A SOLDIER'S PERSPECTIVE
THE WEB'S LEADING MILITARY BLOG SINCE 2004
I’ve been an NCO for over 12 years. When I became a Sergeant back in 1997 I took upon myself the following creed:
No one is more professional than I. I am a Noncommissioned Officer, a leader of soldiers. As a Noncommissioned Officer, I realize that I am a member of a time honored corps, which is known as “The Backbone of the Armyâ€. I am proud of the Corps of Noncommissioned Officers and will at all times conduct myself so as to bring credit upon the Corps, the Military Service and my country regardless of the situation in which I find myself. I will not use my grade or position to attain pleasure, profit, or personal safety.
Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind—accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers. I will strive to remain technically and tactically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.
Officers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence as well as that of my soldiers. I will be loyal to those with whom I serve; seniors, peers, and subordinates alike. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders. I will not compromise my integrity, nor my moral courage. I will not forget, nor will I allow my comrades to forget that we are professionals, Noncommissioned Officers, leaders!
It’s a creed I take extremely personal and serious, especially the parts about my responsibilities to troops. Sometimes, I feel like I’m the only one that cares about it.
As you know, I’ve been dealing with school issues and have decided that for my kid’s sake, I’m removing them from this situation. Emily and I are taking the kids to live with their grandparents until I PCS to Texas. The kids will remain there until the end of the school year, then I will pick them up and bring them back with me. This will prevent two moves in a school year and allow them to focus on their education.
I got a call today from a senior NCO and once again he began tearing into me. Without asking my point of view, he began accusing me of doing something I did not do. Someone had called and made a blatantly false accusation against me from the school and he didn’t think it was necessary to look into those charges.
I stood up for myself. I cussed him out for his piss poor management style. I’ve never felt so disrespected in my entire military career. I’m a senior NCO and he didn’t have the balls to at least give me the benefit of the doubt. I really feel sorry for anyone else left to have to deal with him. His Soldiers must hate life.
When someone makes an accusation against a Soldier, you try to get to the bottom of it first, especially when that accusation is “someone told me that someone else did something.” What kind of respectful leader chews someone’s ass based on rumor and innuendo? Apparently, mine! You know who you are and I think you’re the lowest form of life in the military. I truly hope you will decide that it’s best for everyone in this Army that you simply retire now!
I have given nearly 15 years of faithful and honorable service to this Army. I have sacrificed my family, my church, my hobbies, and my sanity at time. I have never sought the easy way out and always made sure that anything that was worth doing was worth doing well. And what do I get for these years of dedicated service and sacrifice? A command that doesn’t have the decency to give me the benefit of the doubt. A command that doesn’t have the presence of mind and professionalism to at least ask for side of the story before laying into me.
I am a decorated combat vet, something I don’t normally admit to. My team was the most successful team in Iraq. We personally located and captured or convinced to turn themselves in eight people in the top 55 list of most-wanted Baathists during OIF1. I was recommended for the Silver Star for repelling an ambush while combat forces were pinned down. I was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor device. In Fallujah, I earned the Army Commendation Medal. I’ve been awarded three Meritorious Service Medals and five Army Achievement Medals. I’ve been awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for my contributions to the community – including schools! I’ve been awarded a lifetime membership to the Boys and Girls Club for my contributions and support to that organization. I was promoted to Master Sergeant in the Army in ten years – an almost unheard of accomplishment. I made First Sergeant in 12 years! I’ve been personally invited to the White House by both President Bush and President Obama. Guess what these accomplishments mean to me? Nothing.
My greatest accomplishment is the raising three super intelligent and beautiful children. THEY are my life. They are what keep me worrying day in and day out. They are the reason I work so hard to accomplish so much. They are the reason I fight so hard against what I perceive to be gross injustices in my community. Their education means more to me some title of “First Sergeant” or “Master Sergeant” or “Bronze Star Recipient” or any other title. The only title I hold dear to me is that of “husband” and “father.”
Save us from more piss poor leadership.
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to Anonn, thank you. i thought so. i just want a clear picture of his
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New Scam to be aware of……….I am 2LT. Anderson Darrell Clinton , an off
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New Scam to be aware of……….I am 2LT. Anderson Darrell Clinton , an off
Terri
I’m behind you 100% CJ. Wish there was more I could do, but just know you have my complete support!
Hilary
Why is it that the good guys are the ones who get pooped on? I am sorry you are going through this. I know that the decision y’all have made to send the kids else where was hard, but ultimately the best choice. Keep your chin up. Hopefully your new unit will be better!
On your way to and from Montana, you can always detour through El Paso! I know that is a long shot, but just wanted to put that out there!
If y’all need anything, let me know! Sure love y’all and miss y’all dearly!
Donna
So sorry that it has come to this CJ but I know that your children will be better off with their grandparents right now to get their education.
It is a shame that their school has forced you guys to have to make the decision.
We are all so proud of you and what you’ve accomplished over the years! Hang in there and I know that things will get better for all of you!
John
“Though he’s always proved wrong eventually, he was always right initially.” (Scott Adams)
Anyway, I just have to say this guy sounds like a schmuck. How many times has this happened to you now? And he’s still blindly parroting these accusations?
The NCO creed aside, this is something most people learn as a child from their parents. If your family life wasn’t so great, you should still learn it in the first grade– even in a public school.
Mary
I’m convinced Senior NCO’s are more preoccupied with what makes them “look bad” versus what is good for their company and their troops.
I remember the day I became and NCO. I remember a prosecuting attorney reading the NCO creed to demonstrate that a 1SG had violated that creed.
When you take care of soldiers – they take care of you. It’s nice to know you understand this. The Army likes soldiers with awards – real soldiers know their mettle lies within the troops the serve with.
I remain so proud – in spite of all the grief, you’re dealing with. I’m just amazed at your perspective.
Old Cav LT
Making E-8 in 10 years is an ASTOUNDING feat. During my enlisted years, I wasn’t blessed with that kind of quality in the leadership I had.
But as I climbed in rank, it became clear to me that, much like the classes in my political science degree, what they were putting up on the white board about leadership and professionalism was much more theory then reality… almost something to aspire to as opposed to what was (and is) actually going on.
Since I’ve left the Army and now work as a full time political/business consultant, it’s practically impossible to find someone more cynical than I. As a result, I sincerely hope that THIS sacrifice, a sacrifice you’ll be making after your accurate assessment of the situation, will be rewarded by a reaffirmation of your leadership’s faith and trust in you and your obviously fine work.
Unfortunately, a couple of weeks ago I had the gut feeling that the punks at the school knew how to torpedo you, either through past experience or knowledge of how the military works.
Politics is the bane of the military. And my concern here is that you will now rot at E-8 when you are so clearly CSM material because of a festering EER… or whatever they may be calling it these days.
As difficult as it may be, I would ask you to hunker down, keep your head down and ride out this storm. Try not to be too frustrated… know that this, too, shall pass… and look to an outstanding future where your knowledge, leadership, experience and courage… tenets of the professional non-commissioned officer that will keep young troops alive that otherwise might not make it.
Shannon
CJ~ I see the update, I’m so sorry and hate that you guys have had to make this really tough choice. For the sake of your kids, I do believe it is a good and right choice. This whole thing just really sucks, but I’m a firm believer in those Blessings in disguises.
So, again, these compliments don’t go out lightly, either. You guys are definitely the good team, the winners, fightin the good fight! I have to add in here,too, that I think Emily and your 3 wonderful children are Saints. Sharing you, like they do, supporting you and allowing you to do all that you have accomplished, I know, has been no easy task. I want to, truly, thank them and applaud them, too. <3
Please keep us updated~
As for the Army, we need more NCO’s, Leaders, Soldiers, like you. This is not a compliment I throw out lightly. You have worked hard, achieved so much, and I know the sacrifices you and your family have endured. You have earned and deserve every, extremely, honorable medal/award you’ve received. (as well as your rank) Wear them proudly, as it displays the strength, courage, honor, knowledge, and love of Country that you and your family, together, have willingly and selflessly given. We are so grateful and appreciative to you all.
In the last, I think, couple – few years, or so, I’ve gotten to know you, I’ve come to believe the world could use more great Men, like you. Through your posts, in your awesome and inspiring works with They Have Names, Walter Reed, Blog Radio, your Charitable Organizations, Troop donations etc.,(just to name a few), you have had my utmost respect and admiration. Actually, I loved your style from the get-go, but I still, always have to “vet” out the players before I chose which team to support.
I will be praying the move and transition goes really smoothly and well for your kids, Emily and you. I hope they love their new schools!
Shannon and Family
Carol Steward
CJ I am lost for words and all of the above comments have explained my feelings, exactly! From here on I hope you and Emily can leave this ugly past behind and look forward to a fresh start. Dwelling on the rude lying ugly nastyiness of the school and the military will do nothing but drag you down and you don’t need any more of that. You both need to lift your spirits and move forward. I know it won’t be easy to be separated especially knowing how much you two are in love and the love you have for your children but God is Great and I personally believe “all things happen for a reason”. For instance, if it hadn’t have been for the school; you may not have found out what a rotten bunch you are dealing with there in the military.