Posted on Jan 18, 2014
How has acting on your convictions impact your career today?
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When I was an SSG I stood on regulation due to there was a violation and that was the defining moment for my path for Warrant Officer.
Posted in these groups: 
Regulation
Regulation
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 3
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It wasn't MY adversity that was my defining moment, but one of my Soldier's. He was gay, before the repeal of DADT. A few deployments back, upon returning home, I watched all the family members run to their Soldiers, hugging, kissing, etc... Basically being all loving. I had to watch him pretend his loved one was his cousin... That was BS... My heart broke for him.<div><br></div><div>Since then, my leadership has become a lot more paternal..<br><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>
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SFC Michael Hasbun
That form of mindless interpretation and obedience to regulatory guidance is inexcusable. I've never understood how people fail to apply the "common sense test", or worse how situations like this could have seen right or acceptable to them..
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
<p>SSG Hasbun:</p><p><br></p><p>It is mindless, and it breaks my heart the end result the CSM implemented sensitivity training. This Soldier was my next-door neighbor and when I saw her crying, and I heard her story, I was livid.</p><p><br></p><p>I look back in my career on how I have always stood up for oppression, abuse of power, and those that could not or would not stand up for themselves.</p><p><br></p><p>This is how adversity has shaped my career as a Chaplain. When you do not have a relationship with your Soldiers, you label them.</p><p>This was an example of a NCO who became E-5 too fast and did not have the compassion for his Soldiers. </p>
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
<p>SSG Hasburn:</p><p><br></p><p>I had a Mentor tell me;</p><p><br></p><p>If they are not willing and able you parent them. </p><p><br></p><p>If they are willing but not able you teach them.</p><p><br></p><p>If they are willing and able you mentor them.</p><p><br></p><p>I thank God, I had leaders like you that had the patience and the compassion to provide the guidance and build the sacred trust of attachment.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
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The biggest impact that taking the high road has had on my career really cannot be measured in the way of rank or position or assignment attained. I have make it a point to always stand up for Soldiers "behind the scenes" and that is what I am most proud of. What I mean by "behind the scenes" is those conversations and actions that occur without the knowledge of the Soldier...the looking out for him/her. If I believe that if a Soldier under my charge is getting a raw deal, I have always made it a point to be the voice and weight that Soldier would otherwise not have. Standing up for what is right, whether it is in front of a formation or behind closed doors with your CSM or CDR, is what is ultimately important and what, quite frankly, defines your character. Your character is what should have the biggest impact on your career.
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
<p>MSG Stankovich:</p><p><br></p><p>I concur, and when we look at the strengths of one's character, that brands you in your career. What you will stand up for separates you from what you will not tolerate.</p><p><br></p><p>Having integrity, and personal courage to ensure that all is treated fairly and persevere through all social situations puts others at ease regardless of the situation.</p><p><br></p>
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I think a lot of it is because of how I was raised. I had a few half way decent "leaders" in my past, maybe one or two that I somewhat looked up to. And I finally had one a year ago or so that was very knowledgeable in our MOS and was actually able to pass on something worth keeping. Unlike the immoral, unethical and illegal traits of MOST of my previous leaders... A lot of what made me who I am is that I didn't want to be who they were and having my previous Soldiers tell me positive things after we part ways, it shows that I may have succeeded in doing just that.<br>
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
<p>SSG Broadbent:</p><p><br></p><p>I commend you on your transparency, and the ability to hunt for the good stuff. Adversity shapes you and pushes you to rise to the occasion to stand up for what is right.</p><p><br></p><p>I am proud of you for being a combat force multiplier. In my career I have learned more from those that were unethical and immoral.</p><p><br></p><p>I chose to be a light and stand up for what is right and that is what draws out of each of us on what we will stand for.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
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SFC (Join to see)
What has shaped me was a my first supervisor, who is now retired and probably one of my closest friends to date. He told me and still reminds me that you can learn from everybody good or bad. From the good leaders learn what you can use and mold into your own style, from the bad leaders learn what you do not want to do and what develops a toxic and bad leadership. I have lived by this and "knock on wood" seems to be fairing rather well, I am still here and progressing.
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
<p>SFC Pomerenke:</p><p><br></p><p>I concur, take the lessons learned and move on. I will share with you that adversity motivated me to take the extra classes, work harder, and know my regulations.</p>
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