Can a National Guard or Reserve soldier be considered a "Professional Soldier"?

2015-09-09T15:33:29-04:00

I have heard through my military service the term "professional Soldier" . If you serve 10 yrs plus in the Reserve or National Guard, or even put in the til age of 60, and retire does that give you the title of a professional soldier.
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As in profession not Professionalism.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 9 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-09-09T15:37:41-04:00

You are a "Professional Soldier" the minute you hit your first unit. You're a Soldier for the rest of your life.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 9 at 2015 3:41 PM

2015-09-09T15:41:09-04:00

I think it gets into who you are as a soldier. There are full time soldiers who are clowns and part time soldiers who will not hesitate to run forward for a wild land fire, flood, or other disaster. Who best represents the Army?

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 9 at 2015 3:42 PM

2015-09-09T15:42:53-04:00

Yes you are a professional soldier

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 3:51 PM

2015-09-09T15:51:41-04:00

I have served on both sides, AD and USAR. Good and bad Soldiers on both sides. So, as long as you serve honorably and not act the fool and do stupid legal trouble stuff, then you are a Professional Soldier.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 9 at 2015 3:52 PM

2015-09-09T15:52:34-04:00

Yes .. Absolutely, now more than ever in our history.

pro·fes·sion·al
/prəˈfeSH(ə)n(ə)l/
adjective
adjective: professional
1. of, relating to, or connected with a profession.
"young professional people"
synonyms: white-collar, nonmanual
"people in professional occupations"
antonyms: blue-collar
2. (of a person) engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.
"a professional boxer"
synonyms: paid, salaried
"a professional rugby player"
antonyms: amateur
•having or showing the skill appropriate to a professional person; competent or skillful.
"their music is both memorable and professional"
synonyms: expert, accomplished, skillful, masterly, masterful, fine, polished, skilled, proficient, competent, able, experienced, practiced, trained, seasoned, businesslike, deft; More
informalace, crack, top-notch
"a thoroughly professional performance"
antonyms: amateurish
•worthy of or appropriate to a professional person.
"his professional expertise"
•informalderogatory
denoting a person who persistently makes a feature of a particular activity or attribute.
"a professional naysayer"
noun
noun: professional; plural noun: professionals
1. a person engaged or qualified in a profession.
"professionals such as lawyers and surveyors"
synonyms: white-collar worker, office worker
"affluent young professionals"

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Sep 9 at 2015 3:54 PM

2015-09-09T15:54:15-04:00

Sounds like you've been around the actual un-professional Soldiers.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 9 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-09-09T15:58:19-04:00

Certainly every National Guard or Reserve Soldier who has sworn the oath of enlistment or commissioning as a US Army is a Soldier. Every AC, RC and USNG soldier who intends to make a career in the Army is a professional soldier. For those who only serve the minimum number of years they may or may not be professional soldiers. Professional Soldiers are both proud of the Service and they represent the Service through their duty, honor, and commitment to serve.
[Update] US Air National Guard swear a similar oath and are professional airmen. For those who only serve the minimum number of years they may or may not be professional airmen. Professional airmen are both proud of the Service and they represent the Service through their duty, honor, and commitment to serve.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made Sep 9 at 2015 4:00 PM

2015-09-09T16:00:09-04:00

Professional is defined as being extremely proficient or as being paid to do a particular job. All soldiers are professional in the latter category. The former category is up to the individual.

I would just say they are soldiers and that's all that really matters.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-09-09T16:11:04-04:00

Most definitely, if that is the character of your service. I've worked with both professional Soldiers and unprofessional Soldiers from both AD and NG. Often it is easy to distinguish them. I don't know that years of service is a required qualifier though. I've had some Soldiers fresh from basic that were more professional than some NCO's I've worked with.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-09-09T16:14:45-04:00

Being a professional soldier has nothing to do at all with someone being in the Army National Guard or Army Reserves. A professional soldier (in my reference, an NCO) is one that does the right thing even when nobody is watching. Keeps their soldiers accountable and to Army standards. Is respectful, but is not afraid to make on the spot corrections. There are so many unprofessional NCOs out there, the Army needs truly professional leaders! Hooah!

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Sep 9 at 2015 4:17 PM

2015-09-09T16:17:46-04:00

SGT Bryon Sergent I have served with both and a lot of reserves were very professional.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 9 at 2015 4:22 PM

2015-09-09T16:22:10-04:00

Yes you practice the profession of arms.

Response by SSG John Erny made Sep 9 at 2015 4:22 PM

2015-09-09T16:22:34-04:00

It is more complicated than that listed above. I have seen career service members come to the guard after being rifted or being passed over for promotion and forced out. I have seen service members come from active duty and succeed and I also have seen them not fit in.

Some people start in the guard and then go active because they love the military life style, or stay guard and do a wonderful job as a part time soldier. Then there are those who got in and now just want to do their time and get out.

The primary thing that makes active soldiers question the RC's is that there is a different culture. Some units may not be as polished or strict with discipline as the active side, this however by no means applies to them all. Still the vast majority can get the job done and done well. The problem lies with the question; do you mean profession or professional behavior. For some the guard is a profession and they are professional, others are just doing their time. Try telling a full time police officer or fire fighter who is a stellar NCO in the guard that they are not professionals and you will not be well received.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Sep 9 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-09-09T16:31:32-04:00

Yes. By definition when you graduate BCT you are a trained professional.
"I am an expert and I am a professional." - Soldier's Creed
"No one is more professional than I" - NCO Creed

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Sep 9 at 2015 6:12 PM

2015-09-09T18:12:09-04:00

When you put on the uniform, regardless of status (NG, Reserve, or AD), I feel that until you take it off, you are a professional soldier. You are receiving PAY for your military services, thus making you a professional (you received training for your skill set).

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 6:15 PM

2015-09-09T18:15:22-04:00

If a soldier is doing his duty and living the army values, then "Professionalism" is implied. Just as a supermodel needs no adjective like "beautiful;" before her title, a soldier shouldn't either. We all know soldiers that do not meet the army standard; absent those few, the word soldier implies so much more that other words before it are redundant.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Sep 9 at 2015 6:33 PM

2015-09-09T18:33:18-04:00

No matter what they served their country because they made a choice to serve in the capacity that they wanted to. S/he did their time I have meet enough reservist to know that they are professional in 2 jobs.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 9 at 2015 6:49 PM

2015-09-09T18:49:48-04:00

No. Their civilian profession is their profession. I'm very fond of reading medical and legal books, and attending seminars and lectures if possible, that doesn't make me a lawyer or doctor. There are minimum standards to achieving status as a professional xxxx, and occasionally doing something once in a while is not it...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 10:14 PM

2015-09-09T22:14:14-04:00

Good question. I was assigned to a Reserve Supply & Services Co (direct support), which meant close to the front lines (when there were front lines). The Company always recievd high praise for their mission, but the evaluators always added that they wouldn't live long enough to do it. Basically, we couldn't get the support we needed to train to defend ourselves. The MTOE authorized an M60 and 203 grenade launcher. Luckily we had a few VN prior service guys in the unit that helped. We also had to beg for range time at the nearest AC installation. I hope things have changed.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Sep 9 at 2015 10:59 PM

2015-09-09T22:59:00-04:00

In my opinion the term Professional Soldier refers to the folks that devote all of their time to the said profession (and accounts for a bulk of their income).

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 11:16 PM

2015-09-09T23:16:17-04:00

When a MLB or NFL or a NBA player can be called a professional because he makes $5 million dollars a year (or more), you're damn right that anyone who proudly wears the uniform of our nation is the consummate professional, and you can take that to the Bank!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 12:09 AM

2015-09-10T00:09:16-04:00

Nowhere do I recall seeing a different version of the Soldiers Creed for RC & AD troops. We are ALL charged to be 'experts and professionals.' If the enemy doesn't differentiate than why should we?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 12:40 AM

2015-09-10T00:40:38-04:00

Yes I was in a Infantry Anti-Armor unit in both Iraq and afgastain in 2008. I was in Co-D, 162nd Infantry, 41st Infantry Bde Oregon Army National Guard from 5-2000 to 12-2010

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Sep 10 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-09-10T09:17:46-04:00

SGT Bryon Sergent I served a total of 7 years active, 20 years in the National Guard, and 10 years in the Reserves and deployed to OIF 05-07. I've completed every military educational requirement up through the Army War College and served 9 years enlisted and 28 years as a commissioned officer. I've commanded at the Company level twice, the Battalion level for 4 years with missions to South America in National building tours, and 7 years as a Brigade Commander (deploying and building a new Brigade from the ground up). I think that qualifies me as a "Professional Soldier". I believe we have a lot of Professional soldiers in the Reserves and Guard. Keep in mind this country does not go to war with out individuals from all the communities going with the Active Component. It should be "One Team, One Fight" always from here on out! Just my opinion!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 10:00 AM

2015-09-10T10:00:25-04:00

SGT Bryon Sergent, you ask one question and survey another, but you are absolutely on point to be questioning the military profession and the character of its members.

The better question is about the profession of arms. Being a professional or a member of the profession has nothing to do with time served. It is about commitment to the standards and ideals, and to constant individual improvement. Professions also are expected to self-police. We don't do that perfectly, but the structure is there. When a Soldier leaves a deficiency uncorrected or a breach of duty unaddressed, then he or she is lacking in professional character.

I disagree with most of the other commentators here. Being a professional is not a title earned and then automatically retained. It is an active and perpetual process. Saying "I am a professional" is not sufficient to make it so, nor is the act of drawing a paycheck. It is more than the bare minimum "honorable characterization of service" as well. To be a professional you must live the standard and demand that others do so.

I see no reason why Reserve Component Service-members should be excluded from this definition of the profession of arms. It is more difficult for us to maintain our profession in the Reserves because we lack some enforcement mechanisms and the time to fully devote ourselves to military pursuits, but the Active Component does not have a monopoly on the profession.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Sep 10 at 2015 10:27 AM

2015-09-10T10:27:51-04:00

Time and status do not make one a 'Professional' regardless of career or profession. A Reserve component soldier can be professional and an Active Duty soldier can fail to meet that standard. Being a professional makes you a professional soldier, so my advice is to be the best soldier, warrior and human being you can be, and you will be the professional your soldier and this Nation need and deserve.

Wearing the uniform does not make one part of a profession, if 'professionalism' is not an important factor in your career choice, you may want to reconsider your profession. There is a reason the two words are so similar.

Response by SFC Mark Bailey made Sep 10 at 2015 10:35 AM

2015-09-10T10:35:57-04:00

Active Guard or Reserve does not change the person you are; you are either a Professional or you are not. A scumbag will probably always be a scumbag unless a Professional comes along to change their direction in Life.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-09-10T10:42:40-04:00

Yes of course. If you are a soldier in the Guard or Reserves. You can be full time. Therefore making it a profession. It is very possible to do.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 12:16 PM

2015-09-10T12:16:02-04:00

As a National Guardsman, I say yes. I put just as much time and energy into my training/education as an Active a Duty SM. I have just as much leadership ability, as well. We all wear the same uniform, and take pride in our service. We deploy alongside our Active Component brethren. We adhere to the same oaths and creeds. We are professional.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 3:37 PM

2015-09-10T15:37:55-04:00

Short answer, yes.

Long answer, it depends on what you put into it. Just because you're active doesn't mean you're a professional Soldier. Likewise, just by being in the NG or Reserves doesn't lessen the professionalism.

I know plenty of M-day Soldiers that dedicated personal time to furthering their fitness levels, personal education, and military knowledge and seek out military education to support the unit and their career.

You get out what you put in. I feel that the time, effort, and level of dedication you put into it is what defines "Professional" or not.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 10 at 2015 8:22 PM

2015-09-10T20:22:16-04:00

Yes they can, just like active troops could be considered unprofessional

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2015 10:08 PM

2015-09-10T22:08:40-04:00

You put your time in and live up to the army values and carry your self professionally then yes you are a professional soldier. National Guard or reserves. Being a soldier no matter what branch of service you are in requires you to hold your self to a higher standard.

Response by CPT Bill McNeely made Sep 11 at 2015 3:13 PM

2015-09-11T15:13:24-04:00

If you are Junior Soldier and meet the standard ie shooting, moving (physical fitness included) and communicating along the 40 warrior tasks and drills you are a professional.

If you are an NCO or Company Grade Officer you need do all those things plus do basic leadership functions such as equipment management/accountability, basic planning (PCC, PCI, Op Order etc) you are a professional.

If you are a Senior NCO or Field Grade Officer you need to be able to do the last two tiers plus read, write and speak at the strategic level and have diplomatic skills than you are a professional.

I cant speak above that level.

At the senior ranks in the NG and RC it gets harder to maintain this level professionalism because of the environment you are in and you don't get as many reps as the AC guys.

Response by SSG Ricardo Marcial made Sep 11 at 2015 10:06 PM

2015-09-11T22:06:09-04:00

Bio: 4 years active Marine, break in service, 18 years combined with the IL and MN Guard, 4 deployments, What part does not make me professional, the none deployed time prior to 9/11, were I just a weekend warrior. Because that would only cover 5 years of my total time. the rest was active or prepping for the next deployment.

This whole AC vs Guard/Reserve is (.......). We raise our right hand, swear to uphold the constitution, and they ship us of to war. Guard/Reserve make no difference, we are professionals in what we do, and that's serving our country, period.

The Marines motto Semper Fidelis, always faithful. It's not just a motto, you eat, breath, sleep safe at night knowing that the guy next to you believes the same thing. Treat you brothers and sisters in arms the same, with respect, they will do the same for you, no matter the uniform they wear or the component they come from.

but remember, never give the LT a map and a compass, for his own safety and yours as well, stay safe and God bless.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2015 10:55 PM

2015-09-11T22:55:45-04:00

I would like you to explain to the ODA long tab teams in 19th and 20th that they are "not real professional soldiers" and report back to me how that convo goes, lol.
Bottom line: professionalism runs in deep within the AD and PT reserve and national guard.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 1:07 AM

2015-09-16T01:07:53-04:00

You are still a Soldier 24/7. Your profession is demonstrated by your MOS. Your professionalism as a Soldier is demonstrated by how you live the 7 Army values and the NCO creed. Remember that your two basic responsibilities will always be upper most in my mind. Accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my Soldiers.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-09-16T13:59:32-04:00

The Army is a profession of arms and you are a Non-Commissioned Officer. Of course you are a professional Soldier. Keep developing yourself and your Soldiers, don't get a DUI or beat your spouse and you get to keep that title.

Response by SFC Clint Laskowski made Sep 17 at 2015 1:53 PM

2015-09-17T13:53:21-04:00

Sorry, but this is an idiotic question. Is there an accepted definition of a "Professional Soldier"? If there is, use it. If not, take the definitions of "Professional" and "Soldier" and apply them. IMHO, a professional soldier is someone who soldiers for pay. So, yes, in the USA all soldiers are Professional Soldiers. We all get paid. In some countries, and throughout history, many soldiers do/did not get paid. Further, there are not different standards for Active versus Reserve. Reservists must meet the same standards as Active Duty soldiers. If you as a Reservist or your Reserve unit doesn't require that you meet the same standards, you or your unit are wrong. Tenure has nothing to do with it.

My perspective: I was a Reserve Drill Sergeant for just under 10 years.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 15 at 2016 10:06 PM

2016-03-15T22:06:43-04:00

My entire career was Reserve - I considered my self professional. To be professional one has to not only talk the talk, but walk the talk (if you know what I mean). There's a big difference between professional and putting in their time. I've seen a lot of career AD soldiers who were just putting in their time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2021 4:27 PM

2021-05-17T16:27:46-04:00

Not only do reserve and guard soldier learn their MOS; they bring additional professional skills to the table. I have served both active and guard, and would consider myself a professional soldier even if I hadn't served active.