Rank is earned—but ego can ruin everything (Amazon Affiliate). In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton take a direct look at badge envy—the silent tension caused by rank, recognition, and competition within law enforcement and first responder departments. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, disrespected, or quietly judged, this conversation is for you. 🔎 Episode Overview: Promotions, titles, special assignments—they’re meant to reward leadership and skill. But in departments where trust is thin and transparency is lacking, envy starts to breed beneath the surface. In this episode, you’ll gain clarity on how competition and ego impact morale, how to handle resentment (your own or others’), and how to protect your mental health when the focus shifts from mission to measuring up. ⚖️ 5 Signs Badge Envy Is Affecting Your Team Culture 1. Promotions Create Division, Not Motivation Example: A new sergeant is promoted, and instead of being congratulated, they're met with whispers and distance. Impact: Undermines team cohesion and leaves leaders isolated or resented. 2. Officers Undermine Each Other for Recognition Example: A coworker throws someone under the bus to look good in front of command. Impact: Builds mistrust and discourages collaboration in high-stakes situations. 3. Rank Becomes the Only Measure of Value Example: Patrol officers are made to feel “less than” simply because they didn’t promote. Impact: Fuels burnout and damages long-term job satisfaction. 4. Titles are Used as Weapons, Not Tools Example: Someone constantly flexes their rank, even in situations that require humility and teamwork. Impact: Weakens leadership credibility and respect among peers. 5. High Performers Burn Out Trying to “Keep Up” Example: An officer takes every training, overtime shift, or special detail—not because they want to, but because they feel they have to stay visible. Impact: Drains mental health and creates internal resentment when it goes unnoticed. 🛠️ 5 Ways to Stay Grounded and Avoid the Ego Trap 1. Redefine What Success Means to YOU Promotions aren’t the only measure of purpose. Focus on impact, not title. The street still needs good cops—not just brass. 2. Celebrate Peers Authentically (Even When It’s Hard) It takes discipline to applaud someone else's win when you're still waiting for your turn. But it builds trust—and it builds you. 3. Check Your Own Ego Regularly Ask yourself: Am I seeking growth or status? Ego leads to burnout. Service leads to longevity. 4. Build Vertical AND Horizontal Respect Don’t just look up the chain. Build bonds across ranks and roles—you’ll gain allies in every direction. 5. If You Lead, Lead Differently Set the example. Uplift others. Kill rank-based division by creating a culture where contribution matters more than insignia. 🎯 Why This Episode Matters Envy is natural—but how it’s handled will define your career. In a profession where trust is life-or-death, you can't afford to let ego lead the way. 🎙️ Listen now to learn how to rise through the ranks—or stay exactly where you are—without losing your integrity, your team, or your peace of mind.

💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free

🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more

💬 Listener Question: What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram!

Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education.

🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here

(Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust.

📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: [email protected] 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie’s Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement