Animosity between enlisted and physicians?

[SeminoleVesicle]

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Do enlisted soldiers have animosity towards physicians or medical students because they aren't held to the same physical standards? Do enlisted soldiers considered HPSP recipients "real soldiers"?

 

[colbgw02]

No, on both questions, at least in my experience.

Most enlisted soldiers and NCOs I know realize that physicians are around for a very specific role. Fulfill that role, and don't wear your uniform backwards, and they'll leave you alone. Besides, they all know to respect the rank, not the man (woman). Everyone knows an NCO that gets a kick out of correcting a MC officer's uniform, but that's about the extent of any flak you'll get.

As far as being a "real" soldier, I'd say no as well. Then again, a lot of these enlisted folks aren't exactly kicking down doors or going out on patrols either, so how do you define someone as a real soldier? Most of the military serves in a support function, so if you think of a soldier as a trigger puller, then most of us won't qualify.

 

[haujun]

Do enlisted soldiers have animosity towards physicians or medical students because they aren't held to the same physical standards? Do enlisted soldiers considered HPSP recipients "real soldiers"?

Having served as both enlisted (before) and officer (now) I realize the importance of relationship between them. As a soldier we all fall under same physical standard and need to pass PT/weapon qualifications and subject to same military laws and standards. As an officer enlisted soldiers salute us and we are required to salute back. There should be both respect and understanding of important roles that enlisted and officers play in accomplishing mission. As a military physicians I think enlisted soldiers want and expect us to deliver best possible medical treatments. If we cannot do that we are not doing our job no matter how well you act like real soldiers whatever that mean...

 

[jabreal00]

I do not sense any tension or resentment from enlisted soldiers. We are providing a specific service to the military as they are. I will say that the most people are annoyed by that cocky 2nd Lt med stud.

 

[Cooperd0g]

Since this was an ABT question, in the Navy there is no difference in physical standards between officers and enlisted, staff or line. It is based solely on age. And I would pretty much laugh an non combat coreman (like with SEALs or the Marines) who considered himself to be a bad ass.