The Commission and Command

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>Rather than posting a response on the "How not to be a leader" thread, I felt it more appropriate to offer some personal views on military leadership for those possibly interested in applying to the Academy and for those who are already there.</p>

<p>When an officer of the Armed Forces of the United States of America is commissioned, the commission itself is sworn before God as follows:</p>

<p>"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic and I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same. That I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter so help me God."</p>

<p>The bestowal of an officer’s commission demonstrates the complete trust of this Nation and binds the officer to a sacred obligation. It is an unrelenting commitment to high moral principles which reside at the very heart of our country and are imbedded in our Constitution.
This commission is not merely a privilege and an honor, but a grave and unremitting responsibility that carries with it copious burdens. No other career is accompanied by such onerous duty and the potential for sacrifice. These demands are exceptional in nature because, as in no other profession, the extant consequences of one's orders may have mortal impact to those one leads. Simply stated, officers of the Naval Service give orders that may send Sailors or Marines to their deaths. </p>

<p>The commission and command is indeed a heavy burden, one that does not differentiate between race, gender, or creed. It grows ever greater with rank and responsibility and it demands a moral and spiritual endurance which is not commonly found. I thank God daily that when the overwhelming majority of our serving officers are tested that they are forged stronger by the fire rather than succumbing to it.</p>

<p>I offer this to all young men and women who are considering the profession of arms as a career. Dedicating yourself to service is about fulfilling a mission, not occupying a position. Please read again the oath that I have quoted above – that is The Mission. Inscribe that oath on your soul, serve it well, and bear true faith and allegiance to it in all you do.</p>

<p>Semper Fidelis</p>

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<p>Thank you sir for reminding us what it’s all about,</p>

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<p>What a breath of fresh air!!!
Bravo Zulu!</p>

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<p>As mentioned and implied, as you obtain command, you also have have more responsibility.
Unfortunately, the Navy has recently had to deal with officer misconduct. One of the most recent cases involved a female Navy Captain (O-6), USNA graduate, who was found to have abused her Sailors onboard a Cruiser, both physically and mentally. After the Inspector General report was released, she was relieved of command.</p>

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<p>That oath is quite similar to what elected and appointed politicians take when they enter office.</p>

<p>Often, that is the last time too many of them ever get close to remembering, living up to and abiding by that oath. </p>

<p>Not a cynic here, just know too many fine service vets and way too many politicos. For the former, the honor begins with the oath and is carried forward. For the latter, well, you can figure it out.</p>