Is Sam Damon from Once an Eagle a good role model?

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 19:54:31 -0500

I am an 11b private who's also a case hoping to be an 11A. I am almost done reading Once an Eagle and saw somewhere online questioning whether Sam Damon is a good role model or not for officers. I am just curious to see the answers on this so I can help see if I should attempt to emulate his demeanor.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2020 9:01 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 21:01:26 -0500

Change your rank to reflect private.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2020 11:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 23:50:29 -0500

He's honestly a pretty one dimensional character

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 26 at 2020 1:25 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 01:25:10 -0500

I recommend you have multiple role models. What one model works for one, may not work for another. Plus, have more than one helps you be a better, well rounded individual.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Nov 26 at 2020 9:02 AM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 09:02:12 -0500

If you are looking for a role model as Infantry, my choice would be Dick Winter's from Band of Brothers. Read the book, read the book Beyond Band of Brother and Conversations with Major Dick Winters. That's as good a start as any.
A couple of books that were required reading when I was in was Platoon Leader (Vietnam era) and Company Commander (WWII).
I would also recommend Audie Murphy's Hell to Eternity and the Gettysburg narrative "Killer Angels", especially the sections the deal with Joshua Chamberlain. I bet Chamberlain and Murphy needed a wheelbarrow to carry around that set of balls.

Response by SSG Ronald Limbaugh made Dec 10 at 2020 7:44 AM

SSG Ronald Limbaugh — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 07:44:55 -0500

Look around you. See what leaders you have that are most effective. From a leadership perspective, my most memorable role model was my first team Leader, a CPL. I still think, "What would CPL Gayle have done?"
Sometimes, you luck out and have good leadership role models around you, as you rise through the ranks. Build your leadership style from the good NCOs and Officers you've known. Use the past leaders and heroes you read about as verification of the traits you work into your own leadership style.
Dont get too wrapped up in what's written about someone, utilize what you can see and have experiemced.