Having worked for the U.S. Army for awhile now as an Army Civilian, I have to say it’s the best job in the world, working for the best Army in the world. There’s no greater workplace satisfaction than working alongside Soldiers and being in a mission-focused organization. Having worked in the civilian sector, I know that not all organizations are grounded in the values and integrity that we experience in the military.
But, a job is a job, and there are certainly moments when it can be more than a bit frustrating. Bureaucracy happens, and so do mistakes. Like paperwork that gets lost for months at a time and personnel actions that are painstakingly slow. The Department of Defense is a branch of the government, and I have come to the conclusion that speed and efficiency are generally a bit lacking in any government organization. A part of that is cultural, and actually positive – there are checks and balances in place, and procedures that must be met before action can be completed. But sometimes there is an organizational stagnation that can leave you pulling out your hair (also called an exercise in patience).
I’ve heard the joke here in the Pentagon several times: “Come on, haven’t you heard? It’s the hottest new game hitting Washington – it’s called bureaucracy. Everyone stands in a circle and the first person to do something loses.”
Jokes aside, the U.S. Army will always have something that most private sector organizations lack – over one million Soldiers willing to fight for our freedom, and sacrifice everything, even their lives, in order to keep our country safe. It’s what makes the U.S. Army, as an organization, unique, and what gives us our strength. Our Soldier’s Creed and are values are at the core of every action taken by our men and women in uniform. And when our bureaucracy performs best, it also takes to heart those values and vows to give our men and women fighting overseas the quality of care they deserve.
I will say, with absolute conviction, that our leadership in the Pentagon is wholly committed to making life better for our Soldiers. It’s why they continue to invest money and time into programs to take care of Army families, new initiatives to care for the mental fitness of our Soldiers, and work to procure the right equipment and create training programs that provide our Soldiers the skills they need to succeed. There are thousands of men and women working to make life better for the grunt on the ground – and in my mind that should always be our focus.
Those times when I’m pulling out my hair, I try to keep my focus on our organizational mission. Did you know that even the Army Civilian Corps has a creed?
I am an Army Civilian – a member of the Army Team I am dedicated to our Army, our Soldiers and Civilians I will always support the mission I provide stability and continuity during war and peace I support and defend the Constitution of the United States and consider it an honor to serve our Nation and our Army I live the Army values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage I am an Army Civilian
It’s a good reminder all of us are a part of the Army team, and we should approach our jobs with a commitment to mission and focus that mirrors the Soldiers we serve.
I can’t promise every day will be a great day in the Army, that mistakes won’t happen and you won’t be pulling out your hair. But, at the end of every day – even a frustrating one – we have a mission and a focus that we should be proud of – our Soldiers who are deployed, away from their families, and completing a mission we don’t take for granted.
So, I’ve told you mine – you tell me yours. What’s your biggest pet peeve about the Army?
Lindy Kyzer, Public Affair Specialist, Online and Social Media
Pingback: How I got paid $250 for reporting an Adsense Cheater! | RH Sterling Affiliate Marketing Connection
Pingback: The Watercooler: ‘Judges’ Save’ inspires rant on ‘Idol’ pet peeves :The Longtail Music Catalog