My Role and Responsibilities as a Military Officer

Introduction: Why I Want to Be a Military Officer

It is my belief that as a military officer, I have the ability to live up to the ethical standards outlined by General George Marshall in The Armed Forces Officer ("The Armed Forces Officer," 1988). As a leader, I know I can inspire those who serve both below and above me. This is because I always try to embrace the principles of flexibility, balance, and a desire to achieve my objectives no matter what. In today's world, these elements are necessary, as the overall mission of the military has been changing to confront a new enemy in a different kind of war. For officers, this means serving not only as a leader but also helping to ensure that the personnel under their command demonstrate the flexibility to adapt to various situations.

Based on my experience, I believe I am more than qualified to fill this role, as I can show those serving under my command the proper way to live more productive lives. This is significant because an officer is similar to a teacher or coach who can show everyone around them the key distinctions that make them better people. Over time, this will not only have a positive impact on the mission but will also help prepare everyone for life. In my opinion, the best officers are those who not only demonstrate flexibility and balance but also want to make a positive impact on the people they serve alongside. I share that belief — I want to be an officer to make a positive impact on my country, my community, and the members of the armed forces I serve with. Military leadership of this kind is what the armed forces need to adapt to the challenging and ever-changing missions we will face in the future.

Society expects officers to be honest, disciplined, professional, and willing to give their lives in defense of the nation ("The Armed Forces Officer," 1988). When examining the first expectation — integrity — it is clear that officers are held to the highest standards at all times. Officers are given a special responsibility by the President to defend the nation, and this special trust placed in those who protect freedom cannot be taken lightly. Those officers who violate that trust reflect poorly on all who serve in the armed forces. As a result, honesty is a trait that society demands from every military officer entrusted with this responsibility.

What Society Expects from a Military Officer

The second expectation — discipline — highlights how officers must place the interests of the military and the nation above their own. This means understanding that your role is a vital part of ensuring that the American way of life continues. In some cases, this can mean serving in assignments that are unusually difficult or challenging. Yet because society needs someone to fill this critical role, it expects officers who are capable of exercising the discipline to undertake these difficult tasks ("The Armed Forces Officer," 1988).

The third expectation — professionalism — means that all military officers must maintain high professional standards at all times. They must continually improve their knowledge and understanding, and show impartiality when dealing with different issues. Over time, these high professional standards will improve morale and allow the military to more effectively adapt to the challenges it faces. Professional officers will, in turn, cultivate highly trained and professional enlisted personnel ("The Armed Forces Officer," 1988).

The fourth expectation is a willingness to put one's life on the line for one's country. This is important because there will be times when key personnel find themselves in very dangerous situations. Officers who are willing to risk their lives for others and for their country help advance the cause of freedom, ensuring that those who seek to harm the nation are prevented from doing so at all costs. In some cases this could mean placing one's life on the line for one's troops; in others, for the nation itself. Those who are willing to do this help ensure that the greater good is served through their selfless acts ("The Armed Forces Officer," 1988).

Conclusion

A second responsibility is knowing how to listen carefully. This is one of the most important duties an officer has to the personnel they serve with. A good leader will set the example and stay attuned to the concerns of those under their command — listening to the issues that are on their minds. When you are an effective listener, you build the respect of your personnel by taking seriously what they have to say. You also maintain influence through what can be called charisma. The best leaders know how to listen to a range of concerns and then inspire those who serve under them ("The Armed Forces Officer," 1988).

A third responsibility is knowing how to troubleshoot. This is important because in any military operation, things will not always go according to plan. When these situations arise, the best military leaders know how to identify the problem and move forward. This is an important skill that an officer has a duty to instill in those under their command, showing them different ways to work through a variety of problems on their own. Sound doctrine and practiced problem-solving together improve morale and make the unit more proficient over time ("The Armed Forces Officer," 1988).