Once an Eagle memo
MEMORANDUM FOR: xxxx
SUBJECT: xxxx
1. The book I selected was Myrer, Anton. Once an Eagle. New York: HarperPerennial, 2002. Myrer enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and participated in the invasion of Guam where he was wounded and later discharged. Interestingly, he was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, not far from For Devens. This book has been described by some as an anti-war novel. Given the experiences of the author, there are understandably many real and graphic descriptions of the effects of war on the Soldier, physically and mentally. As the Foreword of the book stated, “no one who has experienced combat directly, or even vicariously, would seek it.”
The opposing character traits of Sam Damon and Courtney Massengale may be found within the same person in today’s military. There is a distinction to be made between military service during time of war and military service as a career. When one makes the military a career, one must be mindful of and take care to attend to career progression. There are times when taking care of one’s career, at least administratively, is necessary. As we all have heard, no one cares about your career like you do. The trouble arises when taking care of one’s career becomes the priority. If a Soldier pursues the mission as did Damon, their career progression will essentially happen on its own, i.e. do what you’re supposed to do and do it the best you can. There are pitfalls and unavoidable life circumstances that we all face, just as Damon did, but with a resilient attitude and approach life is manageable, even when in crisis.
2. Three key takeaways from the book are as follows:
a. Sam Damon is, for the most part, the officer all other officers should aspire to be. He entered the service as an enlisted Soldier, not wanting to wait for his slot at West Point. This beginning alone is a significant indicator of this Soldier’s character and inherent traits that would aid in his development as a
SUBJECT: xxxx
1. The book I selected was Myrer, Anton. Once an Eagle. New York: HarperPerennial, 2002. Myrer enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and participated in the invasion of Guam where he was wounded and later discharged. Interestingly, he was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, not far from For Devens. This book has been described by some as an anti-war novel. Given the experiences of the author, there are understandably many real and graphic descriptions of the effects of war on the Soldier, physically and mentally. As the Foreword of the book stated, “no one who has experienced combat directly, or even vicariously, would seek it.”
The opposing character traits of Sam Damon and Courtney Massengale may be found within the same person in today’s military. There is a distinction to be made between military service during time of war and military service as a career. When one makes the military a career, one must be mindful of and take care to attend to career progression. There are times when taking care of one’s career, at least administratively, is necessary. As we all have heard, no one cares about your career like you do. The trouble arises when taking care of one’s career becomes the priority. If a Soldier pursues the mission as did Damon, their career progression will essentially happen on its own, i.e. do what you’re supposed to do and do it the best you can. There are pitfalls and unavoidable life circumstances that we all face, just as Damon did, but with a resilient attitude and approach life is manageable, even when in crisis.
2. Three key takeaways from the book are as follows:
a. Sam Damon is, for the most part, the officer all other officers should aspire to be. He entered the service as an enlisted Soldier, not wanting to wait for his slot at West Point. This beginning alone is a significant indicator of this Soldier’s character and inherent traits that would aid in his development as a