Respect and Personal Courage in the Army

In the Army we live by seven values. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage. Here I will write of two values respect and personal courage. One of the most often instilled is respect. Respect, by dictionary definition means, a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements, regard for the feelings, wishes, or traditions of others. Respect, by Army definition means, treat others as you wish to be treated.

Respect is a vital thing in the US Army today for a more disciplined and professional force all the way from the lowest private to the highest peaks of leadership. The compromises that we make when dealing with others can be interpreted as respect for their feelings, wishes, and traditions. It allows people of many different backgrounds to come together and work towards a common goal. The respect goes both ways. Both Non Commissioned Officer’s and lower enlisted, feel and give respect that is due to others. in which then inspires respect for themselves. People must respect the rank that that person wears without hesitation. Meaning, the Army is based on a chain of command environment. The chain of command is what teaches us the meaning of leadership as well as shows us the discipline it takes to be a leader one day. Showing respect to the rank, is your duty, regardless of personal feelings. The Person wearing that rank, obviously deserves it and has worked hard for it. By respecting the rank they respect the things that that person had to do to attain that position. This respect creates a sense of teamwork that allows the army to function properly. It is this cohesion that allows our troops to go to war and make it back safely. Furthermore, the show of respect is a show of discipline as well. A person who is respected is listened to as well, hence they will be able to lead better. Without exchange of respect among service members situations can and most likely...