How do you read the Constitution of the United States?

When asked why certain things I would find to be socialist policies are allowed under the Constitution of the United States, most Liberal Progressives always cite either the "Commerce Clause" or the "Necessary and Proper Clause" of Article 1, Section 8. Tonight, I spoke to someone who claimed both of those clauses in defense of the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as “Obamacare,” Social Security, Medicaid, and Public Education. This person happened to be a lawyer and wanted to cite case law to me.

This was my response:

Well, I'm not an attorney and I won't be citing any case law. I'm a simple man and a Soldier, who took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God.

Because of that oath, I take time on occasion to read the Constitution of the United States. I believe upon reading it that it was written for the common people of the United States, and doesn't require a lot of interpretation for what is hidden between the lines.

I'm also an architect, husband and father, avid reader of the Bible and a child of God. I consider myself one of the common people of the United States of America.

So, here is what I see:

The Commerce Clause: "To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;"

Regulation of commerce is much different to the common man than directing you to buy something. Regulating something means you control how it is done when someone chooses to do it, but it doesn't mean you force them to do it. I also fail to see how this could apply to "Social Security. And Medicaid. And public education."

The Necessary and Proper Clause: "To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof."

The Laws must be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution powers which are actually delineated within the Constitution of the United States. According to a common man interpretation, Congress doesn't have the power to create "hoop-dee-do" Laws at will. The foregoing Powers fail to mention forcing an individual to purchase anything. They also fail to mention "Social Security. And Medicaid. And public education." Or Healthcare Insurance. "All other Powers vested by this Constitution" fail to mention those things either.

And then there is Amendment X: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

It seems pretty simple really. Well, until you involve those seeking power and attorneys; but I repeat myself. (Apologies to Mark Twain) I'll add that I doubt seriously anyone would have fought a war for independence from a single king only to establish a government with 545 potentates....

Election 2012: How Do I Get Informed?

I live in Missouri, so most of this information will be focused on my state. For my out of state friends though, some of the links might help you with Presidential and Congressional candidates. In this era, there really is no reason to arrive at your polling place uninformed on the candidates, judges, or ballot issues. So, do your research, get informed, and go vote on November 6th.

I have been finding many different websites for information. Some have better information on certain candidates, while some have better information on other candidates. I can't seem to find one site that is the best on all of the candidates, judges and issues. Although, the 97.1 FM Talk (Local STL Radio Station) site has great candidate lists for the Congressional offices in both the Senate and House, they only cover the two main party Presidential candidates. They also don't seem to have anything on judges or the propositions. No worries, though, I have found other websites which will provide you information for those.

A couple of weeks ago my pastor posted a short list of how to approach the process of informed voting. Shockingly, the first item on the list was something I had suggested on my Facebook wall only a few days prior. Stands to reason though, as that one thing is the only reasonable place to start. Here’s the list, with my additions:

Sample Ballot: When you are preparing to vote, it is best to start by finding your sample ballot, so you know on what issues and candidates you will be voting. Then you will not waste your time becoming overly informed on an issue or candidate who is not on your ballot. If you are registered to vote in Missouri, you can locate a "Sample Ballot" for your polling place at this website link. If you are not registered to vote in Missouri, I would suggest checking your state's Secretary of State website or conduct an internet search using your state's name followed by "sample ballot November 2012".

Study: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15 Learn about the candidates, judges and ballot initiatives. Study the person. Find out as much as you can about who they are. Look at their past performance. Find out where they stand on the issues, especially the Constitutional ones if they are a candidate for federal office. This is where the links I have provided below are important. Please use them and share them. Share this blog post.

Pray: Seek God on each candidate, judge and ballot initiative. We are to seek Him continuously in prayer, including on how we vote. Our faith should be center to our lives and guide our votes. God’s Word says in Roman 13:1 - “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Since the candidates WILL BE appointed by God, then it is best to seek Him with regard to the wisdom behind each vote we cast.

If you’re like me, then you may even stay up late on Tuesday night attempting to keep score as the results come in. If so, then you will find an Election Day Scorecard at this link. If you have any questions regarding the links provided below or other election information, please don’t hesitate to ask me. And may the Best Men and Women Win!!!

Helpful Election Information Links:

League of Women Voters: Everyone can use this site, no matter which state you live in. You can build your ballot with their online voters' guide! Type in your address to see the races on your ballot. Candidates' positions can be compared side-by-side, and you may print out a "ballot" indicating your preferences as a reminder and take it with you to the polls on Election Day.

FM Talk 97.1's List of Candidates: President, All US House and Senate, All Missouri State offices and Illinois House and Senate office.

Missouri Secretary of State Candidate List: A comprehensive list of candidates on Missouri ballots, including Presidential Candidates, Congressional Candidates, State Office Candidates and Judges.

Missouri Judicial Elections: For all of you, like me, who never know what to do with the votes on judges - Now there is this website, which is very informative and well designed.

Missouri Secretary of State's State-wide Ballot Issues: A comprehensive list of state-wide only ballot issues, including State Constitutional Amendment 3, Proposition A, Proposition B, and Proposition E. This page includes the "Official Ballot Language" and the "Fair Ballot Language" (which tells you exactly what a "Yes" or "No" vote means) and links to the full text of each measure.

Overall of Missouri State Ballot information: Great Page, Lots of Information provided! Out of state friends can use the home page of this site to locate their state's ballot information.

ALL Missouri Ballot Measures: See the right hand side for a list of counties with measures on their ballot. Out of state friends can use the home page of this site to locate their state and find much of their ballot information.

Saint Louis County Ballot Issues: A list of St. Louis County specific ballot measures. For my friends who live in surrounding counties - You should be able to do a search on this same site for your county to find a list of the ballot measures for your county.

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What Were You Expecting?

Seven weeks ago today, four Americans died at the hands of terrorists on the 11th anniversary of 9/11. For all we have witnessed and all we have learned with regard to Libya over the past seven weeks, I believe it is important to revisit where we started in all this and ask,

"What Were You Expecting?"

When the UN sanctioned action started there in March 2011, the United States Military named our action, Operation Odyssey Dawn. I believe words have meaning and at the time, I broke down the true definition of those two words. 

Odyssey: a long series of wandering action filled with notable hardships

Dawn: a beginning

Thus the True Definition of Operation Odyssey Dawn:

"The beginning of a long series of wandering action filled with notable hardships!"

Eighteen months later, I would say this Operation has lived up to its namesake. Words do have meaning and power. Hardships tend to be a little more inconvenient than "bumps in the road". Just because someone calls an operation to an end doesn't mean the hardship has culminated. As was the accusation in Iraq, in Libya a dictator was removed with little thought as to who or what would fill the void left behind. Eighteen months later, that void has consumed more than we could have ever expected from the start. We experienced another 9/11 and unexpectedly it occurred again on a Tuesday. Tuesday, 11 September 2012.

Given what WE now know THEY knew,

why weren't THEY expecting this?

Seven weeks later, based on unfortunately isolated media reports, this is what we now know:

We KNEW it was a terrorist attack the whole time. We had a drone sending a live feed back to the White House Situation Room, Dept of State and probably the CIA. We have the emails from the Consulate stating they were being attacked. We have the CIA Annex requesting 3 times and being denied 3 times for support. We had an airplane overhead, a C-130 Specter Gunship, which can fire precisely on a human target. This is another Mogadishu, another Iran Embassy Hostage Crisis. This is WORSE, MUCH WORSE than Watergate ever hoped to be and yet we have a vast media ocean that is being complicit in a cover-up of a massive scale.

I was too young to understand Watergate as it happened. I was ten years old when the Iran Embassy Hostage Crisis occurred. I don't want to see my country dragged back through the events of 1979 again. I remember seeing my country held hostage for more than a year and it was painful. I feel like we are being held hostage again. Again, it is painful. For that, I am angry and I am righteously indignant. Now that I am older, I can see a recourse. A recourse that only We, the People can put in motion. We must call our Senators and Congressional Representative. You can find your's at this link.

When you call your Senators and Representative I believe it is important to tie your request back to the U. S. Constitution, state what you have seen reported and request them to ask Congressional leaders to start an immediate investigation into the events in Benghazi, Libya on 11 September 2012. I do not think it helps our cause to personally assign blame as it is their job to investigate and find the person(s) responsible. Here is a suggested statement for when you call:

"I am calling today with regard to the terrorist attack on our consulate in Benghazi, Libya, which led to the deaths of four Americans, including a United States Ambassador. Seven weeks after that incomprehensible event, I have now seen media reports stating the military was given orders to “Stand Down” and not take action to save the life of our Libyan Ambassador Christopher Stevens.

It is my honest opinion that not counter-attacking terrorists who are actively engaged in an attack against our consulate and Ambassador, when we have the means to do so, can only be seen as giving our Enemies Aid and Comfort. Under the United States Constitution, Article III, Section 3, giving our Enemies Aid and Comfort is clearly defined as Treason. I am calling today to ask Sen./Rep. __________ to start immediately calling on Congressional leadership to investigate what happened in Benghazi on September 11th, 2012 and find who is responsible for the treasonous act of telling our military to “Stand Down” on that day. Thank you."

Please do this! Honor the memory of the four Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice that day. Do not let this be swept away by a media who is failing to report the truth.

Fallen, Never Forgotten:

J. Christopher Stevens, U.S. Ambassador to Libya

Sean Smith, U.S. Foreign Service Officer

Glen Doherty, Former Navy Seal

Tyrone S. Woods, Former Navy Seal

"When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them."

Psalm 91:15

Agree or Disagree: Why Should You Watch "2016"?

My hope in writing this and sharing it is to point out that the movie is not a biased anti-Obama film. On the contrary, it is a very informative documentary that stands to open the eyes of people who align themselves with both the left & the right side of the political aisle.

This past weekend I watched "2016: Obama's America" for the third time. I admit overall, I enjoy the movie. I find the details, history and facts interesting. Much of what is presented I already knew, but there were many things I learned, especially regarding President Obama's life with his step-father, Lolo Soetoro. I found it fascinating to watch it both before this year's 9/11 and after - as there is a particular spot where he discusses President Obama's dealings with the Arab Spring in 2011.

There is information presented about the history of Hawaii, India, Indonesia and Kenya. Perhaps you already know about the information he presents regarding Hawaii's colonization and history of becoming a State. Maybe you don't. But, I would venture to guess you have limited knowledge of the history of India, Indonesia and Kenya. Now, these are not full blown historical accounts of the three countries, but it stands to benefit us as Americans to broaden our world view even if it is merely a surface introduction.

Dinesh sits down with President Obama's brother, George Obama. He interviews people who associated with Barack's father, Barack Sr., in Kenya and a lady in Hawaii who knew his mother, Stanley Ann Dunham. He presents President Obama in his own words, using the audio version of his book, "Dreams from My Father", which show his thoughts regarding his father and attempt to reconcile what he lost through not having him present in his life. Dinesh even shares the time he debated Jesse Jackson and discussed racism in America.

The last twenty minutes, he presents three critical events he believes will happen by "2016" if Obama is reelected. I don't want to spoil it for you, so I won't list them here or discuss them in depth. One of the proposed occurrences though I find interesting in light of all the rioting and terrorism that happened this year surrounding 9/11. Overlaying a map of all those hot spots with the map he presents, and it shows we are well on our way, if not already there to having one of his three predictions come true.

Now, the three predictions are not mind-blowing, so to some extent, you could say anyone with "eyes to see" could see them happening. I think in some respects it is in the way the whole movie is presented. The chronology and history of events, the past being prologue to the future. The documentary is put together very well. Personally, the first time I saw the movie, I walked away with this summary in one sentence:

You cannot understand

American Exceptionalism

if you have never lived the

American Experience.

If you can rent it, watch it on PPV, or even order a copy from Amazon ($9.99, which I did), then I say do it. I wanted a personal copy because I see it as a tool for sharing a teachable moment with my children even years from now when they are better able to grasp the history we have lived for the past four years.

Please feel free to share this post with as many people as you can and encourage them to watch the film.

If a Candidate Is Inevitable, Why Have a Primary?

If there was ever a doubt about how nerdy I am, then I am about to open my mouth and remove all. Apologies to Mark Twain.

I've heard from a few friends, "The GOP needs to coalesce around one candidate right now."

Of course the mainstream media will also try to sell you on that same notion. I do not remember that kind of reporting on the 2008 Democratic Primary though. I do not recall ever hearing the media or the Democratic Party talk about narrowing it down quickly to the one nominee. Do you remember the day it was estimated that Barack Obama had the delegate votes needed for a majority? June 3, 2008. Do you know what day Hillary Clinton suspended her campaign? June 7, 2008. Four days! It took her four days to accept the reality of her loss. Now, only four years later it seems we can't even wait four minutes for a candidate to state their position on a Constitutionally relevant topic.

I have heard, "The lengthy primary is hurting the Party's chances in the General Election."

In 2008, the Democratic Party never once stated, "We need to wrap this up now to avoid hurting our chances in the General Election." They did not say it in January, February, or March. JUNE, they settled on a nominee in June. You know what may have hurt the GOP in 2008? Wrapping it up too quickly. John McCain's two closest contenders were Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee. Mitt, who finished second, suspended his campaign on February 7, 2008. Mike, who finished third, suspended his campaign on March 4, 2008. Senator McCain had plenty of time to coalesce the party, but it never happened.

I have heard, "The continued debate will only serve to weaken the eventual candidate."

If the eventual candidate cannot withstand a little GOP introspection, then how will they ever stand up to the heat imposed by a Democratic cross-examination. In 2008, the continued debate did not affect the Democratic Party's eventual candidate. In fact, it probably served to make him a little stronger and gain a little more appeal. Remember, their candidate won the General Election and the last opponent they faced in the primary became their Secretary of State. Somebody coalesced!

I have even heard a few people go so far to say, "We do not have a very good field from which to make our selection."

I do not believe the GOP has a weak field, but if what others posit is true, then the candidate selection process should be long, slow and tedious. The party is attempting to narrow down a selection of the most qualified from many qualified candidates who will best represent them against their opposition. If the GOP field is truly weak, then the GOP should have even more cause to pause, not rush to judgment, or make a choice without fully investigating each candidate. The GOP should be proud they DO investigate candidates and leave no stone unturned.

Here is a picture (click to enlarge) of what has transpired in the GOP Primary thus far with a few relevant or irrelevant "nerdy" statistics below:

• As of today, only 8 of 50 States have held their primary or caucus. That is only 16% of the 50 States. Of those eight, only one (Florida, 4) ranks in the top ten for population. Two of the states (Maine 41, New Hampshire, 42) are in the bottom ten for population.

• As of today, only 225 delegates have been awarded with 2061 still available. 90% of the total delegates are still available.

• Today, if the GOP were to select the front-runner as the inevitable nominee, Florida alone would account for 48% of the front-runners delegates and 59% of the total votes cast. Florida would single-handedly pick the GOP nominee.

• Today, if the GOP were to select the front-runner as the inevitable nominee, they would be selecting their nominee on the basis of having only won 10% of the required delegates. This would be equivalent to naming the winner of the Super Bowl after only six minutes had expired off the game clock.

• Each of the 4 remaining candidates still needs over 1,000 delegates to become the eventual nominee at the GOP Convention in August!

The primary season is exactly the time we need to allow the maximum number of Americans to voice their opinion through the primary ballot box. I believe we still have plenty of time. It is simply too early to crown a victor. After all, we haven't even reached Super Tuesday yet!

What is Your Leadership Philosophy?

As stated previously, I am currently attending Intermediate Level Education (ILE) Phase II. One of the assignments was to write your leadership philosophy and explain how your leadership philosophy will change as an organizational-level leader. If you believe it does not change, explain why and justify your argument. Prior to the assignment, one of the requirements was to read Leadership, Leader, and Command Philosophies -What’s the Difference and Why Does It Matter? by Dr. Ted Thomas. Here's an excerpt from his article:

A leadership philosophy contains your personal views of leadership.  It should contain your thoughts on how you want to lead and how you want others to perceive your leadership.  Your leadership philosophy is yours alone.  It can be elaborate or very simple.  It should be the basis of who you are as a leader, what your values and priorities are, how you want to lead and how you want others to see you as a leader.  You should understand why you have that philosophy and conduct the self-reflection and self-awareness of the logic and reasoning behind what you believe and why you act the way you do.  You can write about who you would like to be as a leader, but if you do not live what you write, you will be seen as a hypocrite as you say one thing and do another.

My Leadership Philosophy:

For me, I am not sure if my leadership philosophy is about “how to lead” as much as it is about “how to be led”. If man is fallible and prone to error, then how can he lead? And not just lead, but lead effectively? I would state emphatically that he cannot, unless he is first led effectively. It also helps if he can be led by someone who is not fallible. Psalm 37:23 states, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD.” As a leader, I want to be a good man. I also want to lead knowing my steps will be ordered by the Lord. This is why I turn to God and His Word as the standard from which to lead and form a leadership foundation.

As a leader, I see my primary role as providing Vision to any organization or people over which I am given responsibility. Proverbs 29:18a states, “Where there is no Vision, the people perish.” I interpret this to mean, if you do not start with a Vision, then your organization will not fulfill its mission. In the military, a unit with an unfulfilled mission might as well be nonexistent or dead. Without a Vision, an organization has no purpose and it cannot prosper. Vision and Purpose are closely related, but I want to make a simple distinction between the two. As I define it, Vision is the “what”, and Purpose is the “why” for any goal to be accomplished. If an individual would like to be a leader and motivate followers, then he must provide a Vision followed by a Purpose.

When casting a Vision, I believe in setting a goal based within the organization’s mission, but which is larger than a typical goal. Due to the quick rotation of leadership positions in the military, the Vision will likely not be completed before the leader moves on. Vision casting is about getting people to move in the same direction and achieving more than they would have otherwise. As architect Daniel Burnham said:

“Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty. Think BIG.”

In the military, if my Vision is realized before I have left that position then either I did not cast my Vision out far enough or I was in the position too long.

Just casting the Vision means nothing at all, unless you are able to convince followers to catch it and find themselves in the Vision. This is accomplished through providing Purpose or the “why”. The “why” must have an aspect of personal ownership. “Why” can and should be related to a higher Purpose, such as the cause of a nation. But on a personal-level the Purpose must answer the question of “what is in it for me?" In today’s society, a leader must answer the “why” question in order to convince people to accomplish the goal. This was not always the norm. Leadership was based on a more authoritarian style in days past. At some point, questioning authority became not just the right thing to do, but a right. Perhaps the acceptance of questioning authority grew in direct correlation to an increase in failure to lead morally. This is another reason why I want to tie my leadership back to being morally led by the Bible. The Bible provides consequences for right and wrong behavior. In the same manner, a leader must state the Purpose to show why their Vision is the correct one and a Counter-Vision would have undesirable consequences.

Beyond providing Vision and Purpose, I believe a leader must perform within a framework of strongly-held beliefs or guiding principles. A principle is an accepted or professed rule of action or conduct. There are many different acceptable actions a leader can take, but I will quickly discuss a few of them. For me, these four rules of action are the most important: Communication, Authenticity, Humbleness, and Continuous Learning.

Communication between the leader and those he leads must be an honest and open exchange. The leader must ensure his message is comprehended and carried down to the lowest level. All formal communication must fit within the overall Vision with a clear, consistent message and understandable goals. The leader’s message must convey the spirit and letter of his intent. Additionally, a leader must be willing to listen and respond to those he leads, as they are his subject matter experts on how to accomplish the mission successfully.

A leader’s Authenticity will lead to respect and trust within the organization. An authentic leader will create faithfulness and dependability in those he leads. Leading with legitimacy will establish an organization which consistently displays a positive attitude. All organizations will inevitably be storm tested. Authenticity builds the type of strong bonds required for a genuine leader and his people to persevere through the storm. A leader who lacks authenticity will have the same effect as poison in the water – bitterness and a lack of pleasure within the organization. Soldiers need to know those assigned above them have their best interests at heart. An authentic leader conveys this knowledge.

Humbleness in a leader is an essential quality. Proverbs 16:18 states, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” A leader must be selfless and recognize their position of leadership is incumbent on those around them. Our selfish pride will always attempt to get in the way of being humble, and as the verse states an attitude of pride brings destruction and failure. A humble leader is committed to recognizing the hard work and efforts of those who are supporting him. A humble leader understands that he is to act as a servant to those who follow him.

John C. Maxwell reminds leaders “if they stop learning, they stop leading”. For every leader, today more than ever before, Continuous Learning is a requirement. Proverbs 1:5 states, “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.” A leader must stay informed on the latest technologies. He should seek counsel on how to apply technological advancements to the organization’s advantage. A leader should be well read on past history and current events. With knowledge of both, he can identify current trends that resemble past occurrences and possibly determine a better way to navigate through the present circumstances.

Being authentic, this is how I like to work: I do my best work when there is an identified goal. Then I can organize the goal by breaking it down into smaller tasks, delegating, and working diligently to complete each task. This means that I can become very focused and less relational. My work ethic can be uncomfortable to those who work better with undefined responsibilities. I can tend to be demanding, not in a mean or belligerent manner. I do set high expectations and desire timely results. If there are questions about a task, then this goes back to my expectation of communication. I expect people to ask for clarification if something is not clear. I prefer having a discussion early to ensure comprehension rather than later when the task is due. This succinctly describes the hardest thing for most people to adjust to when working with me.

The leadership philosophy I have written above did change significantly from those I have written in the past as a tactical leader. As the reading by Dr. Ted Thomas described, there is a difference between a leadership philosophy, leader philosophy, and command philosophy. The philosophies I have written in the past were more of a leader’s command philosophy as they applied specifically to my job as a company commander. This current leadership philosophy is more of my personal views of leadership. It explains how I believe I am being led, how I want to be led, and how I want to lead. As I review it, I do not believe it will change much as I move between positions as an organizational leader. I believe this to be true, as it is based on having a mental picture of where I should be headed (Vision) and why I need to head there (Purpose). To help me in achieving the Vision and Purpose, I have outlined the four well-rooted actions that will assist me: Communication, Authenticity, Humbleness, and Continuous Learning.

"Lord, lead me. Help me to live this philosophy with Your Vision and Purpose."

Applying Creative Thinking to My Career Future

Last summer, I had to write an argumentative paper following the Command and General Staff School's Writing Standard for Army Leaders. I have been enrolled in my Intermediate Level Education (ILE) course since last summer, which is one reason why I have not written much on here since then. Last summer was Phase I, and through May of this year I am in Phase II. I will attend Phase III this summer, which will complete the ILE course for me. I thought I would post a paper which I wrote in Phase I. As an introduction, here are the comments I wrote in my self-assessment:

As I began this assignment, I was really struggling with development of my arguments. Once I created a stronger assertion with my thesis statement and developed an outline of my major points, the flow of writing was easier. I believe the fact I was able to make it more personal increased my ability to write with passion for the subject. There is a logical progression, as I lay out a model of working on staff, transitioning to field command, but also applying what I will learn to my future civilian career. Overall I think it holds up well as an argumentative paper, and meets the intellectual standards for clarity, logic, relevance, and significance.

Now for the essay, complete with endnotes:

Generally, most people want to be viewed as being creative, due to the positive connotations of being unique and original when solving problems. I like to believe I am creative, but if I am being honest, I am more of a critical thinker. In my desire to be a better leader, I must improve my creative thinking and re-balance it with my critical thinking. Historically, when problems are identified, society has always looked for innovative leaders, who can apply logic to their creativity and make an appropriate decision. Over the next 10 years of my Field Grade officer career, I will be identified as an innovative leader by more readily applying the process of creative thinking to my duties. Operational level commanders seek officers with whom they have worked before, who think outside of the box, and develop alternative solutions to fill positions on their staff. Additionally, peers and subordinates tend to trust and follow these types of leaders, which will be of utmost importance when I am a commander. When I complete my current active duty tour, I will be an appealing candidate to business professionals, who tend to seek proven, creative leaders for employment.

Every military commander wants to be successful. I have not seen a commander yet, who takes command with a primary intention of failing. When given the latitude, a commander will build their staff with personnel whom they know will make them successful. They would seek Soldiers who fit the Army’s definition for a leader as set forth in FM 6-22, Army Leadership. FM 6-22 provides the Leadership Requirements Model, which defines the expectations of a leader’s attributes and competencies.(1) One part of that model, a “Leader with Intellectual Capacity” (2), relates directly to creative thinking through its attributes of mental agility, sound judgment, and innovation (3).

An Army commander could pick blindly and find plenty of critical thinkers to populate their staff. It is the search for the creative thinkers that will help them win the day when the nation calls. I must work to ensure my current superiors recognize those three intellectual capacity traits in me. As my superiors are selected for command, desiring to do well, I would expect them to invite me to join their staff. Based on past experience, the commander should know I would strive to make him successful and work as a creative leader on his staff.

Depending on the level of command, there would be an increasing expectation to solve a sundry of arduous problems. As I accept his offer for an organizational-level position, there will be an inordinate presumption, in fact a demand, to use the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP). The MDMP planning tool requires both critical and creative thinking to be successful and effective. But it is through the creativity-driven Course of Action (COA) Development, where a staff earns its pay. As part of that staff, I will be required to lay all my associative thoughts on the table during this step. In the end, the commander will test my creativity and decision making skill when I present the recommended Course of Action. Given our past working relationship, the commander will have assurance that he can depend on me to complete the MDMP process successfully.

When I am given the opportunity to command, I must never assume that peers or subordinates from previous assignments would automatically want to work for me. With regard to peers, of course the dynamics of the relationship would change instantaneously when I become the commander. I would never want soldiers who are subordinates, company grade and senior non-commissioned officers, to feel pressured to work for me again. In both cases, I would want them to work for me based on an established bond of mutual respect and trust. As the level of command increases, the potential for increased stress and tension can be considerable. At all levels in today’s operational environment, Soldiers need to know those assigned above, below and beside them have their best interests at heart.

Over time, I believe these types of relationships can be built with creativity through positive and “miscellaneous good” (4) attitudes. Whether you are working with peers or subordinates to solve a problem, the “ability to suspend judgment and criticism” (5), goes a long way toward building trust. To do this, I must work to remove the fear of criticism from those involved in the creative process. During times of immense pressure, when suspension of criticism is repeated, relationships can be forged in the same way as steel, and not easily broken.

Creativity also builds a positive attitude of perseverance. (6) Creative thinking brings with it a determination to keep working to make improvements and solve problems. Under the Warrior Ethos of the Soldier’s Creed, commanders are charged to lead with an attitude of perseverance. Soldiers will not follow unless they know the leader will always place the mission first, never accept defeat, never quit, and never leave a fallen comrade. (7) As Soldiers, we may lean toward using this only in the battlefield environment. Being creative allows a leader to see the Warrior Ethos’ application in regard to the issues Soldiers face in garrison as well.

One last attitude that builds and reinforces trust among Soldiers is “a belief that mistakes are welcome.” (8) Leaders must allow their Soldiers to make mistakes, especially in reference to subordinates. In much the same way that I must be creative in the absence of guidance, I want my Soldiers to exercise initiative in the absence of orders. If I squelch their creativity and they neglect to seize the initiative, opportunities will be lost. For both commanders and their Soldiers, mistakes are an important part of the creative learning and growth process. With an all-around positive attitude, I can work to create strong bonds with my Soldiers.

Continued improvement of my creative thinking process, while pursuing more challenging military positions, will also contribute to my future success in finding civilian employment. It is often mentioned that businesses seek candidates for employment who have a military background. For blue collar positions, veterans are most likely sought due to their learned discipline and strong work ethic. I believe employers have a different reason when hiring military officers to fill white collar vacancies. Creative thinking professionals, who can see the larger strategic plan, brainstorm with organizational level teams, and implement decisions are what drive American corporations to success. Two years ago when the economic slump affected my position with an architecture firm, I had to be creative in finding a new job. In 2009, United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) brought me on active duty to assist with their Base Realignment Team. I have been able to use my architecture knowledge as a Project Officer during construction of their new building. When I have completed my tour, I expect to use this experience and my increased skill in creativity to gain an organizational level position with a new architecture firm.

When I look to the future of my career in the Army, I have every reason to believe I will be successful. With a steady determination to increase my use of creative thinking in positions of increasing responsibility as a Major and higher, I know I will be recognized as an imaginative leader in my field. In working with superiors, peers, and subordinates alike, they will expect me to meet this high standard. I intend to meet and exceed their expectations while gaining their confidence and appreciation. As I am successful in meeting that objective, it will prepare the foundation for my transition into a future position with a St. Louis architecture firm. At that point, if I do not find a position available in architecture, then I will just continue to be creative.

Endnotes:

(1) FM 6-22, Army Leadership, (Washington, D.C., Department of the Army, 2006), 2-4

(2) Ibid.

(3) Ibid.

(4) Robert Harris, “Introduction to Creative Thinking”, VirtualSalt, Version Date: July 1, 1998

(5) Ibid.

(6) Ibid.

(7) FM 6-22, Army Leadership, (Washington, D.C., Department of the Army, 2006), 4-10

(8) Robert Harris, “Introduction to Creative Thinking”, VirtualSalt, Version Date: July 1, 1998

Was this really that long ago? (Part II of III)

Excerpts from a letter written on 9 Aug 2003 – This is the second part.  Red text denotes current thoughts & notes.

High Profile Recovery Mission

This last Tuesday, 5 Aug 2003, I was put in charge of a recovery mission to grab a 2 ½ Ton Truck for our Alpha Company. It was involved in an incident with an improvised explosive device (IED) about two weeks prior to our recovery. The soldiers involved left the vehicle to take a wounded soldier for medical attention. When they returned later, the vehicle had been burnt to a crisp, a complete loss.

It was located in a bad area of town, just outside of the built-up area of Baghdad. The location was about 1000m from the Tigris River, and the vegetation was quite high surrounding the road where it was located. It looked more like a jungle than a desert. We took 13 vehicles out to recover it, including three Military Police vehicles (each commanded by a Captain) to assist with security. The Group Commander, a Colonel, and his Command Sergeant Major also went. The location was 20 miles away from BIAP, but with traffic it took us one-hour travel time each way.

After checking for booby traps, we lifted the vehicle onto a lowboy trailer with a crane truck. The recovery operation took 30 minutes. We closed the narrow road while we accomplished the operation. The operation was a complete success without any serious incident or enemy contact. Thank God for that. Despite the success of that recovery, I do not want to see another area similar to that one the remainder of the time I am here.

Looking back, this mission is a classic military case study on the fallacy of micro-management. Based on the excessive command attention I got, you would think it was the mission meant to end Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maybe it was in some "war hero's mind"! At the time, I was a Platoon Leader (First Lieutenant) in the United States Army. The nation was entrusting me to fulfill the responsibility of that role. I appreciated having the Military Police there to help with security and firepower, and the three Captains knew their role was support. They did not try to take over my mission. But, did I really need a Colonel and his Sergeant Major to successfully complete this mission?  Why did they feel the need to force themselves onto the scene and control every minor detail? Would I have done everything in the exact manner as them?

If they wanted to lead this mission, then why did they need me to tag along? When leadership does not allow their subordinates to step up and take charge, then the subordinates will learn not to step up and take charge. Novel concept!

Leaders, if you do not allow your subordinates to fail, how will they ever learn to succeed? ...Besides, it's a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer's job to make sure his Lieutenant doesn't fail!

Click for Part III