was talking in formation. He said, "yes". SO this kid freely admits he was wrong, but wanted the guy who he was talking to corrected. The straw that broke the camel's back was when I had somebody walk up to me and ask why I had a Soldier in the BN color guard with a shaving profile. When I responded that there was a transgendered Soldier in the BDE color guard I got looked at like I had a dick growing out of my forehead. I knew it was time for me to go. So, yes, they are entitled and many think that the military has to conform to them; they don't have to conform to the military. I genuinely enjoyed (loved) being a Soldier and being around Soldiers, but the last two years did me in. It is time for me to go.