Virginia Military Institute

Napoleon’s military changed warfare forever and are abundant throughout national armies of today. Tradition, discipline and innovation are the main aspects of the Western way of war best characterizing warfare in the age of Napoleon. Napoleon continued with the importance of a having a national army from the French Revolution and instilled discipline in his Soldiers to return to their regiments after foraging off the land. The national army construct held intact from the French Revolution…

he loves what is behind him,” said G.K. Chesterton. A love for their country is why my veterans serve. It never really sunk into me how much veterans sacrifice for us. I think that we need to show as much respect to people that have served in the military forces to make us be able to be free. Or be able to pursue whatever we would like to. Every veteran that has served or is serving has been brave and loyal. Even though some people who were drafted were scared but, they still were brave…

This past summer I set out to finish a goal I set many years beforehand. I began scouts in 1st grade, and since the beginning I set my goal to achieve the highest rank in scouting, the eagle scout award. This rank is the most difficult to achieve, but also the most respected in the scouting program. Becoming an eagle scout is a true symbol of a boy finally growing into a man. Before a scout can even start on this great task, they must obtain all of the other ranks before it. During this…

On January 21, 1961, President-elect John F. Kennedy delivered his now famous inaugural address to millions of anxious Americans as they patiently waited for a glimpse into the vision that Kennedy held for the United States. In a dramatic attempt to galvanize the nation and usher in a new era, Kennedy boldly proclaimed "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you¬¬¬¬- ask what you can do for your country". Without question, there are hundreds of compelling reasons for…

Army leaders are responsible for a litany of tasks intended to care for Soldiers, their families, equipment, mission accomplishment, training, and a multitude of other charges. From the specialist first assigned as a team leader to the four star General designing full-scale war, all carry the title of leader. Both are answerable to another leader who is responsible for the same issues and more. Direct leadership is the first level of leadership. Defined as hands on, face-to-face leadership,…

wasn’t for a few days so I spent the time preparing my uniform and trying to think about what I was going to say to his wife and daughter when I seen them. My brother was being buried in Arlington Cemetery so my wife and I had to fly to Arlington Virginia to attend the funeral. The day of the funeral the Casualty Assistant Officer picked us up from the hotel and drove us to the cemetery. When we walked into the memorial room it became completely silent as people stared at us in grief. I have…

life was very difficult and societies were struggling to strive with poverty and disease striking every manor. During this time militaries were a huge part of society developing, as Armies would revolve around equipment and structure to operate on a battlefield which is shown in some very important battles during the Medieval ages. A large part of militaries in the Middle Ages was the equipment that they used In most battles basic foot soldiers would carry either short swords or…

This article describes the meaning of a Professional as one who develops expertise over time through extensive training, knowledge and practices. Army leaders and Soldiers alike develop their own type of experiences and knowledge in their skill sets. Put together experience and knowledge create a professional force that has proven to outlast the enemy. Without that, the Army may not be as effective. One major role of the Army Profession of Arms is that of the Human Resource Sergeant.…

have held significant roles in the military. These positions were strictly support based, for example nurses and clerks. According to an article called Women in the Military, “nearly one-fifth of the armed forces today is made up of females”. (women in the military). Over the years the roles and the amount of women who served has changed dramatically. According to Women in the Military, “during World War I there were roughly 23,000 women who severed in the military. That number grew during World…

The leadership role as a non-commissioned officer is in such great contrast to the typical leadership role of an aviation Warrant Officer. I think for me, and probably most others this was and is a huge source of frustration. My NCO leadership was as a section leader in the infantry in the Marines. My experience there is separated by several degrees from my current position. It is hard to really compare this to an Army aviation NCO, and even harder to compare to my role as an Army aviation…