Posted on May 31, 2016
Does anybody else question their competence on Memorial Day?
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Sorry, first time posting. Didn't understand how the question posting mechanism worked.
Today being Memorial Day I'm feeling a bit depressed. I was trying to make a Memorial Day post to social media today. I kept trying to post something and deleting it all day long, since I can't seem to phrase my feelings in a way that seem fit to be read by people I care about.
Tired of the jingoistic BS. I just want to blast politicians and the US people for sending kids to shoot kids. These days the only thing keeping me in the NCO Corps is to try to do the best I can do for the junior enlisted around me, but I don't believe in the mission anymore. Trying to articulate the way I feel about our extra-territorial aggression has caused me a lot of emotional turmoil.
I just want to be the best Sergeant I can be for my soldiers, do my time, and get out at this point. So I guess my question is, how do other first line leaders feel at the moment? Is there anybody else that can relate? The majority of my peers in my current unit appear to be lifers, and I feel like I'm the conspicuously disillusioned one.
The morning after edit: I got a bit emotional and said some things I wouldn't normally say in the sober light of day. In retrospect, this ended up being more of a rant about my own feelings toward service than it was about Memorial Day. I'm removing the Memorial Day tag accordingly.
Thanks for being a tolerant place and humoring my bellyaching, RP. I'll try to internalize some of this feedback going forward. Remember the fallen.
Today being Memorial Day I'm feeling a bit depressed. I was trying to make a Memorial Day post to social media today. I kept trying to post something and deleting it all day long, since I can't seem to phrase my feelings in a way that seem fit to be read by people I care about.
Tired of the jingoistic BS. I just want to blast politicians and the US people for sending kids to shoot kids. These days the only thing keeping me in the NCO Corps is to try to do the best I can do for the junior enlisted around me, but I don't believe in the mission anymore. Trying to articulate the way I feel about our extra-territorial aggression has caused me a lot of emotional turmoil.
I just want to be the best Sergeant I can be for my soldiers, do my time, and get out at this point. So I guess my question is, how do other first line leaders feel at the moment? Is there anybody else that can relate? The majority of my peers in my current unit appear to be lifers, and I feel like I'm the conspicuously disillusioned one.
The morning after edit: I got a bit emotional and said some things I wouldn't normally say in the sober light of day. In retrospect, this ended up being more of a rant about my own feelings toward service than it was about Memorial Day. I'm removing the Memorial Day tag accordingly.
Thanks for being a tolerant place and humoring my bellyaching, RP. I'll try to internalize some of this feedback going forward. Remember the fallen.
Sergeant
SGT
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 16
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Brother, I went through a couple cross-road phases during my military career. What helped me pull through the funk may not work for you, but you have to find your passion and I see that helping your Soldier's is your passion. Mentor them and lead them to be the future warriors as much as you are disillusioned. You must also find your passion or hobby and make time for yourself. Depending on how long you invested in the Army, go into the Reserves or National Guard, or Cross Branches don't throw away 5 to 10 years you've invested, because the next 15 to 20 years will go fast and there are benefit for staying into the end and that goal (Retirement). Kenneth, here a few things that helped me: I would take leave and visited a few War Memorial place's during my career. One of these places was Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to reflect on the Sacrifices that others had done way before I joined. This recharged me and gave me the resolve and reignited my Patriotism and my Service to Country. I also talked over my doubts to only close battle buddies who knew me and who would encourage me. I also sought Behavioral Health and the Chaplain to deal with my depression and to find Hope. I hope this helps and I pray that you will find the right decision within your heart to Soldier on.
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You did fine and the post is a good one. You can't put too much pressure on yourself. An NCO wanting to be the best you can is normal, just don't be consumed by it. I judged my success by the success of my troops. If they are put in for awards and other programs like Soldier of the quarter or something like that, then you've done right by them. Arming them with the tools to be successful is the right thing to do.
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I could give a post of great detail to this, but in the name of brevity, let me proffer a bit of advice, SGT (Join to see):
Focus on what is important, and what is under your control. Master your technical and tactical tasks, and impart to your Soldiers that mastery.
Do this, and you are a fine member of the NCO corps who I would welcome in my own formation.
Head up, back straight.
Focus on what is important, and what is under your control. Master your technical and tactical tasks, and impart to your Soldiers that mastery.
Do this, and you are a fine member of the NCO corps who I would welcome in my own formation.
Head up, back straight.
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