When I was first enlisting in the United States Navy, I was lucky to have a father who was a career sailor. He understood how recruiting worked and how to pressure recruiters to get a great career on track in the Navy. If I hadn’t had my father, I probably would have been chipping paint for many years.
Chipping paint isn’t such a bad job, though. I respected our Boatswain’s Mates just as much as our Radar Technicians. His or her job was keeping the ship healthy, safe and livable – that’s something every sailor appreciates. As you walk on board, it’s always great to cross a quarterdeck that’s been polished and cleaned with pride.
In the United States Navy, you have both a rank and a rating. The rating defines what you do, but your rank defines who you are. A Chief, regardless of rating, is respected as a Chief. You know as soon as you see the anchors on their collar that they deserve and demand respect – and you give it to them.
I had many friends who were BMs, BTs, ETs, DCs, etc… it didn’t matter what rate they were. It was the rank that defined us and defined our respect for one another. It’s a fantastic system that works well because it separates what we did from who we were. I honestly believe that it’s the optimal system – and could be better utilized in civilian life.
Even without it, that separation helps us in civilian life as well. Your role at work doesn’t define who you are as a person, a boss, or a colleague. You can make mistakes and even fail at your role, but that doesn’t take away from the respect and experience you’ve acquired through the years.
Being successful isn’t about what you do… it truly is about who you are! Success isn’t a job, a pay raise, or an award. Success is an attitude that we carry with us. Being honorably discharged from the Navy defined me as a person. My years in the military were pretty tough and I transitioned from a troubled kid to a responsible adult, husband and father.
I’m thankful for the United States Navy for teaching me these life lessons. No doubt I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for understanding that who I am is not what I do.
I think that most veterans know what I’m talking about.
