Ops NCO

Over twenty years ago, as a young farm boy from the Midwest, I joined the US Army and volunteered to become an Airborne Infantryman (Paratrooper) with the famous 82nd Airborne Division.

For those who may not know, the 82d is the worlds largest parachute force. Their primary mission is to give the Commander in Chief the ability, if so needed, to parachute a large force under enemy fire into a foreign land, fight for control of the battlespace, and win.

Because of this singularly unique mission, members of the 82nd are held to a higher standard than equivalent members of other units. In fact, generally speaking, only the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment and certain elements of the Army Special Forces are acknowledged as requiring the same high performance standards.

Developing the ability to lead and succeed under all circumstances is a major part of life in an airborne unit. It has to be. Once the call is made, and a unit has parachuted into enemy-held territory, you simply must be prepared to lead your men and win the engagement. There are no "time outs" in war.

It's been almost two decades since my service with the 82nd Airborne. However, as my civilian career has progressed, I have learned that the principles of leadership and success that I learned as a young man are the same principles that anyone, regardless of their chosen profession, can use to lead and win today.

The goal of this blog is to discuss principles and practices anyone can use to become a better leader and to become more successful.

It is dedicated to the members of the 82nd Airborne Division past, present and future...and especially members of the online community Armyparatrooper.org - whose members helped to identify and clarify many of the principles discussed here.

Enjoy and be prepared to go...

All the Way!