The Roger Sarnt Podcast Episode 69: Gen Z Soldiers: Soft or Savvy?
Are today's soldiers truly soft, or are they simply adapting to systems that haven't evolved with the times? This thought-provoking episode dives deep into the generational divide shaping today's Army culture.
When senior NCOs claim that Generation Z soldiers lack discipline or respect for tradition, they're often misinterpreting critical thinking as defiance. The younger generation's tendency to question "why" before action isn't necessarily about avoiding work—it's about seeking efficient solutions and understanding purpose. From customs and courtesies to training methodologies, what looks like resistance to authority often reveals a deeper desire to modernize outdated approaches.
The digital native generation brings technological fluency that could revolutionize military operations if properly leveraged. Yet when they suggest using cloud-based tools instead of whiteboards, or question why PT doesn't match the actual requirements of the Army Fitness Test, they're frequently dismissed with "this is how we've always done it." Meanwhile, the Army preaches modernization while clinging to traditional methods that fail to engage today's soldiers effectively.
Perhaps most concerning is how the Army sends mixed messages about mental health—encouraging awareness and self-care while simultaneously expecting soldiers to "suck it up" when they actually seek support. Similarly, feedback systems break down when leadership doesn't create safe spaces for honest critique, shutting down the very innovation they claim to value.
The solution isn't for one generation to simply adapt to the other, but for the Army as an institution to evolve in ways that harness the strengths of all its members. Whether you're an NCO frustrated with changing norms or a junior soldier seeking better systems, this conversation will challenge your perspective on what true military readiness looks like in the digital age.
Subscribe now for more no-fluff discussions about the real challenges facing today's Army. What outdated military practice do you think needs to evolve? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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Remember, you don't have to embrace the suck, if you have the right tools in your ruck!
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