This essay is written to explain what professional and military bearing are and their importance in the United States military. Military bearing means being aware of the surroundings and learning about “time” and “place”. When I hear military bearing, I consider myself a professional soldier. “Professional” is defined as being engaged in a particular activity as their main occupation and not as a secondary one. Common courtesies are to give hand salutes and stand at attention or for parade rest. This applies to all military uniforms. This involves acting as if you are always being watched and understanding that your actions will be reflected on the entire Military. Mutual respect is the key to professional and military bearing. Your manner of walking and your speech are a reflection of your pride and bearing. The ability to project authority and self-confidence and maintain high standards. Simply put, it’s acting in the same way that soldiers and leaders are expected to. The pride of a person’s service is what makes military bearing possible. How others, soldiers, and the entire world see military bearing will determine how they are viewed by them. While on duty, military bearing does not end. Often, civilians are only allowed to have contact during off-duty. These are the days when civilians form their opinions on soldiers and the Military as a whole.
A soldier’s military uniform is the first impression that an individual or organization makes about him or her. First impressions are important. This is evident when you work with other Armed Forces branches. All service personnel are expected to honor the traditions of their branches and keep them bearing. A military leader’s uniform is a first impression. You might be less trustful of a soldier or organization if you make a bad first impression.
Non-military service members must respect the rules of the military, and so are service members. Although many people respect service members, not all civilians have the same attitude. Many civilians have witnessed service members behave foolishly or not uphold their military standards. Every serviceman is the face of their branch. The public inspects servicemen with great precision. One bar fight can ruin a military service branch. To illustrate, the media might report that the U.S. military did this to draw attention. This can alter public perceptions of military forces. The media love to lie and put the wrong military officer’s mistakes on the entire organisation.
Military personnel exhibit a strong attitude when they walk and interact with the public. The Army teaches Soldiers how to walk confidently, keep their heads up and maintain a positive outlook. Army Soldiers are expected adhere to the Army Values of loyalty, service, respect, selfless work, honor and integrity as well as personal courage. To communicate their thoughts and authority, soldiers use their diaphragm.
ADRP6-22 is the Army’s Leadership Manual. ADRP6-22 defines leadership in terms of the ability to motivate, inspire and lead others towards achieving the corporate mission. Military bearing and leadership work together to form a stronger unit. The leaders of junior soldiers are only as good as the soldiers they portray. Their soldiers will suffer if their leaders have a bad attitude and lack professionalism. A strong foundation as an officer and the ability to think rationally will make you a better leader in the future. Soldiers are prone to choose the leader they want to follow.
Leaders who are able to retain a sharp military mind will have a tremendous impact on soldiers. The ability to display pride in one’s military leadership will make soldiers feel more confident. Pride instils confidence in soldiers that the leader is tactically and precisely skilled. Leaders are trustworthy, confident, respectful. A leader is someone who inspires others and makes them want to become great leaders.
Noncommissioned officers are professional and lead. They present themselves professionally and with dignity when dealing with their superiors. They are proud to be called attention and hold their heads high. They expect the same from their younger soldiers. Noncommissioned officers who identify an issue, immediately knife-handle and profane the soldier out without hesitation lose their military bearing. The Army demands that the Noncommissioned officer be able to analyze and control the situation, not just react on his emotions. Marching displays discipline, structure and unity. Incorrectly, military personnel marching in disorderly manners.
A leader is not born. It is essential to practice professionalism every day and not let complacency and bad habits get in the way of professionalism. Complacency is when someone feels too secure in their job. You must always push yourself to achieve more and better results and remain open to learning. “If your actions encourage others to dream greater, learn more and do more, you’re a leader.” John Quincy Adams, Adams, 1825. The most rewarding aspect of serving in the military is being able to make a difference in the lives of other soldiers.
Sources
The Army’s department. (2012). Commanders in the military. (ADRP 6-22).
Rush, R. S. (2010). Guide for NCOs. Stackpole books.
John Quincy Adams (sixth US PRESIDENT, March 4, 1825 to March 4,1829)
Dictionary URL for the word “professional”: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/professional#
