The Warrior Ethos

An ethos is simply defined as the fundamental spirit or character of a culture.  It embodies an underlying sentiment that forms the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society.  An ethos is often referred to as the moral element that drives a person’s actions over their thought processes or emotions.  In other words, it is a learned set of values that speaks to the core of personal convictions.

In the Greek ethos, the individual was highly valued.  The American military ethos is defined by a diverse set of values and principles across service spectrums that proudly reveal themselves with slogans, mantras, mission statements, and phrases that capture the essence of who they are and the beliefs they each hold close.  The common link among them all is service and excellence.  

The call to service is an honor that less than one percent of the American population has answered over the past decade.  It has been answered time and again by those who make a difference by stepping in to experience the ethos of the few who make a difference in the lives of the many.  Each service volunteer is exposed to a common set of values that combines individual experiences, personalities, abilities, and ideals into a collective team of excellence defined by a common purpose. 

The Warrior Ethos takes the American military ethos one step further.  It defines the one element that differentiates true warriors from poseurs.  This common critical element is at the heart of a warrior’s soul and is an integral part of what sets them apart from the rest.  It’s what personifies their nature and willingness to persevere.  The Samurai called this element kokoro, or, loosely defined, the indomitable human spirit.  It is that intangible element that refuses to give up.  It is a conglomeration of all of the virtues of a true warrior - courage, honor, conviction, loyalty, integrity, and selflessness – supported by an immovable force of human resolve.  Simply stated, the warrior is trained well, armed well, and mentally prepared to follow through with a mission and will not recede until it is complete.

The Warrior Ethos, therefore, is one that culls together the values of a service branch or specialty team, charges it with a mission, and supports it with tactical advantage, doctrinal principles, and the absolute best support infrastructure money can buy for maximum effect.  

 

The reason we remain a free nation is due in large part to the indomitable human spirit of the American Warrior Ethos.  It’s that ethos that precedes our reputation as the strongest warrior force on the planet, even still to this day.  Peace through strength, as President Ronald Reagan so eloquently phrased and practiced, is what keeps our enemies second-guessing any attempts to test the resolve of the greatest nation on earth.  

Until next time!

- G -

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Service Before Self

Scenario:  You’ve got five minutes remaining until your shift ends.  You’ve been looking forward to getting off work all day when, seemingly out of nowhere, a customer shows up who presents a unique problem that has to be taken care of right away.  You know you can address the problem and possess the expertise to easily take care of it, but it’s going to take thirty minutes more of your time to do it. 

Scenario:  Your buddy is pinned down by small arms fire.  The only way he can break free is if you put yourself in a vulnerable position to provide covering fire.  Bullets are flying everywhere and the area is getting hotter by the second.  You must act now if you expect to have any hope of saving his life. 

Scenario:  A deadline has been set for the completion of a task that is two weeks away.  There’s plenty of time built in to accomplish all the necessary work to meet or exceed expectations.  You have knowledge that will enhance the quality of the report but are significantly distracted by other obligations.  You can be proactive or reactive…the choice is yours.

Each of these scenarios presents unique perspectives that capture the essence of service before self.  Each requires a decision that pits self-interest against the answer to a higher call of service. 

All too often we hear messages that, although well-intentioned, distort the honor and benefits of service.  The messages speak well of self-discovery and offer motivating clichés to carving out a success path in life by keeping our eyes on our dreams and aspirations.  But they often fall short of revealing the full spectrum of instructions that adequately articulate the rewards of service.

The opportunity for service can present itself at any time under most any circumstance, as indicated by the diversity of the examples above.  The opportunity doesn’t always present itself in crisis.  Sometimes, it’s just a simple opportunity to serve.  Habitat for Humanity or the Red Cross blood donation comes to mind.  The complexity arises when we fail to remove our own self-interests from the equation and allow it to distort the opportunity to serve.  Doing so may cause us to miss the opportunity altogether.  And that’s unfortunate. 

The bottom line is this – when the opportunity to serve presents itself, we have one of two choices: to serve or not to serve.  Either choice brings with it an appropriate affect.  To serve is typically the honorable choice because, (and here’s the twist) out of sacrifice comes the richness of our decision.  You see, even the smallest gesture of service is richly rewarded in at least the knowledge that your actions enhance, preserve, or provide for the needs of someone else at the pause of your own needs and desires. 

Unselfish service has a way of finding favor with those who provide it.  The epitome of such service, in my humble opinion, is the Medal of Honor citation.  Those who have received it will be the first to tell you about how “others” are the real heroes deserving the recognition.  And perhaps there’s an underlying truth to that sentiment.  But it’s their unselfish act of service that garners the true recognition it so rightfully deserves.  Those who put service before self seldom seek recognition.  They act because it’s the right thing to do…plain and simple.  Whatever their motivation to act, Medal of Honor recipients stood tall at the hour of greatest need and said, “Pick me, I’ll do it.” 

But you don’t have to be a Medal of Honor recipient to step forward and in the interest of service before self.  Look for an opportunity to serve and, as the Nike slogan encourages, “Just Do It!” Put someone else first and your rewards will pay dividends far beyond your imagination.  After all, the highest form of recognition lies within.  It lies in knowing you contributed to enhancing the value or quality to someone’s life they otherwise would not have, if not for your unselfish service. 

Service before self can also be penned in a slightly different way: “Unselfish service!”  The sooner you take “me” out of the equation and replace it with “we” your entire perspective changes for the betterment of those around you, and I would argue, mankind.  Let’s face it, we live in a “me-centered” society where gratification has become the yardstick by which we measure our actions.  Whether you know it or not, your decisions affect the lives of someone.  Whether you choose to act (and serve) or whether you choose not to. 

This nation was founded on principles of service.  We look out for each other.  Its part of what made us the great nation we are today.  Are you doing your part?  Who have you helped recently?  Your church or civic organization always has a need for service providers.  You’re not expected to do it all...just what you can.  Collectively, we can all make a difference by placing service before self! 

Until next time!

- G -

"Unselfish service is the cornerstone of human compassion." - G. Westfal - 

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The news is never easy.  I’m never ready for it, although I probably should be considering the business we’re in.  The loss of one member of the special operations team is extremely tough to bear.  The loss of five within a ten-day period is particularly tough.

Despite the fact that the business we conduct is a dangerous one in a dangerous world, fighting dangerous people, I’m always saddened at the news of a loss to the special operations team.  I take it personally, as does the entire special operations community.  With each notification I hold my breath in nervous anticipation, hoping the names don’t hit too close to home.  Unfortunately, they have, more than I care to admit.  Seeing the name of a special operations warrior is hard enough.  But when it’s someone from the same command or personally known, it’s damn near unbearable.     

The losses are real people with real lives and real families... 

Photo Courtesy of us.army.mil

Lt Col. John Darin Loftis

Captain Ryan Hall 

Captain Nicholas Whitlock

1Lt Justin Wilkins

Senior Airman Julian Scholten

With the exception of Lt. Col. Loftis, 44, all were 30 years old…or younger.  All were selflessly serving their country so the rest of us can live in relative peace.  All were conducting operations designed to rid the world of hate, discord, and terror. 

Lt. Col. “JD” Loftis was working with the Afghan people in a special program designed to foster and enhance community relations.  He spoke the language and was generally well-accepted by the Afghan community.  He was doing good things for the local people with an objective to help them.  He was well-regarded.  So much so that he received the honor of a local name that translated to him being a “quality human being.” (AF Public Affairs) 

JD was working in a secure compound when a so-called trusted Pakistani junior officer reportedly walked into his office and shot him in the head out of “retaliation for what U.S. officials called an inadvertent burning of Qurans at Bagram Air Base north of Kabul.” (CNN)  There is a 25-year-old Pakistani suspect in custody.

It is an outrage to think that our forces cannot be shielded from the grave dangers of assassination even inside what is deemed to be a “secure” compound.  What is even more of an outrage is how quick our esteemed President was to apologize for yet another American transgression related to the Quran burning, yet, we have heard nothing from him regarding any demands for an apology for the senseless assassination of an American Warrior representing the very country he presides over.  Where is the apology demand now, Mr. President?  Why the silence?  Where’s the outrage? 

All of these losses, along with that of US Army Sergeant and local NW Florida resident, Joshua Born, have rocked the NW Florida community and serves as a stark reminder of the cold sober reality of the world in which we now live. 

Your All American Warriors continue to stand proudly against the oppressive forces of tyranny and ask little in return beyond the support of the American people.  Their sacrifices and those of their families deserve our undying gratitude and overwhelming support.  Show that support by defending the values we imbue as a free nation.  Respect the flag of the United States of America.  Stand tall during the national anthem.  Thank a service member in uniform when you see one.  Say thank you to those who have served.  And never forget those who have given all to preserve the American ideals and very freedoms we all too often take for granted.

May God bless you and yours.  And may God bless the All American Warrior!

- G -

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As Americans, we all want the same thing, right?

I grew up believing that, as Americans, we all shared similar ideals and principles on common ground, striving to uphold the American way of life, seeking the American dream of continued freedom, prosperity as a result of hard work, and the ability to make free choices within the bounds of the law.

I was raised in an average middle-income family. We pretty much lived paycheck-to-paycheck for the most part - not poor by any stretch of the imagination but, insomuch as luxuries were concerned, we had few.  Actually, if you've ever seen "That 70's Show" on television, it pretty much summed up the type of family I grew up in during the 70's.  Could be one of the reasons I enjoyed watching it as much as I did.

My parents worked hard to provide the basic necessities along with a few "nice-to-haves" such as a colored TV, a stereo for the house, and a touch-tone phone with a really long chord.  We were one of the first among friends with the long chord and it was awesome!  We could take that phone almost anywhere inside our 1100 square feet of the house.

I also worked hard.  I started working when I was fifteen years old.  I worked part-time, played high school football and supported a very expensive habit of having a girlfriend!  I eventually bought my first car - a 1965 Chevy Impala.  I paid $700 over time to my step-father who taught me my first lesson on the importance of credit and the principle of a timely and consistent repayment plan.

I grew up in a military family so my first career choice was all but pre-destined.  I wanted to go to college but my family couldn't afford the tuition and I didn't have the talent required to qualify for a football scholarship, despite the fact that I was a big shot quarterback...good, but not great by college standards.  So I weighed my military options and decided to go in the opposite direction of my Navy brat heritage and joined the Air Force.  It was one of the best choices for me to make for my own life.  I have absolutely nothing against the other branches of service and have the utmost respect for every one of them, but what the Air Force gave me in return for the service I provided, continues to pay dividends, even to this very day.

I grew up...fast!  From the time I left home and returned from basic military training, I can say unequivocally, that I matured beyond my 18-years of age.  It was the beginning of enlightenment and insight into what life is like as an adult, even while I was still but a young man.

I learned early on that most of us desire similar things from life.  The freedom to choose, to find love, raise a family, earn a living, and leave a legacy.  The fact that our desires are so similar doesn't negate the fact that, as Americans, we can be so divisive on "the rules" by which we achieve those desires.

The political landscape has changed the face of this great nation.  No longer are we a collective, cohesive nation of Americans striving for the betterment of mankind, providing an example for the world to emulate.  Instead, we've become a nation whose overextended spending habits and misuse of budgetary powers have resulted in a downgraded credit rating, resulting in an unprecedented national debt, leaders who are mired in political partisan gridlock on both sides of the aisle who are driven more by agenda than principle, an entitlement-ridden and government-dependent society who knows more about the welfare and social status of celebrities than the vital statistics of their leadership.  Why, even those who are in the same political party throw each other under the bus to elevate themselves.  If you doubt that, just watch the Republican race for the GOP presidential nomination.  And I won’t even begin an attempt to explain what the heck the whole 99% movement was about. 

At what point did we stray from the principled course set by our forefathers in the founding documents?  Or, has it been that way ever since and I was just too blind to see it?  When did entitlement become the preference over hard work and the resulting fruit of our labor?  When did common sense and sound judgment depart from the heart of America?  Is it too late to come to our senses and realize we're on the same team and become one nation, under God, once again?

It has been said that, with each passing generation, new ideals and principles are formed that chart the course of its future.  I see so much promise in our youth, yet we have riddled them with debt and handcuffed them with rules and laws they're forced to overcome that handicaps their ability to overcome and correct the course of our great nation.  I have every hope that greatness will return, but at what cost?  If faced with no other choice, are they willing to accept a lower standard of living than their parents in order to free themselves and their children from the inevitable vulnerabilities of choosing otherwise?  Do they have the tools, desire and know-how to even make that choice?  

Yes, generally speaking, we all want the same thing.  Now, if we can only convince the Washington machine to get out of the way, I think we can just do this.


- G -


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Somewhere over an obscure, precisely pre-determined location, operating under the cloak of darkness, is a highly-trained, highly-specialized, special operations operative.  Some are called Commandos, some Rangers, others are MARSOC (US Marines), US Army Delta or Navy SEALs.  Every one of these lethal warriors operate under the overall direction of the United States Special Operations Command, or USSOCOM. 

I have the distinct privilege of working in a division of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) that brings me into daily contact with some of the finest people I have ever met.  As America's quiet warriors, these Air Commandos rotate in and out of several countries throughout the world in support of SOCOM missions and directives that facilitate peace, preserve life, and promote human dignity among all mankind.  Their job is not easy and isn't always pleasant by any stretch of the imagination.  Oftentimes, they're called upon to support objectives that place their own lives in the balance of delicacy.  Yet, they go forth willingly, courageously accepting the risks that inevitably come with the call of duty.

So it goes, as we sleep peacefully at night, secure in our homes in still one the freest nations on earth, our quiet warriors are in some 120 countries around the world conducting operations as diverse as the mind of man can conceive...and beyond.  They do it for reasons as varied and unique as each individual is from one another.  But the common thread connecting them all is their love of America and the principles we imbue as a free nation.

Every warrior has a story to tell.  I'm reminded of the recent hostage rescue by our beloved Navy SEALs in western Somalia on the eve of the Presidential State of the Union address.  The same SEAL team (SEAL Team 6) that eliminated Bin Laden under the direction and watchful eyes of the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), Brigadier General Brad Webb sitting front and center at a computer terminal, with the President and members of the cabinet looking on.  This same team of courageous warriors (may or may not have been some of the same members), conducted the rescue of American Jessica Buchanan and and Dane Poul Hagen.  

The SEALs reportedly parachuted from a USAF special operations aircraft, maneuvered to their objective on foot, and found the two hostages, kidnapped in Somalia last fall.  I can only imagine the look of terror on the faces of the kidnappers when they were confronted by the world's most lethal forces. 

There are many stories that surround the good work of our Special Operations Forces (SOF).  If you have a story you'd like to share, drop me a line or leave a comment.  If you enjoyed this article, share it with a friend.  Tell them that, despite the fiscal cutbacks in our government, there will always be a SOF presence somewhere on this globe of ours protecting the very freedoms we hold dear. 

Sleep well, for America's quiet warriors are standing watch!

- G -