The Role of Luck in Becoming a Successful Officer - The Military Leader

Excellent article period! It is so true! If you were in the Army National Guard surviving the good old boys network, favoritism ,Proctologist Club and still managed to make it this far I'm Amazed. 22 years later, some are making it to LTC. I hope to make it sometime in 2018.

"Luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity." (don't have citation for the quote.) Your responsibilities are the preparation, maturity to recognize the opportunity, and the courage to take it. I failed at one or more of these on several occasions and consequently retired as an O-5. Those who were better at taking on those responsibilities normally advanced to higher rank.

Because I associated myself with the military for over 40 years, I read official bios of general officers fairly often. (When they took Command of an organization I was part of, became a senior customer of the services my employer provided, took over as my customer's senior rater, etc.) In almost every case, I could spot the assignment that set them on the track to becoming a General. Examples include: aide-de-camp to a General, military representative to a political appointee in Washington, Pentagon tours in highly valued or respected agencies, such as Service Headquarters budget office, combat experience leading to high award (silver star, DFC, Service Cross). They had to succeed in these jobs for it to make a difference. Often the pivotal position was followed by Command assignments and professional schools that paved the way to a star. Almost all of them were honorable, personable, and highly proficient men and women.

COL Lee Flemming - I was lucky enough to be born a girl. So, when entering the service as a young nurse I guaranteed to be commissioned into officer corps. Warmest Regards, Sandy :)