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Two related articles I noticed over the weekend:
Commander of Ranger training battalion relieved over ‘derogatory comments’
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/12/18/commander-of-ranger-training-battalion-relieved-over-derogatory-comments
Top enlisted soldier at Fort Hood suspended amid investigation into alleged ‘unprofessional language’
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/12/19/top-enlisted-soldier-at-fort-hood-suspended-amid-investigation-into-unprofessional-language/
Commander of Ranger training battalion relieved over ‘derogatory comments’
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/12/18/commander-of-ranger-training-battalion-relieved-over-derogatory-comments
Top enlisted soldier at Fort Hood suspended amid investigation into alleged ‘unprofessional language’
https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2020/12/19/top-enlisted-soldier-at-fort-hood-suspended-amid-investigation-into-unprofessional-language/
I read the comments and I enjoyed them.
A common negative reaction is “I’m glad I was in the Army a long time ago.” Me too! We have higher standards now. If those standards are too high for you, then I’m glad you’re retired, rather than wasting our time as the subject of a 15-6.
A common negative reaction is “I’m glad I was in the Army a long time ago.” Me too! We have higher standards now. If those standards are too high for you, then I’m glad you’re retired, rather than wasting our time as the subject of a 15-6.
Another common sentiment: “How can these soft snowflakes have a chance against the enemy if they can’t take some harsh language?!”
That’s not the issue here. This is about the standards we hold leaders to, not the standards we hold their subordinates to.
That’s not the issue here. This is about the standards we hold leaders to, not the standards we hold their subordinates to.
And the idea that soldiers today are soft - that’s wild coming from people who served between Vietnam and 9/11.
Lots to commend about your service, but you’re not going to win that game of one-upping who would fare better against the enemy. Soldiers today have proven themselves.
Lots to commend about your service, but you’re not going to win that game of one-upping who would fare better against the enemy. Soldiers today have proven themselves.
The burden is also on you to explain why derogatory language is appropriate, necessary, or even beneficial.
I get it. You don’t see the problem. You liked having a work environment that catered to your preference for vulgarity. But it’s not about your feelings.
I get it. You don’t see the problem. You liked having a work environment that catered to your preference for vulgarity. But it’s not about your feelings.
Mad about 5th Bn in RTB? When I was in the mountain phase - before 9/11, back when it was hard - instructors seemed incapable of uttering a sentence without a vulgarity. But it didn’t enhance the training, clarify what they were saying, or cause anyone to respect them more.
Words didn’t toughen us or even challenge us. We were challenged by digging down to endure through the freezing cold, exhaustion, hunger, and hallucinations; collective training tasks under conditions simulating hardships in combat.
Bottom line: standards are higher today. We expect leaders to be able to effectively communicate so they can effectively lead - not just yell and name call. People who can’t meet that standard don’t belong in key leadership roles. Don’t like it? Enjoy retirement.
