Posted on Nov 30, 2014
What are your feelings on the stereotypical "dependapotamus"?
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So I've noticed more and more that SM's spouses are thinking that they have rank equivalent to their SM. Whether it be they deserve a free Veteran's day meal or that they are above other spouses. I attached an example from my facebook timeline. What are everyone's opinions?
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Posted 10 y ago
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CPL (Join to see)
SSG Zimmer,
I feel the answer is pretty simple: the wives that keep our lives together during deployments and while we are in garrison should receive proper recognition. There are a variety of ways that this currently happens, can continue to happen, and can even be improved. That being said, these spouses did not get out there and earn anything that is currently being worn on someones chest. They need to learn respect, and not for a hot second think they stepped up and did the same thing as we did. If they want the chest candy so bad, they need to sign up and get their shit on, just like the next person did.
On this same topic, when I was stationed at Ft. Stewart, the Division Commander's wife (this is 1997) was in line at the PX and cut right to the front of the line. It just so happened that the MG was there, and ROUNDLY ripped his wife a new one right there in line. So, how about we take a lesson from the playbook of a division commander and Major General, and move out on that path? :)
Excellent leadership from the MG that day! :)
I feel the answer is pretty simple: the wives that keep our lives together during deployments and while we are in garrison should receive proper recognition. There are a variety of ways that this currently happens, can continue to happen, and can even be improved. That being said, these spouses did not get out there and earn anything that is currently being worn on someones chest. They need to learn respect, and not for a hot second think they stepped up and did the same thing as we did. If they want the chest candy so bad, they need to sign up and get their shit on, just like the next person did.
On this same topic, when I was stationed at Ft. Stewart, the Division Commander's wife (this is 1997) was in line at the PX and cut right to the front of the line. It just so happened that the MG was there, and ROUNDLY ripped his wife a new one right there in line. So, how about we take a lesson from the playbook of a division commander and Major General, and move out on that path? :)
Excellent leadership from the MG that day! :)
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LCpl Dave Haskins
"Respect", yes. Rank, nope. We NCO's lead real well, but we don't "push' worth a damn.
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I have recently started looking at Army wives with a more mature perspective. Excluding the stereotypical dependapotamas, I can't imagine being home alone so often, raising babies, wiping up baby goo (gross!), dealing with those sometimes violent, unstable, emotionally-charged veterans and basically covering down for their man. I used to despise them. Im starting to see how being a spouse just might be as hard as being a service member.
I've only been in 6 years but this dependa mentality isn't new to me at all. I used to kick, cuss and scream over my frustrations with these women who wear my PT shirt so carelessly. Now however, I think I would just gently remind her she is not her husband and can't assume his awards or rank.
She is, however, a large reason why her husband is successful and I would thank her for her sacrifice just as much as I would thank her veteran.
I think most just feel under appreciated so they compliment themselves enough to compensate. Kinda like infantrymen lol :)
I've only been in 6 years but this dependa mentality isn't new to me at all. I used to kick, cuss and scream over my frustrations with these women who wear my PT shirt so carelessly. Now however, I think I would just gently remind her she is not her husband and can't assume his awards or rank.
She is, however, a large reason why her husband is successful and I would thank her for her sacrifice just as much as I would thank her veteran.
I think most just feel under appreciated so they compliment themselves enough to compensate. Kinda like infantrymen lol :)
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MAJ Ronald Mandell
As a Army warrant, I preferred being referred to as "Chief". "Sir" was also nice, but I would have been miffed to be addressed by first name, by a lowering ranking individual, whether he was my "boss" or not. This would appear to me to be a breach of military protocol.
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I have been a military spouse longer than I was AD. I hate this side. I miss the military. These women are vicious.
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SSG (Join to see)
My wife carried the load when I was gone but, she'd be the first to tell you that she didn't earn any of my awards or accolades. She would also be the first to tell you that wiping baby ass and paying bills is a piece of cake compared to being in the sandbox for a year or two or three....BTW, I can wipe baby ass, pay bills and grocery shop with the best of them.
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CPO Mark Robinson
While I was still active duty my wife's friend invited her to another girl's (who happened to be married to an officer) house along with another friend who's husband was an E-4. Afterwards in private, the officer's wife told her friend that it was okay to invite my wife next time since I was a senior enlisted but not to invite the other girl since her husband was a junior ranking sailor. My wife's friend dumped the officer's wife as a friend after that.
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CCMSgt John Geremia
Just a little funny story. When I was in the Reg AF in tech school, 1965, I was at Keesler AFB in MS. My barracks were in the "Triangle Area" We got a briefing that we were to keep our blinds closed at night because the base CC's wife did not like to see in the rooms and perhaps see troops naked. We did what we were told but then it occurred to us what was she doing driving around our barracks area at night? We were out of the way of any base housing so what do you think of that situation? Command Chief, RET
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