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2004
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LOOK BACK
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Army Taught Basic Lessons |
As wisdom is a rare and valuable extract of history and life experiences, I wonder if our readers could share with the EXPLORER some defining moments, a key insight and some wisdom from their careers?Contact Larry Nation
at
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Lessons from
history:
Exactly 50 years ago I was mustered out of the U.S. Army, completing my tour of overseas duty in the Philippines and Korea. I returned to graduate school a profoundly changed person. I had greatly disliked the Army and was scornful of any future usefulness from my Army experience. Now, looking backwards ... perhaps I learned more from my Army service than from my university education? The Army may have taught me little about chemistry or geology, but I learned a great deal about working with other people. I learned that common sense is as rare as a 160 IQ, and probably more valuable. I learned that real merit does not depend on a college degree, family fortune, athletic ability or personal beauty. I learned that progress toward important objectives is made by motivating EVERYONE in the unit, not just the leadership. When I left Inchon, the Army gave me (sort of) a recommendation. It said: "This will certify that Cpl. Marlan Downey is free of vermin and infectious diseases." I've been wary of recommendations ever since. |
