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I believe we in the U.S. military probably have the best living conditions and humane treatment of any nation's armed forces in the world. I was fortunate to be stationed in West Germany when the Berlin Wall came down (1989) Shortly after the wall fell, we took a Rec Center tour to Berlin. Berlin was a wonderful city and we had a wonderful time. But, on the return trip, we drove through what used to be the Soviet Sector. We passed several Russian Army compounds (Kasernes). We saw troops that had pulled all of their belonings outside of the buildings and were trying to sell stuff to get money to eat and hopefully return home. We in the U.S. military enjoyed a FAR better relationship with our West German hosts than the Russian troops did as occupiers of East Germany...
Crew Chief, I wish more spouses were aware of that stark contrast. Well, some soldiers, too, to be honest. It gets pretty tiring listening to the complaints about this awful housing or that innadequate pay, or whatever else they find to complain about. We really do have it awfully good, not just in comparison to other nations, but compared to this nation years ago. I wish people would be more appreciative. They'd enjoy it more. We are definitely blessed.
Crew Chief, I wish more spouses were aware of that stark contrast. Well, some soldiers, too, to be honest. It gets pretty tiring listening to the complaints about this awful housing or that innadequate pay, or whatever else they find to complain about. We really do have it awfully good, not just in comparison to other nations, but compared to this nation years ago. I wish people would be more appreciative. They'd enjoy it more. We are definitely blessed.
AMEN, Daisiesnfreckles! When we were stationed in Germany (Bitburg) we lived and shopped on the economy (as well as on base) We used to just crack up when we read the Letters to the Editor in the Stars & Stripes from family members stationed at HUGE U.S. installations like K-Town and Heidelberg who'd write in to complain about how the commisary was out of their favorite T.P. or some other "hardship" they had to live with overseas. You'd think that stairwell housing was prison from the way people talked. Of course, stairwell housing was a great place to hang out and gossip about your neighbors instead of getting off base/post to see something of the local countryside...
Crew Chief, I wish more spouses were aware of that stark contrast. Well, some soldiers, too, to be honest. It gets pretty tiring listening to the complaints about this awful housing or that innadequate pay, or whatever else they find to complain about. We really do have it awfully good, not just in comparison to other nations, but compared to this nation years ago. I wish people would be more appreciative. They'd enjoy it more. We are definitely blessed.
I think there was a point and time we all complained about something in the military, especially when young and being far away from home for the first time. I was 18 when I went in, and of course, it was the food and barracks I and most of my other buddies griped about. In fact, I believe these are the most common complaints. Over time, though, one adjusts and it's also a matter of maturity. I think if I were in today at my age (43), those things would be immaterial. In fact, throw me in the most primitive surroundings, I would be content.
I still gripe about the food in the chow hall, then I get over it and take my happy butt down to the local grocery store, pay insane Euro prices, eat, and be merry =P lol
Things in Russia are still bad....getting better...but still a LONG way to go.
This is the horrid mess that the communists left the Russian people.
The military gets the worst of it. I personally know many Russian families with conscript age boys who "fled" (ie immigrated) to keep their kid(s) out of the still WAY to "red" army.
The abuse is appalling, the conditions horrid etc. Sure, the pro government T.V. stations show the "Potemkin village" military barracks all nice and clean....but the reality is quite different.
I think there was a point and time we all complained about something in the military, especially when young and being far away from home for the first time. I was 18 when I went in, and of course, it was the food and barracks I and most of my other buddies griped about. In fact, I believe these are the most common complaints. Over time, though, one adjusts and it's also a matter of maturity. I think if I were in today at my age (43), those things would be immaterial. In fact, throw me in the most primitive surroundings, I would be content.
I definitely agree. We all don't like something or another somewhere along the line, me included. But I think you hit the nail on the head with maturity. There are women I would love to just shake some sense into when they complain nonstop about their husbands being in the field for two weeks or so. Seriously?! You're free to go and live with mom and dad again if you want. No one's telling you that you HAVE to deal with your husband being gone from you for two weeks. Heaven forbid. You might perish from the loneliness, you know.
I still gripe about the food in the chow hall, then I get over it and take my happy butt down to the local grocery store, pay insane Euro prices, eat, and be merry =P lol
You should have eaten the food 40 years ago. It's a lot better now and there is more of a choice.
Many other Navies are much worse on their sailors than the US Navy is as well.
Having seen British, French, Dutch, Spanish, and Saudi ships [and their sailors] it is entirely different worlds that we live in.
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they had to live with overseas. You'd think that stairwell housing was prison from the way people talked. Of course, stairwell housing was a great place to hang out and gossip about your neighbors instead of getting off base/post to see something of the local countryside...
