I retired in 1996, I was that most hated of REMF’s a DAC. However, I did have eyes to see and even at that time it seemed every fourth or fifth soldier I would pass on the street at Hood or Bragg appeared to me to be seriously problematic. Some , I am certain is just the nonsense lower grade EM’s engage in with civilians in base. However, the number of black soldiers that gave me a look of pure hatred was disturbing. For the rest of all colors there were too many who just looked like lost souls or very low functioning. These individuals would find the Army’s operational tempo more than demanding and service in a combat theater a true nightmare.
Sorry that was 2006
When we were in there was a pride in it. You shined your books to a mirror polish to show you deserved your Airborne wings and you ironed and starched your uniforms so that cheap, durable clothing would look like it was top shelf. Slowly the “starch” was let slide. Suede boots. No one has to spend hours with Kiwi. Rumpled camoflouge becomes acceptable. All the little things erode first. And when all the little things are gone the big things just roll downhill.