What I Learned from ROTC

10 hours ago

The author's military career was part-time and uneventful, but his training in the Army's ROTC was a pivotal experience that taught him practical skills and humility.
Military service emphasized the importance of grit, discipline, and leadership principles like prioritizing mission and people over oneself.
The experience provided firsthand exposure to both inspiring moments and the realities of human flaws in the military, offering a balanced perspective.
The author values the distinctively American approach to military service, which emphasizes reasoning over blind obedience, as illustrated by historical examples.
Military humor and camaraderie helped humanize the experience, reducing hierarchical barriers and fostering a sense of common humanity.
Despite being a mediocre peacetime soldier, the author is grateful for the lessons learned, which have influenced his academic and public service career.
On the 250th anniversary of the U.S., the author acknowledges the Army's crucial role in securing the nation's freedom and prosperity.

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