There is a difference between being asked to do something and being commanded to do something. In the military, there is no such thing as being politely asked to do anything. Every verbal request is a direct order, to simply put it, a command. Non-military people do not understand the conditioning process that takes place while serving our country in the military.
Preparing for threats
I spent six years in the Army and three of those years were hardcore field exercises preparing us for any threat made against our country. I first heard of the word “Terrorist,” which is commonly used today while serving in Germany. I was on SD (Special Duty) for six months where I was the sergeant in charge of the Reactionary Force. I answered directly to a Lieutenant Colonel and I had only six men assigned to me to train and prepare for any terrorist attack in Germany, especially against the military installation I was assigned to during that six-month period.
Discipline & Structure
Military experience was a blessing for me because it taught me discipline and gave me structure for my life. These two specific attributes are very much needed when you are given live ammunition and sent out to defend your country. Although we never had to actually encounter these terrorists, we were issued live ammo and shipped out to defend the border against threats. It is at this time that you do not have time to ask questions or bail out and quit. You only have time to fall back on your prior training and preparedness and pray for the best outcome. You are not politely asked, as if you have a choice to whether or not you would like to leave your family. When you get a call from your superior officer early in the morning, you only have time to get dressed, kiss your spouse and children and pat your dog on the way out. If you can adjust to situations like this, knowing your life is about to be put up for auction, you can adjust almost to anything.
Mental Preparedness
Oftentimes, institutions such as large and medium size corporations, government agencies and even our modern military, overlook the necessity of being militarily prepared also includes being mentally prepared. General Douglas MacArthur said,
“Training distinguishes an army from an armed mob.”
To be mentally prepared is developing a mindset that constantly adjusts to backdrops and situations. A person’s skill level basically stays the same, but the milieu changes. This frame of mind increases the soldier’s percentage for survival, while on the battlefield, the streets of Chicago, or Wall Street. Being able to mentally adjust and adapt to your surrounding will make you successful in any field you dare to engage. I believe we can win against life’s challenges, but we must all learn from the Marines and “improvise, adapt, and overcome.”
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Follow-up comment rss or Leave a Trackback" The Soldiers State of Mind "
These statements really got me to thinking. For some reason I began to reflect on my commitment to my leader and how I can best serve him. I believe that I will be a greater asset to him by just applying these same beliefs to my service to him that I will make his job more enjoyable. Thank you
Dr. Brown! I have a renewed focus!
I enjoined this article by Dr. Brown, and totally agreed with the fact of adjusting to the present environment ensures a greater chance of survival and mission accomplishment. I am finding this to be true in ministry too. Success has a price and it never goes on sale. However different tactics may be needed to accomplish the same mission in a different area. There is an acronym that comes to mind, A.A.O. which stands for adapt, adjust, and overcome. Adapt does not mean to become like your environment but to understand your environment, make necessary adjustments as needed and overcome the opposition. We as Christians have been Bible trained on how to Overcome. So let this mind be in you, as it was also in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Jackson, I really did enjoy your post. I agree wit everything that you have said. Yes, we do have to adjust to the present environment and God said that He would never leave us and that He would always be there. I find encouragement and steadfastness in His words. When we continue to press in and hear from Him, then we can face whatever the next challenge is. We can meet it head on with strength and courage knowing that “we are more than conquerors through Jesus Christ our Lord”. Thank you Pastor Jackson and Dr. Brown.
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