Has your military leadership training helped you or hurt you?

2013-12-15T17:19:35-05:00

It sounds like an odd question but has the leadership training you received (formal or OJT) been well-suited to your civilian career or have those skills caused problems for you in finding or keeping a job?

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Dec 15 at 2013 5:34 PM

2013-12-15T17:34:23-05:00

haven't tested those waters yet but i am confident I will be more then ready when the time comes.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2013 5:48 PM

2013-12-15T17:48:10-05:00

I would only say that I have only benefited from it. I have only became a better leader. I can say at different levels of military education I have learned from different aspects. You really can't compare the NCO system to the O side of education. I can say my world changed when I became commissioned. The real question is if civilian companies understand the value of the education we have received.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Dec 15 at 2013 6:19 PM

2013-12-15T18:19:34-05:00

A lot of it depends on your field. I started out as a Forward Observer. There is an expectation of being able to think on your feet and support the Infantry at a moments notice with a danger close call for fire. You recognize that training a FO is different than training an Infantryman. Squad drills and tactics are about being able to perform actions reflexively. The FO needs that additional layer where he has to be prepared, to more than reflex drills are needed.
When I changed to Military Intelligence as an Analyst, I had to realize that not only the mission, but the Soldiers I worked with required a different kind of leadership and mentorship to succeed at the mission. You can't train them to be reflexive and still expect a product that is worth a damn, but you still need to make them aware of the way the troops they support are led as well as the nature of the enemy that they collect on and analyze to determine the best way to intercept, interdict or destroy.
What I learned as an MI NCO and Officer do me better right now than what I learned as a FO, but having experienced both has really given me an advantage when interacting with civilians and students on campus as well as other employees and customers for the places I work. But I needed both experiences to make it work.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Apr 12 at 2014 7:03 PM

2014-04-12T19:03:04-04:00

SFC Hester: I was raised my Vietnam Veterans, and started enlisted in 1984, I was taught never trust your Officers. I had to rewire my thinking when I crossed over Warrant Officer to Chaplain. I was taught to take a stand and regardless do not give up your position. In my thirty years of serving I have taken a stand and regardless of the storms of life I will not leave my post. Adversity has shaped me and I am so thankful for those that have poured in me. I came up on big shoulders, and great Leaders honor those that have paved the way.

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Apr 13 at 2014 8:49 AM

2014-04-13T08:49:19-04:00

It has absolutely helped me. I'm not talking about the classes at Officer Basic Course or Command & General Staff College - I'm referring to the real life experiences I encountered simply because I was in a position of authority and responsibility while in the Army. I am indebted to the military for the opportunities afforded to me to learn (by mistakes as well) and become a better leader.