Commentary: Say ‘yes’ to the call of duty

ARNEWS ^ | Aug 16, 2005 | Command Sgt. Maj. William M. Grant

[SandRat]

BAGHDAD, Iraq (Army News Service, Aug. 16, 2005) -- During this time in the history of our Army when recruiting is facing an unprecedented challenge, the need for great Americans to join or remain in the ranks of this team (the Army) is paramount.

However, the call to duty brings with it responsibility, commitment, dedication, and personal courage.

What does it take to be a Solder in today’s Army? I would tell you that it takes saying “Yes” regarding those things that are good, true, and team supporting.

We all said “Yes” when our journey began in uniform, regardless of how long ago that decision was made. That “Yes” was made with our limited perspective on what the future had in store for us.

“I solemnly swear to support and defend the constitution of the United States of America against all enemies foreign and domestic … so help me God.”

These are very interesting words, especially in the situation in which we find ourselves today.

We say “Yes” when faced with the prospect of promotion, understanding that much more would be required of us. We say “Oooh yes” when our raises hit the bank, thus increasing our buying power.

Yet, are we continuing to say “Yes” during these times of getting down to the business of supporting and representing ourselves well in light of the opening statement?

The call to duty comes in different shapes and sizes, yet, the endstate is common for all concerned.

I believe that duty comes easy when we understand the “Why” and the impact of an action on the big picture.

I believe it’s easy to say “Yes” to the call to duty when Soldiers realize that they are integral members of the team. Therefore, I believe that Soldiers will gravitate in and around duty in direct proportion to the command climate they exist in.

I believe we are doing well in that area here in the Marne Division and Task Force Baghdad

Are there key points of reference in your professional endeavors that require a “Yes” that would move you to the next level?

I don’t normally end in this manner, but consider these ideas to repeated comments from the old “Arsenio Hall Show” – this is something that makes you go “hmmmm.”

(Editor’s note: Command Sgt. Maj. William M. Grant is the Task Force Baghdad and 3rd Infantry Division command sergeant major.)

[SandRat]

We all said 'yes' one way or the other.

[OnPaTroll]

Some of us said "Yes" in one way back then, and in other ways now. That oath we took, never expires.

[frankiep]

I have been in the Army for a little over 8 years now and can honestly say that there is nothing I am more proud of than that. However, I recently had my 5 surgery for a pilonidal cyst in the past 8 years and am looking forward to at least 6 months worth of recovery. I am in the process of being medically boarded because of it. No matter what happens, I will still do whatever I can to serve and protect this country. It gets into your blood.

[SandRat]

Too bad some folks couldn't uphold it in '71. Course there's few newbies around now that can't either.

[SandRat]

Yep it does and for most folks it never does.

[OnPaTroll]

Most folks? Most? Sheesh! What a pessimist. Unfortunately, you're probably right.

[GovGirl]

I said "Yes" but the military said "No". So, my service to my country is limited to care packages and trouncing hippies.

[momincombatboots]

Amen to that! It's like you are born for it, breathe it, eat it every day... O how I miss it terribly... and O how everyday I wish I were there instead of here in my civies and my 9 to 5. God speed in your recovery. I find a good whiff of freshly fired gun powder and oily canvas quite refreshing. Beware, you still get a little taller and watery- eyed when the Anthem is sung... and you will always salute old glory. The um, urge to pick up cigarette butts fades though. There are militias in every state BTW... in case you were thinking along those lines. Thank you for your service.

[359Henrie]

Thanks bud, quick recovery and on to what ever post you want.

[SandRat]

That works for me!

[GovGirl]

As long as someone recognizes all my hard work.

I swear the military is missing someone of my obvious work ethic. :)

[shezza]

Thank you ALL for your service to this great country, "one way or the other."

[RedBeaconNY]

I turn 18 in 18 months, SandRat ;)

[SandRat]

Consider becoming an Army Bandsman. It's not all music as they pull duty as infantry securing headquarters compounds and guarding perimeters of compounds, yet it is a good life no matter what skill you enlist for.

[SandRat]

No thank you for caring; thank you for myself, my sibling paternal twins, for my older brothers going back to WWI and for my younger brothers and sisters of today.

[RedBeaconNY]

Interesting... I was actually leaning towards going to a military university to study medicine- specifically the Uniformed Medical University of Health Services in Bethesda, MD (UMUHS). It was recommended to me by armydoc. That way, I get an education in the field of my choice and I get to serve my country simultaneously. That, and I had no room in my schedule for band last year, so I've grown rusty on the brass (I rented instruments). I could take it up again, but it would have to be an extracurricular band. I figure, academics pays, music doesn't. C'est la vie.

Check it out

[SandRat]

Good thinking. See you around one day "Doc."

[Americanexpat]

Your right, it gets in your blood. My old ex horse cav 1st Sgt said, "once you get the smell of horseshit and gunsmoke in your nose, you never quit." He was right.

Been retired for twenty years, only time I really miss it is when I see a movie with a soldier wearing Army dress blues. Or I see the film clips of young soldiers in combat in Iraq and wish I could be there with em.

[mark502inf]

Hooah, Sergeant Major! Rock of the Marne!