My goal in this letter is to impart my leadership philosophy to you. I hope it will
inspire action and provoke thought, regardless of your rank or position. Most of what I
address is based on what I’ve seen and experienced.
To the young enlisted Soldiers: you earn every bit of your respect in this
organization. Never ask the question “when can I get promoted?” Instead ask yourself
“what can I do to get myself promoted?” Take every learning opportunity that is afforded
to you. Find every reason to develop yourself into a non-commissioned officer and
leader, not a sergeant. There is a difference. Show me that you’re willing and I will do
everything in my power to lead you. If I fail you, tell me. If I don’t inform you, ask.
To the non-commissioned officer
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Don’t be lazy and don’t be
afraid of not knowing something in front of your troops. “Barracks law” is not actual
regulation. Check the facts for yourself and stop depending on word-of-mouth. Weigh
the regulations against Soldier welfare, accomplishment of the mission and common
sense. Don’t be afraid to take some heat rounds, but be prepared for them.
To the sergeants major and command sergeants major who have built their
careers on uniform violations and grass-walking: with all due respect, this organization
has passed you by and it may be time for you to retire. That’s not to say that AR 670-1
is unimportant. However, how can you focus on the minutiae of these when your
readiness numbers hover dangerously close to the red? Stay fixated on the important
issues and we’ll work tirelessly for you.
To the ranks of junior commissioned officers: the commission is not a brass ticket
to the benefits that are earned in our Army. Your NCO corps is well-experienced. Trust
them. We don’t expect you to know everything. For that matter, we expect you to know
very little. I was once asked in a board to rank the Oregon Army National Guard’s