[May 2, 2023] There are very few truly creative people in the U.S. Army or any military service. There is an axiom in the military, “Follow orders.” Now that may seem overly simplistic, but those who can follow orders, focus on the work assigned to them, and ignore outside distractions are the ones who best succeed in the U.S. Army. Well, that is not precisely correct.
There are creative people in the U.S. Army, and I know many of them. True enough, very few last long enough to get promotions to senior positions. At the lowest echelons, Army actively drives them out. The Army drives them out because creative Soldiers cause problems who question the rules, regulations, and orders and are generally a nuisance to their commanders. At least, that is how we often view them.
“You often feel tired, not because you’ve done too much, but because you’ve done too little of what sparks a light in you.” – Alexander den Heijer
Creative people push boundaries, and there is much angst in Soldiers who push those boundaries. Yet, I have discovered that as Soldiers rise in rank, the spark of creativity is vital for success. Creative leaders are a must to win wars. Have we ever studied a significant battle without exclaiming the creative genius of those who won? Imagine D-Day, June 6, 1944, as just one example.
The U.S. Army should encourage a culture of cultivating that creativity. I know that is one thing I did as a senior leader. Unfortunately, today’s Army is doing the opposite and insisting on their soldiers’ rigid, non-war fighting characteristics. And we wonder why they have such a poor track record in recruiting and retention.
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Creative people push boundaries, and there is much angst in Soldiers who push those boundaries. Yet, I have discovered that as Soldiers rise in rank, the spark of creativity is vital for success. Creative leaders are a must to win wars. Have we ever studied a significant battle without exclaiming the creative genius of those who won? Imagine D-Day, June 6, 1944, as just one example. Gen. Satterfield is telling us like it is.
As a High School teacher, one of my jobs was to get those creative kids to the finish line by graduating them. It was not an easy task because of exactly what you said Bryan.
Hey folks, summer will be here soon and taht means a lot of sun and fun. Now, I know this is a bit off topic but the sun and fun does not mean we can let ourselves go and sit around sipping beer and eating hamburgers. We need to continue to focus our lives on our families and job and friends and church. Those are the items that make our lives meaningful. A short shoutout for Gen. Satterfield and his newest book “55 Rules for a Good Life.” Now that is a great read.
There are not enough creative people, period! We need more of them. And we should praise them for their works. The problem is that they are generally loners and being on a team – like the US Army – is hard if you are a loner. I know several “creative” folks who I like and would absolutely never ever join the military. If would simply be too foreign of an idea for them. Gen. Satterfield, great job today.
Eva, you’re correct that most creative people would avoid the US military for that reason and I would support it too. They would be too straightjacked and they would rebel.
Yep, I’m with you on this Martin and Eva.
Another excellent article from the brain of Gen. Satterfield
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I have found very few ‘creative’ folks in the Army. Just my view. I do agree conceptually with Gen. Satterfield because my commanders all had a streak of creativity, else, they could not navigate the walls of rules without it.
Spot on comment Army Captain. I agree that there is a need for a spark of creativity, esp. as you advance in the ranks. The problem, as Gen. Satterfield points out is that these creative folks are activity pushed out of the Army (and I would assume other military services). Well said.
Army Cpt just a note to say that you are one of the regular commentators whose comments I actually read. Thanks.
That’s why we are here, Nick. We all should read the comments because they add texture to Gen. Satterfield’s articles and makes them more meaningful or at least more understandable.
Keep up the great comments, AC.