[June 1, 2016] Soldiers make mistakes in all armies and have historically done so. Most soldiers do their best in most circumstances and the reason they join directly affects the mistakes they make during their time in the service to their nation. However, errors in judgment and behavior can hinder their performance and team productivity.
“The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth.” – Stonewall Jackson – Confederate General during the American Civil War
Like any profession, when people are motivated by an internal desire to do good things, then everyone benefits from the spinoff of productivity. Furthermore, when those employed fail to live up to a given standard, problems will invariably occur. Such mistakes can be relatively minor and common … or can be serious and require intervention. Some of the more serious mistakes are listed below.
Major mistakes can put the lives of their fellow team members at risk. Here are some of the more egregious mistakes they make; many in violation of well-established military rules:
- Disobeying orders of officers and senior sergeants.
- Failing to maintain physical fitness standards, to include weight and appearance standards.
- Losing, not maintaining, destroying, or otherwise not accounting for equipment in their care.
- Not staying in touch with family and friends.
- Becoming self-righteous and complacent, especially during critical times on duty.
- Disobeying civilian laws, regardless of country where stationed.
- Engaging in or failure to report illegal, immoral, or unethical behavior.
- Excepting or receiving inappropriate or expensive gifts for personal gain.
- Failure to attend required training or achieving formal educational requirements.
- Not respecting the American public (or the citizens of the soldier’s nation).
- Use of any illegal drug or alcohol in excess.
- Have an attitude problem that drives teammates to dislike or not trust them.
When working with a professional team, regardless of occupation, it is necessary to develop trust and confidence in the members of that team. Military personnel are particularly subject to this common sense rule and violations can led to difficulty for everyone, even those not involved.
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