2008 Transformation Contest

My heroes are those men and women in the US armed forces, especially those who join during a shooting war.  Oh, I know that there are dirt-bags in the military, but the majority are great men and women.  There is a story that I just read written by John Renehan, a young butter-bar (2nd Lieutenant).  Prior to joining the US Army John was a 29 year old lawyer that was brought up in a privileged home.

John talked about his want to serve and fear that he would not ‘cut it".  He was a desk guy and soldiers were born the gung-ho types you see shooting pistols at a range and running Ironman races.  What he found relates to getting fit and reaching excellence.

Along this road I discovered something about myself, and about the military.

About myself, I discovered that there were within me — within everyone — latent abilities, tendencies, temperaments that only an environment such as this will bring out. And yes, I’m speaking to you bookish types now. However well you may think you know your own pacific constitution, be assured that there is someone more physical and forceful within you — someone you will meet, given the right circumstances.

About the Army, I learned that it can be a hard — and hardening — environment, but by and large the people in it are just people. They are not uniquely tough by nature, though they become so through training and preparation and habit. And their toughness is leavened with a deep sense of common humanity — a basic unquestioning take-them-as-they-are compassion rarely found in the “softer” cosmopolitan world of ambition and sophistication from which I hail.

You can read Lt. Renehan’s article here .