By: -PFC- C, Mullins
Respect it is something everyone wants, not many have, and few will give. Some people would appreciate having a little bit of respect from others, and some should make efforts to show some more respect. Unfortunately, this does not happen all the time. Maybe this is because respect is not clearly understood. What is respect? The dictionary defines it as an act of giving particular attention or high or special regard. Another definition shows respect as a feeling or attitude of admiration and deference toward somebody or something. This does not explain completely what it is, but at least it gives us an idea about what it may be. it is something that you earn over time through your actions. So how does this relate to the military? Well, when a person enlists in the United States Military, active duty or reserve, they take the following oath; “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” Right there you are making a promise to the United States Military. Before you even put on the uniform, you promise you’ll obey the orders of the President and the orders of the officers appointed over you. Military discipline and effectiveness is built on the foundation of obedience to orders. Brand new privates are taught to obey, immediately and without question, orders from their superiors, right from day one of boot camp. Almost every soldier can tell you that obedience was drilled into their heads at one point in Basic Training. For example, no talking in the chow line, don’t talk with your hands, head and eyes forward, no smiling, stand a parade rest, and of course the famous “Yes Drill