Can an Army of one ever bloom in a dog-eat-dog world?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 18:51:36 -0500

Talking to a NCO the other about strength through unity, he negatively told me that in the Army, you have dog people to survive or be dogged! What do you think about this statement?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 7:00 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:00:08 -0500

Unfortunately 1LT Private RallyPoint Member it can be that way. However, I challenge you to be the kind of dog that helps out other dogs as well. I was always told that do your job your evaluation will write itself, yet I had to write it literally myself a few times. If you do not watch out for yourself and your career many times nobody else will. Be the leader that will watch out for your own to ensure that they are setup for success.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2014 7:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 19:49:11 -0500

I hope this NCO was having a bad day, or perhaps fell and hit his head.

That is a piss-poor statement that no NCO had better utter within earshot of me or he will hear this dog bark.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 2 at 2014 9:06 PM

LTC Paul Labrador — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 21:06:20 -0500

There are two types of people that get promoted in the Army. The ones who rise in the ranks on the broken careers of others, and the ones who rise through the ranks, but helps others attain success too. The key is which one do you want to be? The Army is small and reputations follow you around. If you are a blue falcon, you can bet that someone has heard of you.....

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Dec 2 at 2014 10:16 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Tue, 02 Dec 2014 22:16:32 -0500

1LT Private RallyPoint Member,
"Dogging" people is against everything that you should believe and live, including the Soldier's Creed and Creed of the Non-commissioned Officer. I have always respected my peers, seniors, and subordinates, and it has always been the right attitude. I personally think that NCO needs a new line of work. I sincerely hope that he was just out of his element for a moment. He may just be disgruntled about something.