I’m *still* trying to get caught up on emails and questions from nearly a month in the field, traveling and training with you folks out there. Two huge classes in two great parts of this nation- and the fact that I’ve got an inbox the size of Grand Teton is an honor. My mission is to make you better.
With that said, I’m always interested to hear some of the feedback I get on my own attitude. For me, I’m just happy to be alive and doing what I do. But I am normally taken aback when I hear the treatment others receive. For example, I got this as part of an email inquiry about two courses:
I sit in front of a computer mostly for work and I don’t want to fail/suck by not being physically adequate when I train with you.
To which I answered:
I will NEVER, under any circumstances, talk down to anyone who finds their own physical limits. Ever. To do so would be undermining your own development and personally I wouldn’t be doing my job. We build one another up. My job is to help train you and a major part of that is you learning where you are now and points of improvement. The fact that you’re out there training is what’s important. If you can’t tell, some of these so-called trainers I’ve heard of singling out people in class is a major pet peeve of mine. I pride myself on a positive environment and camaraderie between all of my students.
The job is to build everyone up. You know where you’re weak and it would be wrong of me to point out anyone’s faults. I had a 1SG once who confronted some mild hazing by saying “your job as NCOs is to build your teams, not break them down”. That’s an attitude that stayed with me forever.
Unfortunately every so often such an attitude manifests in the community. Its certainly a free market, and you should train where you get the most for you, but also know that there is a difference between pushing someone to their limits and being a shithead.
Go out and do good. Build one another up. We’re all we’ve got.
You mean like “ Don’t be THAT GUY”? Even called that during training. Never went back; never will.
Amen! Your position is exactly correct. Training folks to increase their expertise cannot include personal disparagement.
It would take a retired professional to echo those thoughts 😉
Men with kids likely have many priorities and obligations that result in low sleep patterns and all. Lots of guys need to know they have the guts to become the weapon the need to be for their family and community / heritage.
Certainly has a lot of merit in my view. I always enjoy reading your articles. I
Am a Retired/Disabled Air Force Sgt and
Amateur Radio Operator since 1964.
You make,a lot of sense, de wb5eat
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Thank you and thank you for your service brother.
Just read your latest email on training. What everyone needs is a simple piece of hope. You seem to be able to do that in spades, thank you for encouraging use in the right way of living. Keep up the good work.
Building people up is why they call it “team building”. Having been an NCO in the non-SOF side of combat arms, you learn quickly to make the best out of what you’re dealt pertaining to personnel. Everyone has value and brings something different to the team, leaders just have to be smart enough to utilize the good and develop the lacking. More than once I was given “problem children” and turned them around by not being the A-hole they were expecting. There are no bad teams, just bad leaders. I once had plans of traveling a long distance to train at a school, but once I realized how arrogant and condescending the owner was I decided against it. There are no “elite warriors” in a partisan setting, everyone has weaknesses that have to be worked around. That being said, physical fitness is undeniably important, you really can’t be in good enough shape for hard field living. Do right by yourself and your team and continually seek to improve, one day at a time. And remember that it’s hard for everyone, whether you’re a new stud or old. You’re not faulty because you hate exercising lol! I hate it too but I hate not being physically capable to do the work more.
Excellent, NCS.
Thanks for posting this-great piece
Excellent comments Badlands Rifleman. I will add that attending Brushbeater’s classes has MOTIVATED me to get in better shape. I’ve been to 4 of them and had the honor of helping with 2 or 3. Come on out to some of these classes and experience iron sharpening iron. We can all help each other. Trust me the fellowship is synergistic. You will leave EXCITED ABOUT improving your situation and wanting to take the next class!
Thanks DVM, I think you’re right about getting out and training, it definitely motivates me to keep improving in all aspects.
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As a former Para back in the day my mind thinks it can write checks the body cant cash, that said, i have attended several of NC Scouts classes, all commo related, and at my age of 55, with physical ailments, many .mil related, some not having led a hard, physical and young and dumb and full of $%^ life, doing stupid $%^&, i am cashing that check.
However, in ALL of the classes i have attended, and plan to attend, not ONCE have i been on the receiving end of any put down, nor have i witnessed it, NCS is the epitome of what we called, “The Quiet Professional.”
He could have easily been cadre at Mackall, getting troops up to speed.
Fear not, sign up, show up, be prepared to learn..