PERSONAL EXPERIENCE PAPER
This professional development exercise is designed to capture and record the experiences of Signal soldiers, noncommissioned officers, and officers’ who have served in various operations during the ongoing global war on terrorism (GWOT). It is focused at the individual level and allows soldiers an opportunity to express their personal experiences and insights which will become a part of the Signal Corps historical record. These papers potentially will be read and referenced by future researchers and historians as they analyze these important events. Each soldier who provides their experiences will make a unique contribution to the proud history of the US Army Signal Corps.
A general outline of the paper is provided. It is not meant to be restrictive. You may modify it as needed in order to tell your story. In addition, there are some questions which are designed to help guide your thoughts as you determine what information is important and relevant. You do not have to answer any or all of the questions, but many of them should help trigger some responses as you relate your experiences of Signal operations.
Remember as well that history is about people and their reaction to events, the decisions they make, their successes and their failures. You should mention the key personnel that you had an opportunity to serve with or interact with. This will also help future researchers as they seek further information, perhaps from a different point of view. Do not be afraid to be critical, but if you are, then realize that you must support and defend your views or perceptions.
Upon completion of the paper you will be asked to sign a statement that the document and contents belong to the U.S. government and can be used in any manner deemed in the best interests of the US Army. The information will be subject to provisions of the Freedom of Information Act and may be subject to release to