Unions within the Military of the US?

Question

Where I live, there are many Unions for militarily employed persons- the largest being the Officers Union, who if they feel that the pay is not reflecting the risk, might boycott missions abroad and such.

Why isn't there- or is there?- a Union of American soldiers that watch out for their rights and make sure they get everything they are entitled for economically, in healthcare and in education? As well as working on improving soldiers' rights?

It is true, that soldiers aren't allowed to express themselves politically in public, however, certainly they should have a right to a strong union?

Well, yes, in uniform, that's what I meant. ... Why isn't there any unions? One would think that it would be in the interests of the military to have them?

How is it a bad idea- certainly the "voice" of the soldiers should be heard?

Of course, the military would have a strike-ban, much like the police and the firedepartment.

The type of association of Sergeants doesn't really sound effective to me- These unions work most effectively from the inside, taking things of general concern directly to the person who are in a position to rule over it- whether that be the President or the Commander of the Unit.

I don't see why militarily employed people should have any less rights than civilians- should they not in fact have more?

Answer 1

I'm not sure what country you are from. I've never heard of a union army or officers corps. I'm not saying it doesn't exist but I've never heard of it. Please enlighten me. I'd love to study it more.
The US military is a union of sorts. We are represented at many different levels. The Joints Chiefs of Staff represent us in Washington DC. The Seregeant Major of the Army is basically the head of the enlisted NCO and soldiers union. We use the chain of command to pass ideas and informtion up and down the ranks. When company commanders go to meeting with battalion and bragade commanders they are basically acting as a smaller group union rep. There are civilian organizations that lobby for us in Washington DC. Do we vote on which wars we go to? No, that would be silly. Does a GM union employee vote on which car GM makes? Nope!

We do currently have a healthcare plan (TriCare) and what union that you know of will give a brand new employee (private) a home for him and his family. (Does your union?) Our retirement benifits start the day we enlist. We can retire at 20 years (can you?). Does your union supply you with schools for your children? (mine does). While on active duty I can go to college tuition free. Your union offer that? I have education benifits when I retire already built in my contract. You?

Your statement is false when you say we can't express ourselves. We just can't do it in uniform. My opinion may not be what the Army represents so I shouldn't wear my Army uniform while expressing my opinion. People would be under the misconception that this is the Armys opinion.

About the only thing we don't have are union dues, fees, and someone higher than us who isn't happy telling us to go on strike because he/she needs a new summer home somewhere.

Answer 2

The only military I can think of that has a union is the Dutch, but that's neither here nor there. The reason the US military doesn't have unions is that they would be counter to the national interest. The sheer size of the American military makes such an organization rather unworkable, along with the fact that most of us in the military don't see a need for one. We join knowing the possible risks, and are willing to take them. While unions may work for a smaller military, or in a country that has had a better track record with unions, here in the U.S. many of us don't trust or want a union to be involved in how we go about defending our country.

Answer 3

I can see where unions for soldiers would not be the best idea, and the first user is correct about expressing views. I DO agree that the soldiers aren't being paid NEAR enough (even though they're not doing it for the money.)

How do you repay someone who been seriously injured to the point they cannot do physical work, or sadder yet, has sacrificed their life for their country? You simply cannot, which is sadder still.

[ADDED]
I don't think a union, in the general sense of the word, would be best. The last think I want my country's military to do is strike because of low pay. I think there need to be groups of former veterans who battle for better wages & benefits of soldiers, but I don't think they should be able to strike for better benefits.

If the military forms unions, it'll end up being a "job", instead of a service. The people voluntarily sign up, knowing that they cannot simply not show up when they're shipped out. Making unions would be one step closer to privatizing the military, and that's not something we need to do. If that happens, then they'll probably end up outsourcing the military, along with every other paid position.

Answer 4

The is actually a sort of union type deal. Its called the Sergeants Association. Its a group of mostly retired, reserve members, who listen to the various inputs, gripes, complaints and issues that face our military men and women. Then they take all of these issues and present them to congress, then from there who knows where it goes. Im sure they do something good here and there, but not quite sure.

Answer 5

There are no unions in the US military, soldiers are allowed to express their opinion and make political statements, but not while wearing their uniform.

Answer 6

I think a Union in active duty is a bad idea. They would cause segregation among troops because of course not all would want to join. Our military are supposed to all work together not fight each other.