How has being SF or in the Army changed you?

[Basenshukai]

Ever since becoming an SF soldier:

1) When out in the great outdoors, I don't see beautiful landscapes. I see potential ambush points, danger areas, restrictive terrain, and potential patrol bases.

2) Whenever I enter a place, I look for exits, I assess everyone I can for threats.

3) When in my car, I never come so close to the car in front of me that I can't see his rear tires. I also look for exit points at any stops.

4) I never park without an "out" if I can help it.

5) I'm never unarmed.

6) The mission comes first, the men come next, and then me. Chow time follows a similar order.

7) PT has gone from being just performance enhancing to also becoming "preventive maintenance".

8) Critical thinking is part of the job; not just something I learned somewhere between college and graduate school.

9) I have come to learn that "systems" are managed, while "people" are led. Whenever this concept becomes confused, it is time to become a civilian.

10) Meetings should last no more than 27 minutes.

11) Powerpoint slides should have no more than four bullets per slide, and no more than 10 slides. If any longer, your concept is lacking clarity and you are reaching for a crutch.

12) Nothing takes just "five minutes".

13) If an email recipient is within 100 meters, go see him/her in person unless this is impossible.

14) Phone calls are better than emails. Face-to-Face better than phone calls.

15) A unit that has any soldier that is so critical that he can't be absent for any reason is a poorly led unit.

16) The kitchen utensils area at Kohl's might as well be an armory.

17) Books are not kryptonite.

18) The gym is part of the office (so is the range).

19) There are three critical questions to ask if one must make a hasty incoming commander's assessment of an SF unit: a) When is the last time the men shot their weapons and what are their scores, b) What was the last time a real APFT was conducted, and what were the scores, c) When was the last time the men had the opportunity for time off with their families?

20) "I'm an SF soldier." I really do think that thought every morning. It brings a smile to my face.