In my 39 years in the military, I have learned that you are not a profession just because you say you are. You have to earn it and re-earn it and re-evaluate it from time to time.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Soldiering is a very important profession, is it not?
I don't necessarily like being defined by my profession.
They do say that the profession gets increasingly difficult, but my career seems to have been inside out. I'm playing the biggest parts now that I'm older. That's probably right, because I wasn't ready for them before.
Being professional is just really clearly the way to go and helps you on the road to longevity.
Don't even think of acting as a profession unless not doing it would cause you to sicken and waste away.
I have a lot of respect for what I do, for this profession.
My own military background is wholly un-distinguished. I was a sergeant.
I've spent quality time in the aerospace community, with my service on two presidential commissions, but at heart, I'm an academic. Being an academic means I don't wield power over person, place or thing. I don't command armies; I don't lead labor unions. All I have is the power of thought.
It's important to study and understand your responsibilities within any profession, but it's particularly important for military officers to read, think, discuss, and write about the problem of war and warfare so they can understand not just the changes in the character of warfare but also the continuities.
I am a career physician. I practiced for 32 years before I began my career as a public servant.