The Trouble with D&D

Guest post by CSM (Ret.) Lance Lehr, Executive Director of I.am.NCO

Discourse¹  Noun: written or spoken communication or debate:

Verb: speak or write authoritatively about a topic: Similar: [discussion, conversation, talk, dialogue]

Discord²  disagreement between people: Similar: [strife, conflict, friction, hostility, disagreement, dissention, dispute]

As a retired Sr. NCO and an advocate for our Army and noncommissioned officer corps, I am vexed when I see negative attitudes from other senior noncommissioned officers sowing discord on social media. More specifically, sowing discord in some professional discussions or journal areas. This track has no use and doesn't relay anything useful other than hey, let's see how I can throw in a wrench here.

If you’re like me, I scan articles and journals to find an interesting topic that stirs my brain cells to try and learn or understand something. As an advocate, I regularly peruse professional journal articles to keep up with how the Army moves forward (or not). On the odd occasion, I will post a response to one of these articles. Generally, I would use an affirmative if I enjoyed the article and something like “That’s an interesting take on the subject” if I tend to disagree. What I see all too often is a poke in the eye if the reader disagrees. I’ve also seen a counter-poke by authors on several occasions. When you respond to something you’ve read on (insert media here), what are you trying to accomplish? Are you trying to say that you liked or disliked the piece, are you trying to elicit a response, or are you just trying to throw a wrench into the readers day?

Both Edges of the Verbal Sword

We’ve all seen both edges of the verbal sword here. When you choose to communicate what you think, are you doing it to start a conversation or open a dialogue, or are you trying to communicate your disagreement with the article? Both responses are appropriate, but you can do it better by trying to create or continue a genuine dialogue with others (see definitions above).

Using trending posts on multiple sites as a case study, I’ve found that discourse and discord seem to be how senior noncommissioned officers respond to a subject on various platforms. If you’re like me, you find it frustrating to read the threads and constantly run into those who want to inject discord into a troubling discussion rather than writing authoritatively about the topic (discourse). Generally, this happens from what I call the ‘grumpy group’ who say they are glad they're not in the Army anymore and don’t have to deal with it.’ Though it’s interesting that they would respond, being out of the Army and all yet they interject these thoughts…a lot. The second group of folks, whom I’ll call the ‘current experts,’ respond with the general accusation of ‘you’re not in the Army, don’t know what's going on, and you should stay out of it.’ I think that one tends to sting all of us greybeards because I spent 33 years doing what they’re doing, keep very current on the issues, and am trying to help with the Army’s legacy, as are hundreds of others. This group of advocates wants what's best for the Army – and takes time to try and write authoritatively about whatever the topic is, although the ‘grumpy group always seems to chime in.

Let me ask you grumpy experts a question – when was the last time you saw a senior Army officer post like I’m talking about? Not able to answer, right? It's because they write as professionals. If you consider yourself a professional – write like one.

Using a Professional Voice

In the world of social media, it’s given that there will be posters and responders who throw out what they are thinking without much thought. This is understandable; it is social media. But when on a professional forum or when discussing a sensitive subject, we all should understand that our professional voice is now doing the talking. Our professional discourse is more important than you may think, and undoubtedly, it reflects on our corps. My time is also my valuable resource, and sowing discord takes away my time.

I was reminded of all this by an article recently penned by the TRADOC Commander, GEN Gary Brito³. He said, “Professionals must first hold themselves accountable to the expectations of the profession… things like continuous self-development, ethical living, and professional sincerity.” I’d ask those who post to think about what they say in public and make it something of value for the group. I’m pretty sure you won’t listen, but hey, it’s worth a try.

CSM (Ret.) Lance Lehr

Lance is a retired command sergeant major and currently the Executive Director of the Institute for Advanced NCO Leadership (IamNCO), an independent think tank developed to conduct rigorous research, expert analysis, and offer policy recommendations for enlisted leader development. The opinions expressed in this op-ed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of IamNCO. If you would like to submit your own commentary, please send your article to voice@iamnco.org for consideration.

1.  Oxford Languages. (2024). Discourse. Retrieved August 16, 2024, from define       discourse - Search (bing.com)

2.  Oxford Languages. (2024). Discourse. Retrieved August 16, 2024, from define discord - Search (bing.com)

3.  Brito, G. (2024, August 23) AUSA. Commentary: Strong to the Core: Reflections on Maintaining a Professional Force. Retrieved August 24, 2024, from Strong to the Core: Reflections on Maintaining a Professional Force | AUSA