The Next Day

I came up to North Georgia to visit friends and watch graduation.

I had training for the PD on Thursday night then headed towards North Georgia. I got here around 1 AM. The next day I arose got my uniform on and went to commissioning. I did the first salute for one of my friends. It was short and to the point nothing fancy. Afterwards we went to the local "establishment" and had a couple rounds. Then onto the group commissioning, where I lost my buzz, but still felt good about a few of my friends becoming officers. I listened to the General's speech and took mental notes.

In his speech he talked about some myths of leadership, the same myths that, in my carrer, seem to be the basis of opinons of others. One particular is his point about diversity. He said his mother told him that if you look above the crowd, and speak against the crowd people will only see the mistakes you make and nothing else. I began to think about this statement, and it seems to be all too true for me. My whole carrer I've made mistakes and had my shortcomings, but I've also done many things that I consider good that no one has noticed. I usually like to operate in the shadows and let other grab glory. But here lies the problem, I stand my ground against all people, no matter their gender, creed, or color. I have done this in my military carrer as well, specifically at military college.

I questioned policies, peoples methods, and ideas. And now upon my return I get those looks of disgust and hatred from some of the people I have "questioned" and burnt bridges between. Then the General speaks on leadership at a school that teaches leadership. And for the first time at this college leadership is being talked about as an imperfect art. The looks on some of the faces were expected and some suprising. The expected were as you may think some of the military types within earshot had that confused look, the suprising looks came from some of the same types in complete agreement with the General.

I slept on these thoughs, after I went out with the new lieutenants to celebrate at the local "establishment". And the next day I have come to the conclusion that even though I fight these people on many issues their time will pass. Soon these new officers will grow into the group of officers that steer the new way for the Army and its future. I just want all people, military types included, to have questions and educate themselves.

"Nothing endures but change." - Heraclitus -