Contact. Wait out. #36. Suggestions.

Contact. Wait out. #36. Suggestions.

The archaic rank system in the army is required in times of war because of the need for orders to be followed without thought. The belief is that if you wait to digest, or even question an order, people will die. There just isn't enough time to waste when the rounds are falling at your feet. I'm sure that there's some truth in this. You can't have your subordinates asking why all the time when in a combat situation.

Unfortunately, this system doesn't work in day to day life. The main reason is that soldiers have changed. Better educated men and women are coming through the system and they need to know the reason for things. Asking why has become a common thing in the army and the seniors are pulling their hair out over it. If you're issued a pair of silver shadows, but you have a gleaming pair Nike or Reebok running shoes, why the hell would you not be allowed to wear them for PT? Surely, your feet will be better taken care of by the high end trainer. When a senior tells a private that he has to wear the Hi-Tek, but he knows that his own trainers are superior, he's going to ask why. If the senior doesn't have the answer, then the private is going to get beasted.

I don't know the answer to this new problem. I really doubt that the "men will die" excuse is going to cut it forever. Perhaps as the younger guys go through the ranks, they'll understand what they were like as juniors, and they'll be more understanding when they get asked bone questions. Maybe, who knows?