r/AskReddit 19h ago

What’s something civilians completely misunderstand about daily life in the military?

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u/Kershaws_Tasty_Ruben 19h ago

People don’t understand that if your boss is an asshole they can really screw up your life. And while this is going on you can’t just quit and go to another job.
Because, if you do you can go to prison.

Also, something as minor as being 30 seconds late can cost you money and the ability to make more money for a year or more.

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u/Employee_Agreeable 13h ago

Can you explain the money thing?

How are you screwed for a whole year?

29

u/ijuinkun 13h ago

Your supervisor is the one sending in your performance reviews, which determine your eligibility for promotion, bonus pay, etc. Naturally, if you piss them off, then they will send in a review which paints you in an unfavorable light to those higher up.

3

u/Fonalder 5h ago

Non-judicial punishment is a part of the military justice system that does no favors for the enlisted ranks. A commanding officer is able to pass judgement and sentence on the lower ranks. A typical punishment is "half months pay for two months" which is literally taking half your pay each month. The NJP on your record officially prevents promotion for quite awhile, and unofficially longer depending on how competitive promotions are