Military and Professional Bearing of a Soldier

The purpose of writing this essay is to inform the reader on what military and professional bearing consists of and its significance in the United States military. Military bearing is all about learning “time and place”, and being fully aware of your surroundings. I think of conducting myself as a professional soldier when I hear military bearing while remaining formal. By definition, professional means “engaged in a specified activity as one’s main paid occupation rather than as a primetime”. Common courtesies include rendering hand salutes, standing at parade rest or attention, and addressing others by their rank. Military bearing does not only apply while wearing a uniform. It involves conducting yourself as if someone is always watching, and knowing that you represent the Military as a whole.

The key to military and professional bearing will always be mutual respect. How you walk, and the way you talk shows a person's bearing and pride. Having the capability to show an authoritative presence and self-confidence, maintain standards, and undertake the hard right above the easy wrong. In simple terms, it is acting in the manner that leaders and soldiers are required to operate. Military bearing originates from an individual’s pride, the pride of being a service member, and standing ready to defend the United States of America.

The mode in which a leader conducts themselves with knowledge and understanding will provide a pathway to criticism, either positive or negative. Military bearing defines how other leaders, soldiers and the world views them. Military bearing never ends while off duty and not in uniform. Frequently, the only time civilians have contact with a soldier is during off days. These days are when they create their judgments sentiments on soldiers and the Military at large.

The very first impression made by an individual or an organization about a soldier or the military is from the way soldiers display military bearing. The first impressions count. A confirmation of this is when working with the other Armed Forces branches. We are all expected as service members to display our branches traditions and uphold our bearing. Similarly, a first impression of another branch is the military bearing its leaders exhibit. A negative first impression might influence your trust, and the level of respect that you show to that soldier or organization.

Service members are required to obey the rules, especially in the presence of non-military members. Many members of the public have respect for service members, but multiple civilians do not. The ones who do not respect the service members are often the ones who, have witnessed military members behaving like fools or failing to uphold their professional military bearing. Every service member is the face of the branch in which they serve. The public precisely inspects service members. A single fight in a bar can disrepute a military branch. For an example, the media will report a U.S military committed this deed to draw negative attention. This can end up altering the public's view on the reputation of the military forces. The media likes to twist the truth and place the mistake of one wrong military member on the entire organization.

Military members portray an authoritative outlook while walking and interacting with the public. For example, the Army drills into Soldiers to conduct oneself with pride, walk with their head up, and not portray a weak outlook. Army Soldiers are expected to live by the Army Values; loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and most notably personal courage. Soldiers communicate from their diaphragm to illustrate their voice, and to project confidence along with authority.

The Army’s leadership manual is ADRP 6-22. ADRP 6-22 identifies leadership as a practice of impacting people by giving motivation, way and purpose to achieve the mission and advance the corporation. Leadership and military bearing work together in order to conform a more perfect union. Junior soldiers can only be as good as their leaders portray themselves to be. In situations where someone in a leadership position has a poor bearing and professionalism, their soldiers will too. Having a firm foundation as a leader, and having a rational mind to perform professionally, generally results in the creation of better leaders in future. Soldiers always choose a leader to follow, and this leader can be good or bad.

The ability of a leader to uphold a sharp intellect of military bearing, will always have an immense impact on soldiers. A leader's strong military bearing will convey pride in soldiers. Pride generates a sense in the military that their leader is precisely and tactically proficient. A leader is someone that is trustworthy, confident, and respectful. A junior solder will certainly be inspired and want to follow in the footsteps of a great leader.

Noncommissioned officers lead, and conduct themselves a professional manner at all times. They carry themselves with sturdiness and professionalism when addressing their superiors and subordinates. They move with their heads held high and pride when called to attention. They are responsible, and they expect the same from their junior soldiers. A noncommissioned officer who identifies an issue and straightaway knife-hands and profanes the soldier out instantly loses his military bearing. Today's Army wants the Noncommissioned Officer to reasonably analyze and take control of the situation rather than acting on raw emotions. Marching also displays military bearing, structure, unity, and discipline. Military members who inaccurately march portray disorderliness.

No one is born a leader, just like no one is born with professionalism and bearing. It is very imperative to always implement professionalism and apply it consciously daily otherwise bad behaviors and complacency mask out proficiency and professionalism in the military. Complacency is when an individual becomes too content and comfortable in their position. As a leader, always strive to do better and be better and always stand ready to learn. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams (Adams, 1825). To have the power to impact other soldiers in a positive manner, will always be the most rewarding part of being in the military.

References

1. Department of the Army. (2012). Army leadership. (ADRP 6-22).
2. Rush, R. S. (2010). NCO guide. Stackpole Books.
3. John Quincy Adams (6th US PRESIDENT from March 4, 1825 – March 4, 1829)
4. Dictionary URL for the word “professional”: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/professional#