JROTC: Becoming An Effective Leader

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If the fresh skin of an animal, cleaned and divested of all hair, fat, and other extraneous matter be immersed in a diluted solution of tannic acid, a chemical combination ensues; the gelatinous tissue of the skin is converted into a nonputrescible substance, impervious to and insoluble in water; this sir, is leather." It was my first day in JROTC and I was the fresh skin. My goal was to become leather; strong, resilient, highly prized as a quality material, a rare cut above the average. The corps would "clean and divest" me in its own special way; it would break away the hindrances of self-doubt and apprehension. It was through the corps that I would become a better citizen. I would become educated in self-improvement, leadership,…show more content…
I discovered that being in a leadership position, other's expectations of me are higher. Consequently, I expect more of myself. I find that to be a good leader I have to first be a good follower. As a fledgling LET 1*, I learned the art of following well. Answers are not uttered with the simplicity of "yeah" or "ok", but “sir yes sir" and “sir never sir". The very credo of JROTC demands respect at all times, and being able to give that respect means to be a good follower. After becoming a good follower, conversion to a LET 2 meant that I was given the responsibility of leading others. In this new position, I realized that patience is a requirement when dealing with others. It was now my responsibility to show others how to become leaders. This will make me a better citizen of the United States because I will have the skills to become a leader in my community. My continuing preparation for good citizenship involves the ethical code of conduct: honor. This is something that is not taught in any other class in high school. I expect myself, and others, to be honest, to be cadets with integrity, and to exemplify ethical behavior. I know that everything I do in and out of JROTC is a reflection on the corps. As a Filipino citizen, I know too that my actions will reflect on our nation. I am prepared to meet the high goals that will keep our country moving

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