Did being a Christian affect your leadership at all? What is your advice for my military career going forward as an Army officer?

2020-04-10T08:31:08-04:00

I am soon reporting to West Point, and I will eventually need to choose a branch. As a scout right now, I am drawn to combat arms and am contemplating serving my ADSO as either an 11A or 19A. Though I enjoy all there is to combat arms, I can't help but be a little concerned about one thing.

I hold some values that are uncommon and often unheard of for the average combat arms Soldier. These include abstinence, not drinking, not using nicotine, not swearing, etc. I've noticed in my time in the Cav that this can be detrimental to building camaraderie and that it is much harder to build strong bonds with my fellow Soldiers. Additionally, I sense that this may introduce some challenges for being a Platoon Leader.

I am looking for insight from my brothers in Christ or any others who have found themselves in a situation similar to mine. Did this affect your leadership at all, and what is your advice for my military career going forward? Thanks in advance.

Response by MAJ Dale E. Wilson, Ph.D. made Apr 10 at 2020 8:57 AM

2020-04-10T08:57:48-04:00

Wish I could help you, but I wasn't born again until after I retired from the army. I can tell you that, as a cadet at USMA, you will have excellent Christian support groups. I recommend you get involved with the Officers Christian Fellowship.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Apr 10 at 2020 9:04 AM

2020-04-10T09:04:39-04:00

Excellent Question SGT Jack Wozniak!

Your Values, beliefs, & career path are EXACTLY what is needed in the Infantry today! Good, knowledgeable Infantry leaders are exactly what the US Army NEEDS!
While in Germany (86-87), 41st Infantry, 2/1 CAV, 266 Tankers, & 66 Artillery were the backbone of the the Army!
Good, solid Leadership is what is desperately needed in today’s Army!
Although, my personal beliefs (at that time) were not totally Christian; I was still guided by these values & beliefs.
There were prayer breakfasts & I was ‘sent’ as a representative from my unit (498th SPT BN).
I truly believe You have the ability have an extremely positive impact upon the US Army at the ground level!
The Infantry is the backbone of the Military & where changes need to be made. An Officer with your values & beliefs has the power to bring the troops back to good, old school AMERICAN Values...
I certainly hope & pray all soldiers provide you the insight you are requesting. Your decision will have an impact upon the direction of the Army!
Good Luck & God Bless you!
“pick up your weapon & follow me, I am the US Infantry”!

Happy Easter SGT!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2020 10:02 AM

2020-04-10T10:02:11-04:00

There are a lot of good articles and books about faith in the military. There's a few specific things to remember, specifically if you're taking about camaraderie with enlisted as an officer. Enlisted Soldiers only care about your beliefs as it is portrayed in your values and ethics and how it affects them on a daily basis. Another key is consistency, make sure you present yourself the same way every day. As far as what you do in your personal life, that's your business. Enlisted men shouldn't know about any of that anyways. I know plenty of Officers from every walk of life that don't drink, use nicotine or swear. For some these are religious choices, for others health reasons or because it portrays professionalism. What you do and why you do it is your business. Here's a link to an article about one of my personal heroes, he represents to me everything a man should be.

https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/the-way-of-the-monastic-warrior-lessons-from-major-dick-winters/

Thank you for your question and your honesty. God bless you.

Life Advice From Major Dick Winters | The Art of Manliness

Few masculine archetypes are as mysterious and compelling as that of the monastic warrior. In more modern times, that archetype is perhaps best embodied by Major Dick Winters.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2020 10:30 AM

2020-04-10T10:30:08-04:00

I'm an 11B and have been for 8 years. You being an NCO, we both have been in leadership positions. I'm an open Catholic and I too don't use nicotine and am openly abstinent. I've learned by holding your convictions of faith earns the respect of your peers and your soldiers under you. I never push my religion on anyone below me and only get on the topic if I am asked about it. I believe my faith makes me a better leader and God uses me to look after the soldiers under my command. As far as combat MOS that comes down to this. It is a hard job that requires much sacrifice in many ways which can be used as redemptive suffering to help you and other people get to Heaven. As long as the intentions in your heart are pure and you're not doing it for some other reason (just an example, but like the rush of combat or blood lust. "A stubborn heart will fare badly in the end; those who love danger will perish in it." Sirach 3:26). There have been great religious men in combat arms too, like Alvin York in World War I and Dick Winters in World War II. In short it sounds like your heart is in the right place, so don't think that your faith would be an obstacle to serving in combat arms. Good luck my friend, and Happy Easter!

Response by CPT Gary Jugenheimer made Apr 10 at 2020 12:17 PM

2020-04-10T12:17:03-04:00

From your post, I glean that you are questioning the string of values that you appear to have adopted as your choice for living your life. The issue for you might be that your fear of maintaining such high values would interfere with your future relationships as a Platoon Leader. How far away is this from where you are today, four years, five years. Live in the present as that is where you will establish relationships and form the friendships and if you maintain the values you profess, you will be astounded by the acceptance and understanding of those around you. Many people who are not capable of what you have already accomplished by establishing these habits will hold you in high regard, although they may never say it or tell you. You will be tested by those around you, challenging your values and testing your beliefs. This should make you stronger and give you more character as you thwart these threats. Do not preach your values, but live them and the expression of them will speak volumes to those that associate with you. You are on the right path, and I wish you much success in your pursuit of a degree at the USMA and a life you will cherish as a career officer.

Response by LCDR Joshua Gillespie made Apr 10 at 2020 1:11 PM

2020-04-10T13:11:23-04:00

What a profound question. As a Christian and an officer... I admit my 100% failure in this aspect. My years of service, spanning my late teens to early thirties; were measured by decidedly un-Christian behavior of every flavor. It is one of my most sincere regrets in life that I did not succeed in the momentous task you are undertaking. Therefore, here is some humble advice from one who missed the mark:

First, do not mistake "camaraderie" for respect. I'd like to think many of my Sailors (and some Soldiers later on in my career) "liked" me. I was the JO they could smoke/drink/curse/carouse with; the single, devil-may-care early burnout who at times, probably seemed as dismissive of "Higher" as they were. I was aided in that aspect by the very real ways "Big Navy" had rolled over me, early on... and I played the role of disenchanted but not discredited to the hilt. In retrospect, I lost many opportunities to actually lead by example, serve the office I held to its utmost, and serve my Savior at the same time.

Second, do not mistake indecency for amorality. As you well know, the life of a junior enlisted service member is hard work, boredom, being "hand held" at one end... and "short changed" on the other. Debauchery is a natural tonic to depression, and I'm sure some of the "worst" people you encounter actually wish for something more from life. They too are trying to "fit in" and find their place among their peers... you may be surprised how much they would respect an efficient, fair, competent officer who didn't have to use the same "crutches" to fill their own boots. I had a brother JO (and former Marine Corps NCO) who was exactly that... and he commanded not only my respect, but everyone onboard as well. He recently retired after a very successful career.

Finally, consider the numerous examples you can draw from for strength and inspiration. I know he's loathed by some for the cause he supported... but one need look no further than Thomas Jackson for an officer who was both tactically brilliant... and spiritually disciplined. SGT Alvin York's commitment to faith was legendary. Many of our best modern warriors model themselves after the style of some of the most renowned soldiers of faith.

In the end, you will be respected and followed for how well you value your Soldiers' lives and careers. If you take care of them, as Christ commands us all... and show yourself to be worthy of the rank you hold; they will not hold it against you that you remain sober, clean, and disciplined.

Good look and God Bless Brother!

Response by SSG Jimmy Cernich made Apr 10 at 2020 1:19 PM

2020-04-10T13:19:01-04:00

You want advice let God own every part of your life and you.Dont change for anyone not even the military.You are a Christian be a Christian and don't give into the things of the world around your Soldiers.Be persistent and lead by example.They will pressure you be prepared.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2020 4:23 PM

2020-04-10T16:23:13-04:00

Obviously, I'm not an officer so I can't give you my experience as an officer. But in my job I work with a lot of Battalion and Brigade leaders, so I have more exposure than most. I'm also in a unique role in that my MOS doesn't have any officers in it, I work directly for the CSM and my relationship with Commanders is usually pleasant but distant. So I get to see the effects of commanders leadership.

In my experience, the best Commanders I ever had or saw in action, I never knew their religious or political affiliations. Even the best chaplains I've had at unit, I didn't know what denomination they were because they didn't talk about religion unless asked. I would suggest that whatever values or morals your religion gives you, display the ones that line up with the Army Values and keep anything else private. Value people first, more than organizations, and you will do great.

Response by CH (MAJ) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2020 11:37 PM

2020-04-10T23:37:11-04:00

SGT Wozniak, you are thinking of some great things. For some background, I’m a USMA grad, was an engineer officer, am now a chaplain. Christ-follower throughout. Hopefully a person’s religion is not isolated to worship services but informs their worldview, values, and character. That sounds like the road your are on—which is great! A few thoughts for you:
1) While at West Point, I had some great friends who are people of faith and character. They are great leaders, demonstrating trustworthiness, genuine care for the people they lead, and the drive to increase their professional competence and lead well. This is not unique to people of faith, but this is what I’ve consistently observed and would hope from someone with a Christian ethic. This is not a guarantee for someone to be a “good leader”, but these elements are essential for any great leader.
2) You have a lot of life between now and branching, let alone platoon time. West Point will provide many opportunities to grow as a follower and further develop as a leader. Make the most of those opportunities. And as you do, consider in each position how that enables you to serve others in new ways or with an increased capacity.
3) Have fun! Prayerfully look at your major, sports, clubs, etc. Take time to reflect and be in awe of the history that has taken place and represented there (ie, “much of the history we teach was made by people we taught”). This is a great place to be present in—both in the awe of what has been, and the great relationships and opportunities of the present. All these will shape you to the degree you invest yourself in them. Who you spend your time with will shape the person you continue to become.
4) Find a great faith community (there are many there!); find a few friends that you encourage each other and challenge each other; and have a mentor(or mentors) who is able to speak into your life. There are some phenomenal chaplains at West Point—am glad to make specific recommendations offline. There are also many other fantastic leaders and people in the community to connect with. Again, who you spend your time with will shape the person you are becoming.
So, in sum—don’t worry about tomorrow, there’s enough to be concerned with today

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2020 2:51 AM

2020-04-11T02:51:31-04:00

My observations from being in a pilot which was a drinking career field and as a joint officer now working with all types. My take is that no one pressures people that opt to not drink. In fact, I am not religious, but I never drink a single if I drive anywhere. I have been to plenty of after hour events and stayed sober. In fact in the pilot community we liked the sober ones, because we had a DD that night. We had Mormons frequent with us to our drunk fests and volunteered to get us back. There is good camaraderie in that move. As an aircraft commander in a transport plane, I personally stayed sober on international trips, because I wanted to have judgement to see if my crew were about to do something stupid and call it knock it off for the night.

I think no one has an issue if you do not want to drink. You can hang out and do soda all night and no one cares. The only time it might be an issue is if you are one of those holy than though types who try to lecture on the sins of drinking and try to push it onto others. If you accept they will do what they do and you don't make it an issue, people are pretty much fine with it.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 11 at 2020 6:49 AM

2020-04-11T06:49:37-04:00

You will be fine as long as you remember that the only values that you can impose on Soldiers are Army values. You can have faith, and live as clean a life as you choose, you can love God, you have to ask yourself if you can support the attributes and characteristics of an Officer, while infusing or imposing your personal beliefs on Soldiers. There are many great Christian Soldiers, I have seen many struggle to find the balance. Speak with your Pastor, call on a couple military members of the cloth.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Apr 12 at 2020 3:33 PM

2020-04-12T15:33:06-04:00

For starters, building camaraderie with 18 and 19yo cav soldiers and 22-23 yo West Point grads is night and day different. Goals are just different. Junior officers will love to have a designated driver for their outings and that is you. Some places not drinking could be a little rough, especially if single but in that case find a great church family that holds your beliefs. Study Hal Moore from We Were Soldiers fame, he was a strong religious man and was up for his forth star. Alvin York is another. Look at President Eisenhower, he was apolitical until his own election, something else that is important in a military career. There is a good deal in most religions that can make you a better officer and there are opportunities for it to make you a bad one.

One aspect of being an officer that I find extremely important is to keep your beliefs to yourself when leading. It is perfectly fine for you 'take your shirt off' around your peers and friends, but not your soldiers. I am both a field grade officer in the army and a registered nurse and almost never do people I work with or for find out my religious beliefs or politics. I am here to take care of people how they want to be taken care of and none of my personal beliefs belong there. When I am in uniform, it is all about the Constitution and the guiding values of my career field. The Constitution guarantees my religion and coupled with the values of being an RN made it easier to take care of Taliban and Al Quida wounded while in Afghanistan. Don't get me wrong, I wish you infantry boys had done a better job of killing these fuckers, however this was not my role. Remember you are looking to become, 'An officer and a gentlemen,' and the only people meant to speak the word of the Lord in their Jobs are Chaplains.