I rarely speak my mind about these kind of things.
Get rid of the worthless leadership in congress and also within the Army. I can’t speak for everyone’s experiences or other branches.
But things like this happen all the time, depending on how you are physically/mentally you are looked as a “shitbag” or “sick call ranger” for trying to fix your self or seek medical care of whatever sort. Often times you get to that point and the real issue is never understood, or addressed much less fixed. I have noticed from other soldiers stories that it has to develop into an extreme health issue before it is elevated to proper places or people. There is open door policies, but there is the reality and fear that you will get backlash for it or even then it will not be understood or fixed.
Almost all this ties into the leadership there i.e. higher ranking. Some of it is regulations and policies. Albeit again enforced or made by the leadership. I remember earlier this week my NCOIC made a statement of if you have a profile you shouldn’t be a leader or something to that effect. Unless it was combat related. Mind boggling and stupid view if you ask me.
The good ol’ boy system still runs rampant throughout the Army. The Army is reactive, not proactive. Many of the programs and systems in place are often nothing more than to “check the block” as they say or not done properly or to standard anyways. It is a culture and mindset that will be VERY slow, painful, and long process to get things changed. Assuming the leadership and individuals within the organization that is the Army adhere and enforce them to begin with.
I want to end this with saying I’ve had it both ways, great leadership and men/women you would want to follow and the exact opposite as well. Also being the low man on the totem poll doesn’t help. And often getting higher means you likely had to bend a little or a lot to get there so you have a good NCOER or OER. Don’t want to burn bridges as they say.
Just my experiences while active duty, only 4 years and some change in now. Take my thoughts with a grain of salt if you like.