I didn’t say it was “just a hat”. To earn one, one had to complete at least Airborne School and the SF Qualification course, but most special operators earned many more qualifications over the course of their careers: Diver, Ranger School, Pathfinder, and many others, including foreign jump schools. I never objected to the term “operator”; everyone knew we didn’t answer phones for a living.
By not being surprised, I meant that the military has been sliding toward a more politically-correct system of discipline for a long, long time. Marching and running cadences we used 30 years ago were determined to be “offensive” and forbidden. There was a time when it was expected that soldiers would get into fights and we did. Both would be reprimanded and disciplined (non-judicial punishment/Article 15), but only a clear aggressor/instigator would be charged with assault. As I once told a commander in such a situation, “How do you expect me to defend my country if I’m not willing or able to defend myself?”
Basic training changed significantly, we started to get classes on diversity and were mandated to attend “sensing sessions” (psychological B.S.), women were admitted to the academies and standards lowered. I could go on, but you get the idea. It’s part of a changing society and an all-volunteer military in which only about one percent of the population has to make that kind of sacrifice for the remaining 99 percent.
The result? A highly-trained soldier who “pushes” a pedophile and rapist is kicked out of the Army. Don’t like it? Remember, it’s your Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy too...
Thanks for the clarification. It makes much more sense now.