The culture within the United States Army is often described as a realm of high standards, rigorous training, and a hierarchy based on qualifications and achievements. It’s a world where the pursuit of excellence is not merely encouraged but ingrained into the fabric of its existence. Yet, behind this pursuit lies a complex system of hierarchical distinctions, where individuals are judged based on the accolades and badges adorning their uniform.
The Army culture embodies an ethos akin to an advanced form of the Boy Scouts, where soldiers proudly display their “merit badges.” The attainment of prestigious qualifications, such as airborne school, Ranger school, or Special Forces, is revered and celebrated. However, within this culture, a pecking order emerges, fostering a sense of hierarchy and superiority among soldiers.
This hierarchical system creates a division where those who have not undergone specific elite training, such as airborne school, are labeled as “legs,” implying a perceived deficiency or lack of accomplishment. The pursuit of higher qualifications within the Army becomes a relentless quest, with each tier of achievement merely leading to the pursuit of the next higher echelon. Oftentimes these skills don’t even apply to a Soldiers military occupation. Why would a tanker need to attend airborne school to jump out of airplanes when we don’t currently have any tanks in the Army that can be dropped from airplanes?
Soldiers who have achieved a certain level of distinction, such as earning the Ranger tab or qualifying for special forces, might still find themselves in a culture that perpetuates a hierarchy of superiority. Even within these elite circles, those who have not reached the apex—such as being part of Delta Force—might still be seen as lacking in some regard.
This culture of incessant pursuit of higher qualifications and the embedded hierarchy, while fostering a drive for excellence, can also create an atmosphere where soldiers may feel a constant pressure to prove their worth, and where judgment based on one’s accomplishments becomes a defining factor in their identity within the Army ranks. Striking a balance between recognizing achievements and fostering an environment for all Soldiers to “win our Nations wars” remains an ongoing challenge within the Army’s distinctive culture.
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