Military Bearing

Being on the enlisted side of the military, I generally have a common lack of respect towards most officers. Don't get me wrong... I respect the rank, because I'm forced to, but a person has to earn respect. Respecting rank, and having respect for a person are 2 totally different things. I've been in the military over 2 years now, and of that time I have come to notice that the officers have, by far, the worst military bearing. I recently attended my battalion's dining in last weekend. It was an event for Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers. Of everyone there, it was the officers acting a fool. Don't get me wrong, their were drinks involved and it was intended to be a good time for everyone, but even at events such as that, there is a certain level of military bearing that you should obtain. It's all out the window with them.

Aside from the formal occasions, it's situations such as formations. It's standard to show up to formation early. Usually about 10 minutes. These guys stroll up right when the order to fall in is given, or just seconds before. Why?.. because there's nobody that's going to tell them otherwise.

What I'm trying to say is, they generally have this attitude that, "Hey, I'm a higher rank than you, so I can do what I want." Butter Bars (term used for 2LTs) are the worst. These jokers come straight out of Westpoint, or ROTC, and think that just because they're an officer, they deserve respect. A 2LT is like an E-1 Private coming out of basic training. They don't know shit! And some of these guys are coming straight out of these academies with NO experience, and thrown into a combat situation.. expected to lead soldiers. What soldier is going to want to follow them?? Not me!

Now, there are some Officers I can respect. Most of them are the ones that were prior enlisted. Or the ones that have been in command, or been in a combat situation. Those are the officers that can command respect, and get it. But they are far and few between.