Army Profession Of Arms

The Profession of Arms

A summary of what it takes to be an exceptional leader

One of the most important things that the Military can offer its great American

citizens is a well-rounded, dedicated, motivated Soldier. The only way to provide that

dedicated Soldier is to maintain qualified trained professionals. The Military offers its

Soldier’s a large range of training. Specifically Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)

training at different skill levels. The military also offers a variety of training to its

Soldier’s, some that the Soldier can use in the civilian world. Bottom line; a trained,

highly dedicated, determined, selfless Soldier is the back bone of the Military. Always

aspiring to be an expert in his profession
until the very end.

The Profession of Arms is a “calling”. To have a calling in a certain profession

especially the Military will require a vast array of characteristics, innate and also

attained. A Professional Soldier is not made overnight. It will take years to build a

Soldier into a Professional Soldier. To become a Professional Soldier, the most

important characteristic required is ambition. Ambition is required in order to build

oneself and complete the many task and training involved in not just serving in the

military but also climbing up the ranks. Ambition combined with dedication and love for

one’s country will most definitely allow for one to ultimately become a Professional

Soldier.
One must love their job. In a Soldier’s case, they must love their job, be highly

dedicated for their country and chain of command. All the while having the mind frame

to become an expert in his line of work.

The Profession of Arms

Balance, One of the hurdles that the Military must keep in mind to maintain its

strength. Proper, strategic placement of its higher ranking leaders in its four fields of

expertise. The other hurdle is keeping aligned the Army’s culture, the climate and its

institutional practices. Keeping the proper balance within these two is highly essential in

today’s Military. Balance between these two ensure that Soldiers will be ready for

Military operations. While also maintain the Soldier’s peace of mind that they will be

taken care of by its institution. Also, maintaining balance in its culture, climate and

institutional practice allows the Soldier to feel appreciated. It highly influences not only

their sense of belonging, safety, health, satisfaction and commitment to the Military and

their leaders. Most important a healthy balance in the above areas allow the American

People to feel confident in its Military institution. Not just for the nation’s safety but
as

well for their children’s future.
Army Professional Culture. The climate of a unit is very important as it relates to unit

cohesion and the adoption of a ‘we’ versus ‘me’ mentality. There is a saying, “There is

no I in Team. This statement comes to mind when I think of Professional culture. The

key to maintaining a healthy climate within a unit is ensuring trained and caring leaders

are at the forefront. Nothing makes a unit climate more negative and depressing than

having to deal with untrained leaders. High ranking NCO’s that do not desire to build

unit cohesion but rather concentrate on punishment instead of rehabilitation. Allowing

the buddy system to take place, promoting based on personal levels instead of order of

merit. Situations like these occurring within the ranks leads to disgruntled Soldier who

rather end their commitment to the military. Instead the military can improve the unit

The Profession of Arms

climate by selecting highly qualified NCO’s that are fit for duty and “walk the talk” to

promote a healthy and thriving unit atmosphere. Once Soldiers feel that their best

interest is at heart, they will more than likely give their 100
percent.

In closing the Human Resources sergeant’s role in the Army profession is a huge

burden. By having a highly qualified, expert in their field Soldier, NCO’s, lessens the

burden and what the military ends up with is a well-rounded, trained Soldier. An

expertise in the Human Resources world. A Soldier that is highly dedicated and puts his

peers before his own needs. Understands that unit readiness is his most important role

while also keeping his Soldiers Creed in all that is accomplished. The Human resources

Sergeant is a key player in the Military and should be considered one of the most

influential, if not, the most important Soldier in the military.