It's very commonly practiced etiquette to be an asshole to a lieutenant. At least some military traditions cross branches and generations.
I'm surprised there's a list for 1LT. Captain I get, but 1LT? Bizarre.
What's the proper response back? Be an asshole back or shut up and take it?
The proper response, in my opinion, is to be a classy individual and show people that you may be an Lt but you're above their petty bullshit. Always take opportunities to widen the lens you see your unit/base/branch through so you can understand the multiple groups on base - then when you empathize with them because they're also human they're blown away and will do whatever they can to help you. People also like beer.
*This is written from the perspective of an officer without a commission, take with a grain of salt but I deal with O2-O5's on a daily basis.
Also, I don't want to be that guy, but do you find yourself often disagreeing with people in the military? The active army social dynamic is somewhat different than in civilian life. You act a certain way and people will fuck with you. I'm not saying it's right. I'm not saying you need to kiss ass. I'm not saying to act like a dick. But there's a certain way you need to act to get things done in the army.
Make sure you aren't acting like you have a bar on your chest when it doesn't matter. Talk to people like they're your equal, unless they're very insubordinate in a professional context. Or if you have to get things done. Keep your ego in check. Don't give people the cold shoulder.
Or it could just be that you come across as a huge nerd (a shot in the dark), but that could cause people to pick on you. That's Army culture for you.
These are all just shots in the dark. I don't know how you're acting (or even if it's a problem), but it may be a social issue to which you're oblivious and that's okay. Just work on it. You might not feel in charge of shit, but any action which conforms to a negative stereotype is perceptually magnified when you have a leadership position or rank. You're still getting a feel for the LT thing here. Maybe try to model yourself (to a certain extent) after a leader you admired when you were a joe and reflect on what made some of your terrible leaders so terrible.
Just to reiterate, I don't know if it's something you're doing or if it's just regular fuck fuck games. I just know you've come here with interpersonal problems on a few occasions. Could just be that you've had shitty luck, and we aren't hearing about your generally great experiences. Still, try some introspection if it continues.
Fake edit, as I'm a slow typist: I agree with what Fuselage said.
Taranis on
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Waffles or whateverPreviously known as, I shit you not, "Waffen"Registered Userregular
edited November 2014
I think I come here to turn off my brain and bitch more if anything. This thread tends to be my venting ground. The second part about being the nerd is pretty accurate.
I think I come here to turn off my brain and bitch more if anything. This thread tends to be my venting ground. The second part about being the nerd is pretty accurate.
From experience, I can say that you will definitely get shit for that alone. Not much you can really do about that. The army is a bit like high school in a way that is very problematic. Just laugh it off and roll with the punches.
What I've found to be true for myself as somebody that plays D&D, X-Wing Miniatures, and PC games is that I have fun hobbies that I'm completely open about and if anyone else thinks it's silly that's their problem...........and if need be I can mercilessly belittle their own hobbies until they feel bad or see how similar people are.
If someone is ever too much of a dick there probably isnt a much more passive aggressive way to get back at them than taking a vested interest in helping get the CQ/staff duty roster ready.
I would say that the one thing people in the army get pissed off about more than anything is having their free time taken away. Yeah yeah everyone is always on duty... but a couple friday/saturday night CQ duties will infuriate the shit out of someone.
What I've found to be true for myself as somebody that plays D&D, X-Wing Miniatures, and PC games is that I have fun hobbies that I'm completely open about and if anyone else thinks it's silly that's their problem...........and if need be I can mercilessly belittle their own hobbies until they feel bad or see how similar people are.
That's probably the best way to handle it.
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Waffles or whateverPreviously known as, I shit you not, "Waffen"Registered Userregular
I think I come here to turn off my brain and bitch more if anything. This thread tends to be my venting ground. The second part about being the nerd is pretty accurate.
From experience, I can say that you will definitely get shit for that alone. Not much you can really do about that. The army is a bit like high school in a way that is very problematic. Just laugh it off and roll with the punches.
I'll try to turn my brain back on for this post.
No, yeah. I realized that problem a long time ago. Mostly in the ROTC and Reserve days. In the Reserves all those cats back then were all big into sports so I was always alienated listening to people say something along the lines of (I'll put it in D&D Terms) "My Fantasy Football Quarterback throws a ball with 3 D12, but when hes pressured he throws two D8 instead, however, because his dad beat him as a kid he gets +2 to all rolls as a tenacity bonus, but a -1 on all rolls if he losing the game because the coach isn't happy with him and its triggering some PTSD thoughts." type of crap so naturally I was alienated all the time. Plus add in a little insecurity and nervousness since I didn't know anyone or couldn't relate to anyone and I ended up being quiet. In those types of groups the quiet nervous guy becomes an easy target. That and I was a Cadet too so I ended up doing stupid Cadet shit like trying to tell an E8 how to do his job (lol inexperience and lack of understanding about how leadership works)
Today, most of the insecurity is gone so I don't really give two shits about making a Dragon joke or saying shit like "Trooooogdoooor!" or the He-Man "hey yaaa". Doesn't bother me if people think I'm a nerd. Only sad part is the LTs here are all football queers again and the Specialists in my office are the Warhammer 40k, D&D types so occasionally we banter back and forth about it so it makes work slightly easier.
What I've found to be true for myself as somebody that plays D&D, X-Wing Miniatures, and PC games is that I have fun hobbies that I'm completely open about and if anyone else thinks it's silly that's their problem...........and if need be I can mercilessly belittle their own hobbies until they feel bad or see how similar people are.
That's probably the best way to handle it.
Ah yes, the Fear, Sarcasm, and Ridicule technique. I don't employ it as often as others but it's permissible if the situation calls for it.
I think I come here to turn off my brain and bitch more if anything. This thread tends to be my venting ground. The second part about being the nerd is pretty accurate.
From experience, I can say that you will definitely get shit for that alone. Not much you can really do about that. The army is a bit like high school in a way that is very problematic. Just laugh it off and roll with the punches.
I'll try to turn my brain back on for this post.
No, yeah. I realized that problem a long time ago. Mostly in the ROTC and Reserve days. In the Reserves all those cats back then were all big into sports so I was always alienated listening to people say something along the lines of (I'll put it in D&D Terms) "My Fantasy Football Quarterback throws a ball with 3 D12, but when hes pressured he throws two D8 instead, however, because his dad beat him as a kid he gets +2 to all rolls as a tenacity bonus, but a -1 on all rolls if he losing the game because the coach isn't happy with him and its triggering some PTSD thoughts." type of crap so naturally I was alienated all the time. Plus add in a little insecurity and nervousness since I didn't know anyone or couldn't relate to anyone and I ended up being quiet. In those types of groups the quiet nervous guy becomes an easy target. That and I was a Cadet too so I ended up doing stupid Cadet shit like trying to tell an E8 how to do his job (lol inexperience and lack of understanding about how leadership works)
Today, most of the insecurity is gone so I don't really give two shits about making a Dragon joke or saying shit like "Trooooogdoooor!" or the He-Man "hey yaaa". Doesn't bother me if people think I'm a nerd. Only sad part is the LTs here are all football queers again and the Specialists in my office are the Warhammer 40k, D&D types so occasionally we banter back and forth about it so it makes work slightly easier.
Just remember, the military is full of NPCs that either think they're a PC or a DM.
So, we had a day in shop where my and my buddy were chatting about WoW or some other fucking MMO. We get shit on a bit, so we take the chat outside for smoke break. We come back in and hear the same shit givers start talking about their Call of Duty character getting all the levels and phat lewts. So we turned that shit around, and the defense they managed to muster was "mine has practical applications", which made the shit giving even easier (other people in the office starting in on these assholes, because of that statement).
It helped that we were Air Force Comm nerds and no one was going to be doing some CoD shit.
Although shit giving seems to be the nature of things. Show people you can dish and take, and everyone chills out around you.
The fine art of shit-talking is sadly underappreciated in the civilian world.
Shit-talking the very best there is. When you absolutely, positively have to knock down every motherfucker in the room -- accept no substitutes.
No other way even compares when you need to end a confrontation, but don't have the rank or position to do so. Just say something snarky they can't possibly respond to or even get pissed about because they'd lose face. Sometimes playing their game is the only way to win, even if the game is dumb (but fun).
One of the cool things about MI is that everyone is the nerd. A lot of us play sports and do fantasy football and shit, but there's just as many who just do nerd shit, so no one really gets picked on for that kind of stuff. At least, not in the units I've seen. And definitely not when I'm around, because I hate bullying and love talking shit. Of course, we still make fun of each other for all kinds of shit.
I am the snarkiest SPC when people start getting all uppity. It always makes my day when someone who outranks me starts talking crazy and I can hide behind my sham shield and say silly shit.
I think that's actually my problem with my SGT, he's too stupid and stubborn to ever change, so I was using a strategy of appeasement. Being that nice to someone who's that much of an asshole is too much counter to my natural inclinations, and I think it's added even more stress. I think I may have had a minor panic attack (which is not something that has ever happened to me before) at the dining-in. We were in the reception line and he kept moving closer to me through the line, I thought we were going to have to sit at the same table. I was just going to walk the fuck out if that was the case. My heart was pounding and I was super worked up. Shit's fucked up.
From now on, I'll be calling him on his bullshit like I used to do and getting into pointless arguments all the time. Better than rolling over and taking it.
So, we had a day in shop where my and my buddy were chatting about WoW or some other fucking MMO. We get shit on a bit, so we take the chat outside for smoke break. We come back in and hear the same shit givers start talking about their Call of Duty character getting all the levels and phat lewts. So we turned that shit around, and the defense they managed to muster was "mine has practical applications", which made the shit giving even easier (other people in the office starting in on these assholes, because of that statement).
It helped that we were Air Force Comm nerds and no one was going to be doing some CoD shit.
Although shit giving seems to be the nature of things. Show people you can dish and take, and everyone chills out around you.
That was our office last Thursday. Our career specialist was getting giddy about the new CoD so myself and the other Specialist reversed it on him about how hes paying $60 for the same game. He stuck to his guns though and eventually admitted that we were right, but he was still gonna buy it because its fun. Can't argue with that part though.
You guys don't have nearly as bad as those on the line, I guess. Nerd is a dirty word if you're on the line, especially if you're a cherry. It's synonymous with pussy. Not a good label if combat is your job.
Doesn't matter that it's completely nonsensical. Combat is the only way to shake the branding.
You guys don't have nearly as bad as those on the line, I guess. Nerd is a dirty word if you're on the line, especially if you're a cherry. It's synonymous with pussy. Not a good label if combat is your job.
Doesn't matter that it's completely nonsensical. Combat is the only way to shake the branding.
Man that's one thing nice about submarines; nobody gives a flying fuck what you do so long as you can do the job. If I can rely on you to help me keep this tin can from becoming a lawn dart, you're alright in my book.
in my experience the people in combat arms are some of the dumbest people on the planet, they are the people that have to study to get the 32 or whatever you need on the asvab to enlist. You cant use logic with them and when you inevitably say something that makes them look stupid their only response is "well i have a bigger dick, my truck weighs more, and can take you in a fight".
Don't worry about people like them, they arent worth your time. The ones that are worth your time are the ones that can take a step back and notice that "hey this nerdy guy is pretty smart" those are the ones that you talk to. When you help them find an easier way of doing something they will go out of their way to watch your back when you need it.
in my experience the people in combat arms are some of the dumbest people on the planet, they are the people that have to study to get the 32 or whatever you need on the asvab to enlist. You cant use logic with them and when you inevitably say something that makes them look stupid their only response is "well i have a bigger dick, my truck weighs more, and can take you in a fight".
Don't worry about people like them, they arent worth your time. The ones that are worth your time are the ones that can take a step back and notice that "hey this nerdy guy is pretty smart" those are the ones that you talk to. When you help them find an easier way of doing something they will go out of their way to watch your back when you need it.
Gee, thanks man. Guess my 99 on the ASVAB was a computer error or something.
That the infantry have a low ASVAB requirement doesn't imply that the average infantryman is stupid. Surely you understand that, right? Many of those I served with were intelligent. Those who were actually stupid usually didn't make it very far.
Furthermore there's a very real, and reasonable explanation for why you'd want some brazenly confident guy who can handle himself in a fight on the line. Those are attributes that make someone worthwhile in combat. You could be the smartest person in the room, but if lose your head in combat then you're useful to no one. Now obviously there's a problem with how some people get a feel for who will fold when the chips are down. That doesn't mean there isn't a need to make that determination beforehand.
Plus the infantry have very high rates of PTSD, which is often undiagnosed and untreated. This is likely a primary cause of the contempt for people perceived as lacking intestinal fortitude and other stereotypically abrasive behavior.
I'm far less concerned with who's a dick than who's competent (which requires both brains and balls), as everyone ought to be.
I don't mean it as a personal attack, and I did say in my experience. Almost anyone I ever had to deal with that was former combat arms or for whatever reason was still combat arms was useless in and around my mission area, sometimes even detrimental to it. I am so glad that I was in a position where rank did not matter and as long as I was respectful I could tell someone that outranks me to go away.
There were 2 SSG that were former combat arms that I even trusted. They were cool and the reason they decided to switch over to MI was because they were sick of the dick swinging for no reason.
Now that picture makes sense. A bunch of the Marines in my ABOLC Troop sent us a picture of one of the guys licking whip cream off of a stripper's ass cheek with her wearing his cap.
or maybe I'm confusing a great night out with the USMC Birthday.
in my experience the people in combat arms are some of the dumbest people on the planet, they are the people that have to study to get the 32 or whatever you need on the asvab to enlist. You cant use logic with them and when you inevitably say something that makes them look stupid their only response is "well i have a bigger dick, my truck weighs more, and can take you in a fight".
Don't worry about people like them, they arent worth your time. The ones that are worth your time are the ones that can take a step back and notice that "hey this nerdy guy is pretty smart" those are the ones that you talk to. When you help them find an easier way of doing something they will go out of their way to watch your back when you need it.
It's always funny when people on the outside of a combat line unit see it like this. I myself got offered every enlisted job the army had since my GT was well above 120, but I chose Infantry, because I wanted excitement as I was bored with college. While I was at Monterey for language school no one looked down on me, because I had a CIB on my uniform. Countless brothers in the Infantry came in with a bachelors or better. Shit I had a guy in my squad who had his doctorate in chemical engineering. He now has a cush job with DITRA.
Yes there have been the Soldiers that you have to remind to breathe in and out, but they are no different from the mouth breathers that inhabit every MOS or come out of West Point. I'm not trying to attack you personally, but I hate it when people generalize combat arms. You will be crying for one of us to get you out of the kill zone when that time comes.
" I am a warrior, so that my son may be a merchant, so that his son may be a poet.”
― John Quincy Adams
Happy Veterans Day. Drink responsibly and try not to flip out on someone even though that desire may present itself exponentially.
On an unrelated note, see how many fakes you can find today. My number is at two so far.
I don't usually go out on Veteran's Day. I get really uneasy when people know I'm in the military and thank me for my service. I know I am just supposed to smile and say thanks, but I want to tell them there really isn't anything to thank. It's a job that I chose, thank a Vietnam Veteran, they on the most part didn't choose this line of work.
Plus, I never take a Veteran discount so I would feel really shitty getting a whole meal for free. The one time I did go out for VDay and ate at Chili's (my wife was working at this one) I got my meal for free, but gave the server what my meal would have cost in a tip.
" I am a warrior, so that my son may be a merchant, so that his son may be a poet.”
― John Quincy Adams
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Waffles or whateverPreviously known as, I shit you not, "Waffen"Registered Userregular
edited November 2014
Okay, I promised I'd be a bit more positive, less whiny, and post my better stories. Here we go!
Was doing the overall officer matrix for the unit today and picked up an anomaly with the S6 shop. I realized the S6 OIC is PCSing in December and the LT Assistant is getting a Platoon in January. That means we have 0 Officers for the S6 Shop. I presented this situation to the XO today. He says, "Oh wow. That's not good. Unfortunately your observation skills are wasted in the S6 Shop. I need someone of your caliber to be my new Supply OIC! Talk to the old Supply NCO next building over". Met him and we ended up making meme jokes all day and talking about Taylor Swift songs. I think its also gonna rock because the Supply OIC/NCO Position ghosts here so we do PT on our own away from everyone else and according to my current NCO he says as long as we stay on top of our stuff we're done by 1500 every day. #awwyiss
Also, made me kinda sad when I packed up my desk when two of the Specialists in the Office said to me, "Aww. Figures, the one time we get a good Officer he ends up leaving a month later". I asked them individually what they meant by that. The first one said, "You actually listen to us and try to adjust fire to make things better for all of us" and the other one said, "It was nice having an officer who wasn't about his ego and didn't tell me to fuck off when he didn't have an answer to my question".
Okay, I promised I'd be a bit more positive, less whiny, and post my better stories. Here we go!
Was doing the overall officer matrix for the unit today and picked up an anomaly with the S6 shop. I realized the S6 OIC is PCSing in December and the LT Assistant is getting a Platoon in January. That means we have 0 Officers for the S6 Shop. I presented this situation to the XO today. He says, "Oh wow. That's not good. Unfortunately your observation skills are wasted in the S6 Shop. I need someone of your caliber to be my new Supply OIC! Talk to the old Supply NCO next building over". Met him and we ended up making meme jokes all day and talking about Taylor Swift songs. I think its also gonna rock because the Supply OIC/NCO Position ghosts here so we do PT on our own away from everyone else and according to my current NCO he says as long as we stay on top of our stuff we're done by 1500 every day. #awwyiss
Also, made me kinda sad when I packed up my desk when two of the Specialists in the Office said to me, "Aww. Figures, the one time we get a good Officer he ends up leaving a month later". I asked them individually what they meant by that. The first one said, "You actually listen to us and try to adjust fire to make things better for all of us" and the other one said, "It was nice having an officer who wasn't about his ego and didn't tell me to fuck off when he didn't have an answer to my question".
Dem feels.
Ugh how is not doing this the exception!? I don't even... wut?
"I treat my subordinates like human beings. It's a real game-changer."
Where do they make these huge asshole officers? The entire time during ROTC they drilled into us that we are babies who will know nothing so please be humble. None of my class had a chip on their shoulder. Sure, some drank the big blue koolaid too hard but this didn't translate to being a dick to subordinates.
No hits on jobs for me yet, and no news for an EAD either. Still in a holding pattern. Did apply to this entry level intel analyst for the secret service so that was fun. I've been talking to contracts people online and they all seem to really like the career field, which is awesome! I mean I had heard good things, but frankly it is shockingly consistent.
In my experience, most of the officers I ran into that could be slotted into the "Worthless Asshole" slot tended to fall into one of two slots: The West Point Cadet who has drunk the kool aid and thinks he knows it all, and the incompetent officer who has still managed to rise in the ranks despite but now struggles to show he isn't full retard. Anecdotes and generalizations, I realize. Especially since one of the best officers I worked for was a West Point graduate, but he seemed more of the exception than the rule.
in my experience the people in combat arms are some of the dumbest people on the planet, they are the people that have to study to get the 32 or whatever you need on the asvab to enlist. You cant use logic with them and when you inevitably say something that makes them look stupid their only response is "well i have a bigger dick, my truck weighs more, and can take you in a fight".
Don't worry about people like them, they arent worth your time. The ones that are worth your time are the ones that can take a step back and notice that "hey this nerdy guy is pretty smart" those are the ones that you talk to. When you help them find an easier way of doing something they will go out of their way to watch your back when you need it.
It's always funny when people on the outside of a combat line unit see it like this. I myself got offered every enlisted job the army had since my GT was well above 120, but I chose Infantry, because I wanted excitement as I was bored with college. While I was at Monterey for language school no one looked down on me, because I had a CIB on my uniform. Countless brothers in the Infantry came in with a bachelors or better. Shit I had a guy in my squad who had his doctorate in chemical engineering. He now has a cush job with DITRA.
Yes there have been the Soldiers that you have to remind to breathe in and out, but they are no different from the mouth breathers that inhabit every MOS or come out of West Point. I'm not trying to attack you personally, but I hate it when people generalize combat arms. You will be crying for one of us to get you out of the kill zone when that time comes.
The problem is, there's only two types of grunts. Dumb as rocks and serial killer smart. The rocks are usually the chest beaters givin us a bad rep. Like others I have +120 GT and a cib. Now I'm a biomedical equipment technician, guns still go boom.
Managed to switch shifts without talking to my shithead shift lead at all. I feel so fucking happy about not having to deal with his bullshit. But feeling this good also makes me think someone is going to do something to take it away (like switching me back), because that's how this unit runs.
Alright, I need help. I'm not a Soldier, what the hell do I call a Command Sergeant Major when I'm addressing him? If you people take after the other branches that are picky, it definitely isn't sir.
Did a timed 12 mile today, 50lb ruck. I ran the first mile and a half, then did the typical shuffle, sprint, shuffle, sprint. The last three miles I just took it at stride because I knew I would coast in under the 3 hour time-frame and that there were only four or five guys ahead of me. I hit the line at 2:41 which is OK - not super fast, but not slow. I felt pretty OK for a few minutes.
The GRP XO did it in 2:02. He's just under 40 years old, and rail thin. That man is a rucking god.
I think he might have run the first six miles. I feel like he was judging my every step when he watched me come across the line.
Land nav with the SF boys after my next jump tomorrow. I love this unit.
Alright, I need help. I'm not a Soldier, what the hell do I call a Command Sergeant Major when I'm addressing him? If you people take after the other branches that are picky, it definitely isn't sir.
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The proper response, in my opinion, is to be a classy individual and show people that you may be an Lt but you're above their petty bullshit. Always take opportunities to widen the lens you see your unit/base/branch through so you can understand the multiple groups on base - then when you empathize with them because they're also human they're blown away and will do whatever they can to help you. People also like beer.
*This is written from the perspective of an officer without a commission, take with a grain of salt but I deal with O2-O5's on a daily basis.
Though you're very likely fucked, regardless.
Also, I don't want to be that guy, but do you find yourself often disagreeing with people in the military? The active army social dynamic is somewhat different than in civilian life. You act a certain way and people will fuck with you. I'm not saying it's right. I'm not saying you need to kiss ass. I'm not saying to act like a dick. But there's a certain way you need to act to get things done in the army.
Make sure you aren't acting like you have a bar on your chest when it doesn't matter. Talk to people like they're your equal, unless they're very insubordinate in a professional context. Or if you have to get things done. Keep your ego in check. Don't give people the cold shoulder.
Or it could just be that you come across as a huge nerd (a shot in the dark), but that could cause people to pick on you. That's Army culture for you.
These are all just shots in the dark. I don't know how you're acting (or even if it's a problem), but it may be a social issue to which you're oblivious and that's okay. Just work on it. You might not feel in charge of shit, but any action which conforms to a negative stereotype is perceptually magnified when you have a leadership position or rank. You're still getting a feel for the LT thing here. Maybe try to model yourself (to a certain extent) after a leader you admired when you were a joe and reflect on what made some of your terrible leaders so terrible.
Just to reiterate, I don't know if it's something you're doing or if it's just regular fuck fuck games. I just know you've come here with interpersonal problems on a few occasions. Could just be that you've had shitty luck, and we aren't hearing about your generally great experiences. Still, try some introspection if it continues.
Fake edit, as I'm a slow typist: I agree with what Fuselage said.
From experience, I can say that you will definitely get shit for that alone. Not much you can really do about that. The army is a bit like high school in a way that is very problematic. Just laugh it off and roll with the punches.
I would say that the one thing people in the army get pissed off about more than anything is having their free time taken away. Yeah yeah everyone is always on duty... but a couple friday/saturday night CQ duties will infuriate the shit out of someone.
Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198004484595
That's probably the best way to handle it.
I'll try to turn my brain back on for this post.
No, yeah. I realized that problem a long time ago. Mostly in the ROTC and Reserve days. In the Reserves all those cats back then were all big into sports so I was always alienated listening to people say something along the lines of (I'll put it in D&D Terms) "My Fantasy Football Quarterback throws a ball with 3 D12, but when hes pressured he throws two D8 instead, however, because his dad beat him as a kid he gets +2 to all rolls as a tenacity bonus, but a -1 on all rolls if he losing the game because the coach isn't happy with him and its triggering some PTSD thoughts." type of crap so naturally I was alienated all the time. Plus add in a little insecurity and nervousness since I didn't know anyone or couldn't relate to anyone and I ended up being quiet. In those types of groups the quiet nervous guy becomes an easy target. That and I was a Cadet too so I ended up doing stupid Cadet shit like trying to tell an E8 how to do his job (lol inexperience and lack of understanding about how leadership works)
Today, most of the insecurity is gone so I don't really give two shits about making a Dragon joke or saying shit like "Trooooogdoooor!" or the He-Man "hey yaaa". Doesn't bother me if people think I'm a nerd. Only sad part is the LTs here are all football queers again and the Specialists in my office are the Warhammer 40k, D&D types so occasionally we banter back and forth about it so it makes work slightly easier.
Ah yes, the Fear, Sarcasm, and Ridicule technique. I don't employ it as often as others but it's permissible if the situation calls for it.
Just remember, the military is full of NPCs that either think they're a PC or a DM.
And yes there's a list.
There's a list for every kind of promotion.
Also ICE reports are pretty serious. Shit gets real fast with those.
It helped that we were Air Force Comm nerds and no one was going to be doing some CoD shit.
Although shit giving seems to be the nature of things. Show people you can dish and take, and everyone chills out around you.
Shit-talking the very best there is. When you absolutely, positively have to knock down every motherfucker in the room -- accept no substitutes.
No other way even compares when you need to end a confrontation, but don't have the rank or position to do so. Just say something snarky they can't possibly respond to or even get pissed about because they'd lose face. Sometimes playing their game is the only way to win, even if the game is dumb (but fun).
I am the snarkiest SPC when people start getting all uppity. It always makes my day when someone who outranks me starts talking crazy and I can hide behind my sham shield and say silly shit.
I think that's actually my problem with my SGT, he's too stupid and stubborn to ever change, so I was using a strategy of appeasement. Being that nice to someone who's that much of an asshole is too much counter to my natural inclinations, and I think it's added even more stress. I think I may have had a minor panic attack (which is not something that has ever happened to me before) at the dining-in. We were in the reception line and he kept moving closer to me through the line, I thought we were going to have to sit at the same table. I was just going to walk the fuck out if that was the case. My heart was pounding and I was super worked up. Shit's fucked up.
From now on, I'll be calling him on his bullshit like I used to do and getting into pointless arguments all the time. Better than rolling over and taking it.
PS4:MrZoompants
That was our office last Thursday. Our career specialist was getting giddy about the new CoD so myself and the other Specialist reversed it on him about how hes paying $60 for the same game. He stuck to his guns though and eventually admitted that we were right, but he was still gonna buy it because its fun. Can't argue with that part though.
Doesn't matter that it's completely nonsensical. Combat is the only way to shake the branding.
Man that's one thing nice about submarines; nobody gives a flying fuck what you do so long as you can do the job. If I can rely on you to help me keep this tin can from becoming a lawn dart, you're alright in my book.
Don't worry about people like them, they arent worth your time. The ones that are worth your time are the ones that can take a step back and notice that "hey this nerdy guy is pretty smart" those are the ones that you talk to. When you help them find an easier way of doing something they will go out of their way to watch your back when you need it.
Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198004484595
Gee, thanks man. Guess my 99 on the ASVAB was a computer error or something.
That the infantry have a low ASVAB requirement doesn't imply that the average infantryman is stupid. Surely you understand that, right? Many of those I served with were intelligent. Those who were actually stupid usually didn't make it very far.
Furthermore there's a very real, and reasonable explanation for why you'd want some brazenly confident guy who can handle himself in a fight on the line. Those are attributes that make someone worthwhile in combat. You could be the smartest person in the room, but if lose your head in combat then you're useful to no one. Now obviously there's a problem with how some people get a feel for who will fold when the chips are down. That doesn't mean there isn't a need to make that determination beforehand.
Plus the infantry have very high rates of PTSD, which is often undiagnosed and untreated. This is likely a primary cause of the contempt for people perceived as lacking intestinal fortitude and other stereotypically abrasive behavior.
I'm far less concerned with who's a dick than who's competent (which requires both brains and balls), as everyone ought to be.
Let's not turn to throwing stones at one another because of some bad generalizations.
edit:
I scored high on my ASVAB and I still went Artillery, because I mean......big ass cannons that go boom.
There were 2 SSG that were former combat arms that I even trusted. They were cool and the reason they decided to switch over to MI was because they were sick of the dick swinging for no reason.
Steam: https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198004484595
Now that picture makes sense. A bunch of the Marines in my ABOLC Troop sent us a picture of one of the guys licking whip cream off of a stripper's ass cheek with her wearing his cap.
or maybe I'm confusing a great night out with the USMC Birthday.
Get some free food today!
On an unrelated note, see how many fakes you can find today. My number is at two so far.
It's always funny when people on the outside of a combat line unit see it like this. I myself got offered every enlisted job the army had since my GT was well above 120, but I chose Infantry, because I wanted excitement as I was bored with college. While I was at Monterey for language school no one looked down on me, because I had a CIB on my uniform. Countless brothers in the Infantry came in with a bachelors or better. Shit I had a guy in my squad who had his doctorate in chemical engineering. He now has a cush job with DITRA.
Yes there have been the Soldiers that you have to remind to breathe in and out, but they are no different from the mouth breathers that inhabit every MOS or come out of West Point. I'm not trying to attack you personally, but I hate it when people generalize combat arms. You will be crying for one of us to get you out of the kill zone when that time comes.
― John Quincy Adams
I don't usually go out on Veteran's Day. I get really uneasy when people know I'm in the military and thank me for my service. I know I am just supposed to smile and say thanks, but I want to tell them there really isn't anything to thank. It's a job that I chose, thank a Vietnam Veteran, they on the most part didn't choose this line of work.
Plus, I never take a Veteran discount so I would feel really shitty getting a whole meal for free. The one time I did go out for VDay and ate at Chili's (my wife was working at this one) I got my meal for free, but gave the server what my meal would have cost in a tip.
― John Quincy Adams
Was doing the overall officer matrix for the unit today and picked up an anomaly with the S6 shop. I realized the S6 OIC is PCSing in December and the LT Assistant is getting a Platoon in January. That means we have 0 Officers for the S6 Shop. I presented this situation to the XO today. He says, "Oh wow. That's not good. Unfortunately your observation skills are wasted in the S6 Shop. I need someone of your caliber to be my new Supply OIC! Talk to the old Supply NCO next building over". Met him and we ended up making meme jokes all day and talking about Taylor Swift songs. I think its also gonna rock because the Supply OIC/NCO Position ghosts here so we do PT on our own away from everyone else and according to my current NCO he says as long as we stay on top of our stuff we're done by 1500 every day. #awwyiss
Also, made me kinda sad when I packed up my desk when two of the Specialists in the Office said to me, "Aww. Figures, the one time we get a good Officer he ends up leaving a month later". I asked them individually what they meant by that. The first one said, "You actually listen to us and try to adjust fire to make things better for all of us" and the other one said, "It was nice having an officer who wasn't about his ego and didn't tell me to fuck off when he didn't have an answer to my question".
Dem feels.
Ugh how is not doing this the exception!? I don't even... wut?
"I treat my subordinates like human beings. It's a real game-changer."
Where do they make these huge asshole officers? The entire time during ROTC they drilled into us that we are babies who will know nothing so please be humble. None of my class had a chip on their shoulder. Sure, some drank the big blue koolaid too hard but this didn't translate to being a dick to subordinates.
No hits on jobs for me yet, and no news for an EAD either. Still in a holding pattern. Did apply to this entry level intel analyst for the secret service so that was fun. I've been talking to contracts people online and they all seem to really like the career field, which is awesome! I mean I had heard good things, but frankly it is shockingly consistent.
The problem is, there's only two types of grunts. Dumb as rocks and serial killer smart. The rocks are usually the chest beaters givin us a bad rep. Like others I have +120 GT and a cib. Now I'm a biomedical equipment technician, guns still go boom.
I need to work on my pull ups. Dead hang has never been my best deal.
Everything I know about Ranger school I learned from Surviving the Cut.
Good freakin luck man, that's sweet.
Let 'em eat fucking pineapples!
PS4:MrZoompants
Did a timed 12 mile today, 50lb ruck. I ran the first mile and a half, then did the typical shuffle, sprint, shuffle, sprint. The last three miles I just took it at stride because I knew I would coast in under the 3 hour time-frame and that there were only four or five guys ahead of me. I hit the line at 2:41 which is OK - not super fast, but not slow. I felt pretty OK for a few minutes.
The GRP XO did it in 2:02. He's just under 40 years old, and rail thin. That man is a rucking god.
I think he might have run the first six miles. I feel like he was judging my every step when he watched me come across the line.
Land nav with the SF boys after my next jump tomorrow. I love this unit.
It's everything I've ever wanted in the army.
Call him Sergeant Major.
Dude should be fine with that.