Major Jennifer Snelson
Student, Command and General Staff School
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
"The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government."
There are many reasons people choose to serve in the military. For some, it is a sense of patriotism. Others join out of a sense of civic duty. For many, it is simply a means to an end. It is a way to pay for school or improve one’s socioeconomic status. My choice to serve my country encompasses all of these and more.
I am one of many who grew up in the military culture. My father was an infantry officer who loved his job. He loved the idea of protecting the citizens of the United States from what was sometimes a known, and sometimes an unknown, enemy. He was a defender of everything that makes this nation great. There is no doubt, his patriotism and sense of duty provided the foundation for who I have become. Patriotism and selfless service were the way of life then and have continued to be the way of life now.
All too often, people take what they have for granted. Living in Germany in the time of the Cold War, I learned that the freedoms we have come at a price. Nowhere was this more evident than the Berlin Wall. What a striking demarcation of the difference between democracy and communism. I wish everyone could have seen this. It truly brings home the freedoms Americans have and how fragile those freedoms are. I knew then, and now, if it were not for the men and women who serve this great nation, we could easily lose our freedoms that we value so greatly. I admired their sacrifice for the greater good and viewed them as true role-models to be looked up to.
Although, the Cold War has long been over, the threat to the United States and its ideals and values is no less today than they were then. We are simply fighting a different enemy. I know now, as I always have, that without men and women, who have ingrained in them a sense of duty to the nation, we are in great peril of losing our way of life. Each and every member of the armed services has made the conscious decision to make the sacrifices to protect these rights. I am glad to be one of them and cannot imagine a greater profession than that of protecting this great country and everything it stands for.
Yes, I originally joined the military out of my military upbringing. I, along with every other member of the military, have endured hardships out of a sense of duty- a need to protect what I and the American people value so greatly, our freedom. A never faltering patriotism to this great nation reminds me and my family why I do what I do every day. These are not the only reasons I continue to serve though.
What may be the greatest reason of all for my continued service to this country is my duty to my fellow soldier. Tours in Iraq and Afghanistan opened my eyes to what exactly the price is for our freedoms. Treating wounded and dying soldiers, many of whom are still in their teens, has driven home to me the cost of what we as a nation often take for granted. It amazes me day after day the imminent dangers our servicemen and women are willing to endure to protect this country and what it stands for. I know that often their courage stems from the knowledge that their battle buddies, unit members and eventually the Army’s medical department will take care of them. When others are willing to sacrifice so much on faith, I cannot walk away. I know that I endure nothing compared to these brave young men and women. They are the true heroes and deserve to have the best treatment waiting for them.
For anyone who questions why people serve this country, I encourage you to come to the nation’s capitol and visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda National Naval Medical Center, and any of the surrounding military medical facilities. First, you will be shocked by the sacrifices our Wounded Warriors and their family members have made in the protection of the United States. More importantly though, you will be filled with awe at the unwavering patriotism and sense of duty these unsung heroes still display.
Everyday, I reflect on the sacrifices our young servicemen and women make. I know that somewhere, someone is willingly going into danger to protect our freedoms on the pure faith that they will be taken care of. This sense of duty and act of faith are what keep me in this profession I have chosen. There is no greater career than caring for those who are willing to sacrifice everything for the freedom of our nation.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
LTC Pete Cuenca
Student, Command and General Staff School
US Army Combined Arms Center
Fort Belvoir, VA
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the US Government.
Why should an emergency medicine physician (62A) stay in the Army? Many junior officers I mentor ask me this question searching for the magic answer that makes their decision to stay on active duty easy. Unfortunately, I tell them that this decision is a personal one and no mentor should ever tell his/her mentee what to do or what to think. Instead, I counsel them on why I choose to serve my country as an officer in the Army. The personal and professional rewards a career in military medicine provides an individual far supersedes any monetary or professional benefit civilian medicine can offer. Serving our country as an officer in the Army is the greatest and most professionally rewarding experience physicians can have.
Those who choose not to remain in the Army cite better financial compensation as an important factor for leaving the Army. It is true that civilian emergency medicine physicians earn two to three times the salary of Army 62As. However, the Army allows its 62As to conduct off duty-employment which can help to reduce this financial disparity. In addition, the 62A retention bonuses are worth up to $40,000.00 a year for a four year contract. Though, the difference in pay exists between those that serve and those that do not, this delta is negligible considering all the other benefits the Army provides its 62As. Emergency medicine physicians in the Army earn enough money to provide a lifestyle for their families that only the top third of Americans enjoy.
Arguments against continued service as a 62A also purport the idea that no longer having to deploy is a reason to quit military service. Deployments do take time away from family and loved ones that can never be replaced. On the other hand, the increased number of hours that civilian emergency physicians must work to earn their salaries, over time and their careers, exceeds the time spent away from home on deployments. Time spent deployed is easier to tolerate because you are serving your fellow soldiers and their families. In addition, your loved ones have the support of the Army community while you are deployed. Working in the civilian medical community, you are beholden to the almighty dollar. The civilian organization you work for cares only that you cover your shifts. It does not care that a family member is sick or that you need to attend a family event. This is not the case in the Army.
The patient population we care for in the Army makes service to country an easy choice as a 62A. Young men and women on active duty volunteer to go in harm’s way to serve our country. Caring for their injuries and illnesses is a personal and professional privilege very few physicians experience. Providing healthcare to the dependent family members who sacrifice so much for this country is an honor. Treating retirees and disabled veterans who have made physical and emotional sacrifices for this country is a sacred responsibility that this country must bear and it is an honor to do it. All of those the military cares for are educated and respectful persons who deserve the best treatment possible and are always grateful for it. The thankfulness that patients in the Army give to a physician can be so great at times that the physician sometimes feel shame for it. This feeling rarely occurs in the civilian sector.
Fellow emergency medicine physicians in the Army look out for one another. The professional respect and camaraderie shared among 62A is something that cannot be found in the civilian community. The bond shared between men and women who have deployed and cared for horrendously wounded soldiers together is something that does not exist in the civilian community. It is this admiration that we share for one another that makes working together a joy. The support fellow officers provide one another is not out of respect for money or status, but out of admiration for the shared knowledge that we are making difference that few physicians get the opportunity to do.
All physicians in the Army, not just 62As, are called upon to be leaders and mentors to soldiers. Responsibility and privilege of leadership are unique to the military. The leadership experience share by all 62As develops character, honor, discipline, and humility. This is not something that cannot be gained by “simply showing up to work and doing your shift.” It involves a personal investment of time and energy that is not required if you simply are working for an hourly wage in the community. 62As become better persons for having the opportunity to lead and be led in the Army. It is this opportunity that makes the profession of arms an easy choice for officers.
In conclusion, service to our country as an emergency medicine physician in the Army is demanding and requires sacrifice from both the officer and his/her loved ones. However, the benefits reaped from a career in the Army more than make up for this. Outstanding patients and their appreciation of care, the professional fellowship of 62As, and the lessons of leadership offered by service to our country make deciding on a career in military medicine an easy decision for those who want to make a difference in the world and for their country.
Student, Command and General Staff School
US Army Combined Arms Center
Fort Belvoir, VA
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the US Government.
Why should an emergency medicine physician (62A) stay in the Army? Many junior officers I mentor ask me this question searching for the magic answer that makes their decision to stay on active duty easy. Unfortunately, I tell them that this decision is a personal one and no mentor should ever tell his/her mentee what to do or what to think. Instead, I counsel them on why I choose to serve my country as an officer in the Army. The personal and professional rewards a career in military medicine provides an individual far supersedes any monetary or professional benefit civilian medicine can offer. Serving our country as an officer in the Army is the greatest and most professionally rewarding experience physicians can have.
Those who choose not to remain in the Army cite better financial compensation as an important factor for leaving the Army. It is true that civilian emergency medicine physicians earn two to three times the salary of Army 62As. However, the Army allows its 62As to conduct off duty-employment which can help to reduce this financial disparity. In addition, the 62A retention bonuses are worth up to $40,000.00 a year for a four year contract. Though, the difference in pay exists between those that serve and those that do not, this delta is negligible considering all the other benefits the Army provides its 62As. Emergency medicine physicians in the Army earn enough money to provide a lifestyle for their families that only the top third of Americans enjoy.
Arguments against continued service as a 62A also purport the idea that no longer having to deploy is a reason to quit military service. Deployments do take time away from family and loved ones that can never be replaced. On the other hand, the increased number of hours that civilian emergency physicians must work to earn their salaries, over time and their careers, exceeds the time spent away from home on deployments. Time spent deployed is easier to tolerate because you are serving your fellow soldiers and their families. In addition, your loved ones have the support of the Army community while you are deployed. Working in the civilian medical community, you are beholden to the almighty dollar. The civilian organization you work for cares only that you cover your shifts. It does not care that a family member is sick or that you need to attend a family event. This is not the case in the Army.
The patient population we care for in the Army makes service to country an easy choice as a 62A. Young men and women on active duty volunteer to go in harm’s way to serve our country. Caring for their injuries and illnesses is a personal and professional privilege very few physicians experience. Providing healthcare to the dependent family members who sacrifice so much for this country is an honor. Treating retirees and disabled veterans who have made physical and emotional sacrifices for this country is a sacred responsibility that this country must bear and it is an honor to do it. All of those the military cares for are educated and respectful persons who deserve the best treatment possible and are always grateful for it. The thankfulness that patients in the Army give to a physician can be so great at times that the physician sometimes feel shame for it. This feeling rarely occurs in the civilian sector.
Fellow emergency medicine physicians in the Army look out for one another. The professional respect and camaraderie shared among 62A is something that cannot be found in the civilian community. The bond shared between men and women who have deployed and cared for horrendously wounded soldiers together is something that does not exist in the civilian community. It is this admiration that we share for one another that makes working together a joy. The support fellow officers provide one another is not out of respect for money or status, but out of admiration for the shared knowledge that we are making difference that few physicians get the opportunity to do.
All physicians in the Army, not just 62As, are called upon to be leaders and mentors to soldiers. Responsibility and privilege of leadership are unique to the military. The leadership experience share by all 62As develops character, honor, discipline, and humility. This is not something that cannot be gained by “simply showing up to work and doing your shift.” It involves a personal investment of time and energy that is not required if you simply are working for an hourly wage in the community. 62As become better persons for having the opportunity to lead and be led in the Army. It is this opportunity that makes the profession of arms an easy choice for officers.
In conclusion, service to our country as an emergency medicine physician in the Army is demanding and requires sacrifice from both the officer and his/her loved ones. However, the benefits reaped from a career in the Army more than make up for this. Outstanding patients and their appreciation of care, the professional fellowship of 62As, and the lessons of leadership offered by service to our country make deciding on a career in military medicine an easy decision for those who want to make a difference in the world and for their country.
Why do we serve in the military?
Frequently, those who serve in the military are asked why they chose to serve and why they continue to do so. It is practical, fitting and admirable to explain these decisions with an answer that simplistically refers to an inescapable emotional tide of selfless service and call to duty. I, like others, have tailored my answers in this fashion numerous times. In truth, the reasons why I serve my country are both numerous and complex. In this essay, I will explain what I believe to be the three primary motives for my continued service: (1) a sense of duty, (2) a common bond and (3) security. Some may be more powerful and influential than others; however, they undoubtedly all play a significant role.
As mentioned, a sense of duty is the most common response given for one’s reason to serve their country. It is undeniable that this call to service is a key component to my core values and my professional fulfillment. Although it does not guide me alone, it would be difficult to argue that it is not the overriding factor in many of my decisions. Officers and Soldiers may join the service for many reasons; however, I believe that few would continue to serve beyond their obligations if they were not driven by some manifestation of a sense or call to duty. This internal motive is often more conveniently packaged in the term of selfless service.
Selfless service is ultimately evoked by feelings of loyalty to one’s country and nationalistic pride. Raised in a family rooted in military tradition, I believe that I grew up with an internal sense of loyalty and pride that makes military service a perfect fit. Most people envision themselves in a career that is both fulfilling and meaningful; I am no different in this capacity. Presented with decision points, I have always chosen to remain in the service. In retrospect and forward thinking, I just fail to see myself in a career that provides such a tangible opportunity to feel good about what I am doing and a feeling that I am making a difference. Likewise, when I see others who have made the opposite decision and harbor visible feelings of regret (such as my wife), I am convinced that I would respond in the same.
However, loyalty and duty can be fleeting when the supporting conditions do not support and maintain their existence. Moreover, I am human and therefore respond to other motives. While, it would be difficult to shake my sense of duty, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that I am at least subconsciously influenced by other factors that are not entirely selfless.
One of these factors is can be characterize as the sharing of a common bond. The Army is my way of life and has been for my entire life. My father served in the military for thirty years and continues to hold the mark for the shortest term of military in our family (his brother and my grandfather each served beyond thirty years). When I am around others in the military I feel a sense of familiarity. The military is an extended family. There is no experience or job outside of the Army where I could ever imagine experiencing the bonds or level of camaraderie that I experience with my peers and Soldiers both in and out of combat. I serve in the military because I am comfortable with the people, the mission and the values.
Is this common bond intertwined or related to the previously described call of duty?...Absolutely. But conversely, one could say that I remain in the military because I fear the possibilities or uncertainty in the “outside world”. This assessment may be true to an extent. However, it is my choice to follow this path which, while to some degree is self serving, remains admirable and, in my opinion, in parallel with the majority of those who serve.
Finally, and least altruistically, it would be significant case of omission if I did not list security as an important reason for my continued service. Security is predominately categorized as economic security which I will address, but takes forms not exclusive to money. The military demands a high level of flexibility and sacrifice but provides numerous forms of compensation. While offset by deployments and other activities that take me away from my family, I am fully aware that the Army provides a level of time compensation that is not always available in the civilian sector. How many civilian organizations offer as non-working government holidays, thirty days leave, and a supervisor’s prerogative to grant absences or tardiness to “take care of family issues”. We often take for granted the flexibility provided to attend to a sick child or attend a early recital without the consequence of expending leave.
Economic security is provided by the Army in the forms of comparable pay, job security, health benefits and retirement. The latter two have always been driving influences for continued military service but as the economy remains in a slump, job security is emerging as a viable compliment. Few other industries offer the opportunity to secure retirement pay and health benefits at such an early age. While I am admittedly not concerned about my ability to acquire a comparable position in the civilian sector, I am strongly influenced by the goal of retirement. Anyone with a reasonable economic acumen would conclude the same thing that I did when I entered the down slope of a twenty year career; leaving at this point just doesn’t make fiscal sense.
I have provided a broad stroke in trying to cover the reasons for my military service. While the call of duty, sense of common bond, and security are true factors, they only highlight the top layer of a complex network of mental and physical factors that influence my decisions. Further introspection, may reveal factors that are more dominantly weighted than others; however, as a true Operations Research and Systems Analyst (ORSA), I believe that I cannot truly define their individual impacts and sensitivity unless a factor itself is either removed or changed. In the meantime, the context of time will likely shape my answer and lead me to describe a palatable call to duty and selfless service.
Major Mark Zais
Student, Command and General Staff School
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
As mentioned, a sense of duty is the most common response given for one’s reason to serve their country. It is undeniable that this call to service is a key component to my core values and my professional fulfillment. Although it does not guide me alone, it would be difficult to argue that it is not the overriding factor in many of my decisions. Officers and Soldiers may join the service for many reasons; however, I believe that few would continue to serve beyond their obligations if they were not driven by some manifestation of a sense or call to duty. This internal motive is often more conveniently packaged in the term of selfless service.
Selfless service is ultimately evoked by feelings of loyalty to one’s country and nationalistic pride. Raised in a family rooted in military tradition, I believe that I grew up with an internal sense of loyalty and pride that makes military service a perfect fit. Most people envision themselves in a career that is both fulfilling and meaningful; I am no different in this capacity. Presented with decision points, I have always chosen to remain in the service. In retrospect and forward thinking, I just fail to see myself in a career that provides such a tangible opportunity to feel good about what I am doing and a feeling that I am making a difference. Likewise, when I see others who have made the opposite decision and harbor visible feelings of regret (such as my wife), I am convinced that I would respond in the same.
However, loyalty and duty can be fleeting when the supporting conditions do not support and maintain their existence. Moreover, I am human and therefore respond to other motives. While, it would be difficult to shake my sense of duty, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that I am at least subconsciously influenced by other factors that are not entirely selfless.
One of these factors is can be characterize as the sharing of a common bond. The Army is my way of life and has been for my entire life. My father served in the military for thirty years and continues to hold the mark for the shortest term of military in our family (his brother and my grandfather each served beyond thirty years). When I am around others in the military I feel a sense of familiarity. The military is an extended family. There is no experience or job outside of the Army where I could ever imagine experiencing the bonds or level of camaraderie that I experience with my peers and Soldiers both in and out of combat. I serve in the military because I am comfortable with the people, the mission and the values.
Is this common bond intertwined or related to the previously described call of duty?...Absolutely. But conversely, one could say that I remain in the military because I fear the possibilities or uncertainty in the “outside world”. This assessment may be true to an extent. However, it is my choice to follow this path which, while to some degree is self serving, remains admirable and, in my opinion, in parallel with the majority of those who serve.
Finally, and least altruistically, it would be significant case of omission if I did not list security as an important reason for my continued service. Security is predominately categorized as economic security which I will address, but takes forms not exclusive to money. The military demands a high level of flexibility and sacrifice but provides numerous forms of compensation. While offset by deployments and other activities that take me away from my family, I am fully aware that the Army provides a level of time compensation that is not always available in the civilian sector. How many civilian organizations offer as non-working government holidays, thirty days leave, and a supervisor’s prerogative to grant absences or tardiness to “take care of family issues”. We often take for granted the flexibility provided to attend to a sick child or attend a early recital without the consequence of expending leave.
Economic security is provided by the Army in the forms of comparable pay, job security, health benefits and retirement. The latter two have always been driving influences for continued military service but as the economy remains in a slump, job security is emerging as a viable compliment. Few other industries offer the opportunity to secure retirement pay and health benefits at such an early age. While I am admittedly not concerned about my ability to acquire a comparable position in the civilian sector, I am strongly influenced by the goal of retirement. Anyone with a reasonable economic acumen would conclude the same thing that I did when I entered the down slope of a twenty year career; leaving at this point just doesn’t make fiscal sense.
I have provided a broad stroke in trying to cover the reasons for my military service. While the call of duty, sense of common bond, and security are true factors, they only highlight the top layer of a complex network of mental and physical factors that influence my decisions. Further introspection, may reveal factors that are more dominantly weighted than others; however, as a true Operations Research and Systems Analyst (ORSA), I believe that I cannot truly define their individual impacts and sensitivity unless a factor itself is either removed or changed. In the meantime, the context of time will likely shape my answer and lead me to describe a palatable call to duty and selfless service.
Major Mark Zais
Student, Command and General Staff School
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
The Reasons Why I Serve My Country
Major Joel Dillon
Student, Command and General Staff School
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
"The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government."
My name is Joel Dillon, and I am a Major in the United States Army. I have been associated with the military for 17 years and have been on active duty for the past 13 years. The purpose of this essay is to explain why I originally chose to serve my country, and why I continue to serve now.
I joined the Army on June 28th, 1993 shortly after graduating from high school. I had been fortunate enough to be able to attain an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and I started my Army career there as a freshman, or “Plebe.” Obtaining an appointment had been a complicated and time-consuming process, but deciding to attend West Point was not a difficult decision for me. I am from a family of limited means in West Virginia and the son of a coal miner. With the encouragement of my parents, I had worked very hard as a student in school so that I could obtain enough scholarship money for a college education. Due to my good performance, I received offers from many high-quality civilian schools and service academies during my senior year in high school. However, I chose to join the Army and attend West Point. The four primary reasons I chose this route are outlined below.
The first and foremost reason I chose to serve was because I felt that I had a duty to give back to the country that has given me so much. I have always been patriotic, and I have also always respected members of the military and what they do to protect our nation. I wanted to do my part as well. My father, my uncle, and both of my grandfathers had served in the military, and they valued the skills and experiences the military had given to them. My community respected members of the military, and that played an important role in my decision as well. I saw it as my duty as a citizen to help support the nation.
The second reason I chose to serve was because I wanted to receive an education. As I mentioned earlier, I had worked very hard during school to have the opportunity to go to college, and I wanted to receive a top-notch education in engineering. Given the fact that I also wanted serve my nation, West Point seemed to provide me with the perfect combination – offering an incredible college education and also the opportunity to serve the nation and give back to my community as an officer once I graduated. West Point is also a highly-respected institution, and its graduates have gone on to achieve many great things. This was very appealing to me, and I when I was offered the opportunity to attend, I did not hesitate to accept, even though I knew it would be very challenging. I have never once regretted that decision. In fact, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
The third reason I chose to serve was to have the chance to lead Soldiers. The American Soldier represents the best that America has to offer. I wanted to lead, and I also wanted to serve in the Infantry. The first day I arrived at West Point, during a brief respite from the yelling of upperclassmen, my new roommate asked me why I decided to come there. I told him that I wanted to be an Infantry officer and lead Soldiers in combat. Now 17 years later, I am an Infantry officer who was given the extraordinary opportunity to lead Soldiers in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I would not trade those experiences for the world.
The final reason I joined the military was to gain valuable job experience. When I initially went to West Point, I was not sure how long I intended to stay in the Army, but I knew that having military experience would be valuable to many employers. I made the commitment to myself before I graduated from West Point that I would only stay in the Army as long as I was having fun. Now, over 13 years later, and after multiple training and combat deployments, I can say with confidence that I am still having fun. The leadership and management experience that I have received has been truly incredible. Additionally, I am now moving into the Army Acquisition Corps where I will be an Assistant Product Manager for Soldier equipment. The experience I will gain in this new line of work will also be very valuable in the civilian sector when I eventually retire from the Army.
Looking back on my decision to serve the military at this point in my life, I must say that I would not change anything. The Army has given me incredible opportunities that would not have been possible if I had not decided to serve. I have been given enormous responsibilities; I have been challenged on a daily basis; I have seen parts of the world that few other Americans will ever see; and I have grown as a leader, as a person, and a citizen. The Army also recently sent me back to school to receive my Master’s Degree from an Ivy League college. It is hard to believe that the son of a West Virginia coal miner has been given the opportunities that the Army has given me. That is what is so great about our nation and about our military, and that is why I chose to serve and why I am happy to continue serving now.
Student, Command and General Staff School
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
"The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government."
My name is Joel Dillon, and I am a Major in the United States Army. I have been associated with the military for 17 years and have been on active duty for the past 13 years. The purpose of this essay is to explain why I originally chose to serve my country, and why I continue to serve now.
I joined the Army on June 28th, 1993 shortly after graduating from high school. I had been fortunate enough to be able to attain an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, and I started my Army career there as a freshman, or “Plebe.” Obtaining an appointment had been a complicated and time-consuming process, but deciding to attend West Point was not a difficult decision for me. I am from a family of limited means in West Virginia and the son of a coal miner. With the encouragement of my parents, I had worked very hard as a student in school so that I could obtain enough scholarship money for a college education. Due to my good performance, I received offers from many high-quality civilian schools and service academies during my senior year in high school. However, I chose to join the Army and attend West Point. The four primary reasons I chose this route are outlined below.
The first and foremost reason I chose to serve was because I felt that I had a duty to give back to the country that has given me so much. I have always been patriotic, and I have also always respected members of the military and what they do to protect our nation. I wanted to do my part as well. My father, my uncle, and both of my grandfathers had served in the military, and they valued the skills and experiences the military had given to them. My community respected members of the military, and that played an important role in my decision as well. I saw it as my duty as a citizen to help support the nation.
The second reason I chose to serve was because I wanted to receive an education. As I mentioned earlier, I had worked very hard during school to have the opportunity to go to college, and I wanted to receive a top-notch education in engineering. Given the fact that I also wanted serve my nation, West Point seemed to provide me with the perfect combination – offering an incredible college education and also the opportunity to serve the nation and give back to my community as an officer once I graduated. West Point is also a highly-respected institution, and its graduates have gone on to achieve many great things. This was very appealing to me, and I when I was offered the opportunity to attend, I did not hesitate to accept, even though I knew it would be very challenging. I have never once regretted that decision. In fact, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
The third reason I chose to serve was to have the chance to lead Soldiers. The American Soldier represents the best that America has to offer. I wanted to lead, and I also wanted to serve in the Infantry. The first day I arrived at West Point, during a brief respite from the yelling of upperclassmen, my new roommate asked me why I decided to come there. I told him that I wanted to be an Infantry officer and lead Soldiers in combat. Now 17 years later, I am an Infantry officer who was given the extraordinary opportunity to lead Soldiers in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I would not trade those experiences for the world.
The final reason I joined the military was to gain valuable job experience. When I initially went to West Point, I was not sure how long I intended to stay in the Army, but I knew that having military experience would be valuable to many employers. I made the commitment to myself before I graduated from West Point that I would only stay in the Army as long as I was having fun. Now, over 13 years later, and after multiple training and combat deployments, I can say with confidence that I am still having fun. The leadership and management experience that I have received has been truly incredible. Additionally, I am now moving into the Army Acquisition Corps where I will be an Assistant Product Manager for Soldier equipment. The experience I will gain in this new line of work will also be very valuable in the civilian sector when I eventually retire from the Army.
Looking back on my decision to serve the military at this point in my life, I must say that I would not change anything. The Army has given me incredible opportunities that would not have been possible if I had not decided to serve. I have been given enormous responsibilities; I have been challenged on a daily basis; I have seen parts of the world that few other Americans will ever see; and I have grown as a leader, as a person, and a citizen. The Army also recently sent me back to school to receive my Master’s Degree from an Ivy League college. It is hard to believe that the son of a West Virginia coal miner has been given the opportunities that the Army has given me. That is what is so great about our nation and about our military, and that is why I chose to serve and why I am happy to continue serving now.
Chaplain (Major) Daniel Finkhousen
Student, Command and General Staff School
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
“The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U. S. Government”
Why do I serve my country?
A Question of Conscience
The events that transpired in Somalia during the battle of Mogadishu as demonstrated in the movie “Blackhawk Down” were heart rending and difficult to watch. I cannot pretend to understand the emotions experienced by those actually there, but I am proud of them and the courage they displayed. To me a key element of interest was the conversation in the mess hall prior to the special operations sergeant returning to the engagement. He addressed the question “Why do we do it”. His answer, we do it for the guy standing next to us. I find that line at the center of my thought for why I continue to serve in the military.
Many of my colleagues can quote a long history of their filial relationship to the United States Military. I have friends in the service who can trace their heritage back to relatives that actively served in the military during WWI or WWII. I do not have that heritage. What I do have is a heart for our country and the willingness to serve those willing to sacrifice their time, energy and even life in order to carry out the orders given by their chain of command.
I am proud to be an American and delighted to be an American soldier. It is a wonderful privilege to see young men and women enter the military, many without a clear sense of purpose or direction for their future, and see their lives take shape through the influence and molding of the professional soldiers given the responsibility of training them. I know they are gaining experience and developing relationships that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
It is my desire to make our country a better and safer place. The military gives me the opportunity to do both. My task gives me a sense of even greater opportunity for I get the privilege of serving those who serve our country. As a chaplain I get to bring God to soldiers and soldiers to God. I have the joy of a dual responsibility. My appointment by the government to take care of the warrior blends well with my appointment by God to do the same. In accordance with my conscience, that internal burning desire or drive, I could not realize more joy than getting to live and experience a life serving the warriors and the families of the United States military.
A Question of Calling
What does it mean to be called? The Old Testament book Samuel records an incident that expresses well what it means to be called. Samuel went to sleep one night and during the night he heard a voice saying to him, “Samuel, Samuel”. Samuel thought it was Eli, the high priest sleeping in the next room, calling him. Samuel got out of bed, went to Eli and asked what he wanted. After the third time the event transpired Eli sensed that it was the Lord calling Samuel and told him the next time he heard the voice to answer, “Speak Lord for your servant listens” (1 Samuel 3:10).
Samuel’s calling involved three key elements. The first element was a need for a prophetic voice.
The second element was an ear that would listen. The third element was a voice willing to speak.
Israel needed a prophetic voice. Israel needed correction and instruction which should come as no surprise for each of us individually and collectively need the same. As a previous aviator, I discovered that I couldn’t put in a single input and expect the helicopter to get where I wanted to go. It takes constant correction and guidance from the pilot for an aircraft to get to its final destination. Life is not so different from flying. An uncorrected flight path is called a crash. So too, an uncorrected life is also called a crash.
In order for Israel to receive correction it was vital that God could get an ear that would listen. There is a vast difference between hearing and listening. Many arguments are avoided in family life through the speaker - listener techniques taught in Strong Bonds marriage retreats conducted by the chaplaincy. What is said does not always equate with what is meant. Getting to the meaning is the vital difference between hearing and listening.
Finally, it takes more than a need for correction and an ear to listen. It takes a voice willing to speak. I was told about an auto accident that could have been avoided if a word of caution would have been spoken rather than a grunt given. The soldier didn’t notice a driver coming from his right but the passenger did. A corrective response would have been, “three o’clock, car, stop.” That would have been the simple to the point exchange of information necessary. The blood curdling scream did little but raise blood pressure and cause the driver to be tensed for the impact.
It is a wonderful joy to serve the military as a part of the team that shapes and molds the fine young men and women of our nation. The warriors represent, in my opinion, the finest people on the globe. Do they need correction, guidance and direction? Of course, we all do. I could not create a better scenario to fulfill my conviction and answer my call.
If you’d like more information on serving in the military as an Army chaplain please visit the Army Chaplaincy site at: http://www.chapnet.army.mil/.
Student, Command and General Staff School
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
“The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U. S. Government”
Why do I serve my country?
A Question of Conscience
The events that transpired in Somalia during the battle of Mogadishu as demonstrated in the movie “Blackhawk Down” were heart rending and difficult to watch. I cannot pretend to understand the emotions experienced by those actually there, but I am proud of them and the courage they displayed. To me a key element of interest was the conversation in the mess hall prior to the special operations sergeant returning to the engagement. He addressed the question “Why do we do it”. His answer, we do it for the guy standing next to us. I find that line at the center of my thought for why I continue to serve in the military.
Many of my colleagues can quote a long history of their filial relationship to the United States Military. I have friends in the service who can trace their heritage back to relatives that actively served in the military during WWI or WWII. I do not have that heritage. What I do have is a heart for our country and the willingness to serve those willing to sacrifice their time, energy and even life in order to carry out the orders given by their chain of command.
I am proud to be an American and delighted to be an American soldier. It is a wonderful privilege to see young men and women enter the military, many without a clear sense of purpose or direction for their future, and see their lives take shape through the influence and molding of the professional soldiers given the responsibility of training them. I know they are gaining experience and developing relationships that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.
It is my desire to make our country a better and safer place. The military gives me the opportunity to do both. My task gives me a sense of even greater opportunity for I get the privilege of serving those who serve our country. As a chaplain I get to bring God to soldiers and soldiers to God. I have the joy of a dual responsibility. My appointment by the government to take care of the warrior blends well with my appointment by God to do the same. In accordance with my conscience, that internal burning desire or drive, I could not realize more joy than getting to live and experience a life serving the warriors and the families of the United States military.
A Question of Calling
What does it mean to be called? The Old Testament book Samuel records an incident that expresses well what it means to be called. Samuel went to sleep one night and during the night he heard a voice saying to him, “Samuel, Samuel”. Samuel thought it was Eli, the high priest sleeping in the next room, calling him. Samuel got out of bed, went to Eli and asked what he wanted. After the third time the event transpired Eli sensed that it was the Lord calling Samuel and told him the next time he heard the voice to answer, “Speak Lord for your servant listens” (1 Samuel 3:10).
Samuel’s calling involved three key elements. The first element was a need for a prophetic voice.
The second element was an ear that would listen. The third element was a voice willing to speak.
Israel needed a prophetic voice. Israel needed correction and instruction which should come as no surprise for each of us individually and collectively need the same. As a previous aviator, I discovered that I couldn’t put in a single input and expect the helicopter to get where I wanted to go. It takes constant correction and guidance from the pilot for an aircraft to get to its final destination. Life is not so different from flying. An uncorrected flight path is called a crash. So too, an uncorrected life is also called a crash.
In order for Israel to receive correction it was vital that God could get an ear that would listen. There is a vast difference between hearing and listening. Many arguments are avoided in family life through the speaker - listener techniques taught in Strong Bonds marriage retreats conducted by the chaplaincy. What is said does not always equate with what is meant. Getting to the meaning is the vital difference between hearing and listening.
Finally, it takes more than a need for correction and an ear to listen. It takes a voice willing to speak. I was told about an auto accident that could have been avoided if a word of caution would have been spoken rather than a grunt given. The soldier didn’t notice a driver coming from his right but the passenger did. A corrective response would have been, “three o’clock, car, stop.” That would have been the simple to the point exchange of information necessary. The blood curdling scream did little but raise blood pressure and cause the driver to be tensed for the impact.
It is a wonderful joy to serve the military as a part of the team that shapes and molds the fine young men and women of our nation. The warriors represent, in my opinion, the finest people on the globe. Do they need correction, guidance and direction? Of course, we all do. I could not create a better scenario to fulfill my conviction and answer my call.
If you’d like more information on serving in the military as an Army chaplain please visit the Army Chaplaincy site at: http://www.chapnet.army.mil/.
Why I Serve My Country
MAJ Chantal-Anne Fieldman
Student, Command and General Staff School
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
When I left home for college in autumn of 1995, I had no idea that joining the military was in my future. As a young 18-year old, I was focused on beginning my college experience at a private school in western Massachusetts, making friends, leaving my parents (the ball and chain of authority and discipline!), and generally having as much fun as possible. Although I had some aspirations to be a state trooper and study Criminal Justice, I was still open to other opportunities, and frankly, not altogether positive of either my choice of a major nor my intention of being a law enforcement officer after college. I innately knew, however, that I wanted to be a leader, to see the world, and be part of something bigger than myself, my small town and small school.
My college experience began just as I’d hoped: plenty of friends, tons of partying, and a plethora of activities. Unfortunately, my report card did not reflect what I had hoped- my grades were less than stellar. I knew that if I wanted to stay in college, not only would I have to pay for my tuition, but I needed to earn better grades than I was receiving. A friend of mine who was involved in the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC) invited me to attend a class with him and experience what ROTC and the United States Army had to offer.
I was promptly introduced to the cadre and told that we would be repelling the following week off of a 90-foot dam approximately 30 minutes away by Chinook and was I interested? Over the course of the next several days, I met other students who were motivated to be part of something exciting and different, and be part of a team. When I attended Physical Training (PT), the other students and cadre supported and encouraged me to run faster, climb higher, and lift more. After attending classes for two weeks, I decide to sign up for the program. I realized that the program offered a level of discipline that I had lacked since leaving home. It offered me the opportunity to be self-disciplined: to get up early for PT, achieve the grades and GPA I needed to obtain a scholarship, and to maintain my field equipment. The program began to teach me how to become a responsible adult, a leader, and a follower.
As I became part of the ROTC team and conducted infantry tactics in the woods near my college, I thought of the men and women who had fought for the freedom of our country. I thought of the wars that the USA had been involved in, the campaigns that our military served in, and the type of person who sacrificed his or her time, energy, and life to protect and keep the freedoms that we as Americans hold so dear. I realized that I wanted to be part of our history, to do something honorable, and to be part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to serve our country! I believed that the military would provide me the opportunity to learn self-discipline and shape me into a leader, while providing direction for my future and developing in me the honorable values that I respected and expected from our men and women in uniform.
The following year, I applied for a scholarship and became active in the monthly Field Training Exercises, the PT program, and the ROTC classes and labs. During my sophomore year, I was granted a two-year scholarship to become a commissioned officer and serve in the U.S. Army for four years. The scholarship covered my tuition, housing, and even provided me with a monthly stipend for spending. I realized that not only did the ROTC program afford me a chance to grow as a student and a leader, it also was a financially sound decision to continue my college education. Joining ROTC and ultimately the United States Army was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
Now, with eleven years of service under my belt, two tours to Korea, and two deployments to Saudi Arabia and Iraq, I really can say that I have seen the world, become a true leader, and shaped the lives of American Soldiers. Now I understand that the units I have been part of, and the Soldiers I have helped to train, have protected the freedoms of America and contributed to making other countries more empowered and safer, while helping to establish and protect their freedoms.
I initially served our country to satisfy the drive in me: so that I could be part of something bigger, so that I could see the world. Looking back, and now facing the future, I serve for us: I serve for my family, alongside of and for my fellow Soldiers, and for the citizens of America, all of which I am proud to be a part of. It has been an honor to serve this country, knowing that every day, I and my family live in the best country in the world: the United States of America, land of the free, home of the brave.
Student, Command and General Staff School
U.S. Army Combined Arms Center
Fort Belvoir, Virginia
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government.
When I left home for college in autumn of 1995, I had no idea that joining the military was in my future. As a young 18-year old, I was focused on beginning my college experience at a private school in western Massachusetts, making friends, leaving my parents (the ball and chain of authority and discipline!), and generally having as much fun as possible. Although I had some aspirations to be a state trooper and study Criminal Justice, I was still open to other opportunities, and frankly, not altogether positive of either my choice of a major nor my intention of being a law enforcement officer after college. I innately knew, however, that I wanted to be a leader, to see the world, and be part of something bigger than myself, my small town and small school.
My college experience began just as I’d hoped: plenty of friends, tons of partying, and a plethora of activities. Unfortunately, my report card did not reflect what I had hoped- my grades were less than stellar. I knew that if I wanted to stay in college, not only would I have to pay for my tuition, but I needed to earn better grades than I was receiving. A friend of mine who was involved in the Reserve Officer Training Program (ROTC) invited me to attend a class with him and experience what ROTC and the United States Army had to offer.
I was promptly introduced to the cadre and told that we would be repelling the following week off of a 90-foot dam approximately 30 minutes away by Chinook and was I interested? Over the course of the next several days, I met other students who were motivated to be part of something exciting and different, and be part of a team. When I attended Physical Training (PT), the other students and cadre supported and encouraged me to run faster, climb higher, and lift more. After attending classes for two weeks, I decide to sign up for the program. I realized that the program offered a level of discipline that I had lacked since leaving home. It offered me the opportunity to be self-disciplined: to get up early for PT, achieve the grades and GPA I needed to obtain a scholarship, and to maintain my field equipment. The program began to teach me how to become a responsible adult, a leader, and a follower.
As I became part of the ROTC team and conducted infantry tactics in the woods near my college, I thought of the men and women who had fought for the freedom of our country. I thought of the wars that the USA had been involved in, the campaigns that our military served in, and the type of person who sacrificed his or her time, energy, and life to protect and keep the freedoms that we as Americans hold so dear. I realized that I wanted to be part of our history, to do something honorable, and to be part of something bigger than myself. I wanted to serve our country! I believed that the military would provide me the opportunity to learn self-discipline and shape me into a leader, while providing direction for my future and developing in me the honorable values that I respected and expected from our men and women in uniform.
The following year, I applied for a scholarship and became active in the monthly Field Training Exercises, the PT program, and the ROTC classes and labs. During my sophomore year, I was granted a two-year scholarship to become a commissioned officer and serve in the U.S. Army for four years. The scholarship covered my tuition, housing, and even provided me with a monthly stipend for spending. I realized that not only did the ROTC program afford me a chance to grow as a student and a leader, it also was a financially sound decision to continue my college education. Joining ROTC and ultimately the United States Army was one of the best decisions I have made in my life.
Now, with eleven years of service under my belt, two tours to Korea, and two deployments to Saudi Arabia and Iraq, I really can say that I have seen the world, become a true leader, and shaped the lives of American Soldiers. Now I understand that the units I have been part of, and the Soldiers I have helped to train, have protected the freedoms of America and contributed to making other countries more empowered and safer, while helping to establish and protect their freedoms.
I initially served our country to satisfy the drive in me: so that I could be part of something bigger, so that I could see the world. Looking back, and now facing the future, I serve for us: I serve for my family, alongside of and for my fellow Soldiers, and for the citizens of America, all of which I am proud to be a part of. It has been an honor to serve this country, knowing that every day, I and my family live in the best country in the world: the United States of America, land of the free, home of the brave.
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