Tuesday, June 10, 2008
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.
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Just a short anecdote from my time as the 1st Brigade (Iron Team) Brigade Fire Support Officer at Camp Casey, Korea. This is from a division level command post exercise that was a train-up for a hi-visibility Warfighter later in the year. It was an interesting set of conditions. The Brigade S2 was newly arrived and true to form was still developing his tools, trying to train his intelligence team to perform routine tasks, and still keep the Brigade Commander updated. It was painful to observe, but as I’ve never really seen an intelligence shop that was abreast or ahead of the situation in any of my duty assignments.
Now this was in the late summer, the command post was set-up in the parking lot, and I remember clearly how well the asphalt absorbed the 100+ degree heat and continued to release it after dark. We were all dressed up in our MOPP suits, just an added layer of protection that completed our miserable state.
At about 0300 in the morning, everyone in the TAC was beginning to feel the effects of lack of sleep, the continued heat, the radios were noticeably silent, and not much activity was taking place. And about the time several people began nodding off the Brigade Commander makes the statement, “you know, in the civilian world private corporations pay big money to provide adventure training like this to their executives.” Well I got to say that got a loud and long laugh from everyone. But I would add that there is great truth to what he said.
So much of what we do, the difficult weather conditions, impossible situations we’ve worked through, working shorthanded, being placed in assignments that seemingly are beyond our reach or capacity, short term jobs that no one has a reference to that helps understanding on how to proceed, all these are true gifts of adversity that only make us stronger. And so I agree, you have to pay big bucks in the civilian sector to be presented with opportunities to face adversity. Would like to hear about your experiences, share them with us. Hank
The list of things I could not have done as a civilian that I have been able to do in the military is substantial, to say the least. A short version would include:
- Visiting radio stations in the country side of Bosnia as my commanders participated in interviews as part of our efforts there.
- Drinking tea with Iraqis shortly after the ground war on our way to Baghdad with the ruins of Ur in the background. They were very friendly with us even though we didn't have a translator and their herd of camels was waiting.
- Had a brief stay in Hillah, the site of the ancient city of Babylon
- I think one of the best professionally-oriented opportunities I've had through the military is to observe great leaders go through their decision-making on a daily basis. The military offers a unique opportunity in this, and I believe my thought-process and understanding of problems have been greatly improved because of this.
Even though the moves (7 in 10 years) and deployments have been tough, I'm about to start a new opportunity with attending graduate school at Georgetown. Few other organizations would provide both the time and money for this.
Tom Nagle
Major, US Army
Tom,
You bring out a great points. Reading about these places in historical accounts is one thing, viewing the remains and present-day activities at those locations is another. It really causes you to stop and think about those who preceded us. When we see what were once great centers of power it also causes us to ask why they did not persist over time.
The ability to observe senior decision-makers over time is priceless. Understanding that their opponents are trying to out-think them daily is also important. It is a daily set of arguments with on the ground consequences.
Hank
Service members are offered many resources to prepare themselves for release from active duty. The Army Career and Alumni Program is an exceptional first step to preparing for life after the military. Along with all of the resume preparation classes and days to dress as you would to go on an interview, a “Preseparation Guide” is provided. It is filled with high value information and walks each service member through the separation process step by step.
Many separating service members never bother to look twice at chapter 2, Effects of a Career Change, of the guide. This chapter deals with the mental and sometimes physical effects of the transition from military to civilian life and should be taken just as seriously as getting your resume completed. Having spoken with several Army officers who recently separated from the Active Duty, each of them noted, “I should have read Chapter 2, I would have used the services available to me a lot sooner”. There are many agencies on and off base that can provide counseling for stress-related concerns that are sure to arise when considering retirement or release from active duty. Mental Health Care professionals are available at military treatment facilities to council the service member and their family during this highly stressful transition. I highly encourage all personnel to take advantage of the mental health services available to them before departing the military. This high dollar value service is free while you are on active duty. Prepare not only to get the job physically but to be the best mentally prepared civilian doing it.
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