The Importance of Being on Time in The Military

The importance of being on time in the Army is a part of discipline, which was instilled in new enlisted soldiers during their basic training.

• • Being on time shows reliability.

We have to show discipline, responsibility, show care through following army rules and regulations. Being on time not only pertains to accountability, but shows respect to our fellow soldiers, our unit, command and organization as a whole. Being on time also will avoid any disciplinary actions that may hinder you from reaching your goals. Being on time may have a greater importance and effect, than we may know. Being on time enables us to be able to trust and rely on each other in life and death situations. It also shows that we will be able and ready to capitalize on our capabilities to complete our missions.

It is not acceptable to be late (except when involving safety limitations), because missions and operations are interlocking pieces that must function together as a whole in order for it to work in a timely manner. All successful and respective people all have one common attribute, and this is knowing and exhibiting the importance of being on time.

• • Being on time shows discipline.

“Discipline is what holds units together in order to accomplish assigned missions. It is the sum of the genuine acceptance of the army values”. Discipline is necessary tools for effective army. Discipline is a virtue that helps to fight even in difficult situations and adhere to the habit of fulfilling responsibilities. Discipline is the foundation of the army. Every soldier should constantly give due emphasis on self-discipline. All who enlist in the United States army will have to go through and complete basic training requirements to instill the mindset, discipline, training and attitudes of all soldiers to army standards. It is essential for each individual to practice and be knowledgeable about army regulations and be ready for whatever tasks you are given. The importance of being on time shows your reliability. If you show competence and responsibility when you’re entrusted with little, then you will exhibit to you superiors that you can likely to be entrusted with more. While it is absolutely essential to be reliable in the army, consistently showing that reliability every day by being on time, also helps exhibit your fitness for higher ranks and for more responsibility. Being reliable not only demonstrates you have what it takes, but also gives out a good example of being a reliable soldier, and person over all. Out of all things in the army, accountability is arguably one of the most important value a person can have. By always showing up on time you demonstrate that you accept your responsibilities and are willing to hold yourself to task for completion.

• • Being on time shows accountability.

Every army unit has to be held accountable for each individual soldier on duty. You never know if it’s going to be an ordinary training day, or if something happens that will require immediate response. It is absolutely imperative that your superiors know where you are and what you’re doing, allowing them to quickly and efficiently relay instructions to you. Should something catastrophic happen to the facility where you’re stationed, it’s also important for responders to know where you can be found.

The United States army operates on a strict chain of command. Your superiors and peers need to know that you are knowledgeable in your role, and that you know exactly how that task fits into your unit’s and organization’s goal as a whole. You never know what orders and changes that may be handed down, or why you might be asked to be in a certain place at a certain time. It is not for you to question why, what’s important, but to have trust in our superiors. There is always the chance that a lot more is set on your punctuality than simply being on time for the completion of your tasks. Punctuality is one of the key attributes that we can positively show amongst ourselves. Therefore it is important for us to be on time and be ready to take on whatever may come.

• • Being on time avoids disciplinary action.

Showing up late once or twice may not be considered as a serious offense, but it may leave you vulnerable to disciplinary action in the future. Your chain of command may likely address the behavior and instruct you not to repeat the tardiness. Continued tardiness may result in one on one counseling or more severe disciplinary actions. Disciplinary action may hinder your successes in the army by not allowing you access to certain benefits. At worst, tardiness could be considered avoiding your duty to your unit. Being consistently late can have serious consequences and can have a possible lead to UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice) article 86.