| Subject: ESSAY |
Author:
James
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Date Posted: 13:19:57 02/01/06 Wed
My five years in the US NAVY have been life-changing. In five years I went from an immature restless youth, to a responsible, mature, confident man. The navy showed me how to take control and shape my own life; how to succeed in becoming the man I want to be; what it means to be a leader; and the joy of service to others. This is my experience in the Navy and I feel saddened that not everyone is able to live these experiences.
When I joined the navy in May of 2001, I was a twenty-three year old restless youth who had transferred to three different colleges and changed his major six times in just four years. My academic life was out of control and so I thought (rightfully so) that the navy could help bring that together. At first boot camp was all about following instructions. You had instructions for everything from how to sweep the deck to how to fold your underwear. I didn't know how this was going to help me at all until I realized that following instructions meant that someone had to write them. And the person who wrote that instruction had to have had a plan. And that plan came from experience. So, maybe it was just folding underwear but when I looked at it in a larger arena, it seamed to make sense. Taking control of your life meant having a real, workable plan that is based on experience and forward thinking. It was funny to me at the time but in reality having that plan makes success attainable where once it may have been just a vague dream.
Throughout my entire enlistment I have been at least five years older than my peers who were coming up with me. In boot camp I found myself in a leadership role as the divisional Yeoman. I had to keep track of these eighteen-year-old kids and all of their appointments, exams, medical records, and service records. I thought it was the best scam ever. I was missing out on all the blood sweat and tears the rest of the guys were shedding but I soon realized the that the time away from all the PT and drilling came with a counterpoint: Anytime one of my recruits missed one of these appointments the blame lay solely on me. I can't imagine the number of pushups I had to due during those eight long weeks, but it also showed me that leadership is more than just telling people what to do. It is also accepting the responsibility for other's failure. Even our most powerful leader in the world has to answer to the voice of the people he governs. A true leader keeps that in mind at all times when he is issuing orders because he knows that everyone has someone to answer to.
But there is more to the military than boot camp and riffles. It is not called the "service" for nothing. And since I have been in the Navy I truly understand what service means. Service is not just doing your four years and getting out with your G.I Bill. That is what I thought when I joined. Real service is going to Dakar, Senegal and painting and aging hospital for free. Service means rescuing six fishermen who have been without food or water for five days. Service could mean helping the poor citizens of Cape Verde repair their school, instead of going out on the town. Service means to serve others and the amazing thing is that we served with such willingness and cheer even though we were giving up our only day of liberty. We sacrificed our free time to bring a little joy and hope to others. That is Service. And yes, service feels great.
My years in the Navy have been great. I never thought I would have changed so much, but I did. I served through September 11th, Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and numerous other operations. I watched a world change, but most of all I got to change. That change has been one of success, leadership and service. I am proud of being a sailor and a veteran, but most of all I am proud to serve.
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