Posted on Jun 15, 2015
What/who was the event or person that made the biggest impact on your time in the military?
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What crucible or individual act of courage or compassion really made such an impact on you/your time in service that it changed you as a person and Service Member? Could be a positive or negative event. For some in the group it might be Ranger School, others it might be a Squad Leader or a 1SG/Commander or maybe even their Drill Sergeant. I am interested in hearing the good, bad and ugly of it all - don't hesitate to share, use of names not required for this reply.
Mentorship
Leadership
Leadership Development
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 27
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My single event was growing up and watching the pride my Father took in wearing his uniform everyday. Regardless, of his rank enlisted to Officer I saw him as leading by example. So once I felt the calling I let him know that I needed to continue what he started it was just going to be in a different service.
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I grew up in a military household. My Dad retired after 26 years in the Army as a 1SG. At a very young age I learned the Army Values growing up. I also served 4 years in JROTC to help me build upon the foundation that my Dad established for me. Once I got to my first duty assignment I was extremely lucky to have SSG Lance Dever (RIP) as my first squad leader. Right away he counseled me and not just in writing but by showing me what right looks like. It went beyond the motor pool or the unit area, he showed me where to go for things like getting my uniforms pressed, where to get my alterations done, where to get my boots re-soled and where to get the best haircuts. He helped me look for my first car and made sure that I didn’t get screwed with outrageous interest rates and high payments. He always came by my room in the morning to inspect it for cleanliness prior to PT and to ensure that I was alive. He explained everything, showed me everything and then made me attempt everything that he taught me. He treated everyone the same and would discipline us justly if we screwed up. Every experience, good or bad, was a chance to get better. He prepared me becoming a NCO from day one. I owe a lot to him.
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
CW4 (Join to see), SSG Dever sounds like an outstanding leader and role model, you were evidently lead by one of our best!
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Two former NCOs, from my enlisted days, had the biggest impact on my career. They turned me from being a young enlisted soldier who was simply biding my time (until my ETS) into someone who actually cared about being an effective leader and advancing my career.
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
LTC Kevin B., it takes a leader to give the credit to those that helped us and mentored us, thanks for sharing. Is there anything in specific that you remember that really sticks out to you?
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LTC Kevin B.
CSM Michael J. Uhlig
They saw some promising (but latent) signs of potential in me, so being on the lookout, and having an eye for potential leaders, were the first things that stuck out. Then, they were willing to actively take an interest in developing me, when they could have easily said "He'll PCS/ETS soon, so I'll look elsewhere." They spent lots of time mentoring me, knowing that someone else down the road would reap most of the benefits, so they both had a long-term commitment to improving the larger enterprise (as opposed to being short-term focused on only their unit). And, they led by example, rather than telling me one thing, while doing something different. Overall, it was really their professional demeanor. I crossed paths with both of them years later, when I was a young officer and they were both senior NCOs (one a 1SG, and the other a CSM). They hadn't changed a bit, and were still great influences.
They saw some promising (but latent) signs of potential in me, so being on the lookout, and having an eye for potential leaders, were the first things that stuck out. Then, they were willing to actively take an interest in developing me, when they could have easily said "He'll PCS/ETS soon, so I'll look elsewhere." They spent lots of time mentoring me, knowing that someone else down the road would reap most of the benefits, so they both had a long-term commitment to improving the larger enterprise (as opposed to being short-term focused on only their unit). And, they led by example, rather than telling me one thing, while doing something different. Overall, it was really their professional demeanor. I crossed paths with both of them years later, when I was a young officer and they were both senior NCOs (one a 1SG, and the other a CSM). They hadn't changed a bit, and were still great influences.
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CSM Michael J. Uhlig
outstanding story and thanks for sharing how a genuine leader(s) can influence our life and our career.
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SFC (Join to see)
It's powerful how a climate built with dignity, respect and inclusion can affect a Soldier's mindset from biding time to a long term career. Being a part of the "Not in my Squad Workshop" this week with SMA Dailey made me realize that "Leaders" have the ability to change a unit's climate for the better no matter what challenges lie ahead. Thank goodness for those two former NCO's who realized back then their identity in your unit and the role they played in your life.
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