This is very sad indeed 154 military suicides in 155 days

[Dondilion]

These are tough times, but we are well served by this very egalitarian arm force.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by Dondilion

These are tough times, but we are well served by this very egalitarian arm force.

This word "egalitarian" you are using. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Our army is far from egalitarian, either in terms of its demographics or it heirarchical structure. The ranks are comprised of the "lower orders"of our society - becoming even more so because of the lowered standards for enlistment - and the governing "RHIP" philosophy makes the military a very stratified culture.

John

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by Boreas

This word "egalitarian" you are using. I do not think it means what you think it means.

Our army is far from egalitarian, either in terms of its demographics or it heirarchical structure. The ranks are comprised of the "lower orders"of our society - becoming even more so because of the lowered standards for enlistment - and the governing "RHIP" philosophy makes the military a very stratified culture.

John

While what you say is certainly true, the Army is more merit-based than most any other public (or private institution). In that sense, it is egalitarian (i.e., an enlisted man or officer's chances of career progression is based more on merit than class or clan.) That said, the social classes from which the officers corps and enlisted men come is certainly very different.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by finnbow

While what you say is certainly true, the Army is more merit-based than most any other public (or private institution). In that sense, it is egalitarian (i.e., an enlisted man or officer's chances of career progression is based more on merit than class or clan.) That said, the social classes from which the officers corps and enlisted men come is certainly very different.

My experience in the military, brief though it was, tells me that what you say is largely true in the enlisted ranks but that an officer's career is very much determined by "class and clan". I''ts all about graduation, and class ranking, from one of the service academies and whether your father, grandfather or great, great, great grandfather served and what rank they attained.

John

[Dondilion]

Originally Posted by Boreas

My experience in the military, brief though it was, tells me that what you say is largely true in the enlisted ranks but that an officer's career is very much determined by "class and clan". I''ts all about graduation, and class ranking, from one of the service academies and whether your father, grandfather or great, great, great grandfather served and what rank they attained.

John

OK! Thanks for distilling! I am now able to put your opinions in perspective.

Here is a black officer who graduated from a service academy.(Saw him on C Span)
A distinguish record, but the fact that he is a West Pointer probably enhanced his
promotional climb.

http://www.army.mil/africanamericans...es/austin.html

[bobabode]

Originally Posted by Dondilion

I believe you underrate this great nation. After 9/11 a lot of privileged americans answered the call, voluntered.

I believe that you didn't read what I wrote. No matter.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by Dondilion

OK! Thanks for distilling! I am now able to put your opinions in perspective.

Here is a black officer who graduated from a service academy.(Saw him on C Span)
A distinguish record, but the fact that he is a West Pointer probably enhanced his
promotional climb.

http://www.army.mil/africanamericans...es/austin.html

So, your point is..... what? He's black?

John

[Dondilion]

Originally Posted by Boreas

So, your point is..... what? He's black?

John

Dispite being black has fulfilled important class requirements as per your observations.

[Boreas]

Originally Posted by Dondilion

Dispite being black has fulfilled important class requirements as per your observations.

So, that was your point. Boy, oh boy!

John

[d-ray657]

I think it is fair to say that whether it is in the military or in society, we do have aspects of a class system. Those born into prosperity are more likely to have the tools (and connections) to attain future prosperity. The barriers of economic classes are clearly not impermeable. Perhaps they are not even barriers, but there are obstacles that are cleared away for some and stacked up against others.

Regards,

D-Ray