The military culture has undergone a dramatic shift over the past two decades—and not for the better. As a veteran who served from the late ’90s through the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003, I’ve seen this transformation up close. What was once an institution defined by toughness, resilience, and self-reliance has gradually eroded under the weight of shifting political ideologies and lowered standards.
The Warrior Mentality of the Pre-Obama Era
During my time in service, particularly in combat arms, toughness wasn’t just an expectation—it was the foundation of our identity. We didn’t complain about injuries, pain, or sickness. Admitting weakness was unthinkable. This wasn’t about recklessness; it was about pride, discipline, and the understanding that war doesn’t make allowances for comfort.
The military was overwhelmingly conservative, especially among the fighting soldiers. While the military includes many non-combat roles—logistics, supply, cooks, and transportation—those of us in combat arms carried a distinct mentality. We endured grueling, nearly abusive training, not because it was fun, but because it was necessary. Hard training made hard soldiers. That was the point.
How the Obama Administration Changed the Military
Everything began to shift under President Obama’s administration. The military, once an institution that molded warriors, became a tool for political engineering. Standards were lowered, not because warfare had changed, but because a softer, more “inclusive” military fit a broader ideological agenda.
- Lowered Physical Standards: Combat fitness tests were watered down to accommodate those who couldn’t meet traditional requirements. The elite warrior class was diluted.
- Encouraging Disability Claims: Soldiers were suddenly encouraged to file for disability benefits, often for minor or even non-existent issues. This shift bred dependence on government assistance instead of fostering resilience.
- Liberal Indoctrination: Training programs began incorporating political ideology, ensuring that young, impressionable soldiers aligned with a leftist worldview.
It was clear that the goal was to create a new generation of soldiers who would vote Democrat, embrace entitlement, and prioritize political correctness over combat readiness.
The Veterans’ Perspective: Disbelief and Laughter
Those of us who served before this shift often look at today’s military with a mix of disbelief and humor. We hear stories of soldiers claiming disability for sleepwalking once as a child, or for ailments that wouldn’t have even warranted a trip to sick call in our day. It’s a far cry from the warriors we stood beside.
War is not forgiving. It does not care about political correctness, safe spaces, or quotas. The military’s primary function is to win wars, and that requires discipline, strength, and mental toughness—qualities that have been systematically eroded.
Hope for a Stronger Future
There’s a glimmer of hope under leaders like Secretary Pete Hegseth, who understand what the military needs: warriors, not welfare recipients. If the military is to regain its strength, it must return to the principles that once made it great—rigorous training, uncompromising standards, and a culture of toughness that produces real fighters.
The military should not be a social experiment. It should not be a vehicle for political indoctrination. It should be the most lethal fighting force in the world. And to do that, we must return to what worked: training hard, rejecting weakness, and fostering a culture that values strength over sensitivity.
Only then will we be prepared to win wars again.
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