What has Happened to the Army I used to Know and Love?

2015-04-13T01:56:11-04:00

This makes me physically sick! I have never in my 28 years of service seen something like this!

Are we as leaders failing or is the new generation actually worse than we thought?

Do we need a new Equal Opportunity Program?

http://www.ncosupport.com/military-law/army-vandalism-fort-stewart.html

Vandalized Sign on Fort Stewart with Racial Message

Unknown Person or Persons vandalized the LLOYD C. HAWKS TMC Sign on Fort Stewart Georgia.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Apr 13 at 2015 2:00 AM

2015-04-13T02:00:29-04:00

The Army I joined for the first time 35 years ago is long gone. The "entitlement generation coming up seems to have little respect for the institutions that have made and kept this nation great. I do hope that things get better, but only time will tell. Fight the good fight CSM Private RallyPoint Member. Thank you for your dedication to this country we love. God Bless!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 13 at 2015 3:01 AM

2015-04-13T03:01:56-04:00

Sad at epic levels all around. I remember in 1990, they damn near had a race riot with rebel flags and "X"'s being starched and ironed into BDU's. Then it was African flag colors, all black rooms, all white rooms, Muslim conversions during the Gulf War and gang brandings and tattoos. One of the biggest fears was being jumped when walking out at night on some of the kassernes. Very sad. We had the 3rd ID EO (a CSM) tell people that there is no month dedicated to whites because "every day is cracker day." This is not a problem with the Army. The military is just about the most equal opportunity large organization alive. This is failure at the leadership level. Sometimes I feel like the pendulum has swung too far. We now feel intimidated to make corrections because there is a guilty until proven innocent atmosphere. Wrong is wrong and needs to be addressed regardless of what is politically correct. I remember leaders decades ago saying what a nightmare it was to deal with a congressional investigation. Now, people just call the news and before leadership is aware of the severity of some issues, they hve microphones and cameras in their faces.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 4:17 AM

2015-04-13T04:17:18-04:00

I joined the Army 6 years ago at 32 years of age and at first I was like this isn't so bad, but after being in for a few years and seeing what junior soldiers will do and say it makes me sick. The sad part is that they are a reflection of their leadership, because if their leadership held them to standards then either they would change of they would be gone. To me it seems like NCO's want to be their soldiers friend now and hang out together, instead of getting in their business and taking care of business. I have been taken aside a couple of times by fellow NCO's and told I need to lighten up on soldiers because I can't do on the spot corrections when the mess up. I have also been told by an NCO who soldier was just caught driving 20 mph over the posted speed limit and then wanted to act like a fool when confronted about it that his personal life was more important and that he didn't have time to deal with his soldier. It is sad to say, but I have given up and plan to not reenlist this year because this Army is getting to soft and the soldiers are getting worse and worse.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 4:17 AM

2015-04-13T04:17:51-04:00

I feel the new generation have a level of they do not care about things that should be important. The reason most of the new SM I come across are here to do an initial term just for college benefits. I am starting to feel the military should put new restraints on college requirements. like more than an initial term, this would weed out the SM here for the purpose not the college...

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Apr 13 at 2015 6:21 AM

2015-04-13T06:21:24-04:00

This goes way beyond ignorance, this is just plain stupid! It wouldn't surprise me if it were someone on duty, maybe even extra duty!

Do we need a new EO program - NOPE, investigate and catch them and then prosecute their asses to the maximum extent allowable under the law! Time to use this example to make someone an example!

Response by PFC Stephens Clark made Apr 13 at 2015 7:01 AM

2015-04-13T07:01:02-04:00

I served at Ft. Stewart, GA back in 89-90 even though for just a short time we had one instance of vandalism. They were caught eventually by the Post M.P. It's just wrong to play a racial game on a post with thousands of Soldiers and Civilians. I hope they catch the person or people responsible for this. 92nd Engineers Black Diamonds A. Co. Lead the way. HOOOOOORAH

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 7:15 AM

2015-04-13T07:15:12-04:00

This is just horrible, and quite honestly I don't understand what the perpetrators were thinking.

If everything went according to plan, what is to be gained? What point are they trying to make? That the hospital doesn't care, they don't treat the patients right?

This is, quite honestly, the worst revenge plan ever.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Apr 13 at 2015 7:20 AM

2015-04-13T07:20:16-04:00

You reap what you sow. Unfortunately lower standards to get it couple with watered down leadership, lack of ability to throttle people when they need it allows some to feel "bulletproof".

Yes, find them, prosecute them and send them on their way but you will only be addressing this one person, not the cause. The cause will be far more challenging to fix.

Response by SSG Dwight Amey MSA, MSL, BS, AS made Apr 13 at 2015 7:39 AM

2015-04-13T07:39:02-04:00

CSM Mike Oldsen, as far as I am concerned the 22 years of active duty I served this has been a mute issue because each time crap like this rears it's ugly head my chain of command had a zero tolerance approach. I suspect a disgruntled soldier towards a black leader, but then I could be wrong too.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 7:45 AM

2015-04-13T07:45:36-04:00

Not only is it racist and immature, it's disrespectful to the Soldier the clinic was named in honor of...Lloyd C. Hawks

The Congressional Medal of Honor

For gallantry and intrepidity at risk of life above and beyond the call of duty. On January 30, 1944, at 3 p.m., near Carano, Italy, Pfc. Hawks braved an enemy counterattack in order to rescue 2 wounded men who, unable to move, were lying in an exposed position within 30 yards of the enemy. Two riflemen, attempting the rescue, had been forced to return to their fighting holes by extremely severe enemy machinegun fire, after crawling only 10 yards toward the casualties. An aid man, whom the enemy could plainly identify as such, had been critically wounded in a similar attempt. Pfc. Hawks, nevertheless, crawled 50 yards through a veritable hail of machinegun bullets and flying mortar fragments to a small ditch, administered first aid to his fellow aid man who had sought cover therein, and continued toward the 2 wounded men 50 yards distant. An enemy machinegun bullet penetrated his helmet, knocking it from his head, momentarily stunning him. Thirteen bullets passed through his helmet as it lay on the ground within 6 inches of his body. Pfc. Hawks, crawled to the casualties, administered first aid to the more seriously wounded man and dragged him to a covered position 25 yards distant. Despite continuous automatic fire from positions only 30 yards away and shells which exploded within 25 yards, Pfc. Hawks returned to the second man and administered first aid to him. As he raised himself to obtain bandages from his medical kit his right hip was shattered by a burst of machinegun fire and a second burst splintered his left forearm. Displaying dogged determination and extreme self-control, Pfc. Hawks, despite severe pain and his dangling left arm, completed the task of bandaging the remaining casualty and with superhuman effort dragged him to the same depression to which he had brought the first man. Finding insufficient cover for 3 men at this point, Pfc. Hawks crawled 75 yards in an effort to regain his company, reaching the ditch in which his fellow aid man was lying.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 8:24 AM

2015-04-13T08:24:14-04:00

CSM Private RallyPoint Member , a few bad apples don't make an entire orchard bad. I am embarrassed by this individual's actions, and it is truly disgraceful, but I think the instant explosion by all who've seen it has proven that this isn't the norm any longer.

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Apr 13 at 2015 8:45 AM

2015-04-13T08:45:51-04:00

Looking at the facts, points to an agenda that we the people are being manipulated.. the media provokes disunity among the races probably for the government by both political parties ( which constitutes division that makes people vote along party lines regardless of whom is the puppet) to be able to pass more unconstitutional laws while we the people focus on other races as enemies. We lose the constitution and are then we are all slaves to a government that controls two sides for perpetual fear or the other side and we never know how it happened.
Like the book 1984 soon to be a remade movie showing at all theaters near you. So by voting for bigger government that takes care of you from cradle to grave we get media coverage that motivates racial profiling, discrimination, for the legislators to apply the magicians sligh of hand on us. But you already know that, so why do you believe them

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Apr 13 at 2015 8:59 AM

2015-04-13T08:59:06-04:00

This is sad to see but we have to remember that there have always been idiots in the Army. For them the bar for being all they can be is pretty low. There is no room for this in a professional force and I hope this fool is found and kicked out of the Army yesterday.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 13 at 2015 9:16 AM

2015-04-13T09:16:25-04:00

Oh! I thought it said "murderers" when I first read it...

Wow... someone REALLY doesn't like Fort Stewart...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 12:51 PM

2015-04-13T12:51:59-04:00

And just FYI, this is all I could think of when I first read this posting.

And, I guarantee you sang that, and didn't just "read" it.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Apr 13 at 2015 12:56 PM

2015-04-13T12:56:55-04:00

I think it's reprehensible, but at the same time, I'd have to temper that with saying that it's probably less about the Army or what has happened to it and really about one jacked-up individual. As screwed up as that sign is right now (or when the pic was taken), it doesn't represent Ft. Stewart or the Army. It represents one stupid a-hole with his head not screwed on right.

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Apr 13 at 2015 1:26 PM

2015-04-13T13:26:14-04:00

This isn't the first time. Actually while I was in 2d Brigade one of our paralegals car was keyed with "F**K UCMJ, F**K the Army" It is usually stupid bitter bad Soldiers and or Teens. It does reach beyond the Army into society in a whole.

Ironically usuallyt he people who do this stuff are already hard chargers toward civilian life and/or jail.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 2:03 PM

2015-04-13T14:03:40-04:00

I recall the old Army. Everyone now a days wants attention. They feel like they are the victim. They are posting pictures in uniform doing some of the most unbelievable stuff. This is what it turns into. A undisciplined lot. The issue is that there are so many new soldiers few remember a pre-war Army and what it was like. We are descending in professionalism and if you complain about it you are the bad guy. That is just me.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 2:05 PM

2015-04-13T14:05:39-04:00

Epic disappointment.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 2:58 PM

2015-04-13T14:58:25-04:00

IT seems there are leaders who pay a lot of lip service to some of these programs but don't actively embrace them. There are also going to be soldiers who are outliers and do bad things, but are not representative of the soldiers who show up to work and do what they're supposed to every single day.

I personally find this behavior disgusting. When I was in the 82d back in the early 90s, we had a small problem with racism, but It was isolated to just a few soldiers who were acting up. Leadership identified them, separated them and the problem went away.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Apr 13 at 2015 3:21 PM

2015-04-13T15:21:00-04:00

The military is a reflection of society, plain and simple. The same thing has happened to the military that I loved that has happened to our society. Lack of discipline, immoral conduct, explosion of the entitlement class, liberal policies, inept and corrupt government, and on and on.

One need only study history to see what the end result will be and it is not going to be pretty.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 3:29 PM

2015-04-13T15:29:19-04:00

Anyone who believes there hasn't been a race issue or racism within the US Army, either since it's very inception or that there isn't racial disparity even now, has been living with blinders on. A new EO program will never ever change how AMERICANS think and believe. It isn't a white vs black thing alone. It's a black vs white, a white vs Hispanic, a Hispanic vs black, Christian vs Jew, Muslim vs Christian. It has always been here and always will be. I have on numerous occasions heard the term from white troops after looking over their shoulder the same as I have heard many of my black brothers make dispicable and disparaging comments towards whites etc etc etc. It's the human condition. It's sad but true. I'm a firm believer that each American has the right to believe anything he wants. If he wants to hate white or blacks or whatever and be a racist, that's their right to do so, privately!! These actions are a fundamental break down of discipline and self control. This is about putting self above the corps. That's where I have an issue. We have bred an Army where we don't discipline troops anymore. Administratively sure but... What does that do?? We don't smoke soldiers. We don't build espirit d'corps. We don't teach or mentor or engender the thought that the Corps is greater than the self. I don't care if you dislike someone based on skin color, that's your hang up. What I care about is if you have the discipline to table that shit and stand next to your GREEN brother and destroy the enemy. This tells me that whoever is responsible for this cannot do that. They don't have the will or sense of pride or professionalism to know the time and place for their behavior, regardless of how disgusting I myself find it!

Response by SPC Donald Moore made Apr 13 at 2015 4:44 PM

2015-04-13T16:44:08-04:00

PT morning and evening every day until someone comes forward ??

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2015 5:09 PM

2015-04-13T17:09:23-04:00

That is a shame. I hope the MPs find out who was responsible for this, and whoever did this is held accountable and punished to the fullest extent.

Response by SSG John Erny made Apr 13 at 2015 6:34 PM

2015-04-13T18:34:12-04:00

There have always been troops that wanted out or were not happy with serving, but most feared the punishment they would get for acting out. I think that is part of the problem, the Army no longer punishes people for bad behavior. Counseling statement after counseling statement; most people who do not plan on staying in do not fear a piece of paper. Bring back CCF (corrections facility) and see what happens. 8 weeks of hell on earth. It was explained to me that it was like basic training with out the training, getting smoked, details, very long days. Troops should fear the chain of command if they mess up.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Apr 13 at 2015 6:52 PM

2015-04-13T18:52:14-04:00

CSM Mike Olsden, what happened to ethics with the young people going into the military thinking it was a job and career like we thought of it back in the 1980's and 1990's be all YOU can be, and SOLDIER OF ONE? . Now we got thugs, that is why the ARMED FORCES are cutting back including benefits, because they (leadership) knows whose in the RANKS. I hear it on my LINKEDIN account and it's not good!!!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Apr 14 at 2015 12:59 AM

2015-04-14T00:59:34-04:00

CSM Private RallyPoint Member Definitely unacceptable, from one of our own.

I think several things are at play here.

First, I believe in the mass media, social media age, information is available quickly and all over unlike it was back in our day. Everything that happens, is all over in no time.

I don't believe the next generation is bad, or that we are failing.

I do believe the EO program needs to be relooked and if it is important, we need to put effort and focus on training and education; most units just go through the motions and/or check the block, unless we make this a priority.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 3:17 AM

2015-04-14T03:17:56-04:00

I have to agree with CSM Michael J. Uhlig, his comment is very good.

I do have to wonder though about some of the Troops we are receiving these days. It seems as though they did not have good parenting.

Not to mention when I watch the news there seems to be a great deal of hatred spreading. Almost as though we are reverting backwards instead of progressing.

I know that the first response is to blame Leaders but there is only so much we can do to prevent certain things.

People these days are quick to lash out and then try and ask for forgiveness.

Hopefully an investigation will catch the perpetrators so that they can be properly dealt with.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 5:50 AM

2015-04-14T05:50:10-04:00

Wow. Just wow.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 7:18 AM

2015-04-14T07:18:24-04:00

It isn't leadership but the screening process. The system is setup to keep out those with managed mood disorders but we let in delinquents, drug users, and gang bangers. You can break some people of this, but not everyone.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 14 at 2015 8:12 AM

2015-04-14T08:12:06-04:00

This makes me wonder, were the MPs on patrol when this happen? When on the road cycle, I am constantly driving around looking for anything and deterring crime. This is crazy.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 9:25 AM

2015-04-14T09:25:10-04:00

Just throwing this out there (Devil's Advocate style), but with the way a lot of black service members toss the N-word around - how do we know this wasn't done by a disgruntled black service member?

Until they catch the jerk that did this (because really, regardless of color - the act is disgusting in many ways), we'll need to stick with what we know. I do hope to see a picture of the SM that did this with a toothbrush and a can of water scrubbing that sign in the near future.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 9:53 AM

2015-04-14T09:53:53-04:00

This is disgusting. And it absolutely hurts my heart that not only a Service Member disrespected the building, but that any human being would do it. There is a lack enforcing Army Values as a our foundation within the ranks now. The Army is changing as we downsize, and as we move away from a time of war, however, what we are as Soldiers should not change. Our core values and how we carry and conduct ourselves should not.

Response by SGT Marika Waiters made Apr 14 at 2015 2:13 PM

2015-04-14T14:13:30-04:00

There is a new breed of people with a huge FALSE sense of entitlement; they lack common courtesy, common decency, manners, and common sense.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 3:28 PM

2015-04-14T15:28:31-04:00

Find em, prosecute them to the max! Set the example by making an example of these idiots. I saw the local news media TV coverage before heading to work (on Ft. Stewart) on Monday morning. None of the signs that had the graffitti on it were shown on the coverage. But it made the local headlines. I'm hoping the next time we hear about this incident, thru leads or what ever, I hope the coverage is "idiots found, standard established, and punishment of these idiots to the max ....and then some!

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Apr 14 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-04-14T17:52:13-04:00

Has the person been identified? Everyone seems to be blaming a soldier, but there are a lot of non-military on posts, too.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 14 at 2015 5:58 PM

2015-04-14T17:58:00-04:00

Back in the day, they would lock down the post, and start tearing up the barracks, POV's, and search everywhere until spray paint cans turned up. We policed each other because we hated having everything tossed.

Response by SSG Kelly Ferguson made Apr 14 at 2015 8:40 PM

2015-04-14T20:40:45-04:00

CSM this is what happens when the good ole boy is in effect. Then leadership that I see is where they have in to long I have seen E-5/6 that have had double digits years that don't know how to lead

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 9:09 PM

2015-04-14T21:09:46-04:00

We as an Institution are better than this, yet we have a few disaffected mouth-breathers, who everyone back home really hoped the Army could straighten out - from the high school guidance counselor, the local beat cop or deputy sheriff, the barber and the guy down the street who always got his house egged by this miscreant every Halloween - everyone genuinely hoped that the Army could reach this punk, provide him whatever intangibles had been so sorely lacking, and he would return home a respectable young man. Hell, the punk probably wanted it for himself, too; the only part he didn't like was the hours of hard work, dedication, commitment, and sacrifice that went in to becoming the best. No, a kid like this expects his rewards to come easily in life; or he simply takes what is rightfully not his. Those things he cannot get or take when no one else is looking, he bad mouths those things; telling anyone who will listen just how much bullshit they really are, how little anyone really cares.

So, now we have an approximate profile of our perpetrator; please note that thus far I have not speculated about his race. That is because in 2015, it really doesn't matter anymore. A group of young black thugs is just as likely to tag something with the N-word as is a group of young white rednecks, in each case, the aftermath is every bit as equally egregious and outrageous, so indeed, look how far we've come! At long last, we can celebrate the graffitied use of the N-word and not be entirely certain it's a white suspect the MP are looking for! Our diversity programs are finally bearing fruit! (sarcasm off)

There is no room in a downsizing force for this BS! It is contrary to good order and discipline and does not align with any of our 7 Army Values. If as leaders we fail to take an aggressive stance on cancers such as these when they arise, we will soon lose our organization to the goons and the thugs and the criminals. So, as CSM Michael J. Uhlig said, when you find those responsible, we must investigate, prosecute, and then separate these unworthy punks from our ranks just as expeditiously as possible!

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 14 at 2015 10:21 PM

2015-04-14T22:21:14-04:00

Is it just me or does this stuff only come from the Red states?
And what does Equal Opportunity have to do with this?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 10:57 PM

2015-04-14T22:57:31-04:00

As others have mentioned, our force mirrors our society. As our society becomes increasingly polarized on a number of fronts, it follows that shameful behavior like this happens. I'm disgusted as well but I'm unfortunately not overly surprised.

I don't necessarily feel this is an EO issue however. I've heard plenty of dark complected individuals use that word to denigrate others. Furthermore, no amount of death by powerpoint or political correctness is going to change an individual with the capacity to behave this way. As it sits I think our sensitivity related to EO and SHARP issues has gone too far in some areas already.

Instead, I would suggest that the individuals responsible be punished to the maximum extent under the UCMJ. Make an example out of them and show like-minded individuals that such reprehensible behavior will not be tolerated. Inflict enough ass-pain on their peers and units that we police ourselves within the ranks. Until we have a racism-free society we will not have a racism-free force. We can however put standards and values in place to ensure that such prejudices are not acted upon and actively discourage such individuals from enlisting to start with.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 3:45 AM

2015-04-15T03:45:38-04:00

The new generation is worse. It is worse because we frown on kids having fist fights. We overly entitle them and allow them to think they are special little snow flakes. We've removed rites of passage and say it is "hazing". Hard times breed hard men and despite 15 years of continuous combat we've become weaker. We're weaker because we are moving towards a zero defect military that penalizes a true warrior mentality. The military of today seems to think everyone belongs everywhere and you can do what you want.

The sad thing is, this happened on our watch and we allowed it to happen.

And it has nothing to do with recruiting standards. In the days of a draft Army, some may call it our greatest generation, the Army dealt with the hand it was given and made it work. Today's Army is broken because the leadership allowed it to happen. By leadership I mean anyone above the rank of E-5. This is your Army, own it.

*I'm not a PFC.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-04-15T12:07:40-04:00

I would bet on someone's dependants as the culprit

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 12:47 PM

2015-04-15T12:47:01-04:00

A new EO program isn't going to change anything. Whoever did this needs to prosecuted for vandalism and chaptered. Their actions are obviously detrimental to the good order and discipline of whatever unit they serve and their continued presence after having been found guilty will do nothing but cause problems with their fellow service members. Simply put...they gotta go.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-04-15T12:53:43-04:00

As a PFC in the guard i could never imagine being on base and doing this. the lack of respect i see young soldiers having is despicable. i am 19 years old and i could never ever imagine being this rude and nasty to barracks, people,others property. kids now a days don't see the damage they do to others and property they see it as oh well pvt snuffy dared me and i am not a B****. the person who did this either wants to see others suffer or just has a lack of sense. i probably ranting but its the assholes like this that ruin good shit for others and it just makes me genuinely sick. I joined to help the cause and be a better person Soldier wise and Civilian wise. not to see things ruined and hurt the greater good.. people need to wise up

sorry for the long rant!

Response by SPC Edward Tapper made Apr 15 at 2015 7:09 PM

2015-04-15T19:09:11-04:00

Makes one wonder if it was done by a wayward young service member with no pride nor respect for his/her home, or was it, perhaps, a wayward young Army Brat who has no respect for dad/ mom's career. As the old saying goes, "It takes a village to raise an idiot!" Time for the MPs to find the culprit and allow all of Ft. Stewart to "Raise" this idiot. That's all I have to say about that. Downright disrespectful and shameful.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 8:12 PM

2015-04-15T20:12:11-04:00

No, our equal opportunity is fine. I think we train on it and hold enough classes to last most Soldiers a lifetime. I almost can't believe this its so disgusting. If they would find out who did this, I literally believe they should be fucking canned. Send a good message to the other animals out there that don't deserve to be in our family we call the military. With all of this racial tension going on lately I was happy to tell these sorry civilians how we don't have racism in the military. We are a family. And I would take a bullet for any brother of mine no matter his race. Therefore, I took pleasure in letting people know this racial tension is beneath us and we honestly just shake our heads at all these moronic civilians out there hating people. Granted, we have fun in the military making fun of our brothers of other races and religions and receiving the flak in return because we usually know we don't really mean any of it, we're family, and its just funnier than hell to pick on each other for whatever we can find. Now this kind of ridiculous bullshit....I believe we need to severely, and I mean severely punish those responsible. Bring back the days of the stockade or sweat box. Forced labor 12 hours a day filling sand bags. Make the person that did this want to commit suicide that's how miserable we have made his days. Again, send a message to these other "lower than civilians" that we will bring the hand of God down for brining racism into our family.

Response by SSG Randy D. made Apr 15 at 2015 10:35 PM

2015-04-15T22:35:16-04:00

I say this isn't a failure on leadership but society as a whole. This nation is full of PC babies who think everything should be handed to them. Way to many "leaders" are in it for the money and not the position. Not sure when the Army went down hill but it was WAY before I joined in 2008. I still won't forget the look on my Dads face when he saw the APFTs.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 7:59 AM

2015-04-16T07:59:00-04:00

This doesn't surprise me, I see this all the time in bathroom stalls, portable toilets, smoking pavilions. This has always been a problem and pretending it doesn't exist is ridiculous. It's harder to bring a persons racism into action, simply because we follow clear rules and regulations. That doesn't mean the military doesn't have racism it just means it is harder to put your feelings into action with all the oversight we have

Response by PO3 David Davis made Apr 16 at 2015 8:41 AM

2015-04-16T08:41:34-04:00

Unfortunately we have raised a generation that has no respect for for anyone os anything.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 8:42 AM

2015-04-16T08:42:02-04:00

I drove by after getting off work it looks like they just wiped it best they could now it looks like swirls and you can still tell what was written id like to find whoever did it and make them pay for the damages

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 9:08 AM

2015-04-16T09:08:21-04:00

I can't get the article to load up on my phone.
Are we sure this was done by a service member?
Isn't ft Stewart an open post? It used to be anyone could drive right on, I remember a major state road that ran right through it.
Regardless, it's sad.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 9:54 AM

2015-04-16T09:54:42-04:00

I read all of the comments and I started thinking about...well.... we have an issue that needs a solution, and that solution needs to be done with cooperation as well as mutual understanding between leadership (civilians and military). I respect the military lineage where we come from but the focus should not be on the past but on what we need to do as a force to contribute to a military functional system. Yes, in every unit we have training to take, doctrine to learn, but is not about what we learn or memorize, is about how we put all of that knowledge into practice. The Army, as an organization, is definitely changing, and the bottom line should be on Army values. Nurturing a positive culture is key to helps soldiers feel part of the organization. I know it is a difficult task based on what I have seen but we have to keep moving forward. I wonder what our soldiers, 20 years from now, would say about our Army now?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-04-16T16:11:46-04:00

Let me start off by saying that i do not condone this type of behavior in any way. I remember back in the day when good ol Rocky would have a certain part painted blue. Yes in a way we as leaders are failing the newer generations. By this i mean that once we put on the ACU's and stopped having to shine our boots or iron the BDU's the discipline went far out the window. Also another issue that there has been is over the course of the last 12 years of being at WAR we have prematuraly promoted both Officers and NCO's that are not developed or mature enough to hold that rank. They were simply promoted because they chose to stay in while the good leaders chose to get out. As far as the EO training i dont think that we need a new program we just need to stop showing/ talking about the same thing every quarter and make sure that EVERYONE is present at those Mandatory briefings.

Response by SPC Angel Guma made Apr 17 at 2015 2:02 AM

2015-04-17T02:02:28-04:00

CSM-

Very Respectfully, (and I mean this both out of military courtesy, and as a fellow American), its not that current leaders are 'failing' this generation, its that the current generation of leaders had leaders that failed THEM, these young punks are not 'worse' than we think, they've always been that way. The further you examine the issue, the worse it'll get because there is no higher moral discussions going on amongst young people other than backstabbing friends, fostering corporate politics, all around laziness and dishonoring themselves and their country. People have to have integrity to see integrity out of the young people they are 'mentoring', because its clear that somewhere along the way, they were failed. But when too many of these types make that middling sort of rank- too high up the food chain to be called out by lower enlisted, but too low to have the vast responsibilities, that's where you will find them.

I also don't think the military can really fix this issue either. Americans have to want to talk about things they don't want to face. People who lay out the dirt get fired from their jobs and don't get that promotion, so there's little incentive for Americans to lay it out.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2015 2:24 AM

2015-04-17T02:24:56-04:00

This incident has nothing to do with EO and EO training will not fix this.
My guess is this was perpetrated by a bottom feeder that is starving for attention. Such individuals can't help themselves and just have to brag about what they have done. In time, it will be found out who did it, and woe unto that poor bastard when his CoC gets hold of him. That is, if the garrison commander doesn't get there first.

In terms of how to fix it, all I need is five minutes and three volunteers.
Any takers?

Response by SPC David S. made Apr 17 at 2015 10:51 AM

2015-04-17T10:51:05-04:00

I wouldn't say this display of ignorance is a leadership issue, more so a societal one. This is what happens when one has not learned the value and the meaning of respect. That's not the military's job that societies domain.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 8:43 AM

2015-04-21T08:43:03-04:00

I was station at FORT Stewart from 2005-2013 and never had i seen such blatant disrespect sprawled on the infrastructure. This is straight disrespect to all our Soldiers serving and fallen..

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2015 12:08 PM

2015-04-21T12:08:49-04:00

The same thing that happened to my Army, and my father's, and his father's---every generational change, society changes; many other standards then change. Some good, some not. Noncommissioned Officers are charged by Congress to maintain order, customs, and traditions....yet one can only so far with people who have no firm basis in common core culture.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 4:55 AM

2015-04-24T04:55:10-04:00

Fellow Non Commissioned Officers I absolutely agree with the CSM statement things has changed and during my time in the military I have never seen this nonsense at all. SM are bold in making a disrespectful statement to a NCO and It comes to our hands being tied to a degree that we cannot take appropriate action. With some of my SM I have put them in the position of forcing the SM to see and understand how it feels to take action on situations that the SM has conducted while the SM is in our position to make a decision on what should happen to the SM. I have also had the SM to teach a class on that situation on what was conducted and the ramifications should be for that SM.

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Apr 30 at 2015 8:17 PM

2015-04-30T20:17:50-04:00

I'd put good money down that this was done by a bratty, juvenile dependent.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 9:38 PM

2015-04-30T21:38:42-04:00

SGM, there are Soldiers within our ranks that somehow slipped through the recruiting process and training and are now part of our army. The recruited anybody off the streets not even 5-10 years ago, and you know the standards for coming into the army were pretty low. We took in people with criminal charges, drug addicts, high school drop outs, really who ever came to the recruiting station. Great for numbers, bad for quality. What happened? Those same people went on to become NCOs and Officers and are now in charge of teaching other Soldiers. Yes the standard has gone down, but I don't think there is anything different about the Army, there is something different about the Army leaders. I believe some Soldiers can be taught to become professionals and treat other Soldiers with dignity and respect but there are some Soldiers that no matter how hard you try will never get it or have been getting away with this sort of non-sense for too long. We need to weed these bad apples and only retain the highest caliber Soldiers. We have allowed these weeds to grow within our Army and just like any weed, if we don't remove them they suck out the life of everything else around them.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 6 at 2015 10:19 AM

2015-05-06T10:19:13-04:00

While I do feel your pain, it is all from where we are. This happened when we were privates, when we were in short pants and when Roman Legions were marching into Gaul. The only differences is our perspective at the time. Twenty years from now, a private who knows the vandals (anyone like the historical tie of Vandals to Romans? Anyone? :) ) will be making a similar comment, and they will be just as justified in their outrage.

Response by SGT Curtis Earl made May 6 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-05-06T11:27:52-04:00

Hey SM, don't take it so personal. Overall, the Army is a far better place than the civilian world. It's why I decided to reenlist as a reservist. Every organization will have it's knuckleheads. I say we clean up the sign, and drive on. The fools that did this will eventually get what's coming to them.

Story Time: I once had a 1SG that was intensely racist. I mean, he was so bad that my squad leader - a white guy - noticed it before I did. I just thought my 1SG was an asshole. I thought he had it out for me because I was a bit cocky. I didn't break any rules, but I wasn't intimidated by him. I joined the Army at 23 (with a degree) and I'd grown up on Marine Corp bases. I respected him, but I wasn't scared of him and I just thought that confidence irked him. My squad leader tried to convince me that me and the other black soldiers were being abused. Sent out to mow lawns when Heat Cat said to stay inside. Denied weekend passes and winter exodus. Promotion packets sent back for no reason, just told to 'improve'. My SL began notating all the extra duties the minority soldiers were assigned. He wrote down the inappropriate things 1SG would say to us in formation. He kept track of passes and leave approvals. Even after I saw the proof, I was still on the fence. I'm not some soft crybaby who cries 'racism' because the 1SG has a hardon me. My SL was smarter than me, though. Eventually, this 1SG dug a hole he couldnt get himself out of with another solider: sexual harrassment and inappropriate contact with juniors. When everythin went down, it was my SQ's notes that helped force him into retirement.

He got his. These asshat soldiers will eventually get theirs, too. What they did was not representative of the Army I know and love.

Response by SGT Anthony Bussing made May 6 at 2015 11:53 AM

2015-05-06T11:53:34-04:00

one thing to remember...it happens after every long and drawn out war...we need people so bad that sometimes our standards "slip" a little...so now, what we have with the ending of ops in Iraq and the draw down in A-Stan...we can start weeding out the "lesser" soldiers (soldier being used here as a generic term for all branches) and get back to pre 9/11 standards. Today, what is looked at with a side glance, Ithink we can all agree, would have gotten you hammered in the 1980s-1990s....has nothing to do with "entitlement generation" or anything else like that...but we lost 5K men in Iraq alone...we NEEDED cannon fodd...I mean...soldiers...from 2003 we were fighting two wars, plus numerous brush fires around the world...we couldnt be so picky on who MEPS allowed to pass....so, give it another year or two and all the old soldiers will get our ranks back into line...same thing happened after the Nam....remember the drug problems the military had back in the 1970s? (or so Ive read)...I have faith in our senior leadership...

Response by SSgt Donnavon Smith made May 26 at 2015 6:27 PM

2015-05-26T18:27:26-04:00

I will just leave this here:

http://www.dailyrepublic.com/news/solanocounty/1970s-race-riot-rocks-base/

This crap happens, the military is not exempt

Race riot rocked Travis base in early 1970s

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE — Like a storm on the horizon, the first signs of trouble came in the form of a loud stereo in the dorms and a black sergeant known as “Chief” in late May 1971. Wh...

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 10:33 PM

2015-05-27T22:33:05-04:00

I'm still just an Airman basic soon to be A1C and this makes me sick to see this also.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 1:01 AM

2015-05-28T01:01:22-04:00

Shoot them in the face.

Response by SGT Michelle Saunders made May 30 at 2015 12:11 AM

2015-05-30T00:11:11-04:00

It's the new ungrateful and stuck on stupid nation.