essays on respect in the military

The Importance of Respect in the Military Essay

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Introduction

Importance of respect.

The feeling of remorse that is bestowed upon a soldier during the playing of the Taps is derived from nothing other than respect for each other. Although in the army most occasions end with sad events, most feel a sense of respect for the fallen soldier who pays the ultimate sacrifice for the country.

Most of the military customs and traditions are not held to this regard. However, we need to uphold our traditions and customs so that we do not lose the sense of pride and duty. This paper seeks to discuss the importance of respect in the military.

Being a soldier in the army means understanding the Seven Core Army Values and living up to them. Some of these include respect, loyalty and honor. Having respect means treating someone as he or she should be treated.

The people in the army are expected to treat each other with respect. They do this since they also expect others to do the same. Another ingredient for respect is self-respect. You cannot respect another if you do not respect yourself. This allows someone to put forth his or her best effort since the Army is a team and each member contributes to the greater goal.

Respecting your fellow soldier means protecting him in all situations, covering his backside when required and clearing the path in order for him to complete the mission. This is because when that person completes the task, it equally means that you have completed yours. Therefore, respect in the army ensures that the jobs of both the seniors and the subordinates are done.

Lack of respect in the Army may hinder development of effective leaders. This is usually accompanied with the lack of proper communication. Disrespect is observed when the seniors in the Army (such as the NCOs) fail to do what they were tasked to do and force other (subordinate) officers to micromanage tasks.

This is where seniors loose the trust of the subordinates. The best way to maintain relationships and respect in the Army is to focus on your task and maintain communication in all situations. This way there would be mutual respect and friendships that last for a lifetime would be fostered.

Another reason why respect in the military is important is that it would ensure that the juniors (subordinates) are informed about the missions and its activities. This would empower them with responsibilities and show them that they are equally important to the team.

Respect is also important because it instills confidence that the mission would be successful. This is especially the case when there is the respect of the soldiers of all ranks. The soldiers need to respect their peers, subordinates and seniors.

This would require one to listen and pay soldiers the proper courtesy. This should be the case even when one does not like the other for any particular reason or the mission as a whole. This would ensure that the tasks are done and missions completed successfully.

The seven Code Army Values govern the soldiers in the Army. Respect is one of the values and it is important since it ensures harmony within the Army. Respecting the peers, subordinates and seniors is important to ensure that the work is done and that missions are completed successfully. Without respect in the army, there would not be any success.

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ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED STATES ARMY

Voice for the army - support for the soldier, treating others with respect is a core value.

“Mission first, people always” is a motto that rings true and cuts to the heart of what the Army is about. The Army exists to deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars, yet every aspect of operations remains a human endeavor. A soldier is behind every weapons system, tank, aircraft, computer and decision made in order to accomplish the mission. It is a soldier, an American son or daughter, who takes an oath to support and defend the Constitution, who stands ready and courageously on point for the nation and who understands the sacrifice involved in being part of a purpose greater than self.

Soldiering is more than a job. It is a lifestyle, a calling, a labor of love and a great privilege. Respect, both for oneself and others, is a value required of leaders and soldiers at all levels to build cohesive teams and allow mission accomplishment.

In order to accomplish the mission, the Army requires soldiers and leaders of character and competence committed to living the Army Values and performing their duty in accordance with the Army Ethic anytime, anywhere. The Army Ethic is the heart of our shared professional identity as honorable servants to the nation. It defines our guiding moral principles and embodies our values, ethos, creeds, oaths, standards and laws within the Army profession. To violate the Army Ethic is to break our sacred bond of trust with each other and society.

Respect, a core Army value integral within the Army Ethic, is fundamental to people’s lives and mission success. Respect begins within oneself and stems from dignity, a basic human right. Dignity comes from a place of value, worthiness and sense of self-respect. People are hardwired for belonging, connection, contribution and purpose. Although hardship, loss and struggle are realities of the human experience, stripping a person of dignity will always lead to suffering. Dignity allows human beings to persevere, engage, remain resilient and courageously strive in the world.

The Golden Rule

Respect in its purest form is the Golden Rule, to treat others how we want to be treated. As soldiers, we pledge to treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the same. The Army Ethic calls on us to recognize the dignity and worth of all people, treat them with respect and compassion, and place others’ needs above our own. Respect leads us to give our best effort for the team, expect the best in others and humbly realize we are part of a greater mission: defending America’s freedom.

The most respectful thing a leader can do is create a climate of accountability to ensure actions and behaviors align with the Army Values and standards for team and mission success. Just as a parent corrects a child they love or a pilot makes course corrections to stay on a glide path, leaders must ensure a healthy team climate for high performance.

The Army Values and standards live or die in the small moments, and when it comes to respect, we must treat the person in front of us, right now, in the right way. Any disrespectful interaction strips dignity and leaves people feeling oppressed, humiliated, ignored, belittled and de-energized. Disrespect is dangerous and can spread like a disease if tolerated. Any form of disrespect must be corrected promptly as every misdeed left unchecked will erode the organization, placing the mission and people’s lives at risk. Leaders must keep a finger on the pulse of the organization from the center to the furthest end to determine true health and promote a climate of respect and accountability in order to accomplish the mission.

Compassion Toward Others

Leadership is paramount to the profession of arms. When it comes to accomplishing the mission and caring for people, leaders must do both. Then-Gen. Colin Powell demonstrated that service is about people and every person’s contribution matters for the mission. As a leader, he emphasized that kindness toward others is an overall attitude, a sign of confidence, not weakness. Leaders should show compassion to others and expect nothing in return, as people need it more than we realize.

Powell was known for engaging with the lowest-level soldiers, greeting everyone by name, taking care of subordinates, listening and learning about others. He taught that respect is earned by leaders through care, competence, honesty, sacrifice, personal courage, being an inspiration and never being abusive. Respect is also earned by remaining tough but fair, communicating clear expectations and creating a climate of accountability for mission success. His leadership proved that if subordinates respect you, they will never let you down.

Gen. Omar N. Bradley observed, in part, “Leadership means firmness, not harshness; understanding, not weakness; generosity, not selfishness; pride, not egotism.” His perspective aligns with guidance given by Maj. Gen. John Schofield regarding leading soldiers in 1879:

The discipline which makes the soldiers of a free country reliable in battle is not to be gained by harsh or tyrannical treatment. On the contrary, such treatment is far more likely to destroy than to make an army. It is possible to impart instruction and give commands in such a manner and such a tone of voice as to inspire in the soldier no feeling but an intense desire to obey, while the opposite manner and tone of voice cannot fail to excite strong resentment and a desire to disobey. The one mode or the other in dealing with subordinates springs from a corresponding spirit in the breast of the commander.

Respect, how we treat others, is ultimately a condition of our heart. Character is who we really are: our innermost thoughts, motives, attitudes and moral qualities. Who we are on the inside matters most because who we are on the inside influences what we do on the outside. Our inside development and victories must always precede our outside ones. As one legacy leader put it, “To win once takes talent, but to win again takes character.”

Following Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf told West Point cadets: “To be a 21st century leader you must have two things, competence and character. … It is not what a man or woman is doing when they are being watched, it is what they are doing when they are not being watched that demonstrates true character.”

The Army requires leaders of character who display respect for others, and who can withstand adversity and resist temptations to negotiate when it comes to living the values and doing what is right for soldiers and the Army.

A good measure of character is how an individual treats others regardless of status or power. The military rank structure is necessary for maintaining good order and discipline along a clear chain of command. This is a defining characteristic and vital to mission success, especially in combat.

However, with rank comes power, which at any level can be abused and change people for the worse. A leader must be self-aware, continuously reflect upon the condition of their own heart, and realize it is easy and dangerous to prioritize position over people. The best leaders close the power gap, get their egos out of the way, and respectfully and selflessly serve their followers and mission first.

A “kiss up-kick down” approach to people is often on display throughout military culture. Toxic leadership is a combination of self-centered attitudes, motivations and behaviors, while lacking true concern for people or the mission. This type of leadership is delusional and ineffective and has harmful effects on people, the organization and mission performance. Toxic leadership at any level must be eliminated as soon as it is identified to preserve the health of the force. When people feel disrespected by self-serving leaders, they will disengage, look for other opportunities, or give the bare minimum in an effort to self-protect due to lack of trust.

A Servant’s Heart

Servant leadership is the only kind of leadership the Army can afford with the mission and lives of soldiers at stake. In every formation, a sergeant is often the most influential leader for a group of soldiers. It is important to understand that the word “sergeant” comes from the French word “sergent,” meaning “servant,” which in turn derives from the Latin word “serviens,” which means “servant” or “soldier.” The goal of a servant leader is to serve, nothing more, nothing less.

Humility is one of the most powerful leadership traits, found in servant leaders, who place the mission and those who accomplish it above self. A servant leader enhances the health and performance of an organization. Soldiers deserve leaders with the heart and strength of a servant.

Our professional obligation to respect everyone applies both in peacetime and in war. The Geneva Conventions encompass standards for humanitarian treatment in combat and recognize the basic human rights of everyone, including enemy noncombatants, the disarmed, wounded, prisoners of war and civilians. Soldiers are expected to treat everyone with dignity and respect and are responsible for the safety and welfare of enemy persons captured during combat.

Any act of violence, outrages upon personal dignity, insults, intimidation, or humiliating or degrading treatment are strictly prohibited. Compliance with these standards may be difficult after experiencing the harsh realities of war, but that never excuses our obligation to do what is right. Even in the worst conditions, the Golden Rule applies, and we must treat our enemies as we want to be treated.

Combat medics accompany the infantry into every combat mission to provide immediate lifesaving treatment and evacuate casualties under fire. A medic’s job is to be there, to put the needs of others before self, even at the cost of their own life. “Angels of Mercy” are how combat medics have been portrayed on the battlefield because of their lifesaving presence for others in the worst and most vulnerable moments. Medics triage and treat combat casualties, including friendly forces and enemy noncombatants. Combat medics risk their lives to save others and demonstrate dignity and respect for all of humanity in the worst possible conditions.

Mission first, people always. The Army’s mission and the life of every soldier demand the utmost respect. Respect originates from within and must be given freely to others. When respect is present in all our actions, it strengthens the health of teams, the Army and the nation.

Ultimately, sacrifice is at the heart of the profession of arms, and there is no greater form of respect than a soldier willing to lay down their life for the freedom of another.

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Essay On Respect In The Military

Writing an essay on the theme of respect within the military can be a challenging yet rewarding task. The complexity arises from the need to delve into the multifaceted aspects of respect within a highly structured and disciplined environment. One must not only understand the general principles of respect but also consider how they manifest within the unique culture of the military.

Related Papers

Peter Olsthoorn

This article deals with the notion of honor and its role in today’s military as an incentive in combat, but also as a check on the behavior on both the battlefield and in modern “operations other than war.” First, an outline will be given of what honor is and how it relates to traditional views on military courage. After that, the Roman honor-ethic, stating that honor is a necessary incentive for courageous behavior and that it is something worth dying for, is contrasted with today’s prevailing view which sees honor as something obsolete and archaic and not as a legitimate motive. The article then addresses the way honor continues to have a role in today’s military, despite its diminishing role in society at large. Subsequently, the drawbacks of the military’s use of the honor ethic are addressed, focusing also on the current operation in Iraq. The final section tries to find a solution to these problems.

Reed Bonadonna

In this paper, I argue for the enduring relevance and coherence of the idea of honor by referring to its dialectical historical development and signs of survival in contemporary culture. I then discuss how codes of honor at military academies can be utilized as a part of leader development, and not merely as sets of rules to prevent cadets and midshipmen from lying, cheating, and stealing. A consideration of honor encourages pride in the profession of arms, since it is a form of ethical practice whose roots are martial. Honor, I contend, should be taught across the academy in all of its historical and ethical richness, as a means of developing the habits of trust, trustworthiness, and accountability that are vital in officers and leaders.

Ethics and Armed Forces

How can military personnel be prevented from using force unlawfully? A critical examination of typical methods and the suitability of virtue ethics for this task starts with the inadequacies of a purely rules-based approach, and the fact that many armed forces increasingly rely on character development training. The three investigated complexes also raise further questions which require serious consideration – such as about the general teachability of virtues. First, the changing roles and responsibilities of modern armed forces are used to refute the notion that timeless, “classic” military virtues exist, for example physical courage. With regard to today’s missions, virtues of restraint seem more necessary. Reflecting on the four interrelated and less military-specific cardinal virtues of courage, wisdom, temperance and justice could bring the military and civil society closer together. At the same time, this would be a logical step towards promoting personality development. Respect is one example of such a “contemporary” inclusive virtue that some armed forces have adopted into their canon of values. Apparently, however, it often refers only to members of one’s own organization. And it is no less inappropriate to use it to justify moral relativism or excuse immoral practices, such as the widespread sexual abuse of Afghan boys by men in positions of power (“boy play”). Finally, the essay asks about the general suitability of a virtue-based approach in ethical education, since social psychological research has shown that situational factors strongly influence behavior. The research findings do not render such an approach worthless, but they should be integrated into military personality training.

Sociétés Contemporaines

Christel Coton

This paper studies the honor scale operating in the army officer corps. In a profoundly ordered professional space, in which seniority and subordination are strictly regulated, it is interesting to examine how distinctions between peers are made. These are not simple and they express competition between seniority and the hierarchical scale created by rank. Even though respect for regulation appears to be a unanimously valued code of conduct, distinctions between peers of similar rank are played out in certain forms of virtuosity and discrepancy according to rules of an art form that goes beyond the military. The varying ability to perform coups d’éclat (special feats) does not only depend on military labels (recruitment status or unit of effective combat orientation). These distinguishing qualities also have cultural and educational registers, which are denied and yet ubiquitous in methods used by the most military virtuosos. Outline The Hierarchical Ladder: Respect and Transgression Officer Status and the Unit: Two Hierarchies in Competition with Rank The Officer Corps—A Fragile Entity “Military Origins”: An Institutional and Social Stigma The Unit: The Stakes Created around the Combat Unit The “Combat Guys” and the Military Interpretation of Cultural and Academic Competence The Importance of Language in the Fighting Character: The Inverted “Biffin” Conclusion

Naji Abi-Hashem

In this article we will try to explore the meaning of respect, discuss its various levels and dimensions, understand its moral functions and dynamics, discover its cultural and spiritual depth, and examine its implications for interpersonal, social, and communal relationships.

Although long-established military virtues, such as honor, courage and loyalty, are what most armed forces today still use as guiding principles in an effort to enhance the moral behavior of soldiers, much depends on whether the military virtues adhered to by these militaries suit a particular mission or military operation. Clearly, the beneficiaries of these military virtues are the soldiers themselves, fellow-soldiers, and military organizations, yet there is little that regulates the behavior of soldiers towards civilian populations. As a result, troops trained for combat in today's missions sometimes experience difficulty in adjusting to the less aggressive ways of working needed to win the hearts and minds of local populations after major combat is over. It can be argued that today's missions call for virtues that are more inclusive than the traditional ones, which are mainly about enhancing military effectiveness, but a convincing case can be made that a lot can already be won by interpreting these traditional virtues in different ways. This volume offers an integrated approach to the main traditional virtues, exploring their possible relevance and proposing new ways of interpretation that are more in line with the military tasks of the 21st century.

Kevin Toner

Matthew T Beard

In recent years there has been a growing interest in approaches to military ethics that focus on guarding the moral character of soldiers against the horrors they may be required to commit in war. This approach, which Christopher Toner calls the “shield approach”, offers a variety of mechanisms by which soldiers might shape their characters (or have their characters shaped) in ways that reduce their vulnerability to moral corruption; specifically, the likelihood of their committing moral atrocities. Two prominent examples of the shield approach are those of Nancy Sherman and Shannon French. Sherman argues that the inculcation of empathy within soldiers; empathy for the plight and humanity of noncombatants, enemy soldiers, and colleagues, is the best way for soldiers to guard themselves against committing atrocities. French, on the other hand, argues that appealing to a warrior code of honour provides soldiers with an internalised set of beliefs about the type of things that soldiers should and should not do. In this paper I will argue that Sherman’s approach, whilst effective in preventing the killing of noncombatants, will do little to restrain soldier’s passions when the target of those passions is culpable for some wrongdoing (i.e. killing a member of the troop). French’s approach, on the other hand, relies on a soldier seeing himself primarily as a warrior (and thus being governed by the warrior code). The difficulty here is that the soldier’s conduct is governed by what the rest of his peers (fellow warriors) see as laudable or blameworthy. A better approach, I believe, is revealed to us by Shakespeare in Coriolanus when the protagonist, Caius Marcius, is persuaded against destroying Rome by the exhortations of his mother, who reminds him of the shame he will bring on himself as a son, a husband, a father, and as a Roman. Coriolanus is swayed by the prospect of shame not by fellow soldiers, but by society generally. In a similar vein, this paper will argue for a variant on the shield approach which appeals to the soldiers’ self-identity outside of the military, as well as his role as a warrior. Coriolanus’ eyes are brought to “sweat compassion” out of love for his mother, and his memories of home. This approach is also appealing in that it can be applied more easily to the growing number of military operators who do not fit the warrior archetype, such as drone operators. Thus, soldiers will do well to remember their moral commitments on the “home front”, as well as the expectations of fellow soldiers.

Jacob Blair

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The Importance of Respect and Integrity in the Army

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Respect in the Army: Values and Standards

Introduction.

Effective communication is essential in every sphere of human performance and every kind of activity, including the most trivial and routine one. However, its significance is particularly pronounced in the army where mutual understanding can define the outcome of a military mission. It can be argued that respect towards others is a pivotal element of excellent communication. It allows building productive professional relationships that can benefit either oneself or other soldiers and leaders in the army. The present paper will discuss the concept of respect and will aim to demonstrate why it is so important for those serving in the military.

While the word “respect” is commonly used in speech, there is no single universal definition for it. As such, respect can be viewed as the “[perceived] worth accorded to one person by one or more others” unconditionally (Rogers and Ashforth, p. 4). This definition implies that every person can be respected just by the very virtue of being a human. However, another definition of respect is as follows: “the worth accorded by one or more others, which is based on the target’s attributes, behaviors, and achievements” (Rogers and Ashforth, p. 4). This view on respect implies that individuals deserve to be valued in accordance with certain qualities they have. It is valid to say that both of these types of respect are applicable to the military context. Soldiers must acknowledge the rank, experience, knowledge, and remarkable attainments of either army leaders or their successful peers. At the same time, even those soldiers who perform worse than others should be respected to feel supported and encouraged to become better and thrive.

Mutual respect has multiple favorable impacts on all parties involved in the work process. For example, when expressed towards a leader, respect serves as a guarantee that soldiers listen to him or her and strive to learn from him or her. A respectful attitude towards army leaders is an essential prerequisite for maintaining order in the team and fostering better outcomes of professional communication. At the same time, it is important for leaders to respect soldiers as well. When regular servicemen feel that they are treated with regard, they are likely to become more receptive to every demand voiced by a leader and also more willing to collaborate and improve. It is also worth noting that when a soldier starts to treat others with appreciation and show attention towards authorities’ orders, it is easier for them to gain respect back. In this way, one can not only build favorable relationships with colleagues but also demonstrate oneself as a competent person and, thus, increase one’s chances to be promoted.

Overall, mutual respect signifies that every party is considerate of the interests of one another and views themselves as a part of the team rather than an individual, separate entity. Therefore, it is appropriate to conclude that respect for both a person and a rank is necessary for the maintenance of a positive atmosphere and the enhancement of teamwork. In its turn, a good work climate and team cohesion stimulate the betterment of communication. With mutual respect, less experienced soldiers grow faster, while the more experienced ones complete their tasks more efficiently. Moreover, in such an atmosphere, the risk of interpersonal conflict incidence is low and, if occurred, conflicts are likely to be managed quickly and with fewer negative impacts on soldiers’ morale. With all that, when respected and showing respect back, every serviceman may feel more satisfied with both his or her job and his or her performance.

Rogers, Kristie M., and Blake E. Ashforth. “Respect in Organizations: Feeling Valued as ‘We’ and ‘Me’.” Journal of Management , 2014, pp. 1-31.

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Military Respect

Military respect is something every soldier hopes to gain. We all know the age-old saying to treat others how you want to be treated. This starts with showing respect. In the military and everyday normal civilian life, respect is about more than just how you treat a soldier or individual; it is also how you speak to them and the tone in which you speak to them. Respect is not given; it is earned over time and through your actions. When dealing with soldiers or civilians, your attitude and behavior will dictate the level of honor they give you. If you want respect, you begin by earning it and being respectful towards others.

The Types or Levels of Military Respect

There are different types of respect one can earn. These are honor for the person, the rank, and the position. Here are some examples: as a civilian, you should show regard to people of authority, such as a police officer, as a show of respect for the position. If you’re in the Army and you’re an E5, you must show military courtesy to anybody E6 and above as a show of respect for rank. Then there is respect for the person. You might have this type for somebody who has earned your regard over time by showing and being respectful towards you and others.

Military Respect For the Rank

This is sometimes an issue in the military because there will always be someone that out-ranks you but then does not have the experience, knowledge, or level of training that you may have. Over the years, especially early in the OIF/OEF campaign, many promotions lead to people with less experience being command promoted to E4 without proper time in grade. This issue happened a lot in the National Guard. What happened (and what still happens today) was new, less-experienced soldiers got promoted to E5 over soldiers who had been in the military for 3 to 5 years and had not made rank because of the promotion system flaws. Anybody in the military, especially those in combat arms, will tell you that a few college credits will not beat the 3-years’ experience of a combat veteran. However, the flawed system allowed this to happen.

It is great that soldiers come in with college degrees, but there is an immediate lack of regard for that new person and their rank because the rank was never earned! Anybody in the National Guard will tell you that this has been an issue for many years. The respect for the rank in most cases is just that a junior must honor that rank and follow orders as such. One thing this will lead to is a bad command climate when less-experienced soldiers are promoted over more experienced ones.

Respect For the Position

Respect for the position is far different than that for the military rank . In the military, or even in civilian life, you may have a higher rank than another solider or civilian, yet they are in a position over you. A good example is a cadre . Some cadre are E5 maybe E6. However, at that time, that position outranks you, and no matter your rank over theirs, you must follow orders as instructed. And trying to pull rank on anybody who is in a higher position than you won’t get you anywhere. Therefore, respect the position and try to respect the person at the same time. They have been put in that position for a reason, either because of their knowledge or their experience. At the end of the day, knowledge teaches and experience trains, not rank!

Respect For the Person

Respect for the person is what you should strive to have. This begins before you meet somebody or they meet you. Your reputation precedes you! Once you meet, how a person speaks (their tone and their language use) and their behavior will dictate your immediate opinion. You get one chance to make a first impression, so make it a lasting one. Your respect for a person or theirs for you is shown and will be dictated by your attitude and behavior and even your past. You should begin by not only treating others how you want to be treated, but also by how they want to be treated. Honoring the person also has to do with their knowledge, experience, and desire to share and pass courtesy on to others. You will never be fully respected as a person if it is always about you! You must be willing and able to help others become more successful. The easiest way to earn respect is to show it no matter the rank, position, or person.

If You Earn It, You Will Gain It

You will earn more respect the more that you show courtesy to others and treat others how they want to be treated. The more knowledge and experience you gain, the more respect you will earn. There is no big secret to gaining respect; it is all up to you, and it’s even more about your attitude and behavior. It’s not automatic and respect is stronger when it’s earned rather than just given.

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Map of Military Bases in Missouri Camp Clark Camp Clark,[...]

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I disagree with respect being earned. I think Progressive leaders would argue that it is important to Street subordinates, peers, and superiors with instantaneous respect, and allow that respect to grow or shrink over time

Yes and no. Just because someone is over me in rank. I will respect the rank and afford them a inherent level of respect howver how they address me as a person will dictate what they get from then on.

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