Unlike many of their civilian counterparts, the military has always considered the welfare of its people to be absolutely critical to the success of the organization. Taking care of the troops is second nature to noncommissioned officers and officers, and for good reason.
Military leaders have long understood that loyalty is a two way street and that, next to accomplishing the mission, looking out for the welfare of the men and women in their charge is their most important responsibility.
Perhaps it’s because our armed forces are composed of people from all walks of life. It’s a microcosm of the American Melting Pot, where young men and women from all racial, ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds come together for the express purpose of protecting the nation.
While the Hollywood stereotype may hold the typical American soldier (or sailor, airman or marine) as being a mindless lemming constantly waiting to be told what to do and when to do it, anyone who has ever had the privilege of serving in the armed forces knows that the opposite is true.
The American culture is not one of subservience. On the contrary, one of the strengths of this country is that we all believe, regardless of how humble our background, that we are every bit as good as the most prominent among us.
When you give an order, you also need to explain why it’s important, how that particular task fits in with the overall mission, and what everyone on the flanks, the front and the rear are doing. It’s a trait we all share, from the lowliest private to the most senior officer:
It’s all part of building trust, of creating that common bond that ultimately leads to quick and unquestioned performance under the most stressful of all conditions: combat.
Since 9-11, the armed forces have maintained an extremely high operational tempo in the global war on terror. While family separation has always been a byproduct of military service, the anxiety of family members waiting for their spouse or parent to return home safely from Iraq or Afghanistan is high.
Today’s military is better trained and equipped than it has ever been, and its ability to accomplish any mission it is given is beyond question. However, unlike in past generations, the typical service member today is married, with young children and, as any parent knows, worrying about the health and safety of one’s family takes away from the total concentration that military operations demand.
The armed forces are made up of selfless men and women who are willing to put their lives at risk in order to protect our freedoms and our way of life. Americans understand and appreciate that fact and are constantly looking for ways to show their support for “the troops.” Some fly an American flag from their front porch. Others display one of those magnetic ribbons on the back of their vans or SUVs. Many businesses offer discounts for their products to service members and their families.
I have no doubt that these simple acts of kindness and support are appreciated by the young men and women in our armed forces. However, having walked in those same boots myself — growing up as an Army brat and then spending more than 20 years on active duty — I know that, far more than anything else, the most important to any service member is knowing that his or her family is being taken care of.
So, if we really want to show our support for the troops, we ought to focus improving the quality of life of their families.
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