Army Taught Basic Lessons
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Lessons from
history:
- Exactly
50 years ago I was mustered out of the U.S. Army, completing my
tour of overseas duty in the Philippines and Korea.
- I returned
to graduate school a profoundly changed person. I had greatly disliked
the Army and was scornful of any future usefulness from my Army
experience.
- Now, looking
backwards … perhaps I learned more from my Army service than from
my university education?
- The Army
may have taught me little about chemistry or geology, but I learned
a great deal about working with other people.
- I learned
that common sense is as rare as a 160 IQ, and probably more valuable.
- I learned
that real merit does not depend on a college degree, family fortune,
athletic ability or personal beauty.
- I learned
that progress toward important objectives is made by motivating
EVERYONE in the unit, not just the leadership.
When I left
Inchon, the Army gave me (sort of) a recommendation. It said: "This
will certify that Cpl. Marlan Downey is free of vermin and infectious
diseases."
I've been
wary of recommendations ever since.