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LTG Hal Moore, GA George Washington, CPT Lauri Torni, LTG George Patton, MAJ Audie Murphy, LTG James Gavin, MSG Randall D. Shughart, etc. Who inspires you to be a great leader?
Posted in these groups: 
Military History
Leadership
Military History Leadership
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 10
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I can't say who is the most inspirational. I never met but a few of them. However, my first military leaders, the ones I met in Basic Combat Training, inspired the hell out of me.
Let me tell you a story...
About half way through the training cycle, our BCT company was tapped to march in a retirement parade. The "battalion" included us, a WAC company (this was in 1966) and an airborne company. We were standing at parade rest during the speeches when it began to rain. Everyone, including me, began to fidget, especially when the rain began dripping from the "visor" of my helmet onto the tip of my nose. There was a lot of shuffling around and grumbling in the ranks.
Slowly, I began to notice that the men in front of me were shrugging off the discomfort and assuming a proper position of parade rest. Peeking between the ranks, I could see our CO, CPT John Sevcik (not sure of the spelling) standing a a rigid position of parade rest as though demonstrating what he expected of us. I joined those in front of me in following his example and could feel the ranks behind me responding as well.
When the command to "Pass in review" came, we came to attention and marched past the reviewing stand with eyes right. I can't attest to the other files, but ours was perfectly aligned.
We learned later that our CO received a letter from the base CG complimenting him and his training company (us) on our performance under adverse conditions.
Our CO didn't demand perfection from us. He inspired it...
Let me tell you a story...
About half way through the training cycle, our BCT company was tapped to march in a retirement parade. The "battalion" included us, a WAC company (this was in 1966) and an airborne company. We were standing at parade rest during the speeches when it began to rain. Everyone, including me, began to fidget, especially when the rain began dripping from the "visor" of my helmet onto the tip of my nose. There was a lot of shuffling around and grumbling in the ranks.
Slowly, I began to notice that the men in front of me were shrugging off the discomfort and assuming a proper position of parade rest. Peeking between the ranks, I could see our CO, CPT John Sevcik (not sure of the spelling) standing a a rigid position of parade rest as though demonstrating what he expected of us. I joined those in front of me in following his example and could feel the ranks behind me responding as well.
When the command to "Pass in review" came, we came to attention and marched past the reviewing stand with eyes right. I can't attest to the other files, but ours was perfectly aligned.
We learned later that our CO received a letter from the base CG complimenting him and his training company (us) on our performance under adverse conditions.
Our CO didn't demand perfection from us. He inspired it...
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All of the mentioned would be more than an honor to serve with. But some of my favorites are General George Washington and LTG Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson.
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I have had the privilege of having some really great mentors throughout my career. Each of them have had an impact on the Soldier and Leader that I am today. Who inspires me to be a great leader? My Soldiers; both present and past. I take great pride in doing all that I can to ensure that they are successful. In their success and growth I find my personal satisfaction. There is no greater feeling that running into a former Soldier of mine and they take the time out to tell me what they have accomplished or have overcame. Soldiers are the reason I still serve and continue to strive to be the best that I can.
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