Posted on Jan 17, 2014
What do you believe is responsible for the disconnect/lack of understanding between the general public and the military?
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Most people I encounter in the civilian world have no idea that the bulk of forces pulled out of Iraq a few years ago. They also have no idea things are still going on in Afghanistan and will be for the foreseeable future. It seems that none of them really understand our jobs, our purpose, and our responsibilities. Despite the fact that the country was wildly against the Vietnam War, the general public was still educated on the events taking place in Vietnam. Outside a lack of involvement from the vast majority of civilians, I don't know where we lost them when it comes to public awareness about the military. Does anyone believe they have an answer for this mystery?
Civilians
Iraq
Afghanistan
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 14
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The lack of understanding comes from the fact that most people only know of the military from what they see in tv and movies. We have an overwhelming majority of the population that has never served and likely does not know anyone who has ever served in the military. How can the scarifice be shared if less than 1% of the people are bearing the sacrifice, and only about 8% of the population have served in some form?
Then when people do find themselves fortunate enough to meet a genuine veteran, their image and reactions are shaped by the misconceptions that are instilled by movies of a violent peson, who can't readjust to society, is likely suffering from PTSD, who does not value human life at all.
Then when people do find themselves fortunate enough to meet a genuine veteran, their image and reactions are shaped by the misconceptions that are instilled by movies of a violent peson, who can't readjust to society, is likely suffering from PTSD, who does not value human life at all.
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It is true that the general public associate the military with what they see in tv and movies. There is a disconnect due to negative media and lack of knowledge due to the fact that the smaller percentage of the population is military. When it comes to applying for jobs, you're expecting, as a Veteran or one with military experience, to be placed at the top of the list for civilian employment. That's not exactly the truth. It also depends on the employer. Most employers have no idea what the equivalent experience the military have compared to civilians. For example, if an LTC is applying for upper level management, the employer may not understand that person having been in several deployments, leading combat tactical missions, could be equivalent to being able to lead a department or team of people... if this makes any sense. I have experienced the wrath of the civilian employers who have the lack of knowledge with military experience and therefore most of the time it is best to leave out military experience off the resume. That's not so easy for those of you who have served 20-30 years active duty and all your experience is with the military. So, back to the topic, there is certainly a disconnect with the general public and their knowledge of what the military personnel are capable of. It's a shame also because I believe having military experience far exceeds many of the managers I have worked for in the civilian world.
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The media is a major reason. I also have noticed that there are less "Base Open Houses" at the Air Force bases, not sure but I'm guessing it might be the lack of funds or maybe security concerns after 9-11. When I joined the Air Force in the 80s, I noticed that every Air Force installation would try to have at least one open house a year where the base was opened to the public and it gave us the opportunity to educate them on their military.
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There are several obvious targets; the 'news' media key among them followed by any form of entertainment (movies, tv) which portrays the military in the most unrealistic terms. Add to this a shrinking military footprint (fewer bases in fewer places) and ever decreasing number of us who serve (less than 1/2 of one percent), and it becomes easy to see why the public has a such a skewed view of the military. Also consider the change in cultural values; we as a nation no longer value or esteem organizations which have as their primary missions to benefit or to improve or to preserve our way of life. Consider the police, school teachers, the military, or any other organization that exists to serve. Social scientists have been telling us for years that today's generations don't value association with traditional organizations particularly those viewed as authoritarian.
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