Exemplification Essay: The Professional Culture Of The Army

The Army is a uniformed service where discipline is judged, in part, by the manner in which a soldier wears a prescribed uniform, as well as by the individual’s personal appearance. Therefore, a neat and well-groomed

Army leaders must balance the link between the Army’s culture and it’s climate and institutional practices. When there is a proper balance it has a huge impact on the mindset of the Army’s Soldiers. Their actions or inactions impacts the five key attributes of the profession, and the four fields of expertise, and have long term effects on the Army’s culture and climate. These actions influence Soldiers’ perceptions that they are serving professional who have answered the call of service to the republic, it is important that Soldiers understand that their role is a calling and not just a job.

Stewardship of the Army Profession is the last of the Five Essential Characteristics of the Army Profession, but in terms of importance, it is just as, if not more important than the other four. The United States Army’s ADRP-1, or Army Doctrinal Reference Publication 1, even defines stewardship as “the responsibility of Army professionals to ensure the profession maintains its five essential characteristics now and into the future”. Such importance is placed on this characteristic because Stewardship of the Army Profession is the one that ensures the other four are maintained. I sought out the definition of stewardship because despite having spent almost three and a half years and West Point, I was not entirely sure what the doctrine behind Stewardship was. In doing this, I felt like I was better prepared for both this paper and ensuring that the corrections I made were stewarding the profession. With this newly acquired knowledge, I set out to make my corrections.

Every uniformed Army professional knows the Soldier’s Creed. The tenth line of the Soldier’s Creed - “I am an expert and I am a professional,” is a powerful statement recited during significant occasions including enlistments, graduations, first formations, promotion boards, change of command ceremonies, and deployment ceremonies. The NCO Creed even includes the bold statement, “No one is more professional than I,” in the opening line. For these words to ring true, the Army must deliver training sufficient to certify professional Soldiers and leaders at all levels. The Army’s ability to recognize this need and adapt its methods speaks volumes for the Profession of Arms. The three components of the Army’s leadership model -

I learned so much about the prestige of being in the Army. Dawning this uniform every day comes with significant weight. This isn’t limited in scope to General Officers, or those in public relations – it extends to every member of the organization. Everything you do is reflective of the Army, directly or indirectly and by being unprofessional – you are compromising the trust the organization has put in you. It is important to remain cognizant of the fact that regardless of who we are with or where we are – we bear the burden of being an ambassador of the Army and each of its values.

As the Army transitions from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, the organization is well served to take a long look in the mirror. After ten plus years of deployments, our combat tested warriors are sure to possess more than enough valuable knowledge to reinforce and improve upon our status as a profession. A TRADOC published paper explains “to be a professional is to understand, embrace, and competently practice the expertise of the profession.” I believe the profession of arms exists and there are many components that reinforce this argument. Among these components, initial entry training and institutional learning, shared values, and a monopoly on our mission are three of the most important tenants. All Soldiers must graduate

Professionals in the United States Army stand apart from others engaged in particular careers in the civilian world. While many vocations contain some of the characteristics of professional, a lot of careers do not include all of the elements necessary to distinguish themselves as being as close to a professional as a United States soldier. Professionalism grows depending on the time and service they have in the Army. A professional has specialized knowledge and skill which can only be acquired through prolonged education and experience. Such skill and experience form the basis of objective standards of professional competence that separate the practicing professional from their peers and

A soldier must maintain a professional appearance because it demonstrates a professional image, pride, and self discipline while maintaining a high standard of living as well as showing their professionalism. For example, when in the military the way a soldier presents themselves says a lot about not only but the military. Keeping a professional appearance includes, a proper haircut, a clean shaven face that is groomed and well trimmed facial hair, maintaining the uniform in good condition which reflects the military or unit, and wearing the proper accessories with certain types of uniforms. These are examples of what must be done in order to maintain a good appearance while on and off duty. The haircut of a soldier must be presentable, groomed, shaved, or faded in accordance with AR 670-1 Chapter 3 Paragraph 2 under hair and fingernail standards and grooming policies. Having a well maintained and appropriate haircut keeps your image not only professional in the workplace, but also gives the public a respectable view on military standards.

AR 670 - 1 Covers the various different wears of and uniforms and the standard of professional appearance for all soldier in the active and reserve army service . The professional appearance of the soldier is paramount to efficiency of a modern fighting force . Dress and appearance standards should always be upheld to show the discipline and pride of the soldier. This is the most basic soldiering task and should always be handled at the lowest level . The proper wear of the military uniform is important to keeping the esprit de corp of the military and ensuring the soldier takes pride in himself and his unit . The uniform is the most visible outward sign of military service. Both practical and aesthetic, the uniform identifies a servicemember as part of a unit and serves as an outfit in

Maintaining your military bearing is the similar as being professional, But also has another definition to it, it means you are a soldier and should act like one at all times (being professional). Also it states that if you act unprofessional you are displaying to the world that the military is unprofessional. This is why you must maintain professional at all times cause you are the face of the military. Perception is reality in a lot of peoples eyes, that is a big deal in the military. In search of being professional you must, and I quote "cross all your T's and dot all your I's".

Wear and Appearance of the Uniform The Importance Slide 4: The Army is a uniformed service where discipline is judged…by the manner in which a soldier wears a prescribed uniform… [And] the individual’s personal appearance.” AR 670-1, Chap 1, Para 1-7 Question: How is the Uniform s

In this paper I will discuss the importance of why a NCO or Drill Sergeant should maintain proper military appearance and why it is important. The NCO’s Creed first states that “no one is more professional than I”, so I am sure that means more than just appearance. It is a statement that includes mannerism, attitude, professionalism etc. It also says that NCOs are the backbone of the Army, which will also tell you that we serve a critical role. Even though I respect the entire creed, the statement that most stands out to me is” All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own”. Although Drill Sergeants have

regulations and Federal law allows military uniforms to be only worn by persons serving in the military. Uniforms tell you not only that a person belongs to a certain group but also that person has skills other people don’t. A police officer is only allowed to

Professional soldiers differ from the ordinary citizen particularly in psychological and personal characteristics and qualities. A soldier professional does not want a war, but he wants to be prepared for the worst possible variant of development. We can say that working in the armed forces is characterized by several attributes. I think the expert work, self-improvement, ethics, fulltime commitment and discipline are the most important ones. The expert work comes out from the requirements for controlling highly specialized equipment and procedures that occur only under the conditions of the armed forces. For example, an engineer knows the procedures for mine-clearing, building floating bridges, command and controlling submarines, fire control of air defense systems, logistic equipment transfers and many others. All of these activities call for a maximal professional approach and adherence to precisely specified procedures, which can be achieved only by professionals with many years of experience. So, to move forward and improve our professionalism it is very important to consider self-improvement. In my opinion, learning from experienced master soldiers, be active in self learning and have good motivation are the right ways to succeed. A profession of arms can be, and it certainly is, a dangerous way to meet our life necessities. It would be quite ridiculous if somebody stated he worked for armed forces only for loyalty to the

Being a professional soldier goes a long way. It means a person take pride in everything they do throughout life. It takes a lot of energy and time to earn this title so upholding its standard is a must. A soldier abides by all his and her codes and creeds. Also, the soldier must follow the army set values. There are seven values and all have a significant importance to our nation; loyalty, duty, respect, selfless-service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. These seven values are all a soldier needs to be professional in the army. Following each of them and executing them will build your character and define you as a soldier and a person.