Standard Operating Procedure

SOP, or standard operating procedure, is a detailed, written instruction to achieve uniformity of the performance and appearance of a specific function. In the military the sop is suppose to be a reference for soldiers to consult whenever they have doubts about their knowledge on the proper way to complete an action. They have both operational and technical components, and they are essential to the development and deployment of solutions, as well as daily operations. My introduction to the Barracks SOP was when I arrived here at DLI. During Ph IV, I was told that to survive here or anywhere in the Army I needed to know the Barracks SOP from front cover to back cover. I did take the time to learn how my barracks room was to supposed to be arranged with the furniture and also the proper way all my clothes need to be folded and stored while I wasn’t wearing them. Also it described how to properly make my bed and the protocol for having visitors. Despite graduating from PH IV and demonstrating my ability to adapt to the strict terms of military life, I recently failed to follow a direct order that is written in my Barracks SOP. This is the cause for this corrective action and below I will describe my deficiency and the details of it. But, I also will educate myself on the importance and formation of a SOP by researching for the precious information that I will need to make this 1500 words. So the reason for this treatise is that I regrettably bought and utilized a prohibited item, a hot plate, for the room in the barracks where I stay. This could have been avoided if I would of checked with the Barracks SOP that clearly states, Hot plates, heating coils, and any device that produces high surface temperatures are prohibited due to their dangerous ability of starting fires. I would of saved myself this inconvenience. This essay is to reinforce the fact that SOPs serve an important purpose in all departments of the U.S. government as well as private businesses and