The Army as a Profession of Arms

As the Army transitions from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, the organization is well served to take a long look in the mirror. After ten plus years of deployments, our combat tested warriors are sure to possess more than enough valuable knowledge to reinforce and improve upon our status as a profession. A TRADOC published paper explains “to be a professional is to understand, embrace, and competently practice the expertise of the profession.” I believe the profession of arms exists and there are many components that reinforce this argument. Among these components, initial entry training and institutional learning, shared values, and a monopoly on our mission are three of the most important tenants. All Soldiers must graduate from Basic Combat Training and all officers must graduate from a commissioning source. Similar to medical school or law school in other traditional professions, these schools set the foundation for years of practice that will lead to expert work. From the first day in these schools, Soldiers are taught the seven Army values and the Soldiers creed. Comparable to the Hippocratic Oath, these words set basic principles all Soldiers must live by. Last, no other organization has the knowledge, material, or will to ensure national defense and security. The Army’s unique and expert work ensures it is a profession in the truest sense of the word.
First, the Army provides specialized training and qualifications for its members. This initial training starts with BCT and a commissioning sources and continues through Advanced Individual Training for enlisted and the branch specific Basic Officer Leader Courses. Starting at the beginning of IET Soldiers are basically apprentices. All share knowledge common to members but unique to our organization. NCO’s and Company grade officers could be looked at as Journeymen. Have proven skills and knowledge. Senior NCO’s and Field Grade and Senior Officers are Master’s. All are professions but on different