SSG Olson said something yesterday that really hit home, "As a Lieutenant gentleman, as a Platoon Leader, you get paid to make the tough decisions. They may not always be popular, but you have to stand by them".
This is what separates the military from the civilian sector. You always place the mission first, no matter how much it hurts or costs. It's a God awful concept to think about if you're not in the service. But in the service, it's a part of our commitment. A part of our everyday life.
Something else has been ringing the back of my head for a while. My first drill I met my soldiers. I met their families. I was introduced to wives, girlfriends, children. The fact that I'm responsible for their lives, for brining them home safe, while still having to complete the mission.
I haven't seen combat yet, but I will soon enough. And the tough decisions are what I'm going to be paid to do. The tough decisions are what I'm going to be responsible for. How many people can say they are responsible for mens lives? Not many. It's scary, but it's my responsibility, and by God I'm going to do my job to the best of my ability.
There are two types of respect in this world: Respect that is given based on rank or position, and respect that is earned through demonstrating reliability, trust, capability, and performance. I've started to earn the second type, slowly, but I'm nowhere near where I need to be, not yet.
Think about this n ext time you bash the military. The next time you trivialize us. The next time you think that our job is so simple. Our job has man layers, none of which are easy. The Navy Seals say it the best, "The only easy day was yesterday". Each day is a challenge.
My men trust me. I can't let them down, I can't let their families down, and I have to complete the mission. Three things that will weigh on me throughout my career. Three things that I I have to balance. Three things that most people will never understand.
