Giving up First Class seat to Military personnel
Dec 20, 2019, 4:44 am
#31
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No. I do not share the American fascination with or adoration of the armed forces.
Dec 20, 2019, 4:48 am
#32
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Meanwhile in Singapore, citizens question why military officers gets to fly Business class on flights for overseas training. Link to story here. Asians do not generally worship armed officers as much, I think, but Americans seems to have a high pre-occupation with regards to their armed forces. Not saying that we should not give them due respect, but adulation to the point of infatuation can result in erroneous judgement. In some developing parts of the world, the military might be contentious so people from these regions might not view the military in a good light, so you have got to account for these as well.
There are probably very few regions in the world , that do not have troops from the USA , not stationed there, or stationed near by
Dec 20, 2019, 5:43 am
#33
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Never! But why do you ask? To brag about your "good" deed? 
Dec 20, 2019, 5:52 am
#34
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The Situation is correct. The vast majority of people in the military sit at a desk and never see combat. They hardly hold a position that Americans imagine they do.
Further, they have rules on accepting gifts and on doing anything that calls their ethical (or financial) character in to question. The disagreement in this thread alone is sufficient evidence that this is a gray area. You may think it's a selfless act, but they are not allowed to accept such an offer. You're putting servicemembers in a very awkward position by offering.
Further, they have rules on accepting gifts and on doing anything that calls their ethical (or financial) character in to question. The disagreement in this thread alone is sufficient evidence that this is a gray area. You may think it's a selfless act, but they are not allowed to accept such an offer. You're putting servicemembers in a very awkward position by offering.
Dec 20, 2019, 7:05 am
#35
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Just be mindful that DoD employees including uniformed personnel have ethics rules regarding gifts. Transportation benefits are explicitly in DoD policy as gifts. It is probably not going to be an issue in this case (unless you are employed by someone that could be classified as a prohibited source.) But it could cause some concern.
An active duty member can not take this. This does have value.
You can buy a drink for them or a meal---but taking a first class ticket whose value is well over $25 is illegal for them to do it and they can be fored if found out they accepted it.
If it was a broader promotion like the promos from restaurants on veterans day where active duty eat for free---this is allowed because it isnt targeting 1-2 people but thousands--its ok.
Dec 20, 2019, 7:08 am
#36
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Meanwhile in Singapore, citizens question why military officers gets to fly Business class on flights for overseas training. Link to story here. Asians do not generally worship armed officers as much, I think, but Americans seems to have a high pre-occupation with regards to their armed forces. Not saying that we should not give them due respect, but adulation to the point of infatuation can result in erroneous judgement. In some developing parts of the world, the military might be contentious so people from these regions might not view the military in a good light, so you have got to account for these as well.
Dec 20, 2019, 7:11 am
#37
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I don't give away my seat to military personnel.
They are no more special than my daughters preschool teacher or cancer doctors.
They have chosen a profession like we all do; its a noble profession that takes dedication and sacrifice.
I have bought Starbucks for military personnel on occasion in the Airport just as I sometimes do for a random stranger just to pay it forward.
They are no more special than my daughters preschool teacher or cancer doctors.
They have chosen a profession like we all do; its a noble profession that takes dedication and sacrifice.
I have bought Starbucks for military personnel on occasion in the Airport just as I sometimes do for a random stranger just to pay it forward.
Dec 20, 2019, 7:34 am
#38
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With all of the stories going around about how white nationalists are running amok in the military (and how the Senate just voted to not vet them during recruitment), the whole soldier-as-hero narrative keeps getting further and further from reality. Yeah, maybe in WWI and WWII, the soldiers in the trenchers were absolutely heros. But the line between good and evil has become quite blurred in the last 80 years, and many of our volunteer soldiers are not nearly as altruistic and noble as some people in the media and government want to convince that they are. (BTW, my husband did serve in the Army, and I know many others who have served as well, and no, they are definitely not all good people).
This. I also think 18 years of nonstop war where the bulk of Americans are not impacted but the poor are overwhelming the ones serving also makes many people feel guilty. Again, I'd rather work to change our culture.
Dec 20, 2019, 7:47 am
#39
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Dec 20, 2019, 8:29 am
#40
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I don't do this for recognition but posted here so everyone on FT would know how generous I am
Dec 20, 2019, 8:39 am
#41
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Nope ... and not going to do it. Most of my flights are long haul and I need my rest. They chose their profession like I chose mine.
Sorry .. not sorry.
Sorry .. not sorry.
Dec 20, 2019, 9:06 am
#42
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I think a lot of this comes from the fact, that has a country.. USA has troops all over the world, protecting the interests of countries, who otherwise may not have the resources available to do this on their own.
There are probably very few regions in the world , that do not have troops from the USA , not stationed there, or stationed near by
There are probably very few regions in the world , that do not have troops from the USA , not stationed there, or stationed near by
Dec 20, 2019, 9:22 am
#43
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so true... and you are right... about not giving up seats for the Military .. I wonder, if members of the arms forces from other countries dont travel in their uniform to avoid attention.
Dec 20, 2019, 9:40 am
#44
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Further, while it's nice of airlines to offer pre-boarding to military, using this benefit specifically identifies someone as being in the military. Again ... something service members are taught to avoid.
Dec 20, 2019, 9:45 am
#45
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Are the people who give up their premium seats to members of the military former military themselves?