Essay on What Makes a Good Soldier - 2584 Words

What is a soldier? What makes a good soldier? Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines a soldier as one who â€Å"engages in military service†, a â€Å"skilled warrior†, and a â€Å"militant leader or follower†. The characteristics of a soldier vary in the different military branches but ultimately a soldier is loyal to his or her country, willing to fight and die. In an article by B.R. Burg, the author states â€Å"The complete officer must be the complete man, they believed, and to measure up each had to possess an amalgam of qualities that included patriotism, courage, honor, loyalty, absolute honesty, and elevated standards of morality† (439). The epitomes of a good soldier are characters such as Sergeant Elias (Platoon), Captain John Miller†¦show more content†¦They are eager to fight for their country and believe that the enemy is easy to spot among a crowd. These young soldiers are usually in their late teens and early twenties. For the first few weeks or months they talk of their girlfriends and the going-ons back home. The stories are all the same, â€Å"When I get home I am going to marry her and we will run our own business.† Correspondence with the outside world is very important to each of the characters. Hearing about their hometowns often gives the men a feeling that there is something worth fighting for. An example of this type of correspondence comes from Corporal Michael Alan McAninch: From the word we got last night we should be going back to Hill 10 in about a week. Sure will be good, but we know that whatever they say were going to do can change in just a matter of hours. So we really dont count on anything. Ive been thinking about so many things lately. There is a new order out that we serve 11 months and 20 days instead of 12 and 20 days. So that would get me out of Vietnam about the 2nd of February. And it would take about 2 weeks back in the States before I get my discharge. Then a civilian--WOW. School wouldnt start until September, so that would leave about 7 months before getting back to school. Joanie and I should have around $1700. We will need an apartment and a car. Id like to get my old apartment back if possible. (So many good memories of 4623--Ive become very attached toShow MoreRelatedRespect in the Military1183 Words   |  5 PagesEssay The purpose of this essay is to further my knowledge of the Army NCO support channel, chain of command and why we as Soldiers use them. It is also to inform the parties that may be what I feel loyalty, dedicated service and also my interpretation of Military bearing and Discipline. I am explaining the importance of obeying a lawful order from an NCO and performing that order in a timely manner. The NCO support channel is designed to be subordinate to and supportive of the chain of commandRead More2000 Word Essay on Being a Team Leader1073 Words   |  5 Pageslimits. Which means being accountable for what you do or fail to do. Non commissioned officers are responsible to fulfill not only their individual duties, but in addition they must ensure their teams and units are successful. You are accountable for your personal conduct and that of your soldiers. Responsibilities are the one thing that cannot be delegated. A non commissioned officer, same as a soldier, is accountable for his actions to fellow soldiers, leaders, unit and the US Army. The role ofRead MoreRoom Inspections in the Military1029 Words   |  5 Pagesperformance, and excellent maintenance are important considerations that affect you directly. They are the earmarks of a good organization and one you should be a proud member of. First line leaders should inspect their soldiers daily and should regularly check soldiers’ rooms in the barracks.† A task in which, I, as PFC Kennedy’s first line supervisor, failed to accomplish. 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When a soldier doesnt follow the orders they are given in not only hurts themselfs but it hurts the team and the goalsRead MoreThe Good Soldier Literary Analysis1023 Words   |  5 PagesNarrative Structure The first rubric which I devised, is one surrounding narrative structures of three particular texts in the course: Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad, The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford, and The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West. The narrative structure in all three of these texts is experimental in nature, as is characteristic of modernist novels, and follows similar patterns. In these three texts, the narrative structure takes away from the characterization of the narrator as theRead MoreHonor And Recognition For Defending The Freedom Of The United States1183 Words   |  5 PagesSoldiers deserve honor and recognition for defending the freedom of the United States. They risk their lives so other Americans do not have to, and they are rightfully thanked for their work. Honoring soldiers is viewed as respectful and lets the soldiers know that Americans value their sacrifices for our country. However, for some people commending soldiers is often more about their own personal gain and se lf-esteem than about respecting the soldier. Honoring soldiers is often used as an excuseRead MoreWho Is A Soldier Refuse An Illegal Or Unjust Order?1309 Words   |  6 Pages Soldiers take on the role of Soldiers and accept certain norms or obedience to authority, and many in the lower ranks take the position that obeying orders are a part of their duties that must be carried out, without question. There are instances when Soldiers must face virtues such as courage, which would be a principal virtue of any Soldier. One moral dilemma and a question that may arise, is should a Soldier refuse an illegal or unjust order given by his/her superiors? Some Soldiers pursuant