When I was growing up thinking critically was important. I remember in elementary school my teachers encouraged me to think about issues in many different ways.

To develop my own opinion and to be able to articulate that

opinion and defend it if need be. Growing up my parents did the same thing. They

encouraged me to constantly think for myself. Don't immediately believe the things people tell you.

Do your own research, find the facts yourself.

In the Army, was I trained to follow orders?

Of course, of course I was.

Did I learn the battle drills and field manuals?

Yes.

These manuals, especially field manuals for the infantry taught you how to respond to almost every situation.

React ambushes near and far, deliberate attack, raids, cover and concealment.

And of course that information created a base of knowledge and laid the foundation for success. But under fire I soon found out that if we were to survive

I had to think for myself outside the box. This was especially true when a mission was given to my platoon from

command. I would bring in my subordinate leaders, I would look at the mission guidelines,

I'd ask him for their feedback what they thought how to make it better

then I would take this information to my commander and report to him and sometimes

this was tough because it meant me taking a stand and saying,

Sir, we can't do this because this mission exposes the men to an

unnecessary level of risk or harm could get people killed.

Now look I get it in combat there's that risk on every mission but it's also our job as leaders to do everything we can to diminish that exposure, and speak up when necessary.

Sometimes that meant taking a stand, and did this irritate my commander sometimes?

Absolutely, yes!

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