What is your definition of the perfect soldier?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 07:05:46 -0400

It's something that I've been thinking about and have my own idea about, but just to see it from different, more experienced eyes, what is your take on it?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jun 28 at 2016 7:25 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 07:25:21 -0400

Someone that both can give and take orders, has integrity and always has respect for authority.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 7:31 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 07:31:55 -0400

That's subjective, a good person who upholds the Army Values, is punctual, internally motavited, contionously learning(and retaining!), and wants to be at the workplace- or at least strives to do all that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 7:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 07:37:48 -0400

Perfect soldier in my eyes is one who does his or her best to live life by the Army Values and Worrier Ethos. A soldier that never gives up reguadless the number of times he or she fails, the soldiers hear is important. A soldier that remains professional at all times and not only does his or her job but also steps up and gives a helping hand to peers. The perfect soldier continues to increase his or her knowledge and progress in his or her career.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jun 28 at 2016 8:32 AM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 08:32:24 -0400

Perfect Soldier: no such a thing! However, the descriptions provided by my fellow RP members is what every Soldier and/or service member should strive for. That is what a Professional Soldier does!

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Jun 28 at 2016 8:39 AM

SGT Michael Thorin — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 08:39:17 -0400

First and foremost, he/she is a soldier who never stops striving for perfection, even with the knowledge he/she will never obtain it.

They never believe that they are any more important to the soldier next to them, but always believe that their performance is essential to the success of the mission.

They will follow lawful orders without reservation or complaint.

They will reside themselves to being a follower of leaders until that is perfected, and then begin to think about being a leader of followers.

They are always early; never on time or late.

The word "excuse" is not in their vocabulary; you either do what you are supposed to be or you don't.

Learn these phrases:

"I did not complete my task. I accept responsibility and will ensure it never happens again."

You see, when it's all said and done as far as apologies and excuses go, you still just failed to complete a task. An apology many times is demonstrated instead of spoken, and answers like these show that you accept the blame and that you know there is a change to be made.

Finally, PV2 Hector Rodriguez, there is not a perfect soldiers. There are bad soldiers, soldiers, and great soldiers. Asking a question like this means you seek to be in the "great" category.

Here's the hint: even though great soldiers realize there will never be a "perfect" soldier, it doesn't stop them from trying.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 10:26 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:26:42 -0400

Now, everyone has their own idea and definition of the perfect Soldier. Personally, there are no perfect Soldiers. Why? Everyone screws the pooch at some point, and perfect Soldiers wouldn't screw the pooch. But, as long as one strives to be the best no matter the situation, then they are good to go in my book. They arrive on time (10-15 mikes prior to call time); follow orders and get the job done; work late without complaint when it needs to happen; always helping their fellow teammates out; accepting responsibility and standing tall to face the "Man" when they do screw up; always going that extra mile; always taking initiative; not making and not handing it to me, but ensuring that I have my coffee in hand..........

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 10:36 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:36:55 -0400

Not only is there no perfect soldier, there was only one perfect person, and he was crucified.

Response by MSgt Michael Lane made Jun 28 at 2016 10:50 AM

MSgt Michael Lane — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 10:50:19 -0400

It’s the person you see when you look in the mirror be that soldier.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 11:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 11:59:20 -0400

NO SUCH THING!!! Nobody is perfect.

Response by SGT James Colbert made Jun 28 at 2016 12:02 PM

SGT James Colbert — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 12:02:11 -0400

there is really no perfect soldier, that means if he or she is perfecr, they have no room for improvement.
There are good soldiers and thre are great soldiers, but everyone has room for improvement, in there life, career, self, workplace. So you really cant say perfect...m

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 12:12 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 12:12:25 -0400

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Good question! No one will ever be perfect. A good service man or woman will learn from their mistakes, and not make the same mistake twice. Maintain what you are good at and work on your weaknesses. An ideal soldier is disciplined, wants to earn leadership roles, and wants to support his fellow soldiers as a team player. Become a go to person regarding your MOS knowledge. Be a planner, and plan out your life, as to what you want to accomplish down the road. Best of luck.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2016 12:14 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 12:14:10 -0400

A perfect soldier betters himself by gaining knowledge and experience and the. Passes that on to their peers, subordinates and even his superiors.

Response by SGT Michael Thorin made Jun 28 at 2016 2:03 PM

SGT Michael Thorin — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 14:03:12 -0400

Also PV2 Rodriguez, what were your thoughts on the subject?

Response by SGT Ramon Nieves made Jun 28 at 2016 4:49 PM

SGT Ramon Nieves — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 16:49:10 -0400

To me a perfect soldier all that have served honorably in every branch of the service.

Response by SGT Bryan Florence made Jun 28 at 2016 7:31 PM

SGT Bryan Florence — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 19:31:37 -0400

Know when to follow
Know when to lead

Response by 2LT Ronald Reimer made Jun 28 at 2016 8:00 PM

2LT Ronald Reimer — Tue, 28 Jun 2016 20:00:32 -0400

Audie Murphy and Alvin York.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2016 10:36 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jun 2016 10:36:59 -0400

Perfect soldiers exist in Delta Force (CAG), Intelligence Support Activity as well as Task Force Orange.
Outisde of that they dont exist if you ask me.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jun 30 at 2016 10:23 PM

1LT William Clardy — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 22:23:42 -0400

There can be no perfect soldier, because soldiering is inherently a morally conflicted career.

Response by SGT C Mendez made Jul 1 at 2016 9:56 AM

SGT C Mendez — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 09:56:59 -0400

There is no such thing as a perfect soldier; no matter the rank. Always strive to learn because no one truly knows everything. Work hard and when you become a leader, lead from the front, treat your soldiers with respect, never ask them to do anything you wouldn't do and remember time honor traditions that make the military what it is.

Response by SPC Kirk Gilles made Jul 2 at 2016 1:59 AM

SPC Kirk Gilles — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 01:59:44 -0400

Honorable discharge.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2016 7:35 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 07:35:18 -0400

The perfect Soldier: impossible. You don't know what you don't know. However, you can distinguish yourself from your peers in certain areas at the level that you're at. Junior Enlisted SM's have a few very common ways of doing this. 1. PT- get a 270 or above consistently. 2. Weapons qualification- shoot expert. 3. Show up at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform. 4. Influence those who are in your sphere of influence to do those same things mentioned above. 5. Of course always model the Army Values.
6. Speak out (respectfully) against things that go against the Army Values. 7. Take your job, however miniscule the task may be and become an expert at it. 8. Don't get wrapped around the axle about how to do something, but don't do any task without proper planning. 9. For your skill level, find your team leader and start picking his/her brain about what BLC is and what skills you need to obtain in order to lead Soldiers. 10. Have some common sense. If there is a voice inside telling you to be cautious or not risk something, listen to it and get more information on the subject.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2016 8:01 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Jul 2016 08:01:01 -0400

Both a person and a solider that has great morals, responsibility and encompasses the Army / Military values as their touchstone!

Response by SGT Michael Heffner made Jul 5 at 2016 6:30 AM

SGT Michael Heffner — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 06:30:20 -0400

There is no such thing a a the "perfect" soldier, But there is nothing wrong with, Personal professionalism. The way you carry yourself in & out of uniform "IS" a reflection upon you your unit & the U. S. Army.

Response by MAJ Robert Whaley made Jul 5 at 2016 8:34 AM

MAJ Robert Whaley — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 08:34:26 -0400

I think that the perfect soldier is probably unattainable, but striving to be that is as close as we can come. Take care of the person to your right and left. To do that you have to be technically and tactically proficient in your skills, and ready to sacrifice all that you hold dear for all of those that you hold dear. If that sounds familiar, one guy set the example around 2000 years ago.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Jul 5 at 2016 10:19 AM

MSG Floyd Williams — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 10:19:48 -0400

There's no one who is a perfect soldier even if the Army had robots it will still have flaws like everything else.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 10:30 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 10:30:04 -0400

I don't believe there is a perfect soldier. The best qualities a soldier should have are the willingness to learn and the remain motivated. Nowadays we have whiny soldiers who give up and get lazy after a year.

Response by SFC Michael Peterson made Jul 5 at 2016 11:17 AM

SFC Michael Peterson — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 11:17:55 -0400

No one is "perfect" but, I will try to answer your question anyway. Like the old goat I am, I will use "he" when referring to this "perfect" Soldier, even though we all know it could be a female. (15 years ago, I wouldn't have had to explain that) A "perfect" Soldier is ALWAYS where he is supposed to be, when he is supposed to be there and, he's in the proper uniform. His quarters, his uniform, his weapon and, his other equipment are always maintained at or above the Army, or unit, standard. If he encounters a problem he can't fix, he notifies me immediately. They chain of command never gets a 0300 call from the MPs or the local LEOs notifying us that he's been detained or arrested. When he is given a task, it is always completed at or above the standard and, on time. Occasionally, he has anticipated the order and taken the initiative to complete that task without being told. He also has the charismatic leadership ability to influence his peers to help with that task. He looks ahead and studies things he will need to know two grades above his own. He will use some of his own time to improve any shortcomings he may have. He is physically fit. There is never a need to worry whether he can complete a ruck march carrying all of his gear and, should the need arise, be able to shoulder an increased load because someone else fell out. I don't need to baby sit him and, if he makes a mistake, he takes responsibility and, he never makes that same mistake again. He is always alert and aware of his surroundings. Do your job like someone's life depends on it because, sometimes, it does. I have even has a few Soldiers that fit this description. It really isn't that hard when you put forth the effort.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 11:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 11:53:53 -0400

No such thing.

Response by CPT Doyle Johnson made Jul 5 at 2016 12:04 PM

CPT Doyle Johnson — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 12:04:09 -0400

Act like you are proud to serve your country. Look like you are proud to serve your country.

Response by SGT Alejandro Sarandrea made Jul 5 at 2016 12:48 PM

SGT Alejandro Sarandrea — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 12:48:33 -0400

Easy. A soldier that embodies three key elements of the creed: 1) a soldier that refuses to quit no matter the task 2) a soldier that takes pride in his job and is technically and tactically proficient; and, 3) a soldier that is physically fit. I don't care if you make mistakes and stumble in life as long as you show me that your working everyday after those 3 qualities you'll be my pride and joy as an NCO.

Response by CPL Zach Spurloch made Jul 5 at 2016 1:03 PM

CPL Zach Spurloch — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 13:03:58 -0400

The perfect soldier can follow direction, and determine for himself/herself if that direction is without moral turpitude. Also react/overcome/and improvise as needed. If you can be this, and have candor, you could be a perfect soldier.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 1:25 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 13:25:42 -0400

The perfect soldier...hmm. There are some good examples on here already. The perfect soldier isn't afraid to make mistakes, takes responsibility for his or her decisions, is able to clearly articulate their thought process, takes calculated risks, displays disciplined initiative, understands the commanders intent, cares for their soldiers, and takes care of themselves (professionally, personally, and spiritually). When they have a problem they ask for help. Their team players. They are the ones you want to follow, the ones you want to lead, the ones who you always want their opinions (no matter their rank).

Response by CPT Endre Barath made Jul 5 at 2016 1:42 PM

CPT Endre Barath — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 13:42:47 -0400

Loved the question and having been distanced from the military for decades now. My answer is based on reflections with life experience. Although my answer cannot match the other response never the less here it is. The perfect solder is mentally tough, physically fit, can think for himself, follow orders and be a team player and can put the greater good ahead of individual wants and needs.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Jul 5 at 2016 2:05 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 14:05:45 -0400

Sp4 Byron Skinner…According to the solicited response which I'm not qualified to comment on but I think it is a rather ambiguous statement/question, so as usual I will ignore the set limitations… Obviously there is no such thing as a perfect soldier. A soldier is defined not as an individual but by his/her unit as how well does the soldier function is defined as how well the Unit functions…A soldier is a component part of a much larger state of awareness and that is her/his unit…Good leadership means all of the soldiers are good soldiers, poor/failed leadership means there are no good soldiers in a unit, if the unit fails in its mission its leadership is bad, then all of its component parts have failed…if the unit succeeds, good leadership each individual component has succeeded…There are no individuals in the Army so the question of the perfect soldier is rather mute.

Response by SGT Christopher Churilla made Jul 5 at 2016 4:27 PM

SGT Christopher Churilla — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 16:27:15 -0400

I don't have a definition because such a person doesn't exist. To be perfect means to be without flaw, and everybody has flaws. But there are good Soldiers.

A good Soldier gives his all in the task he is given, whatever it is. He looks out for his fellow Soldiers. And when the time comes that he does make a mistake, he learns from it and moves on.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Jul 5 at 2016 9:01 PM

CW4 Angel C. — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 21:01:31 -0400

A "perfect" Soldier is disciplined and promptly obidient to the legal orders of those appointed over him or her and meets all standards. Nevertheless, a "superb" Soldier is more coveted. He/she ("he") is also disciplined and obidient, but he stands out in a good way, takes charge when he sees the opportunity, knows his MOS better than his peers, thinks outside the box, has intestinal fortitude to stand up for what he believes, is motivated yet not too obnoxious or stupid hooah, is consistent at exceeding the standard and is not a cookie cutter "yes man or woman", provides honest feedback and while he respects rank and position he does not fear any man!!!

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made Jul 5 at 2016 9:13 PM

LTC Jesse Edwards — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 21:13:00 -0400

I don't think there is a perfect Soldier.
I was always happy to work with Soldiers who did their best and tried to improve the quality of the team.

Response by CW4 Tim Claus made Jul 5 at 2016 9:34 PM

CW4 Tim Claus — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 21:34:53 -0400

There is no perfect soldier, just dedication to learning their craft, to duty, and to their unit. Anyone who appears to be a perfect soldiers works very hard at the above tasks.

Response by COL Lawanda J. Holliman made Jul 5 at 2016 10:25 PM

COL Lawanda J. Holliman — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 22:25:25 -0400

Hmmmm, the Perfect Soldier is the one who recognizes that she/he is NOT perfect. Yet, strives to be his/her best anyway. She/he continues to grow and learn, adhere the highest standards of moral character and seek to make the world a better place-.for having showed up to fulfill their mission. One who represents honor, duty and country well. And, One who takes the hard right, over the easy wrong.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2016 12:16 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 00:16:09 -0400

Gets to work on time, learns their craft, takes initiative and leaves it better than they find it

Response by SGT Stanley Bass made Jul 6 at 2016 12:24 AM

SGT Stanley Bass — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 00:24:09 -0400

There is no such thing as perfect soldier. There is however, a model soldier. A soldier that does it by the books, keeps their uniform pressed and boots shined, knows the regulations and policies. Point out any soldier in the history of any branch of the military, and I wilil show you a person that did 99 things correct, and 1 thing wrong, and they are remembered and ridiculed and rung through the coals for that one thing they did wrong. On top of that everyone of those 99 things they did right were forgotten as soon ans they did something wrong.

Response by LTC Patrick Guzman made Jul 6 at 2016 1:42 AM

LTC Patrick Guzman — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 01:42:53 -0400

The army really makes that achievable through its set, specified standards. Meet, achieve, and/or exceed those standards makes for a perfect-enough Soldier.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2016 10:17 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 10:17:38 -0400

Probably the greatest attribute to possess is being a great follower! It allows you to closely see and monitor good and poor leadership. You can learn just as much from each. Then when given the opportunity to lead you have real-life examples of each. Then add in a little of nothing is above or below me and you have arrived!

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Jul 6 at 2016 8:46 PM

SGT Tim Fridley — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 20:46:19 -0400

There is no such thing as a perfect soldier so impossible to define one

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2016 8:02 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 08:02:56 -0400

I have to agree that you cannot find a "perfect" Soldier. Like many things, it is far far easier to pick out negatives. The positive qualities are self starters, can keep up their motivation and that of the team, always looks for ways to help the team and make others jobs easier, may not know how to do something, but does their best to figure it out. They have a tendency of solving problems or let me know all of the things they tried (I may have the experience to help and provide guidance). They generally make mistakes of action rather than inaction, but not the same one over and over again. Finally, they look for ways for their subordinates and themselves to improve themselves. Just my two cents.

Response by LTC Patrick Mahaffey made Jul 11 at 2016 7:08 PM

LTC Patrick Mahaffey — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 19:08:42 -0400

one who accomplishes his/her mission/task better than expected and better than your superior could accomplish himself/herself. Simple

Response by SPC Jerry Crain made Nov 30 at 2016 1:53 PM

SPC Jerry Crain — Wed, 30 Nov 2016 13:53:08 -0500

The one watching my 6.

Response by SGT Alex O'Donnell made Dec 30 at 2017 3:25 PM

SGT Alex O'Donnell — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 15:25:20 -0500

Yes sergeant, NCO's do unseen support for their subordinates that they dont see.

Response by SSG William Jones made Jun 16 at 2018 8:13 PM

SSG William Jones — Sat, 16 Jun 2018 20:13:27 -0400

Most any Delta operator.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 17 at 2018 12:46 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 00:46:49 -0400

Audie Murphy.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2022 11:42 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 23:42:30 -0400

Chuck Norris