Wisdom from Military Leaders. What Are Your Thoughts?

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 11:49:24 -0400

I was thinking about so many memories from my past days in the military. One that always sticks out as the #1 "words of wisdom" was my Squad Leader that told me when I got promoted to Sergeant in May 1994; was to "NEVER MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE TWICE". That has been my pedigree ever since. Thanks Sarge, will never forget this as long as I live.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Jun 6 at 2015 11:51 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 11:51:30 -0400

Great advice, SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL. Thanks for sharing.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 6 at 2015 12:41 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 12:41:03 -0400

One that I used forever when I was providing direction or briefing my staff on something, reviewing material with soldiers, or just barking out reminders, was: "If it isn't said, it isn't heard!" That is definitely not an original saying, but I can't tell you how many times I used that in my military career! I still use it with my daughters today (3 of them). Every once in awhile I sneak one in with the Commander General (The better half) and then take cover!

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jun 6 at 2015 12:47 PM

PO3 David Fries — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 12:47:37 -0400

One of my favorites was just a play on Semper Fi; Semper Gumby, Always Flexible. Be prepared for anything that can be thrown at you, because it probably will be.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 6 at 2015 2:07 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 14:07:34 -0400

There's a few good ones, I keep close to my heart, and I parrot them so often that I have forgot where I picked them up at this point.

"Although you will be acknowledged for your efforts, you will be rewarded for your results" - This is much like Master Yoda's Do or do not, there is no try.

"Don't overthink the problem" - I say this A LOT. Reduce a problem to the simplest possible solution. Execute, and then look at any other problems that popped up. Repeat until all problems are gone.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 6 at 2015 2:37 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 14:37:54 -0400

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, the best advice I received in the military came from COL(ret) Alton R. Barnes. He's a WWII veteran (CIB), retired as the Deputy Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard and has been a lifelong mentor for me and for countless others. His advice came in the form of a poem, and you may have seen this on another discussion thread. He recited this from memory to hundreds and hundreds of officer candidates. It really requires no explanation.

"The Guy in the Glass"
by Dale Wimbrow (c. 1934)

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf*,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgment upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.

*money

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2015 3:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 15:04:43 -0400

I try to always remember, "Pointing a problem without offering a solution is just bitching". My first PSG told me this in 1995 and I have tried to always remember

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 6 at 2015 9:28 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 21:28:16 -0400

Private Murphy has yet to fail me.

http://pages.swcp.com/~russo/laws-o-combat.html

Murphy's Laws of Combat

Over theyears I saved a few odds and ends and stuff a number of them into myFTP site. Now I bring a few choice members to my web site.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 6 at 2015 9:33 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 06 Jun 2015 21:33:28 -0400

Always take care of the troops and fight for them.