How has acting on your convictions impact your career today?

2014-01-18T22:27:38-05:00

When I was an SSG I stood on regulation due to there was a violation and that was the defining moment for my path for Warrant Officer.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jan 18 at 2014 10:43 PM

2014-01-18T22:43:18-05:00

It wasn't MY adversity that was my defining moment, but one of my Soldier's. He was gay, before the repeal of DADT. A few deployments back, upon returning home, I watched all the family members run to their Soldiers, hugging, kissing, etc... Basically being all loving. I had to watch him pretend his loved one was his cousin... That was BS... My heart broke for him.<div><br></div><div>Since then, my leadership has become a lot more paternal..<br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 12:00 AM

2014-01-30T00:00:18-05:00

I think a lot of it is because of how I was raised. I had a few half way decent "leaders" in my past, maybe one or two that I somewhat looked up to. And I finally had one a year ago or so that was very knowledgeable in our MOS and was actually able to pass on something worth keeping. Unlike the immoral, unethical and illegal traits of MOST of my previous leaders... A lot of what made me who I am is that I didn't want to be who they were and having my previous Soldiers tell me positive things after we part ways, it shows that I may have succeeded in doing just that.<br>

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Feb 1 at 2014 1:54 PM

2014-02-01T13:54:46-05:00

The biggest impact that taking the high road has had on my career really cannot be measured in the way of rank or position or assignment attained.  I have make it a point to always stand up for Soldiers "behind the scenes" and that is what I am most proud of.  What I mean by "behind the scenes" is those conversations and actions that occur without the knowledge of the Soldier...the looking out for him/her.   If I believe that if a Soldier under my charge is getting a raw deal, I have always made it a point to be the voice and weight that Soldier would otherwise not have.  Standing up for what is right, whether it is in front of a formation or behind closed doors with your CSM or CDR, is what is ultimately important and what, quite frankly, defines your character.  Your character is what should have the biggest impact on your career.