How does the phrase "suffering fools" apply to the military?

SPC Charles Brown — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 16:31:48 -0400

To me suffering fools in the military means that you have to teach the same individual how to do the same task properly multiple times. In my opinion anyone who cannot grasp a task after having it explained or demonstrated more than twice falls into this category. How would you motivate the individual to get it done right the first time. I don't hold with the idea that there is never time to do it right, but there is always time to do it over. Anyone agree?

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 27 at 2014 4:59 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Sun, 27 Apr 2014 16:59:54 -0400

The full term is "not suffer fools gladly". Which to me, means, to have very little patience with people who you think are silly or have stupid ideas.

That being said...

I cannot speak for Marine Recon or the Army, but on the Flight Deck, these people can get you killed. Therefore, I try to avoid fools as being alive is kind of addictive to me...like breathing.

Unfortunately, sometimes these people end up higher than you in your CoC. If that happens, try to get to the one higher than them, and ask them their opinion.