We Are All Enlisted

To quote Colonel Scott Krawczyk, your course director:

‘From the very earliest days of this country, the model for our officers, which was built on the model of the citizenry and reflective of democratic ideals, was to be different. They were to be possessed of a democratic spirit marked by independent judgment, the freedom to measure action and to express disagreement, and the crucial responsibility never to tolerate tyranny.’

-William Deresiewicz, “Solitude and Leadership”

In his talk Deresiewicz talked about what makes a good leader. He states that the technology of today is stunting the intellectual processes of young people, that we are in need of more leaders who believe in something and stand by what they believe.

This week in my ROTC class we studied the Rules of Engagement and Law of Land Warfare. It a nutshell, these two things tell you what you can and can’t do as a combatant in military operations. What made me proud was how in line they are with what we as LDS believe to morally and ethically right. In our text book was this quote by General John Wickham Jr:

“In times of danger, it is the ethical element of leadership

which will bond our units together and enable them to

withstand the stresses of combat.”

 (From DA PAM 600-65, Leadership Statements and Quotes) *emphasis added

In class we discussed Deresiewicz’s talk and had a very stimulating discussion about leadership that I enjoyed. However I left a bit troubled.

                                                                                                                 

As we discussed leaders and what leadership means, there seemed to me a subtle, unintentional, perhaps subconscious view that military leaders are not the leaders to look to when it comes to morality and ethics. This bugged me. I’m not angry or trying to call anyone out, I am just disappointed. Disappointed someone could think of military leaders and not equate then with moral or ethical uprightness.

Think of Captain Moroni, Helaman, and Teancum. Of the current First Presidency and Twelve Apostles ten have served in the military

The mere inference that military leaders are not as moral as other leaders could not be further than the truth.

What about George Washington? Dick Winters? Hal Moore?

Deresiewicz’s talk, which urged the discovery adherence to one’s core values was directed at cadets at the United States Military Academy. Future officers in the United States Army.

Every military leader may not have an outstanding moral compass, but neither do all CEO’s or sports stars. We should look to follow the example of ALL moral and ethical leaders, regardless of who they lead, but remembering that we are all soldiers. Soldiers in God’s Army, fighting a battle that can only be won by staying true to our morals.

         Pres. Uchtdorf                                                                                Pres. Monson                                                                                               Pres. Packer