Why is it so hard for military officers to stay off the booze? Are you not surprised or disappointed in the latest VA nominee?

2018-04-28T02:14:44-04:00

https://www.snopes.com/ap/2018/04/26/ronny-jackson-withdraws-consideration-va-chief/

Can all these allegations be false or is there fire where there is smoke?

Ronny Jackson Withdraws from Consideration for VA Chief

President Donald Trump's pick to lead Veterans Affairs, Ronny Jackson, withdrew in the wake of late-surfacing allegations about overprescribing drugs and poor leadership while serving as a top White House doctor.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Apr 28 at 2018 2:20 AM

2018-04-28T02:20:32-04:00

It's the VA. Its destined to be involved in some kind of bullshit.

Response by TSgt David L. made Apr 28 at 2018 2:27 AM

2018-04-28T02:27:50-04:00

I'm not sure that the VA debacle is warranted to start off with, or has any merit. I'm not saying it doesn't, it just seems curious to me. See if this makes sense.
This Admiral was on POTUS W. Bush's team, and Obama's head doctor. So when did the hubbub start, I wonder to myself out loud? Is it because POTUS Trump nominated him? Otherwise you never heard a peep about this.

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 28 at 2018 5:18 AM

2018-04-28T05:18:30-04:00

I reject the premise that it is any harder for military officers to stay off booze than it is for any other demographic group without a scientifically verified genetic predisposition.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Apr 28 at 2018 5:43 AM

2018-04-28T05:43:52-04:00

I believe the allegations to be false, it's totally up to the individual whether they want to be social drinker, tea-totalers, or souses. And I'm not surprised that the latest nominee dropped out.

Response by Susan Foster made Apr 28 at 2018 9:01 AM

2018-04-28T09:01:04-04:00

The allegations may or may not be true; however, it is incumbent upon lawmakers of both parties to ensure that these things are cleared up before they lead a major organization. I personally believe he was unqualified for this position because of his lack of management experience. But that aside, he had to be cleared properly.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Apr 28 at 2018 9:18 AM

2018-04-28T09:18:46-04:00

Broad statement and should be edited. I have been an officer for 7 years but did 29 enlisted. Seen drinkers on both sides and usually the under 25 crowd that are the problem. I don't includes every under 25 year old in the statement.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Apr 28 at 2018 9:57 AM

2018-04-28T09:57:05-04:00

Why’s it so hard for anyone to stay off the booze?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 28 at 2018 10:14 AM

2018-04-28T10:14:34-04:00

I haven't a clue. Sadly, those we elected to represent us appear equally clueless

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2018 10:41 AM

2018-04-28T10:41:13-04:00

I mean, whatever. But the use of Snopes as a news source... Might as well be Bloomberg

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 28 at 2018 10:48 AM

2018-04-28T10:48:34-04:00

Unless things have changed over the years, that wasn't the situation. As an enlisted SM for over 20 years, that was not what I saw, Very few commissioned Officers had a serious drinking problem as opposed to many of my former shipmates.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Apr 28 at 2018 11:05 AM

2018-04-28T11:05:01-04:00

I was enlisted and a commissioned officer. In my opinion and experience, there is more drinking problems in the enlisted ranks. The problem is that it is higher visibility when an officer has a drinking problem. Frankly, no one cares outside of the unit and family when an E-4 or E-5 has a drinking problem.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Apr 28 at 2018 11:08 AM

2018-04-28T11:08:22-04:00

Why does your profile now show you as COL Private RallyPoint Member?

(The soldier to whom I posed this question initially was listed as PVT Victor H Harris.)

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 28 at 2018 4:48 PM

2018-04-28T16:48:21-04:00

This is a faulty statistical conclusion.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2018 6:21 PM

2018-04-28T18:21:58-04:00

Because they have to deal with snarky PVTs?