Personal Narrative: The Backbone Of The Army

Everyone knows that a soldier is someone that has made the ultimate sacrifice. By that I mean someone that has gave up being with family and friends to go and help the world. However, being a civilian may be difficult at times, it does not even compare. The responsibilities of a solders can be challenging, rewarding and yet demanding. As a United States Soldier, fighting for our country, both home and abroad, we are considered as a band of brothers, well some may even call it a family whom incorporate the antic of military first, family second and accountability fits into the category as top priority. Within the United States, the importance of keeping our patrons safe and free of any potential threats that can be a risk to safety is also near

It’s the day I have to move to the army's campsite. I grab my bag and swing them on my shoulder, it weighs a ton it feels like my shoulder’s gonna break. Sophie was peeking through my room door, as I was about to stand up she ran to the living room curled up into a ball making loud thud and sobbing noises. Outside of the house, I hug my mom as tight as I could, I don’t want to move any single inch of my bone. I want to stay like this forever. I felt a drop of water behind my shoulder and I know that it was her tears. I don’t want to leave them but I have to. It was time to let go but she didn’t want to, I grab her arm and slightly push them back.

The most challenging aspect I have found about being a leader and Soldier in the Army is finding balance between Army life and life outside of my career. As a father and a husband, I have to consciously make time for the other factors in my life. Since I have spent an average of my adult life more at work than at home, whether deployed or in garrison, I have formed lasting bonds with peers, superiors and subordinates alike. It is a delicate balance to ensure that I am creating similar bonds with my 10 and 16 year old boys, who live with their mother, while continuously strengthening my bond with my wife. Although this balance remains a challenge, I have found that by anticipating various reactions to my words and actions that I am choosing to say what I actually mean. That simple process has positive impacts on my continuing effort to build resiliency. I also make it a point to “hunt the good stuff” and focus on the positive aspects of my life rather than the things that cause me to stress. I find that positive communication and exercise are also good releases for me and helps me to feel less overwhelmed.

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.

In the military, soldiers are the professional image civilians look up to when coming in contact with the Army branch. In the US Army, becoming a soldier and embracing this profession means living the Army values on a daily basis by ensuring that Loyalty, Honor, Personal Courage, Respect, Integrity, Selfless Service, and Duty, become part of a soldier’s character. However, not all soldiers have the same duty or responsibility in the military. In order to become victorious and accomplish the purpose of their profession, soldiers must continually learn how to work together as a team.

The role of the leader in this professional arms of the Army has developed since its formation that has continued to grow even beyond the officer corps with warrant officers, NCO’s, and civilians. Even though

Given past events that have been observed throughout the United States Army Recruiting Command over the past 36 months, as well as the rest of the Army, it is safe to say that not every noncommissioned officer understands the definition of professionalism. Professionalism, a word derived from the root word professional, is defined by the Websters dictionary as “the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person” (Professionalism, n.d). Meaning that noncommissioned officers should hold themselves to a high standard of excellence and act according to the laws, articles, and rules that govern the Army. In doing so, many of the other elements outlined in the Creed of the Noncommissioned Officer will begin to effortlessly fall into

I arrived in Korea from Ft. Bragg, NC in December 20, 2001; upon the arrival, I learned that I would be assigned to Charlie Company 1/506th; I was hoping to assign to an anti-tank platoon. This would be the first time since basis training that I would have to use my 11B skills, other than the regular foot marches. My MOS when I joined the army was 11H until the Army grouped the 11 series together into in to 11B and 11C. I was a young SPC; weighing 145 pounds, well physically fit, and had a gun ho mentality. It was a lot to master, but I was determined to show my new chain of command that I can be one of the best in the company. Eight months later I was sent to Air Assault School; after returning from Air Assault School, I immediately sent to the E-5 board, and passed with flying colors. In Charlie Co. if you was going to be a new team leader you first had to be the Platoon RTO. I have been in Korea for 11 months, and I had been an RTO for the last two months.

I was three hundred light-years far away from my mother country. A red foreign sun emitted a warm light on that planet, a triple gravity compared to what I was used to, my steps were painful and my breath was heavy.The weapon on my back was bending my shoulders. I was in the army, the worst place to be, we always were in first line against the enemy keeping the position meter by meter. I was bloodstained, tired of that war, tired of all that death. The enemy, the other smart race in the entire galaxy... cruel, violent, bastard creatures, horrible monsters. When the two races met the first time, trying to create a peaceful alliance, they started to fire against my soldiers without even trying to find an agreement. It was war, planet by planet

Morning happens and I wake up at exactly at 5:12 am; just one minute before the alarm. I have been literally doing that all my life. I get ready and later wait for the bus from 7:00 am even though the suggested time to wait for the bus is 7:20 and the bus arrives at 7:30! I am told by my family members and friends that I am compulsive, I can be described as a person who lives the military lifestyle even though I do not know anyone who serves in the military. It just comes naturally. I start my school day with a positive attitude even though my surroundings are filled with depressing situations (my mom’s struggle, violence at school, disruptive students). I try to learn something new every day at school, I ask questions, I am curious. Bell

At the age of seven I was a good, smart boy who never got into trouble, who always obeyed the rules until one day I was walking home from school on a rainy day. A woman in her 50’s hit me with her car while I was crossing the road. I was taken to the hospital and was determined by the doctors to be in a coma for a long time. My parents were devastated and could not go on, in only three short weeks I awoke form the comatose state. My parents were separated and resented each other. After a childhood of blaming my parents for all the mistakes I made I had to grow up and become a adult so I enlisted in the United States Army. Six years of my life was dedicated to the military, being a hard working individual with a weight problem. I had to work

Throughout life I have always been reminded that freedom is not free, and my few years in the service have confirmed that. Military service is of extreme importance because without the men and women that protect and serve, the United States of America would not be what it is today. Throughout history, America gained it’s freedom and independence with use of military power. With today’s threat of enemies whom are willing and capable to harm, a powerful and robust military is a necessity in deterring this kind of terrorism. The military paved the chance to change my life and better my future for my potential family down the road. My career in the military helped envision my true ambitions and matured me in a special way. My commitment in the

the incident that affected me the most is when we had to go on patrol outside of the base camp to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings. during one specific convoy (exact date and time is unknown but I happened during the early stages of deployment) we came into contact with an area which consisted of a town or village that showed evidence of damages of where a military skirmish had taking place. I saw several buildings, home and vehicles (both enemy and civilian such as tanks, jeeps, pickup trucks and other vehicles modified for combat) that had been bombed exploded, set on fire or fired upon with weapons which was obvious given all the bullet holes, artillery and mortar damages. all of which was charred and burnt. I also saw several

My prior military experiences push me beyond my personal limits and shape me into a dependable and discipline person, which play an enormous part of who I am today. Over the years, I appreciate every bit of various challenges attribute to the military trainings whether working under extreme climate of 100 degree Fahrenheit in Cuba or enduring the rainy cold weather while standing watch in the foxhole. I love that we often watch out for one another under these unpleasant environments without saying “we care”. Moreover, I acknowledge how the military brings out the best of me as I develop problem-solving skills upon facing obstacles. Above all, countless positive qualities I have gained from the service contribute to my decision of being a military

It was just past midnight in a foreign country when I first saw the bottle of Habu Sake behind the bar with a two-headed snake inside it. I had just got to my first duty station earlier that week on the U.S.S. George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan. I remember being extremely nervous because everything around me for the last few months has been nonstop changing, ever since I joined the United States Navy. This was the first time since leaving for boot camp that I knew I would be in a somewhat permanent location. I had just gotten a tour of the ship and met my new division, when a couple of guys invited two other new guys and me to go out drinking with them. Since I was new and having nothing else to do and wanting to make new friends, I gladly accepted the offer. That was probably the best mistake I ever made.