Mentoring Stewardship "Mentorship as a facet of leadership is probably the most important aspect of the Stewardship of the Profession that doesn't get the attention that it should," said COL Bircher. As a mentor, he explained how sharing advice and knowledge is helpful for the mentee as well as the mentor.
PV2 Montes Part 1: PV2 Montes describes one of the Soldiers in his squad dropping her grenade at the range. He watched one of the Drill Sergeants instantly jump on the live grenade. PV2 Montes describes how the Drill Sergeant immediately got back up and calmly ordered the Private to continue training. Part 2: PFC Hart and PVT Montes reflect more on the situation. PVT Montes reflects on why the little things matter and how he was inspired. PFC Hart talks about how if the grenade had gone off, the Drill Sergeant would have been killed while likely saving everyone else.
PVT Anzaroot Part 1: PVT Anzaroot describes Rifle Qualification in Basic and marksmanship competition among the platoons. He discovers the other platoons have cheated by using extra rounds and swapping nametapes. His platoon discusses their options, and he considers whether they should cheat too. Part 2: PVT Anzaroot and his platoon decide not to cheat, giving the competition their best effort. They end up winning. PVT Anzaroot talks about the importance of integrity and how that applies to the battlefield.
PVT Bandy Part 1: PVT Bandy describes her father's decision to join the Army. He told his daughters how he was able to serve as a medic and save people on the battlefield. PVT Bandy notices how her father became a better man in the Army. She talks about dealing with the news of his death in Iraq, but also the pride she had in him. Part 2: PVT Bandy describes how her father defines Honor. She wanted to be like him and describes how his memory motivates her. One time in particular she was frustrated with being in Basic and was ready to quit. Her Dad's memory gave her the strength to press on. PVT Bandy describes how her father's buddies have honored his memory, too.
PVT Gress Part 1: PVT Gress describes a difficult situation regarding a member of her unit and her challenges respecting and working with that Soldier because she didn't seem to be a team player. We have named the Soldier PVT "My-Way." In addition, PVT Gress describes her understanding of Respect prior to coming in to the military. Part 2: PVT Gress describes an ammo detail that she supported. Prior to leaving for the detail, everyone in the unit cleared their beds of linen for turn-in and cleaning. When PVT Gress returned from the detail very late, she found that some of the other Soldiers had made her bunk, PVT My-Way was one of them. PVT Gress describes how she was overwhelmed by PVT My-Way's actions, and how Gress came to Respect her.
Reaching Out Only one month into his Army career, SGT Mitchell was raped by another male Soldier. Embarrassed and ashamed, he hid the event from all those around him and attempted to cope by "self-medicating" with alcohol. Spiraling out of control, SGT Mitchell tried to commit suicide.
Read My Mind Getting to his first unit and preparing to deploy, CPT Fladeboe said that because of miscommunication and toxic leadership, the situation was extremely difficult. Once deployed, the stressful climate along with personal problems began to weigh heavily on him.
Reflections on Identity SGM DeWitt attended the MAPET course and after listening to a guest speaker, he realizes he doesn't know who he really is anymore. This video shows SGM DeWitt discussing the effects of the MAPET course on his own identity.
Resiliency and the Army Profession A Soldier confessed to sexually assaulting SSG Mary Valdez while attending a single Soldiers retreat in Hawaii. She trusted him because he also served in the US Army. She is sharing her story to help fellow Army Professionals understand how to survive after being sexually assaulted.
Respect Introductory video on Respect. Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier's Code, we pledge to treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same. Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect, which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute.
"Black Hearts" Case Study: The Yusufiyah Crimes, Iraq, March 12, 2006 On March 12, 2006, five Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 502d Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division abandoned their posts and headed to the village of Yusufiyah, located within their operational sector in Iraq. There the five Soldiers committed a brutal gang-rape and murder of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl, Abeer Qassim Hamza al-Janabi, and the simultaneous murder of her family. Fueled by alcohol confiscated from Iraqis, coupled with talk of revenge against the Iraqi people, the Soldiers directed their frustrations towards the family whom they rationalized were supporting their enemies, viewing them as scapegoats for the real and imagined suffering they were experiencing. View
"Hell No, I Won't Go" In May 2006, I proudly raised my right hand and joined the world's greatest fighting force, the United States Army. I finally achieved what I had worked so hard for through my four years of college, the rank of second lieutenant. View
"I Would Do It Exactly The Same Way" We saw a significant increase in enemy activity and attacks in the recent months along main supply route (MSR) TAMPA in Iraq. Tensions were high on the ground and in the air. Improvised explosive device (IED) attacks were all too common and we lost a few aircraft due to enemy activity. View