Veterans: Three Destructive Notions

2020-09-18T11:27:51-04:00

There are three versions of the American service member that are perpetuated throughout the American imagination, and each one of these is damaging.

The first of these iterations is the oft-popularized American deity. Popular culture has promoted this service member via cinematic depictions of bravery, often based in-part on actual events, but the deity is also something built up in the imagination of service members and veterans themselves. One sees this disgusting characterization rear its ugly head each time a veteran leans on their service as the attempt to argue a position to a civilian. “As a veteran…” or as it is more commonly used “As a combat veteran…”. What makes these statements even more egregious is when they introduce a position that has absolutely nothing to do with the military. One can understand the importance of a first-hand veteran perspective when the conversation is about an action taken in an operation environment or, perhaps, on military policy, but it is hard to find the relevance when the conversation is about something like recently popularized gender ideology or the recent mail-in voting debates.

What’s more is the willingness that many veterans seem to accept this role as an American god. One can only wonder how many “Thank you for your service” remarks it takes to brainwash someone into believing their status as a veteran places them on a higher plain than their fellow citizens, but regardless, it is disconcerting. We can all appreciate the heroes that serve—as the number of actual heroes are few and far between—but we can also acknowledge the fact that simply serving does not make one a hero or a pillar of ethical, moral, or political wisdom. Being a service member or veteran does not make one infallible.

Turning once again to popular culture, the second version of the service member or veteran is what I like to call “the robot.” Watching any number of popular television shows will illustrate exactly what is being talked about here. When a service member is depicted as being the witless, unthinking tool of the government, programmed through training and deployments to follow orders unquestioningly, as if regulations and a uniform completely erase the human being, it is absolutely appalling. This is also how many left-wing activists seem to view our military as well. Whereas people right-of-center will usually fall into the trap of the deity, one finds that the notion of the brainwashed killer is something the left gravitates to so as to demonize service members and veterans. When veterans came home from Vietnam they were labeled “baby killers.” This idea hasn’t faded away as much as it has simply changed its lexicon. The service members who assisted in operations at the border are Nazis, and those who work to keep the peace in cities set aflame by rioters are fascists.

We don’t exactly help ourselves in this regard. By failing to define ourselves by who we are as individuals and, instead, choosing to define ourselves solely by our careers—which is something that occurs seldomly outside the military—we welcome this kind of depiction. We must seek to understand that our career is not who we are—that we are still individuals, with all that entails.

Finally—and possibly the worst—view of American service members come from within our community. The advent of social media and technologies like snapchat, tiktok, and Twitter have allowed for service members and veterans to become popular by sharing ridiculous videos based on military themes and experiences. As much as these might be humorous, as well as entirely relatable for those of us who understand the context, the view created of veterans and service members via this medium is that of the man-child. These depictions show our men and women in uniforms as people handicapped by a severe and permanent immaturity as well as making light of some very destructive or, at least, abhorrent behaviors. Videos making light of drinking, adultery, and questionable sexual content bordering on harassment and assault do not reflect well on the military as a whole, and even less on those that continually pass these supposedly funny videos and memes from person to person.

One is left wondering if veterans and service members give a single thought to what these videos tell those outside of the military about us. Without understanding the culture that exists in the military, does a civilian have the kind of experience and contextual information to fully understand these videos and memes without passing negative judgement on the community as a whole? I recently came across a video that made light of veterans attempting to sleep with the spouse of one of the members of the command/NCO chain; in what world is this behavior considered acceptable? Is this who we want to be seen as?

All of these creations could not be further from the truth of who we are as service members and veterans. We are the silent professionals and guardians of the country: silent, sure, and humble; but it is past the time that we work to manifest this image in the way those outside the military community see us. But not only is it time the community of service members and veterans begin to work toward changing the way civilians see us but the way we see who we are: not as heroes but as servants, not as robots but as individuals, and not as the maturely crippled but as the proud and intelligent professional warriors this country requires.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Sep 18 at 2020 11:42 AM

2020-09-18T11:42:01-04:00

Well said and I wholeheartedly agree with you.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Sep 18 at 2020 11:45 AM

2020-09-18T11:45:41-04:00

You forgot one of the tropes.
The emotionless raging alcoholic with PTSD. Because you KNOW that every single veteran has PTSD, right?

Response by 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel made Sep 18 at 2020 11:59 AM

2020-09-18T11:59:28-04:00

Stereotypes are always at minimum shallow, at worst destructive of individual responsibility. The old stereotype that the military makes each person a "cog in the wheel" of military operations has a ring of truth to it, but only on the most general level: a "uniform" is no place to express individuality. There are fewer "make-work" jobs in the military today, especially in my old branch of the Air Force where it seems every AFSC leads to the equivalent of an associate degree by the time you reach a 7-level (do y'all still use those terms today?).

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Sep 18 at 2020 3:12 PM

2020-09-18T15:12:42-04:00

I think this is an excellent depiction of the Military through the eyes of civilian society,over the many years since I left the Service have witnessed all of the phases you have described,from being reviled (my generation) to be thought of as not having the intelligence to make in the business world as some of our politicians have stated (John Kerry) social media lately has cheapened the role of our Military with the help of some our younger immature Service members,but those of us that served and are serving today took an Oath to protect and defend that is the bottom line.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Sep 18 at 2020 7:13 PM

2020-09-18T19:13:30-04:00

Well stated. You did leave out one very important factor - we are also a reflection of our society and all of its ills and fortunes.

"Civil rights activists and academics who monitor the white-supremacy movement say that as far as they can determine, the percentage of organized bigots in the Army - and the military as a whole - is no different from that of the general US population. Citing the all-volunteer Army's success at integration, some say the percentage could even be lower.

But independent experts and Defense Department officials say the numbers are not as important as the fact that there are any hate-group members in the military at all. Such soldiers not only damage the Army's image and endanger their units' cohesion and morale but also have access to weapons, ammunition, and training."
Army Brass Rattled By Ties of Soldiers To White Supremacists, December 19, 1995, by Jonathan S. Landay, published in The Christian Science Monitor

Do not forget that this applies to other types of gangs and hate groups as well.

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2020 7:24 AM

2020-09-19T07:24:36-04:00

I volunteered to joined the Marines when I was 17. I lasted 27 years in. It truly did not make me felt entitled to anything; however, [1] I am proud of the path I took, [2] proud of the brothers and sisters whom I served with, [3] proud of their sacrifices to include their families sacrifices to support the endeavor, [4] proud to serve and/or have served to include the life experience that comes with it.

It defined my career path both on and off duty, but I never had any "SENSE OF ENTITLEMENT" others definitely do.

Response by SGT Bradley Dixon made Sep 19 at 2020 10:28 AM

2020-09-19T10:28:28-04:00

I simply cannot agree with most of this, as the nation who despises it warriors will fall. I agree with the “deity” part to an extent. Veterans are like Sparta and civil society is like that of Athens two seperate but equal cultures but still- in our case American. I believe that we as veterans need our inner circles or clicks just as much as we need civilians, why else would there be social media such as Rally Point, Youtube, Black Rifle Coffee, VFW, DAV and other groups. People outside of our community have thar as well, and if you dont support that then blend yourself with orher communities outside of veterans communities/groups. Finally, with all your points being stated, why dont we just simply get rid of the Army-Navy Game, Mission BBQ and other veteran owned or ran or inspired organizations. We must maintain our culture as we are warriors at heart, with our specific culture in the USA, we are preservers of tradition, the cultivators of common sense, and the innovators that inspire. Speaking of all this, we are still equals with the civil society as we are and always have been citizen soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines.

Response by LCDR Ray Trygstad made Sep 20 at 2020 4:07 PM

2020-09-20T16:07:08-04:00

Yet another trope: the “professional veteran.” I know that service is meaningful, and many people treasure their experience in the military, but my dad had great disdain for what he called “professional veterans.” These are the folks who always wear their embroidered veteran jacket and a service veteran ball cap and seem to have no identity apart from their military service. My dad was a China service/retreat from Inchon/8th and I/Third Recon Battalion 20-year Marine, and after retirement never wore any article of clothing that identified him as a veteran: “I know I did it; that’s all that matters.” My mom’s dad, USN 1917-1947, was the same, and I’ve followed their footsteps in this regard.

Response by SSG Dennis R. made Sep 20 at 2020 9:40 PM

2020-09-20T21:40:17-04:00

Overall, the nation tends to ignore the fact that the military is but a microcosm of the very society paying for it. Chock full of fallible, fukked-up human beings.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Sep 21 at 2020 12:00 PM

2020-09-21T12:00:23-04:00

In my not-so-humble opinion, I believe those that serve this nation, militarily or otherwise, deserve a bit more respect, a bit more acknowledgement, than those non-servers. They are not "heroes" necessarily, but they are, unless proven otherwise, defenders of this experiment.
Our military has grown more and more respectful since our beginning.
Service to our nation, with honor, should be upheld s a high goal.

Response by AB Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2020 12:12 PM

2020-09-21T12:12:53-04:00

You write well Sgt. Most folks don't realize good writers read many times more than what they write. Lot's of time reconn'ing under a rock to read and think. Lots... :-)
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/veterans-day-schemtrans-i-hate-charles-ankner/

Veteran's Day, Schmetrans Day - I HATE Veteran's Day!

"Holster that weapon friend!", and let me type. Per Official USAF records, I'm a peace-time, Cold War, vet.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Sep 22 at 2020 9:18 AM

2020-09-22T09:18:35-04:00

Good piece of writing and very insightful. Please remember I said that as you read on further. Sure; we are sometimes stereotyped in negative ways. Absolutely; we (veterans that is) are sometimes our own worst enemies. Now, here's where I differ slightly: There is no single "veteran" identity. There's very little in common between myself, and someone who was conscripted to fight in the Infantry during Vietnam. There are VAST differences between those of our own generation who served primarily in Afghanistan, and those who served primarily in Iraq. There are obviously massive differences between those of us who served largely in "combat support" and those of us who served in "combat arms". We have all sorts of "comfortable" myths we accept to get through our day... but the brutal truth is that we are as diverse a group of individuals as our civilian counterparts, and just as disparate in what we value (or despise). I will admit wholeheartedly that during my early years... there certainly was some of the "robot" present. It is no less true that mid-way through my time in the Service... the "eternal man-child" certainly came out at times. Neither altered the fact that my motives and incentives for serving were honorable... and remained so throughout my career. Even now, years after removing my uniform... there are "differences" that can make it difficult to live in the "civilian" world. I am impatient, short-tempered, and eternally prepossessed by some sense of having left something "incomplete". This affects everything from my professional to family life... and will likely continue to do so until I am dead. People who never served will likely never understand this... nor is it that important that they do. What is important is that young people keep signing up to do it. What we do is difficult and at times, unpopular. It can be ugly. It is necessary.

Response by SGT Walter Drumm made Oct 20 at 2020 2:35 PM

2020-10-20T14:35:56-04:00

I understand both the contextual conflict and the need to better address and manage our image. However in the false narratives being perpetuated it seems an awful lot like a version of "Rules for thee, but not for me!" Yes, a lot of the social media discourse leaves something to be desired in terms of good taste. However the stereotype of the perpetual/overgrown fraternity boy had been widely celebrated in civilian popular culture for decades. The intetnet hijinks of guys like Mat Best, John Burk and others is merely the fraternity of military service taking advantage of now-available means. Does that make it less problematic? No, of course not. However one can reasonably argue that it isn't meant for everyone, rather those who understand the context and thus get the jokes.

Response by LCpl Steve Zupan made Oct 24 at 2020 1:52 AM

2020-10-24T01:52:36-04:00

"You gotta Fight for Your Right to Party"....-Beastie Boys

Response by SSG Tom Montgomery made Oct 24 at 2020 6:40 PM

2020-10-24T18:40:11-04:00

It is something that, from your point of view is egregious. I am very happy to see our service members elevated to a position of respect.
During my time, we were called every name you can think of. Jane Fonda's followers treated us like garbage. I was on leave after Vietnam and was looking into employment and education opportunities. The insults and nasty comments I was getting, convinced me to reenlist. I felt like an unwanted, evil, contagious leper in my own country. I am finally able to a proud veteran. I wear shirts and hats with veteran, military and Americanism themes. I now wear them every day to make up for all the years I couldn't because of the vile, nasty abuse I took.

Response by PO2 Cyrus Barberia made Oct 25 at 2020 2:08 PM

2020-10-25T14:08:12-04:00

I am a veteran and with proud to serve my country during the Vietnam war even though I didn't do it in combat and those who were in combat should be even proud of for what they accomplished and done

Response by PO2 Cyrus Barberia made Oct 25 at 2020 2:09 PM

2020-10-25T14:09:54-04:00

I also meant to add the people that say thank you for your service doesn't make me feel any better because I didn't serve in combat it makes me regret that I didn't see any action

Response by 1LT David Preston made Oct 30 at 2020 12:18 AM

2020-10-30T00:18:27-04:00

Thank you for your insight into our collective culture as seen by some of us looking at the civilian world, and some of the civilian world looking at us. As a recent Master of Military Social Work graduate and (Sorry to do it but here goes...) I see my experience “as a veteran” before, during and after Desert Storm not as who I am, but as a part of my life that qualifies me to be in the rooms where my veteran clients share their perceptions of themselves and their world.

It does not make me an expert on all things military, or veteran: it just qualifies me to be in the room so I can be of service. In therapy we call it cultural competence: but that is never to be confused as being an expert. Veteran status is not required to do this work anymore than a person has to have personally experienced MST (Military Sexual Trauma) to build a safe and supportive space where those struggling with those experiences can process their trauma. It qualifies me to recognize a veteran as an expert in their own life and to support them in that.

I wish more people saw each other as people, not as tall ones or loud ones: I am not a tall person anymore than I am wholly defined by any of a multitude of other individual characteristics or experiences or jobs I have held. Soldier is an older one; therapist is a newer one.

I cannot remember where I heard it but how about “You do you and I’ll do me” and we can all try to be as professional, supportive, and understanding as we can...while maintaining our dignity and showing others a little respect. Thank you for the opportunity to join the discussion.

Response by 1SG James Kelly made Nov 8 at 2020 8:20 PM

2020-11-08T20:20:12-05:00

It is just liberals hate anyone better than themselves.

Response by SPC Steven Nihipali made Nov 8 at 2020 10:40 PM

2020-11-08T22:40:01-05:00

I still find it hard to accept the thank you notes and words from folks. I did nothing special... but at the same time, they don't know that. They're thanking us for being the ones who stepped up even when others chose not to. It's a fine line of, "thank you for your support" and "...for your service". As best up as I am, I'd jump all over it again, do it again... just modified.

When people think of war, theta don't know wday really happens to 95% of us who are in the rear with the gear in support roles. The supply, truckers, admin, pay, musicians etc... who are deployed but aren't in combat arms.

If the military did it right, we'd all new training every other week like infantry and mos the other 3

Response by CPL Joseph Elinger made Dec 25 at 2020 5:01 PM

2020-12-25T17:01:14-05:00

I routinely "thank for service" medical, VA, & even USAA personnel.
I use the WW2 mindset. Victory is a product of the collaboration of many military & civilian, even foreign / allied *supporting elements.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Jan 8 at 2021 2:08 PM

2021-01-08T14:08:38-05:00

I can see a bit in this that I could agree with. But I think in general the sentiments are exaggerated. Regarding the third point, I think most people lack a sense of humor in general.

Response by COL Dave Sims made Jan 10 at 2021 2:43 PM

2021-01-10T14:43:22-05:00

I must comment on this post. Myself and many others' decision to join the military were not the result of an internal philosophical argument- rather a realization at the time that they needed to put some order and structure into their life .( In my case it was a recruiting poster for Ranger school). I know that the military has made good citizens of many who otherwise would have not done so well. I have also learned over the years that we often make the most important decisions with the least amount of information. I plead guilty. Since the establishment of the all volunteer military there has been a "sorting out" of the American population - less than 1/2 of one percent will serve. We are not better than our fellow citizens - but are different. We have paid our dues several times over. I tell young military veterans to seek out public office, offer no excuse for your military service and remember the oath you took. God Bless !