What was military life like during stagflation?

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 16:55:45 -0400

I'm curious to hear from some of the older generation about what life was like while financial markets were in turmoil. Specifically, what was the military lifestyle like during stagflation? What were some of your concerns? Did they mirror your civilian counterparts or did you feel insulated by the military? Were you ever concerned that you couldn't provide for your family?

Response by LTC John Shaw made May 1 at 2015 8:06 AM

LTC John Shaw — Fri, 01 May 2015 08:06:42 -0400

@2d Lt Matthew Schultz

Thankfully, I am not quite old enough to tell you what it was like in the military during stagflation, born in 1966. I can discuss how if felt as a civilian child under Fort/Carter, then a teenager and young adult under Reagan.

I saw my families and many other families destroyed by Carter's fiscal and economic policies. When interest rates spiked to over 21% my family and many others lost all real estate and building lots as banks recalled all assets they could, even if you were current.

While our building business was in bankruptcy we worked remodeling old houses for cash. It was 1982, when I was 14, covered in the old style gritty insulation, I determined I would learn about these new computers on a TRS-80 Model 3 and 4. What we used to call the TRASH-80 series of computers, when Radio Shack and America made things.

Reagan brought policies of lower taxes, increased spending in the military and the 'can do' optimism back to America.

Leaders can make a difference and Reagan was an example of a great leader, despite what all the MSM and liberals want to make of him with revisionist history.

I am thankful to have grown up during this time and that led me to the Army KYNG in 1986.
I hope this provides some perspective for you.