18 October 2013
The United States Army is an organization built on tradition and the belief that nation is more important than one’s self. When an individual decides to join the Army ranks they choose to follow a code of ethics, ultimately becoming a member of the Army profession. The Army is a profession of arms serving the people of the United States and, is proven through rigid training requirements, service to the nation, and the ability to evolve through lessons learned. Soldiers of the Army are trusted with the responsibility to keep citizens of the nation safe, “against all enemies foreign and domestic.” Individuals make the decision to become Soldiers who are prepared to become experts of their craft and live the Army code of ethicsi. This great responsibility is not taken for granted and instilled in every Soldier immediately. In this profession having the support of the American public is crucialii. Soldiers must stay relevant to the public and be cognizant not to create a divide between themselves and the American people. Every Soldier, no matter rank must meet initial designated requirements. During every Soldier’s initial enlistment a series of basic Soldier skills consisting of weapons proficiency, physical stamina, common knowledge of rank, customs, and courtesies are internalized: 1. Every Soldier in the Army must attend a form of basic training to teach and assess entry-level requirements.
2. Soldier’s volunteer to join the Army to protect the American publiciii
3. The Army has a responsibility to American citizens to correct wrong amongst their ranks.iv
Soldiers’ unified common knowledge of the profession and ability to enact their knowledge is what makes the institution a profession of arms. Army leaders prepare to change doctrine to better the nationv. The Army’s ability