Posted on Jun 14, 2022
As the Army turns 247, it seeks to reengage with the next generation
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As the U.S. Army celebrates its 247th birthday on June 14, it finds itself misunderstood by a majority of a younger cohort of Americans from which it seeks new recruits: Generation Z.
A new “Know Your Army” campaign seeks to counteract misperceptions of a career in the oldest service branch among people in the 18-25 age bracket recently revealed in a cross-generation survey of 3,000 adults.
“The Army has what Gen Z is looking for in an employer — they just don’t know it yet,” Maj. Gen. Alex Fink, chief of Army Enterprise Marketing, said in a news release about the media campaign, which showcases the array of what officials argue are the generous salary, benefits and work-life balance offered by Army careers.
The survey found that 73% of Gen Z — the post-millennial generation that the Pew Research Center indicates is the most diverse and on track to become the most educated group yet — had “limited understanding of the Army and its ability to deliver on their needs,” the Army said.
(https://rly.pt/3tzpCZl)
The National Consumer Survey of U.S. adults aged 18-76, conducted March 7-15, 2022, found that the generation born after 1996 had these misperceptions of Army service:
A full 30% said they thought most Army roles are combat-related (the Army countered that there are 200-plus careers for soldiers in nearly every field including in the culinary arts, health and law).
Just 51% said they thought the Army allowed time for recreation and hobbies (this generation was also the least likely to believe soldiers had work-life balance).
Fewer in this generation were aware of Army benefits such as:
tuition assistance (53% knew)/full college tuition (53% knew)/advanced training certificates (36% knew)
home-loan benefits (34%)
free health care (44%)/complete health care coverage (42%)
early retirement (31%)
paid parental leave (21%)
low-cost child care (23%)
The campaign features five, 15-second videos in both English and Spanish that aim to counteract these misunderstandings by depicting diverse, youthful soldiers in recreational, social and family-oriented settings and sharing lesser-known facts about Army careers such as that soldiers have time to be parents, spouses, friends, athletes or gamers.
“‘Know Your Army’ plays an important role in shifting this narrative by educating young people about the incredible range of benefits making it possible for today’s 1 million soldiers to thrive at work and at home,” Fink said. “Whether you’re looking to continue your education, start a family or travel the world, the Army is committed to helping you build the future you’re looking for.”
Officials said that the survey data found that Gen Z’s career desires and lifestyle goals potentially align well with what the Army offers. For instance, more than 85% of Gen Z said they most wanted in a career with a well-paying salary, health insurance (82%) and paid time off (80%). In addition to free or low-cost health care and more paid days off than the average American civilian (at 30 days), the Army said it also now offers $50,000 in bonuses, preferred duty stations, access to student loan repayment relief and shorter enlistment periods. The Army also offers 12 weeks of paid parental leave for both parents.
Another 66% said of Gen Z said they wanted to work for a diverse organization. The Army noted that its diverse mix of soldiers come from every state in the nation and beyond.
Officials said the nationwide campaign is rolling out on television, online and via podcasts and on social media and other digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Google Discovery, YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter and LinkedIn.
As America’s first national institution does more to engage the next generation, celebrations of the Army’s official establishment on June 14, 1775, include a wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, outdoor festivals, a Twitter town hall and Army Day with the Washington Nationals on June 16.
Learn more
https://www.goarmy.com
U.S. Army birthday events: https://www.army.mil/1775/events.html
“73 Percent of Gen Z Says They Know the Army; New National Survey Says They Don't,” U.S. Army news release, June 1, 2022: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/73-percent-of-gen-z-says-they-know-the-army-new-national-survey-says-they-dont-301558393.html
“On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know About Gen Z So Far,” Pew Research Center blog, May 14, 2020: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far-2
A new “Know Your Army” campaign seeks to counteract misperceptions of a career in the oldest service branch among people in the 18-25 age bracket recently revealed in a cross-generation survey of 3,000 adults.
“The Army has what Gen Z is looking for in an employer — they just don’t know it yet,” Maj. Gen. Alex Fink, chief of Army Enterprise Marketing, said in a news release about the media campaign, which showcases the array of what officials argue are the generous salary, benefits and work-life balance offered by Army careers.
The survey found that 73% of Gen Z — the post-millennial generation that the Pew Research Center indicates is the most diverse and on track to become the most educated group yet — had “limited understanding of the Army and its ability to deliver on their needs,” the Army said.
(https://rly.pt/3tzpCZl)
The National Consumer Survey of U.S. adults aged 18-76, conducted March 7-15, 2022, found that the generation born after 1996 had these misperceptions of Army service:
A full 30% said they thought most Army roles are combat-related (the Army countered that there are 200-plus careers for soldiers in nearly every field including in the culinary arts, health and law).
Just 51% said they thought the Army allowed time for recreation and hobbies (this generation was also the least likely to believe soldiers had work-life balance).
Fewer in this generation were aware of Army benefits such as:
tuition assistance (53% knew)/full college tuition (53% knew)/advanced training certificates (36% knew)
home-loan benefits (34%)
free health care (44%)/complete health care coverage (42%)
early retirement (31%)
paid parental leave (21%)
low-cost child care (23%)
The campaign features five, 15-second videos in both English and Spanish that aim to counteract these misunderstandings by depicting diverse, youthful soldiers in recreational, social and family-oriented settings and sharing lesser-known facts about Army careers such as that soldiers have time to be parents, spouses, friends, athletes or gamers.
“‘Know Your Army’ plays an important role in shifting this narrative by educating young people about the incredible range of benefits making it possible for today’s 1 million soldiers to thrive at work and at home,” Fink said. “Whether you’re looking to continue your education, start a family or travel the world, the Army is committed to helping you build the future you’re looking for.”
Officials said that the survey data found that Gen Z’s career desires and lifestyle goals potentially align well with what the Army offers. For instance, more than 85% of Gen Z said they most wanted in a career with a well-paying salary, health insurance (82%) and paid time off (80%). In addition to free or low-cost health care and more paid days off than the average American civilian (at 30 days), the Army said it also now offers $50,000 in bonuses, preferred duty stations, access to student loan repayment relief and shorter enlistment periods. The Army also offers 12 weeks of paid parental leave for both parents.
Another 66% said of Gen Z said they wanted to work for a diverse organization. The Army noted that its diverse mix of soldiers come from every state in the nation and beyond.
Officials said the nationwide campaign is rolling out on television, online and via podcasts and on social media and other digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Google Discovery, YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter and LinkedIn.
As America’s first national institution does more to engage the next generation, celebrations of the Army’s official establishment on June 14, 1775, include a wreath-laying at Arlington National Cemetery, outdoor festivals, a Twitter town hall and Army Day with the Washington Nationals on June 16.
Learn more
https://www.goarmy.com
U.S. Army birthday events: https://www.army.mil/1775/events.html
“73 Percent of Gen Z Says They Know the Army; New National Survey Says They Don't,” U.S. Army news release, June 1, 2022: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/73-percent-of-gen-z-says-they-know-the-army-new-national-survey-says-they-dont-301558393.html
“On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know About Gen Z So Far,” Pew Research Center blog, May 14, 2020: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far-2
Weapon Systems Officer (WSO)
Birthday
Policy
Enlisted
Esprit de Corps
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 5
9
9
0
6
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1SG John B. Enlow
What's wrong with black and gold PT uniforms, Major? They look sharper than any PT uniform I saw in 21 years of service, and the photo shows them running in formation.
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“The Army has what Gen Z is looking for in an employer — they just don’t know it yet,” Maj. Gen. Alex Fink, chief of Army Enterprise Marketing, said in a news release about the media campaign, which showcases the array of what officials argue are the generous salary, benefits and work-life balance offered by Army careers.
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No, we old men don't understand Generation Z. They are decisively engaged with the digital arena. They are more sedentary and the females like artsy stuff. When I was young, I was into sports and school.
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No, we old men don't understand Generation Z. They are decisively engaged with the digital arena. They are more sedentary and the females like artsy stuff. When I was young, I was into sports and school.
(4)
(1)
SSG Roger Ayscue
We don't need to understand anything other than for the most part they have been spoiled, received everything that they ever wanted and consider that they themselves are the center of the known universe.
I work with Cadets now. IF you want to get the best out of them, BE A SOLDIER. Don't put up with their whining, maintain a standard and expect that standard from them... Most Gen - X Cadets that I have worked with that transitioned into the military WANTED to be trained hard, wanted to have a standard to reach and wanted to be taught and held accountable. They also have common sense that they shake their heads and wonder why the Army and other branches do, say and embrace some of the stupidity that they do.
I have had Cadets ask me if the military is "Serious about this crap" when they read about the Social engineering and experimentation that the military is doing, then they go become firefighters and EMTs.
We need to go BACK to the time when the US Military had only one mission, to defend the nation....The right kind of applicants will continue to join and those that need coaxing, consoling and counseling will still not no matter what you do , and that is a good thing.
I work with Cadets now. IF you want to get the best out of them, BE A SOLDIER. Don't put up with their whining, maintain a standard and expect that standard from them... Most Gen - X Cadets that I have worked with that transitioned into the military WANTED to be trained hard, wanted to have a standard to reach and wanted to be taught and held accountable. They also have common sense that they shake their heads and wonder why the Army and other branches do, say and embrace some of the stupidity that they do.
I have had Cadets ask me if the military is "Serious about this crap" when they read about the Social engineering and experimentation that the military is doing, then they go become firefighters and EMTs.
We need to go BACK to the time when the US Military had only one mission, to defend the nation....The right kind of applicants will continue to join and those that need coaxing, consoling and counseling will still not no matter what you do , and that is a good thing.
(1)
(0)
SFC Lyle Green
As more and more of this era military members are victims of the agendas, fraud and totally unethical treatment by the "bureaucrats of the regime" who in their right mind would ever consider joining the military?
“Our Military has Become a Ruthless, Toxic Mélange of Spineless, Gas-Lighting Leadership” – Wife of US Hero and Warrior Speaks Out after He Is Ruined by His Immediate Military Leadership
By Joe Hoft, TGP < [login to see] >
Published August 5, 2022 at 9:00pm
The following letter is from the wife of an American soldier and the mother of his children. This American hero, father, and husband is being attacked despite a board recommending that her husband, Brandon Budge, remain on flying status.
Don’t Thank My Husband For His Service
By Jessica Hill-Budge
Nearly 20 years of service and multiple combat deployments, all of it wasted! It pains me to admit that our military has become a ruthless, toxic mélange of spineless, gas-lighting leadership. A place where leaders live a different standard than the one they force on those to whom they are supposed to “guide.” I use the word “guide” loosely, as my family and I currently fight a leadership team determined to destroy my husband’s career, without cause. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brandon Budge is living through the ugliest side of our current political culture and climate. His leadership has been allowed to operate outside of what is just and prudent. Colonel Shane Finison and 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Stephen G. Smith have abused and mistreated our family to the point of breaking. The reason? A medic falsified his records to show him receiving a COVID “vaccine” when he hadn’t, even though he, under threat had agreed to be vaccinated while on leave. He had spoken to his commander the day he departed for leave, explaining his plan to be vaccinated while on leave. Brandon was accused of falsifying his records, he didn’t. He swore an oath to defend the Constitution and is now being denied due process by those who took the same oath.
We have since been subjected to an investigation in which his command refused to allow him to submit evidence on his behalf. The investigation was conducted in a manner contrary to the regulation that governs it and has been described by others at 16th Combat Aviation Brigade as “the worst investigation I’ve ever seen.” Witnesses were not questioned, text messages, emails and statements were tossed aside as these items did not fit the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade commander’s desired outcome. Colonel Finison’s refusal to accept my husband’s testimony and the testimony of others forced us to file a Department of Defense Inspector General Complaint. Then the retaliation and reprisals started. After reassuring my husband that he would be allowed to go back to work as a UH-60 Maintenance Test Pilot, the same leadership subjected him to a lengthy 12-hour Flight Evaluation Board, where it would be determined if Brandon would be able to keep his flight status. Clearly this was in reprisal for the IG complaint. It is against military regulation to retaliate against a service member for filing a complaint.
But, at least we would finally be given the opportunity during the Flight Evaluation Board to submit the hundreds of pages of evidence that his command had previously refused to accept. My husband and his legal counsel, Matthew Barry, presented page after page, text message after text message, email after email, all in an effort to prove Brandon’s innocence, and that we had been terribly mistreated. I sat with my 6-month-old son as we listened to the testimonies of several individuals that supported my husband. Then, after more than 11 hours, the board members left the room to decide the fate of my husband and his nearly two decades of service to his country. When the board president returned, he found all allegations unsubstantiated and that none of the reasons to convene the board even existed! He and the other two members of the board concluded that Brandon should remain on flying status.
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We had finally presented the evidence, courageous individuals that have worked with Brandon for years testified on his behalf… We had won, or so we thought. We thought we would be able to put this behind us. Sadly, this was not the case. His chain of command continues to pursue him, deny him access, and threaten his retirement, his flight status, and his livelihood. They deny him passes to see me and the kids as we moved to a location to spend a year apart as he was supposed to move to Korea and be promoted. This all came to a stop due to these false accusations, and his chain of command continues to cover up what happened. So… As I write this, you may ask, “how has the army thanked my family for their tireless service?” Colonel Shane Finison and General Smith refused to accept the ruling of the board. My husband will soon be losing his wings… He has been given a General Officer’s Memorandum of Reprimand, and “awarded” a substandard performance evaluation. He’s been forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars to defend himself, rather than use that money to help raise our seven children. His promotion chances are all but gone. His innocence was proven before a board, a board whose members were chosen by Colonel Finison, yet this same commander still destroyed his career and placed his retirement in his crosshairs. So please when you see us… Don’t thank him for his sacrifice… It has all been for naught. Instead, you can thank Major General Stephen G. Smith, Colonel Shane Finison, Chief Warrant Officer Barry Sledd, and Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Holt for their spinelessness and lack of leadership. Nearly 20 years of service and thousands of dollars, down a disgusting drain of abuse, it’s no wonder nobody wants to join the military today, I can’t blame them.
Yours with Frustration,
Jessica Hill-Budge
“Our Military has Become a Ruthless, Toxic Mélange of Spineless, Gas-Lighting Leadership” – Wife of US Hero and Warrior Speaks Out after He Is Ruined by His Immediate Military Leadership
By Joe Hoft, TGP < [login to see] >
Published August 5, 2022 at 9:00pm
The following letter is from the wife of an American soldier and the mother of his children. This American hero, father, and husband is being attacked despite a board recommending that her husband, Brandon Budge, remain on flying status.
Don’t Thank My Husband For His Service
By Jessica Hill-Budge
Nearly 20 years of service and multiple combat deployments, all of it wasted! It pains me to admit that our military has become a ruthless, toxic mélange of spineless, gas-lighting leadership. A place where leaders live a different standard than the one they force on those to whom they are supposed to “guide.” I use the word “guide” loosely, as my family and I currently fight a leadership team determined to destroy my husband’s career, without cause. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brandon Budge is living through the ugliest side of our current political culture and climate. His leadership has been allowed to operate outside of what is just and prudent. Colonel Shane Finison and 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Stephen G. Smith have abused and mistreated our family to the point of breaking. The reason? A medic falsified his records to show him receiving a COVID “vaccine” when he hadn’t, even though he, under threat had agreed to be vaccinated while on leave. He had spoken to his commander the day he departed for leave, explaining his plan to be vaccinated while on leave. Brandon was accused of falsifying his records, he didn’t. He swore an oath to defend the Constitution and is now being denied due process by those who took the same oath.
We have since been subjected to an investigation in which his command refused to allow him to submit evidence on his behalf. The investigation was conducted in a manner contrary to the regulation that governs it and has been described by others at 16th Combat Aviation Brigade as “the worst investigation I’ve ever seen.” Witnesses were not questioned, text messages, emails and statements were tossed aside as these items did not fit the 16th Combat Aviation Brigade commander’s desired outcome. Colonel Finison’s refusal to accept my husband’s testimony and the testimony of others forced us to file a Department of Defense Inspector General Complaint. Then the retaliation and reprisals started. After reassuring my husband that he would be allowed to go back to work as a UH-60 Maintenance Test Pilot, the same leadership subjected him to a lengthy 12-hour Flight Evaluation Board, where it would be determined if Brandon would be able to keep his flight status. Clearly this was in reprisal for the IG complaint. It is against military regulation to retaliate against a service member for filing a complaint.
But, at least we would finally be given the opportunity during the Flight Evaluation Board to submit the hundreds of pages of evidence that his command had previously refused to accept. My husband and his legal counsel, Matthew Barry, presented page after page, text message after text message, email after email, all in an effort to prove Brandon’s innocence, and that we had been terribly mistreated. I sat with my 6-month-old son as we listened to the testimonies of several individuals that supported my husband. Then, after more than 11 hours, the board members left the room to decide the fate of my husband and his nearly two decades of service to his country. When the board president returned, he found all allegations unsubstantiated and that none of the reasons to convene the board even existed! He and the other two members of the board concluded that Brandon should remain on flying status.
Advertisement - story continues below
We had finally presented the evidence, courageous individuals that have worked with Brandon for years testified on his behalf… We had won, or so we thought. We thought we would be able to put this behind us. Sadly, this was not the case. His chain of command continues to pursue him, deny him access, and threaten his retirement, his flight status, and his livelihood. They deny him passes to see me and the kids as we moved to a location to spend a year apart as he was supposed to move to Korea and be promoted. This all came to a stop due to these false accusations, and his chain of command continues to cover up what happened. So… As I write this, you may ask, “how has the army thanked my family for their tireless service?” Colonel Shane Finison and General Smith refused to accept the ruling of the board. My husband will soon be losing his wings… He has been given a General Officer’s Memorandum of Reprimand, and “awarded” a substandard performance evaluation. He’s been forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars to defend himself, rather than use that money to help raise our seven children. His promotion chances are all but gone. His innocence was proven before a board, a board whose members were chosen by Colonel Finison, yet this same commander still destroyed his career and placed his retirement in his crosshairs. So please when you see us… Don’t thank him for his sacrifice… It has all been for naught. Instead, you can thank Major General Stephen G. Smith, Colonel Shane Finison, Chief Warrant Officer Barry Sledd, and Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Holt for their spinelessness and lack of leadership. Nearly 20 years of service and thousands of dollars, down a disgusting drain of abuse, it’s no wonder nobody wants to join the military today, I can’t blame them.
Yours with Frustration,
Jessica Hill-Budge
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