Comments on: Responsibility & Accountability

By: Sharon M

Sharon M — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:52:49 +0000

I am neither annoyed nor pissed. Although, I must admit that I am extremely curious as to what prompted this post. And, as a matter of fact, I’ve come across this attitude more in my own family than soldiers. I’ve been a supporter w/adoptaplatoon for quite a while. I have never had this problem with any of my troops. Spouses? That is a rare but more likely event.

Sharon M

By: Mary in VA

Mary in VA — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:40:19 +0000

As a supporter and board member of a troop support organization I have come accross both attitudes you describe, unfortunately. Good for you for putting out the reminder to our troops and their families that support is an added bonus. You sound like you set a great example as a Sr. NCO.
As for deployed troops I see more of “like pulling teeth” to find out what we can send to show our support. The being “owed” attitude comes more from SOME of the spouses of the ones who have spent time back home in hospitals than the troops themselves, in my experience visiting them and making deliveries.

By: sue

sue — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 04:59:37 +0000

No disagreement here CJ. This has been a pet peeve of mine for a long time. The me me me attitude came in during the 90s and it has not only remained, but festered and grown. As a supporter though, I can’t say that I have seen it from my guys. Not one has asked for anything with out me absolutely telling them that I want to know, and then its some small food item they are craving and can’t get at the PX, or foot powder or something. I’m sorry that you felt it necessary to write this. As John said, I don’t know if we want to really know what the reason was and certainly not here. But take it slow CJ.

By: Terri

Terri — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 04:25:24 +0000

I have to agree with you CJ. Unfortunately I see the same type of attitude every day in my job, from the Soldiers and more often from their spouses. It’s amazing how many of them join the military or marry a Soldier with the belief that everyone should just hand things to them. As you said, it’s the individual Soldier’s responsibility to work hard to achieve the opportunities that are available to him or her. Great post!

By: Miss Ladybug

Miss Ladybug — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:56:18 +0000

I can’t say I am offended, CJ. All any of us should expect in life is some semblance of equality of opportunity, not equality of outcome. Too often in today’s society, people expect things that in previous generations had to be hard-earned, and it would only be natural for some of that attitude to seep into our military. After all, our soldiers come from society at large. Show the soldiers the opportunities they have: it’s up to them to pursue them…

By: MissBirdlegs in AL

MissBirdlegs in AL — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:55:47 +0000

I realize Soldiers are your concern here, CJ, but the attitude is pervasive throughout our society. I’m sorry to say that in general, we have it so good in this country that a lot of people expect to always get most everything they want, without much or any effort on their part. If they don’t get what they expect, as you said, they become victims instead of working to make life better for themselves and others. Pet peeve of mine – sorry.

By: John of Argghhh!

John of Argghhh! — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 02:50:28 +0000

Heh.

1. I wonder why I would be annoyed with you.

2. I wonder what prompted the post!

But, in regard to number two… you probably *shouldn’t* tell me here.

Or at all, for that matter.