What makes you professional?

SGM Matthew Quick — Tue, 19 Nov 2013 23:24:57 -0500

Simple question looking for simple answers.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 13 at 2013 2:55 PM

SFC James Baber — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 14:55:25 -0500

Being respectful, honest, and treating my soldiers, peers and superiors the way I would want to be treated. The old school way of being true to yourself and your uniform and country.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 13 at 2013 2:58 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 14:58:59 -0500

Attitude! Go into every situation with the same attitude that you should treat others as you want to be treated.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 13 at 2013 3:14 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:14:52 -0500

Very broad question...I like it though. I believe that what makes me "professional" is what others say about me...former and current leaders, peers and subordinates. One can say that they are professional all day long and twice on Sundays, but if that is not how you are "received" by your audience, then I think that you may need to re-evaluate yourself.

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Dec 13 at 2013 3:25 PM

SPC Christopher Morehouse — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:25:28 -0500

Competence, pride and integrity. You need all 3 to be a professional at anything.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 3:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:46:12 -0500

Minus the swearing, I would say being absolutely dedicated to the mission. Doing whatever is needed day or night, not waiting on someone else to do it becasue it's easier.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 4:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 16:49:38 -0500

I think Aretha Franklin said it best R E S P E C T...

If you respect others, then all the other aspects of professionalism fall into place.

Response by CPL David Levy made Mar 9 at 2014 6:10 PM

CPL David Levy — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 18:10:30 -0400

Preparation, Dedication, Execution.

Applying the Army Values (or whichever branch you are from), and taking action when action is required, withstanding changes & adapting to most or all situations. Maintaining standards and not just learning from your own mistakes, but learning from others and applying them to your own leadership style so that you can not only give orders, but follow them. Being a professional is a life style, not a skill.

Hard to answer this simple question when it requires such a complex answer. Good job though.

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Jul 25 at 2014 9:11 AM

1LT Nick Kidwell — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 09:11:53 -0400

Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and personal Courage.

I know, a bit hackneyed, but it still stands.

I've also found that personal courage includes being able to tactfully tell anyone who is wrong that they are wrong. And when I say "tact," I am using Churchill's definition:

“Tact is the ability to tell someone to go to hell in such a way that they look forward to the trip.”

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2014 9:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Jul 2014 09:20:22 -0400

My work ethic speaks for itself, I believe in following the regulation. I try to ensure all my customers are 100% satisfied. I believe in putting the health and welfare of my coworkers before mine. I was raised and taught that you are only as good as the people around you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2014 1:27 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 13:27:31 -0400

Maintaining a military bearing and remembering why I serve. Having the proper attitude and remembering that integrity and respect are a life-style.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2014 1:33 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 13:33:07 -0400

I had to add that I remember one of my Drills would always tell us that there are four rules to succeed and be a professional in the military.
1. Right time
2. Right Place
3. Right uniform
4. Shut the #@%* up and listen.

Thought that was a succinct way to put it!

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made Mar 16 at 2015 12:59 AM

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 00:59:27 -0400

Per Merriam-Webster:

Professional:

: relating to a job that requires special education, training, or skill.
: done or given by a person who works in a particular profession.
: paid to participate in a sport or activity.

With that basic definition, we can all agree that we are all professionals. We are professional soldiers. From the fresh from AIT soldier to the seasoned veteran.

That is what we do.

Now, as for what makes me professional...

Not insulting or cussing soldiers.
Treating my soldiers as the person they are first.
Applying common sense when it is needed. (Increasingly so given our budgetary constraints as of late)
Understanding that as a professional soldier, it is more important that I know my part, not just look the part.
Balancing the mission with the welfare of my soldiers. (If the mission interferes with a soldier's family issue, and it is something I can delegate or do myself, it is done. No one person holds the keys to any given kingdom, so to speak.)

v/r

Response by 1LT Luke Flowers made Oct 27 at 2018 1:27 PM

1LT Luke Flowers — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 13:27:21 -0400

Your reputation, your reliability and the respect and courtesy you extend to the other professionals you operate with. Not everyone has to like your personality if you consistently perform as a professional.