Military and Professional Bearing Essay Example

The purpose of this essay is to provide information about the military and professional bearing. Military and professional bearing is an important part of being a Soldier and leader at all levels. The understanding of why we enforce certain standards in the military is something all Soldiers should have. As a leader you must be able to provide this information to your Soldiers and set the example of military and professional bearing. This essay will explain the Army history of military and professional bearing, define the military and professional bearing, and why it is important in the military.
The history of military and professional bearing is what you will learn about first. The US Army has endeavored to instill values within the members of the Army since 1775. FM 100- 1The Army (29 Sep 1978) was the first version of the field manual to be created. Military professionalism began in the 19th century. The creed of the Non Commissioned Officer and the Officer creed were established in the 19th century as well after the Vietnam War; which have changed over the years. Within these creeds, military and professional bearing is mentioned in some way using different verbiage. A Soldier should know the history for military and professional bearing so they may have an understanding of the “Why” we do things the way we do in the military to show respect and courtesy to others.
Second, the army definition of military and professional bearing is projecting a commanding presence, a professional image of authority, calmness under pressure, and control over emotions. All members of the military should look and act like a professional at all times.
Military bearing is one of the most respected attributes within the force. Leaders at all levels enforce this attribute because of how important it is and how it reflects on the military.
Professionalism demonstrates competence, setting the example and being able to project a professional image of authority. How others perceive a leader based on the leader’s outward appearance, demeanor, actions, and words according to ADP 6-22, Army Leadership and The Profession. As a professional Soldier you always want to present yourself with dignity and respect in and out of uniform and treat others as such. The saying “Do as I say not as I do” is 
not what military and professional bearing is about. Military bearing is learned over time by learning and staying true to the Army values. One should always take pride in wearing the military uniform correctly and maintain a good presence to demonstrate confidence and bearing. Military and professional bearing is an associated attribute for the character attribute category of “Presence”. ‘An Army's ability to fight and win its nations wars is not solely dependent on weapons and training alone. It also rests on the attitude or climate of units, leaders and Soldiers.’  (Grimmet, 2018)
Lastly, military and professional bearing is important within our ranks because it is a part of our history. It is a tradition that displays dignity and respect. It represents all the Army values within it as well. All Soldiers should always keep their bearing and demonstrate confidence and respect. As you come up in the ranks in the military you want to be respected and trusted. A leader without military and professional bearing won’t have Soldier’s that trust them and want to follow them. The military itself is a respected profession by individuals all around the world. A leader can notice an individual’s bearing instantly just by looking at them. No matter if someone said something that you didn’t agree with, a leader must maintain their bearing and carry out the mission. Soldiers should not see their leadership failing to display bearing at any time in or out of uniform. Soldiers tend to follow the leader that shows confidence and gives them a sense of trust to follow their lead. As leaders we must always present a strong military bearing and instill it into our Soldiers. “Always do everything you ask of those you command.” – General George
S. Patton, U.S. Army.
In conclusion, there are many resources out there for leaders to research and provide this information to their Soldiers. It is very important that Soldiers understand and take pride in military and professional bearing. Displaying this attribute throughout your career shows dignity and respect for what you do and for the uniform you wear. Unit’s that display military and professional bearing display high motivation and positive vibes within their ranks. Leaders at all levels should ensure they are setting the example so that the Soldiers after them know what
“Right” looks like. Take pride in being a Soldier and maintain your military and professional bearing. A Soldier that learns and carries themselves with this knowledge will be a Leader that future Soldiers will be proud to follow. Don’ be that leader who maintain their bearing and lowers their Soldiers moral and pride of being in the military.