U.S. Open Second and Third Order Effects

An 18 hole playoff that ended up a tie. And then a sudden death playoff that resulted in yet another "major" tournament win for Tiger. And yet there was a cost for that effort, no golf for the remainder of the season. You can't quantify the level of excitement that surrounded this tournament, it was spectacular, riveting, I could not tear myself away. But again, what was the cost to Tiger? He places so much importance on "major" tournaments as a measure of greatness. Was this an acceptable risk, or might this be characterized as a Pyrric victory?

I would ask, do we make more realistic demands on ourselves and the units we lead while operationally deployed, compared to how we trained in the peacetime Army? Continuous operations places strenuous demands on everyone, leadership especially. What adjustments have you seen that led to effective long term unit effectiveness? Or do we persist in what we learned in training?

Always interested in your observations and experiences. Sharing them provides an effective method of education and often can lead to learning without having to repeat mistakes. Hank

After the battle, Pyrrus, the leader who would not stop fighting, said, "One more such victory, and I am lost."

Relentless Determination

Sunday afternoon and early evening I had a single focus, Tiger Woods at the U.S. Open. At the 17th and 18th holes on Saturday Tiger birdied and then fired an eagle. Three strokes below par on two holes, just enough to give him a one stroke lead going into the final round. High drama!

On Sunday Tiger faltered early. But he did not quit. As the final round progressed he fought his way back into the lead. But he had some bogey problems late in the round. And it came down to a tricky putt on the 18th hole for birdie to move into a tie with Rocco Mediate and a Monday 18 hole playoff.

Tiger is a man possessed by winning golf tournaments. Many others might have folded under the pressure. Many others might have thought it not possible to move back into a share of the lead. But there is no quit in Tiger, and that is what makes him such an admirable person to me. He can never be counted out.

Are we as determined in our profession, should we be? And what of others around the world, are they not just as determined? When it comes to the contest of wills do we recognize the stubborn determination in others and understand that much like Tiger, they will work long and hard to try to find a way. That may have them using methods that might seem surprising and too costly to us, but deemed worth the cost to them. Have any examples to share? Hank

Unintended Second and Third Order Effects

What is it that shapes the sense of determination within us. There are no end of examples where individuals throughout history have applied their personal will towards a particular endstate. And what moves them to act? Well this is one of my favorites and recounts an early experience of Andrew Jackson during the American Revolution. This is not an isolated case, have any other examples? Hank

"The Declaration of Independence was signed when young Andrew was nine years old and at thirteen he joined the Continental Army as a courier. The Revolution took a toll on the Jackson family. All three boys saw active service. One of Andrew's older brothers, Hugh, died after the Battle of Stono Ferry, South Carolina in 1779, and two years later Andrew and his other brother Robert were taken prisoner for a few weeks in April 1781. While they were captives a British officer ordered them to clean his boots. The boys refused, the officer struck them with his sword and Andrew's hand was cut to the bone. Because of his ill treatment Jackson harbored a bitter resentment towards the British until his death."

How could that British officer know the consequences his disrepectful behavior and arrogance would have to Andrew Jackson's stubborness? This coupled with his aggressive behaviors and effect on the men he would subsequently train and lead in combat. Does it give us pause to consider the possible effect(s) of our and our unit's actions? Hank

http://statelibrary.dcr.state.nc.us/nc/bio/public/jackson.htm

Celebrating the U.S. Army's 233rd Birthday

Today at the Fort Belvoir Command & Staff School ILE Satellite Campus we celebrated the U.S. Army’s 233rd Birthday, a day early just before everyone departed for the weekend. It could have just as easily have slipped by with little notice. But Dave Knack, the Team 30 Team Leader decided that was not the right thing to do. And so with little notice he coordinated for the few items necessary to recognize the event. It was little more than a ten to fifteen minute ceremony. Just the faculty and Teams 29’s & 30’s students. An informal gathering outdoors next to our well worn barbeque grill and metal picnic table. Little pomp or extravagance here, a few spoken words by Dave to commemorate the longest continuous service branch of the United States military followed by the Army song (or is it the Field Artillery song). And then the oldest student present cut the first slice of birthday cake, passed it to the youngest student present, and then those of us remaining took our piece and shared some Army stories.

And then just as quickly as the group formed, it disappeared and it was quiet again under the shade of the trees. It does not require a great deal of formality to render proper respect to the important events in our lives. I’ve witnessed any number of like ceremonies in some pretty remote locations around the world. It is the occasional promotion ceremony, award presentation or other recognition event where few people are present, yet are still conducted. Even though informal, just the fact that something important is recognized, and honored holds great and lasting meaning to those being honored, and those according recognition and respect. Would like to hear about some of your experiences. Hank

My Most Rewarding Experience in Uniform.

This is likely an inexhaustible list, there are many. Share with us some of yours.

Things I have done that I would not have been able to do as a civilian.

There are opportunities the US Army presents that are not available without joining up! For instance, I could not compute firing data for, nor observe artillery rounds impacting unless I had taken the opportunity to become a Field Artillery Officer.

What is the most exotic place the Army has taken you?

Could be a normal tour of duty, a temporary duty assignment, an exercise, or other opportunity provided due to the "needs of the Army."

The Best America Has to Offer

I was enlisted from 1973 to 1976. The Army in those days was remarkably different than today's. The quality of soldiers was not as high as today's. By comparison, soldiers in todays Army are very willing to receive and complete the mission. Share with us some of the remarkable soldiers you have had the honor of serving with.

Priceless Opportunities I've Had as a Member of the US Army

I find it hard to believe the richness of opportunities I've had access to during and after my Army career. Share with us one of the opportunities you were offered during your career. It can be an assignment that stretched your leadership capabilities; it could be an opportunity you never saw coming that was offered because someone saw potential in you and looked out for your interests.

Describe the Most Adverse Conditions You Have Experienced

We've all experienced some pretty harsh conditions while deployed or in the field for training. Describe one of those events where you experienced some discomfort while America slept or entertained oblivious to our activities. It could be a particular difficulty you overcame, or the hottest/coldest days you've spent in the field. Everyone has experiences seared in their memories, share them with us, and humorous anecdotes are a big plus!

Tell us about someone who has influenced your life.

It is not important if this is a civilian or another member of the military. It could even be a historical figure. The most important part, tell us why or how this individual influenced you so much, and a bit about how he/she changed your life.