Why I Want to be an Officer Essay

Swan10

New Member
Joined
May 29, 2021
Messages
2
****Just looking for feedback. Thanks in advance!****


“Move with a purpose.” This mantra was embedded in my psyche early in Basic Training. It resonated with me, yet I found that it’s vagueness allows it to be used too liberally. My biggest frustration as a lower enlisted soldier was to be told to do something and not always understand the “Why”, even though understanding the “Why” in a task is what gives it purpose, and with that purpose a soldier is better equipped to move. By definition, purpose is absent without a reason as to why it exists. In other words, the mantra should read as such: “Understand your purpose.”


I believe my years spent in the enlisted ranks gave me a different, more complete perspective of how to become a good Officer. I know first hand how relevant enlisted members are to mission success. 69.1% of the active US Army resides at or below the rank of Staff Sergeant. The odds are that if mission purpose becomes lost, it’s lost there. Having a better vantage point will make identifying where, easier. The first place I’ll be able to look is in the mirror. With me, soldiers won’t have to search for a purpose. I’ll make it readily available and impossible to lose.

I want to be an Army Officer to provide a different outlook within the ranks. I believe myself to be distinct in the way that I approach things. I am decisive when pressured by time and feel confident in my resolve. Yet, I am also receptive when time is of no concern. I learn from my subordinates so that I can better serve them. I am not afraid to make mistakes because success is often a product of learning from past mistakes. I am an advocate of tradition so long as it still serves a purpose. All customs are perishable without good reason as to why we continue to follow them. The Army knows this already. It’s why we have evolved as a branch.

Rank does not make a leader. A leader should be undoubtedly decisive, self-aware, and innovative. A leader should not be willfully ignorant. A leader should want their subordinates to complement themselves. A leader should never neglect input when time allows for it. I want to be an Army Officer because I understand all of this to be true. I do not strive to be an Army Officer because I want to be a leader. I strive to be an Army Officer because I am a leader.

I cherished being an enlisted Infantryman. I met countless men who embody what it means to be a leader. In turn, I also met many “leaders” who only held the title because of the rank on their chest. I received 8 years of education as an enlisted soldier. Every encounter I had with an NCO or Officer was a learning experience. I took notes from both those who only outranked me and those who led me. My first squad leader, SSG Space, once said to me, “If one day you outrank me, it means I did my job well.” I want to be an Army Officer because of leaders like him. The way he leads is a tradition that should be carried on. I intend to carry it.
 
I always advise applicants to tell their unique story, the one only they can tell. You have done a good job of that in your own voice.

Some bits and pieces of input:
- Go over grammar, punctuation, sentence construction, syntax, parallel construction with a fine-tooth comb. Know the difference in when “it’s” and “its” are used. One is a contraction of “It is,” and one is a possessive adjective.
- Officers may not have the time or clearance to tell their people the purpose behind something. There is something to be said about two-way trust and respect.
- I hope you met women during your eight years who embody what leaders are too.

Good luck to you! Prior enlisted do indeed bring rich perspective to the mix.
 
Last edited:
I always advise applicants to tell their unique story, the one only they can tell. You have done a good job of that in your own voice.

Some bits and pieces of input:
- Go over grammar, punctuation, sentence construction, syntax, parallel construction with a fine-tooth comb. Know the difference in when “it’s” and “its” are used. One is a contraction of “It is,” and one is a possessive adjective.
- Officers may not have the time or clearance to tell their people the purpose behind something. There is something to be said about two-way trust and respect.
- I hope you met women during your eight years who embody what leaders are too.

Good luck to you! Prior enlisted do indeed bring rich perspective to the mix.
Thank you for the input! Will do!
 
Back
Top