Did being a Christian affect your leadership at all? What is your advice for my military career going forward as an Army officer?

I'm an 11B and have been for 8 years. You being an NCO, we both have been in leadership positions. I'm an open Catholic and I too don't use nicotine and am openly abstinent. I've learned by holding your convictions of faith earns the respect of your peers and your soldiers under you. I never push my religion on anyone below me and only get on the topic if I am asked about it. I believe my faith makes me a better leader and God uses me to look after the soldiers under my command. As far as combat MOS that comes down to this. It is a hard job that requires much sacrifice in many ways which can be used as redemptive suffering to help you and other people get to Heaven. As long as the intentions in your heart are pure and you're not doing it for some other reason (just an example, but like the rush of combat or blood lust. "A stubborn heart will fare badly in the end; those who love danger will perish in it." Sirach 3:26). There have been great religious men in combat arms too, like Alvin York in World War I and Dick Winters in World War II. In short it sounds like your heart is in the right place, so don't think that your faith would be an obstacle to serving in combat arms. Good luck my friend, and Happy Easter!

You want advice let God own every part of your life and you.Dont change for anyone not even the military.You are a Christian be a Christian and don't give into the things of the world around your Soldiers.Be persistent and lead by example.They will pressure you be prepared.

What a profound question. As a Christian and an officer... I admit my 100% failure in this aspect. My years of service, spanning my late teens to early thirties; were measured by decidedly un-Christian behavior of every flavor. It is one of my most sincere regrets in life that I did not succeed in the momentous task you are undertaking. Therefore, here is some humble advice from one who missed the mark:

First, do not mistake "camaraderie" for respect. I'd like to think many of my Sailors (and some Soldiers later on in my career) "liked" me. I was the JO they could smoke/drink/curse/carouse with; the single, devil-may-care early burnout who at times, probably seemed as dismissive of "Higher" as they were. I was aided in that aspect by the very real ways "Big Navy" had rolled over me, early on... and I played the role of disenchanted but not discredited to the hilt. In retrospect, I lost many opportunities to actually lead by example, serve the office I held to its utmost, and serve my Savior at the same time.

Second, do not mistake indecency for amorality. As you well know, the life of a junior enlisted service member is hard work, boredom, being "hand held" at one end... and "short changed" on the other. Debauchery is a natural tonic to depression, and I'm sure some of the "worst" people you encounter actually wish for something more from life. They too are trying to "fit in" and find their place among their peers... you may be surprised how much they would respect an efficient, fair, competent officer who didn't have to use the same "crutches" to fill their own boots. I had a brother JO (and former Marine Corps NCO) who was exactly that... and he commanded not only my respect, but everyone onboard as well. He recently retired after a very successful career.

Finally, consider the numerous examples you can draw from for strength and inspiration. I know he's loathed by some for the cause he supported... but one need look no further than Thomas Jackson for an officer who was both tactically brilliant... and spiritually disciplined. SGT Alvin York's commitment to faith was legendary. Many of our best modern warriors model themselves after the style of some of the most renowned soldiers of faith.

In the end, you will be respected and followed for how well you value your Soldiers' lives and careers. If you take care of them, as Christ commands us all... and show yourself to be worthy of the rank you hold; they will not hold it against you that you remain sober, clean, and disciplined.

Good look and God Bless Brother!