Harry S. Truman Changed My Career As A Military Officer

Service academies have proved throughout history that they are capable of producing some of the most influential military leaders . One example being Chester Nimitz , a fleet admiral in world war two who was the commander in chief of the pacific fleet. Chester Nimitz was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and there he received what has become my reasons for attending a service academy. I wish to attend a service academy because its alumni have proven repeatedly to have received quality education, preparation and a challenge that prepared them for the stresses of leading troops in difficult times.

Although my military service was brief, it was impactful and changed the trajectory of my life for the better. It enlightened me to a multitude of issues affecting people across the globe and in our nation. I witnessed the caliber of

Watching my grandfather’s dedication in the United States Air Force, and my father’s in the Army influenced my commitment to sacrificing different aspects of my life in preparation to attend a service academy. Both men serve as examples to me of service and dedication to our great country. Continuation of this legacy weighs upon me to advance the ball further. As a member of the NAACP, my grandfather fought in the civil rights movement to afford an equal opportunity for me to succeed in our ever-changing world. Providing an opportunity to prosper and tools to serve, remained an important priority for him as he encouraged his children and grandchildren to make their own place in their community. His experiences and mission taught me important

Joining the United States Army was the most profound decision of my lifetime. Experiencing life, the world, and combat through the mind and eyes of a soldier has influenced me in ways that I had never conceived. These transformations, before, during, and after my military service have ultimately shaped me into the man I am today. I do believe that if I had chosen not to join the Army, today I would be a totally different person with completely different views and opinions. Joining the United States Fighting forces is a decision that no one should take lightly.

As a career soldier, pursing a higher education has afforded me various opportunities for advancement. During my active duty enlistment, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Business Management and in 2005 commissioned through the Officer Candidate School (OCS). As a result of the dramatic 2013 Army’s force reduction from 570,000 to 450,000, promotion became more competitive. Therefore, after command, I

While reflecting on my time at the Chief Petty Officer’s Academy (CPOA), three elements of learning most impacted my persona and changed me as a leader. These elements of learning include both class room presentations and personal interactions with fellow attendees. The three elements of learning that will be discussed in this paper are 360 peer review report, understanding generational gaps, and recognition that everyone has different experiences within the mess. Each element has changed how I view the Coast Guard and will shape my future interactions with others.

Throughout my time at CPO Academy I have been personally struck by the depth of knowledge, professionalism, and character of all the staff and for the first time felt a real palpable sense of being involved in something special with a real sense of purpose and a very long and special history. The CPO Academy brings the idea to the surface what most members only think about in passing, and that is how important the rank of the Chief Petty Officer is in the Coast Guard both now and into the future. The most important lessons that I have learned from and will take back to my unit from the CPO Academy include the lessons learned from The Leadership Challenge, a more dedicated sense and commitment to my health and physical fitness, as well as the value in the lessons learned from Sexual Assault Prevention & Response.

Undeniably, an intelligently designed plan in the military can lead to a plethora of opportunities going forward. Officially designated as Military Junior Colleges, institutions listed in Figure 13.1 allow cadets the ability to earn an officer commission in two years compared to their counterparts requiring four years at traditional colleges and universities. Together with an academic vehicle known as the Early Commissioning Program (ECP), a cadet accelerates earning an Army Reserve or National Guard officer’s commission upon graduating amid an associate degree. Graduating through the ECP allows students to delay their deployments and at the same time continue earning a baccalaureate after transferring to a four-year institution of their

Since I was a young kid I have wanted to attend the United States Military Academy. I have always wanted to, and felt a need to serve my country in the military. As I got older I learned about some amazing men who have graduated from West Point like Robert E. Lee, Dwight Eisenhower, and Ulysses Grant. These men are some of the most famous men in American history and I want to contribute to our country's success just like these men. I believe there is no better way to honor my country then by becoming an active duty Army Officer.

An overview of the Army’s commissioning sources aids in understanding the structure of the officer development program. The Army’s commissioning sources include the Reserve Officer Training Corps, United States Military Academy, Officer Candidate School, and Direct Commissioning. Due to the variety of commissioning sources, the new officers vary greatly in terms of experience. Major Adam Wojack explains, “each commissioning source maintains its own regulatory guideline which governs admissions, training, and other administrative matters.”3 However, with all commissioned officers coming from varying programs, the commissioning end-product of all programs must meet a common goal. That goal is “. . . each graduate possess the character, leadership, integrity, and other attributes essential to a career of exemplary service to the nation.”4

With a stroke of his pen Harry S Truman changed my life, with the integration of the armed forces my grandfather was able to serve as a military officer. This has allowed me to live a comfortable lifestyle and has opened my eyes to be grateful for the opportunity to be in the service. What I’ve learned is that consistently some of the best military officers started at a service academy.

In today's class, we discussed OML, Standardized tests, branch services and how they play a role in the commissioning process. OML is an acronym that stands for Order of Merit list, and is used to rank cadets from the top achiever to under achiever. It is important that cadets know where they stand because it can affect whether they commission or not. Students who go out their way to do really well on tests and are active in school are targets for being number one or at least in the top 10 percent. Standardized tests such as the CLA and MAT both test the individual in skills area of: reasoning, analyzing, critical thinking, problem solving and last writing. Officers are required to have mastered these skills. Also prepping for the test

President Truman did what was he saw necessary to protect the United States in the long run. President Harry S. Truman relieved General Douglas MacArthur of his duties commanding the U.S. forces in Korea. Problems with General MacArthur had been building for months. Truman was worried that the communist government of China might take his actions as hostile. At one point, MacArthur wanted to bomb China, but Truman refused. A public argument began to grow between the two leaders.

I have continually strived to be a role model for my siblings, a good classmate, a leader, a loyal teammate, and committed community volunteer. As I prepare to graduate high school and enter the next phase of my life, I know I must continue to develop my personal characteristics in order to be a respected professional. I believe attending a service academy is not only an excellent avenue towards my educational pursuits

In the Fort Lauderdale and Crescent City neighborhoods where I grew up, the old saying that "the service makes you a man" literally guided our lives. Despite the racial discrimination that prevented us from being real citizens, I and every boy I knew believed that we had a duty to serve in the military. Our heroes were the men in our lives who had served in World War II or Korea. My uncle Joe Maxwell, for example, was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. For us, he was larger than life.