To paraphrase some schools I have attended:

"Its only a lot of reading if you actually do it."

Wise commanders will make the call here.

TR

Sterling Thread, Really.
 

I always try to focus on two lessons I learned from older smarter soldiers. First, develop selflessness. It's the most important trait you can have in SF (or anywhere). Help others and contribute to the Team's success even if it makes your life temporarily harder.

Then learn Followship. Your points on Officers are well put. We used to say that their job was to sign our ammo requests and tak the blame for the things we break.

The reality is, they have a soldier's job to do, like we all do. When I report to a new unit (like i am going to do the first week of Jan, back to the 19th) the first thing I do is meet the leadership and make sure they all understand my position. I am here to contribute to the success of the Team. I am not here to jerk your chain about my SOCOM hair, or some off the wall uniform I want to wear. I am not here to be Special, I am here to help make the team Special. That means I am here to follow as they lead. That does not mean I am here to be a puppet and just do every dumb thing that comes down the pipe. And I am happy to get out front and lead as the situation presents itself. But the first thing is to follow existing procedures and contribute. Once I know everything I can about the unit, I may choose to offer direction where it hasn't been solicited. But first off, Follow the leaders and be a contributor to the success of your Team.

This really is a great thread. I'm rapidly approaching geezehood. I'm a civilian. I still see a lot here to take to heart and apply.

In many ways it reminds me of one of the bell ringing smacks my Dad gave me as a kid. Usually accompanied by the question.."Are You Paying Attention?"

Don't miss the smackdown but the question is still a good one.

Thanks
NDD

I have a bookmark for this thread in several files on my computer.

Decided to reread it again today.

It is always just as relevant, powerful and cogent as the first time I read it.

Thanks, NDD.

Glad you guys enjoyed it.

Sage advice, NDD.

NDD, this is great advice and I've already "adjust fire" on my pt plan (big biceps do help w/ pullups, but legs are more important). And I copied your story on the NCO views of Officers and gave it to my PL's. They love it. And any other advice you have, my eyes are open.

Excellant post NDD. With your permission, I would like to post it in my office so the Troopers can read it.

Of course

Wow!
 

I am blown away by the knowledge, sincerity and professional courtesy given in this forum.
NDD Your words have impacted me and Im sure others in a mighty way. Your dedication and love for what you do is extremely evident and obvious.
I personally want to thank you and reiterate that what you write isnt in vain there are people out there that appreciate a good wake up call.
I have been here in 7th SFG for a year now and am locked in to attend SFAS this April 26th. The wisdom Im pulling from you and others in this site is fuel for my soul as I begin this new chapter in my Military Career.

Again Thanks

As a young 18X your insight has provided me with invaluable knowledge on SF, the military, and life in general. I thank you.

This is perhaps the best and most inspiring thread or even best and most inspiring thing that I have ever read even concerning SF. This should be read by anyone even with the slightest thoughts about trying to become one of the 'Quiet Professionals'.

let me hop on this one...as a detachment commander, i probably got my ass chewed at every commanders meeting for something a guy on my team did or failed to do...stupid stuff..."sir, i didn't salute Major So and So because he's a ******* leg"..."sir, i don't usually get drunk on week nights, but we were bowling"....and i could go on...guys who felt because they were Special Forces soldiers, they could get away with a little extra foolishness...if what i was getting my ass chewed for had professional merit, it would have been easier...i took two or three of those a day regading issues that other SF officers had little or no knowledge of (transferring a perfectly good NCO off of the mountain team i commanded because he suffered from hypoxia...'but he's in excellent condition')
a professional soldier, regardless of rank, doesn't routinely screw up so that his boss is getting his ass chewed on a regular basis...but once a week, when all the Os in the company sat down to hash out the issues of the moment, i was getting lit up like a Christmas tree...and some of the NCOs had the temerity to take offense when i passed on a little of the joy...the team sergeant would get gnawed on at every team sergeant meeting as well...it took about six, eight months, but we passed on some of our blither spirits and schooled a couple of others until we could sit down through an entire meeting without asbestos jockey shorts...

i don't know where the assertion came up that an officer could't PT with a detachment...i never had that problem...maybe now, the teams are taking better care of themselves...as an SF NCO and later as an SF officer, i would say the better conditioned guys on the team were the officers...

and here's the way i look at it...when i encountered a guy from my detachment or another SF NCO out and about, it was arguable as to who initiated the salute...as far as i was concerned (and i feel i speak for all the Os i served with), the salute was not subordinate-to-superior, it was professional-to-professional...

Truely Professional Soldiers dwell here.

Great Jack London Quote
 

I've been using this with my students lately; it gets their attention:

"You can not always run from a weakness. Sometimes you must fight it out, or perish; and if that be so, then why not now, and where you stand?"