The Reasons to Serve on Active Duty as an Army Officer: United States Military Academy - Assignment Example

Answers to West Point Admission Questions 1. Explain why you want to attend the United States Military Academy and serve on active duty as an Army officer? Army for me is not a profession but a constant source of inspiration. I was five years old when I got my first toy riffle and Army cap for my birthday. I believe that was the time when Army settled in my unconscious as my career. I remember spending hours at playing the soldier, fighting for my country and its glory. I grew up reading, watching and listening about the US Army and its achievements. Army movies have always fascinated me. I enjoyed learning about Army tactics and strategies as portrayed in media. It’s not that I’m a born fighter; I am not. I am a peace loving person and I don’t like war. But, as Thomas Jefferson once said: ‘From time to time, the tree of liberty must be watered with the blood of tyrants and patriots’. It is liberty that I believe in, and for that I’d love to fight whenever needed and be the patriot for this great nation. In addition to inspiration from the Army, I also draw inspiration from my country. This is a great nation and the whole world looks up to it. I’m a proud citizen of USA and I wish to express my gratitude to this great country by serving its citizens and protecting its land. I believe that the Army has multiple tasks. They are not just the defenders of a nation; soldiers are servants of the people of that nation. American soldiers are warriors and defenders; they are there to serve the people of USA. West Point’s Military Academy is a renowned name in preparing graduates who have an extreme sense of duty and honor for their country. In addition, the graduates are also well disciplined. I have always been inspired by discipline of cadets. I believe that’s the way life should be: organized and well planned; for discipline makes man superior to other creatures. Personally I’m a disciplined person; I like to organize my life whenever I can. I believe that discipline is the key to achievement. If one goes well planned and disciplined, there’s nothing that cannot be achieved. In addition, I am persistent by nature. When I start something, I rarely give it up or quit on it and I like challenging tasks like problem solving in limited time. Once I do get the chance to attend US military academy, I’d definitely want to work as an active duty army officer. I’d prefer active duty since I want to devote my whole life to US Army, I long to be a part of it. I’m also inspired by the military life. Reporting daily, being posted at a base camp; where I can learn about Army life and its challenges. Going to the USMA will also be good for my health. Undergoing physical training and extensive exercise daily will make me physically strong and daily drills will develop more discipline within me. Above all, I want to join the USMA so that I can become a part of US Army; this will be my self-actualization. Being in the US Army is my lifelong dream and I cannot derive a greater sense of achievement than knowing that I am a part of the Army of this great nation, its citizens trust me and respect me; and that my life is the disposal of their security, the security of the citizens of my country. 2. What are the most important qualities in becoming a successful USMA cadet and a successful Army officer? I believe that discipline is the basic and foremost quality needed to become a successful USMA cadet. At USMA, the academy and its dignified staff strive to groom young pupils into responsible and mature cadets; for this process to be accomplished, I believe the pupils required to display best discipline. Disciplinary education is unique to military academies; USMA is no exception. Discipline is actually the component of a cadet’s life that I appreciate the most. I have read about army men and their disciplined lives and I’ve always believed and still do; that all successful cadets are most disciplined. Self control forms the basis of discipline. I am also attracted to USMA because the unique and military mode of education is designed to enhance one’s self control. Self control is also a very basic ingredient of Army life, for army life isn’t easy. One has to face war, death and physical pain. Ability to control one’s emotions and behavior is therefore very important for cadets. Other than discipline, according to me a cadet should have a good amount of integrity and dignity. Being part of the US army is not an ordinary thing; it is the most dignified form of service to the nation. Military men put their lives at stake to defend and protect their nation. The cadets therefore need to display maturity, integrity and dignity. The underlying material for these qualities is self confidence and faith in the US Army. I believe I possess both. Thirdly, leadership is an important cadet quality. In the military, all officers have to be in charge of a group, be it small or big at one point in time. For this, the cadets must possess excellent leadership and management skills, so that difficult situations can be dealt with. Hard work is required in every field of life, but I believe it is needed in Army more than other fields of life. This is a difficult and challenging profession, which comes in package with a distinct lifestyle. Hard work is definitely needed to adopt the military life style and to learn the military tactics. Education at USMA is not only physically challenging but it also requires mindfulness and persistence. Self-less dedication and commitment to the country along with a positive learning attitude make a successful cadet. A cadet should be ready to make sacrifices all the time in order to achieve bigger, common and national goals. Along with physical endurance and hard work, successful cadets have high level of adaptability and they don’t mind travelling to far off places at short notices. A cadet should basically be devoted to his profession in order to become a successful military man. Last but not the least, physical strength and stamina must also be the characteristic of a successful cadet. At times of war, military men are exposed to the worst human conditions. War brings with it physical injuries, scarcity of food and water, fear, threat of death and what not! To survive such conditions, an ideal cadet must be physically as well as psychologically strong. Physical strength enhances a person’s physical tolerance and places him in a better position to cope with harsh conditions. If a cadet is physically weak, he will not be able to deal with such challenging situations, however; a cadet with physical strength and stamina will not lose control and will come up to face the challenge. 3. West Point and the Army are committed to the idea that respect for others and an understanding of diversity are important leadership traits. Why will you be successful in working with leaders, peers, and subordinates of a gender, color, ethnicity, and/or religion different from your own? I have studied in an atmosphere with much cultural diversity; I have never had any issues. In fact, I have learnt to appreciate other cultures and religions. I believe that leadership does require respect for others and understanding of diversity and a good leader is the one who understands and tolerates culture, gender, race religion and colors other than his own. I have a lot of tolerance when it comes to being a subordinate. I respect my leaders always and I am very obedient by nature. At school I’ve often had the chance to lead a team/group project; this group has often been multi cultural. I’ve never had trouble in dealing with cultural diversity. I believe all that is needed is appreciation and respect for all cultures and religions. I usually work effectively with peers for I have been brought up in a manner where socialization was maximized and I understand the importance of team work and role of communication in it. Leadership is an art; there’s not a leader in everybody. Only few people I believe can handle their subordinates in an effective manner while enhancing the group’s productivity as well. Parenting style has a great influence on one’s leadership style. My parents are democratic but very firm. They know the art of convincing a person. I have learnt this art from them and over the years, I have become very good in convincing others and making them work as a team. I know by now that if a leader appreciates the background and origin of all members and gives them equal respect and favors, the team is bound to be productive. In school, I’ve always been surrounded by many friends. I am attracted to different cultures and I owe my love for travelling to this I guess. I wish to see the whole world, to learn about people. I just love to travel, I’m always ready to travel to practically anywhere on a very short notice. Travelling is always like a treat to me. I love to experience the world we live in, to taste different kinds of food and to witness various culture specific rituals. Cultural diversity is perhaps the most significant difference in animals and humans and cultural diversity is the reason that makes humans superior beings than animals. Even in my street, I have made quite a number of culturally diverse friends and we often sit together, learning about each other’s culture. I believe that enhancing team productivity or good leader ship depends on many things. Firstly, in order to become a good leader one must have knowledge of various cultures and diversity found among them. Secondly, one must have the grace to appreciate all the cultures equally and to respect all religions, genders, races etc. Third and foremost, the person should be well equipped with leadership skills and management techniques and lastly, a good leader must possess excellent communication skills. On the whole, I believe in equality of humanity and that no culture or class is superior to other. I’m not in favor of any sort of discrimination against any cultural or religious group; unless of course the group poses a threat to my country or its people, for as a cadet, it is my foremost duty to protect my nation and I’m loyal to that. Read More