Who influenced you in your career?

2013-12-20T21:12:19-05:00

Who was the NCO/Officer/Friend/Relative that was the most influential in your career and the style of Soldier or leader you became?

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 20 at 2013 9:14 PM

2013-12-20T21:14:02-05:00

On this I would have to say my mother.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2013 9:15 PM

2013-12-20T21:15:25-05:00

SFC Baber, great question, in my case it was very likely my Dad... and of course there have been many others over the years, mentors, supervisors, peers, and troops alike who have had a positive influence. Again, great question, thanks for hosting!

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 20 at 2013 9:20 PM

2013-12-20T21:20:49-05:00

I would first have to say my family as I had a long family background in military service going back at least 7 generations that I have seen from my paternal grandmother's records.

Within my career, it was my division CSM as a PFC at Ft Sill in 1984, my Drill SGT in Basic, and my BN CDR in Desert Storm had the greatest influences on how I performed and molded my career after what they taught me and mentored me with.

I have had many positive influences from others during my career, but those three stood out the most in my eyes.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 22 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-04-22T14:28:12-04:00

My armor Platoon SGT. He taught me about maintenance, tactics, taking care of soldiers, and how to maneuver the tanks using my instincts. Decisions had to be made quickly because 40 mph will get you there in a hurry.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 26 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-04-26T15:16:47-04:00

My soldiers. I had to figure out how to accomplish the mission and keep the morale high.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 29 at 2015 5:48 PM

2015-04-29T17:48:49-04:00

I knew a Division S-1 CSM who had his ear to the ground because he was able to point me into the right direction or come up with a solution for me.

Response by SGT Chris Kuykendall made Apr 29 at 2015 6:20 PM

2015-04-29T18:20:58-04:00

SFC Baber thats is a great question, my Dad first, who instilled patriotism and humility in me, then there is a long list of Officers and Senior NCO's. So I'll start with LTC Rick Lynch ( greatest commander I ever had) CPT.Robert B. Abrams C.O. HHC 1-8 Cav, Ist Lt Steve Chihocki (the greatest Scout PLT LDR ever), SGM Terry Tucker S-3 OPS, CSM James Cook BN CSM 1-8 Cav, SFC R. Vargas Plt Sgt, Sgt Tom O'Conner are but a few, these men taught me what it meant to be Trained, Committed, Compassionate and Brave and I will be forever in their debt.