Famous quote by Ernest Borgnine

"I've been to a number of places and seen for myself the caliber of people who are in the Navy today - in all the services for that matter. This is an altogether different bunch. These people of today are really bright, young, good people"

About this Quote

A seasoned observer speaks with the authority of experience, having traveled widely and seen the armed forces up close. The emphasis on “caliber” signals a holistic appraisal, skill, intellect, discipline, and moral character, rather than just physical prowess or drill efficiency. By widening the scope to “all the services,” the statement resists parochial pride and points to a broader cultural shift across the military.

Calling today’s service members “an altogether different bunch” acknowledges change over time. It suggests a generational transition shaped by new technologies, complex missions, and rising educational standards. Modern militaries demand specialists who can manage sophisticated systems, navigate information-rich environments, and make ethical decisions under pressure. “Bright” underscores intellectual agility and technical competence; “young” highlights energy, adaptability, and the willingness to learn; “good” affirms integrity, camaraderie, and a sense of responsibility to something larger than oneself.

There is also a quiet correction of common stereotypes. Where some might expect rigidity or brute force, the observation spotlights thoughtfulness and goodness. Where nostalgia often casts earlier generations as unmatched, the tone here reverses that trope, offering admiration for the present without disparaging the past. It reads as a generous, ungrudging recognition that the institution has evolved and that its people are meeting the moment.

The human element is central. These are not faceless uniforms but individuals with promise and decency, a reminder that military power ultimately rests on character. The praise carries a civic message as well: when institutions adapt and set high expectations, capable and ethical people rise to meet them. The remark blends respect for tradition with confidence in renewal, affirming that the future of service rests in competent hands, young minds with bright capacities, anchored by a moral compass that makes them not only effective professionals but admirable citizens.

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About the Author

USA Flag This quote is written / told by Ernest Borgnine somewhere between January 24, 1917 and today. He was a famous Actor from USA. The author also have 3 other quotes.
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