Why Are Service Members True Professionals?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 15:41:26 -0400

I really like this article. It's about our military being professionals in their jobs and duties. We read about negativity towards our military so many times. It's refreshing to see a positive article about our heroes who serve our country day in, day out, 24-7.

Being a professional requires a code of ethics and intense training. It’s a challenge military members fit well.
In the modern world, there are jobs and there are professions. There’s no concrete or universally agreed-upon line between the two. Many people would classify jobs that require advanced education or degrees as “professional” jobs. Others take an even more limited definition, only including those jobs with professional associations or guilds, such as doctors, lawyers, or architects as “professionals.” The formal definition, per many dictionaries, highlights two key components. First, one must conform to technical and ethical standards of that profession. Second, one displays a businesslike manner in one’s workplace.

It’s easy to give examples of jobs that aren’t professions. The guy flipping burgers at McDonald’s is not a member of a profession, no matter how good he makes his patties. The guy digging a ditch isn’t a member of a profession, no matter how hard he works or how beautifully square the edges of his trench are. Lest I look down on manual labor, the vast majority of individuals toiling away in office buildings are not professionals, either. For example, a sales rep doesn’t necessarily follow uniform technical standards or a code of ethics to earn that title. It’s just a job, albeit one that gets less dirty.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 3:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 15:58:30 -0400

Lots of good points made.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 3:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 15:59:17 -0400

All of the above

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 4:37 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 16:37:21 -0400

I really like the picture you posted about human shields. It seems simplistic, and things aren't always as simple, but it's true. The methods behinds our actions and our value for human life (especially of strangers or those we don't care for) says alot.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Sep 15 at 2015 8:31 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 20:31:13 -0400

Because we have HONOR and HUMILITY.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 10:51 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 22:51:15 -0400

I agree with you Sgt Keith Bodine. A professional has to have a code of conduct that he or she adheres to. Second, a professional will keep their professional skill levels up to date. Third, a professional will keep at it until the job is done, and done correctly. Last, the professional always ensures that their customer is pleased with the delivered product.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 11:16 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 23:16:17 -0400

Members of the military can certainly obtain a high degree of professionalism.

Twenty years of experience can make one very proficient in their field.

Of course there are those few who achieve one year of experience 20 times - not professional.