And now for something weird...

BR-549

Joined Sep 22, 2013
4,931
Nothing is more irritating then an weather alert. My new cable box will not allow me to change channels during one. So, I turn it off. It's hard to tell what the cable co thinks.
 

WBahn

Joined Mar 31, 2012
32,915
He definitely did the right thing, but I suspect there was a bit of enlightened self-interest involved, too. Had he NOT owned up to it, it could have been career altering or even ending. When you operate at those levels, it often comes down to tiny things making the difference between getting a position and being passed over. There have been uniform gaffs in file photos that became the reason for nonselection. Usually the rationale is that it displays a lack of the necessary attention to detail for the position being considered. He largely blocks that argument with one in his favor based on integrity and forthrightness, but it could still be a net negative if brought up at a future selection board.
 

wayneh

Joined Sep 9, 2010
18,117
He definitely did the right thing, but I suspect there was a bit of enlightened self-interest involved, too. Had he NOT owned up to it, it could have been career altering or even ending. When you operate at those levels, it often comes down to tiny things making the difference between getting a position and being passed over. There have been uniform gaffs in file photos that became the reason for nonselection. Usually the rationale is that it displays a lack of the necessary attention to detail for the position being considered. He largely blocks that argument with one in his favor based on integrity and forthrightness, but it could still be a net negative if brought up at a future selection board.
One huge problem is that thousands of active duty military grunts have to deal with getting it right - every hair in place, every button and badge in perfect placement and so on. If it becomes obvious that the same rules don’t apply at the top, it’s hard to enforce discipline down the line. “Do as I say, not as I do” doesn’t cut it.
 

WBahn

Joined Mar 31, 2012
32,915
One huge problem is that thousands of active duty military grunts have to deal with getting it right - every hair in place, every button and badge in perfect placement and so on. If it becomes obvious that the same rules don’t apply at the top, it’s hard to enforce discipline down the line. “Do as I say, not as I do” doesn’t cut it.
That is definitely a factor. Everyone knows that "rank hath its privileges" and that there are those officers (and NCOs) that abuse it. But, by and large, the professional leadership is very aware of the need to set the example and, by and large, they do a good job of it. If you go and look through any of the XX Times for the various branches, you will see that they are littered with senior officials being relieved of duty for things that the civilian world largely yawns at. The total number isn't high, but it is openly and widely publicized within the military circles.
 
Last edited:

WBahn

Joined Mar 31, 2012
32,915
:rolleyes: if only more world leaders behaved that way.... politics aside...
I agree. The military isn't perfect, not by a long shot. But there is a reason why the American public consistently rates the armed forces among the very top of the list of honorable and trustworthy professions (and often AT the top, but usually in the top five). Most lists have military officers, doctors, nurses, engineers, fire fighters, and scientists high in the top ten in one mix or another.
 

BR-549

Joined Sep 22, 2013
4,931
One can go to any school or university for knowledge or a profession. But when one comes out of a military academy.....one has an education.

Education is the proper application of knowledge. There is a huge difference. Knowing and using are different things.

Civilian "education" is a joke. No instruction or qualifications whatsoever about how to use the knowledge.......gives us educated ignorance.

Knowledge is a powerful tool.......like a hammer. Don't give a hammer to a 3 yr. old.

Knowledge, with emotion behind it.......is dangerous. Emotion makes fools of us all.

Our education system has no accountability, no competition and have no standards to meet, with automatic funding increases. Why would anyone there, change anything?
 

BR-549

Joined Sep 22, 2013
4,931
We have a thing up here.....called tongue in cheek. No problem.........most Americans can not understand it either.

Edit: Real American country people.....call it the art of bullshitting.
 
Top