Consequences of Making Inappropriate Comments to Authority Figures in the Military

Robin Williams’s character in Good Morning Vietnam incited a tense situation with his superior in the film, but what would have happened if a common soldier made a similar comment to an abusive sergeant or officer in real life? The outcomes can be severe, as this article elucidates.

Understanding the Context

The film Good Morning Vietnam is a dramatization of real events and fictionalizes several scenarios. In the movie, Mike Cronauer, portrayed by Robin Williams, makes a humorous, albeit inappropriate, comment to his superior, Sergeant Major Dickerson. While the comment in the film was presented as a joke, the military environment is one that does not tolerate such behavior, especially when it is pointed at someone in a position of authority.

Real-World Incidents and Their Consequences

Real-life military service members, especially those in lower ranks, are taught about discipline and the respect due to those in positions of authority. A common soldier making a comment like the one Cronauer makes could find themselves in a precarious situation. Here are some points to consider:

Abuse of Authority: Those who abuse their authority do so knowingly. They are often poor leaders who pass the blame for their failures onto their subordinates. In some cases, these individuals are excellent at shifting blame and may seem competent to their peers.Respect for Rank: Every service member, regardless of rank, is expected to show respect to their superiors as per the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Whether the comment is intended humorously or not, it is inappropriate to make such remarks to anyone in a position of authority, and the consequences could be severe.

The Specifics of the Situation

The comment Cronauer made could be reinterpreted, as Robin Williams’s character in the film noted, “You are in more desperate need of stress relief than any white man.” This comment, originating from the context of the film, could be rephrased as, “You need to relax, dude, you are stressed out.” While communicating with a sergeant or officer might seem less consequential in a personal setting, it is critical to exercise caution and respect.

Even more so if the comment is made in the presence of a senior officer like a general. In such a case, the power dynamic shifts, and the comment would be met with immediate and harsh consequences for the soldier who made it.

In the U.S., the Air Force is a separate branch but operates under similar rules and regulations as the Army. It is essential to consider the UCMJ, which applies to all branches of the U.S. military.

Potential Outcomes and Responses

If a common soldier made a comment similar to the one Cronauer did, the immediate response could be verbal counseling. This would be a verbal reprimand from the individual to whom the comment was directed. If the comment is repeated, the response would become more severe and might include documentation and formal disciplinary actions.

If the situation escalates, it could lead to a much more serious consequence. For example, in the scenario of the film, the stress-relief comment might trigger a more formal investigation, but without the context of the film, real-world actions would be swift and severe.

It is important to note that in the military, no service member is considered “common.” All members are expected to adhere to high standards and codes of conduct. If a soldier were to make such a comment, it would be viewed as a serious offense, and the chain of command would be notified of the incident.

Conclusion

From the fictional portrayal in Good Morning Vietnam to real-world scenarios, the consequences of making inappropriate comments to authority figures in the military are severe. The military environment emphasizes discipline and respect, and individuals who abuse their authority run the risk of severe repercussions.