The Great Rank Debate Part Two!

Just so you know where I'm going with this, be sure to read Part 1. One of my dear friends brought up another point that I feel is important so that is what part 2 will be about.

As I said in my previous entry, no one really cares about people's rank HOWEVER, there is still protocol. While it did annoy me that the officer's wife told me she couldn't have dinner with us because my husband was enlisted, there is certain protocol (and trust me that wasn't it, that was a guy on an ego trip).

It is NOT kosher for junior enlisted to be hanging out with senior NCOs or Officers. And really that rule is in place to protect ALL parties. But it's not abnormal, especially with the current Op Tempo of our Armed Forces to create a tighter bond and hang out when they return home. For instance, we often have section get togethers to help build troop morale. But those are done in large groups, not one on one.

No one ever wants to be put in a position where they feel they are being taken advantage of or that they are the ones taking advantage of others. I have seen numerous instances where people abuse their power. And I have seen many instances where people don't even think of their positions.

So while you shouldn't put your position in the Military on a pedestal for others to bow down to, you also want to be careful to protect yourself and those placed under you. Even as a spouse. While I like to think that people are truthful, it's not unheard of for people to be your friend based on your spouses' rank. That's one thing that annoys me about the show Army Wives, they constantly show the abuse of power and the whole "who you know" concept. Ridiculous.