Lessons I Learned from My Army Career
Lessons I Learned from My Army Career
My journey in the Army has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The rigorous training, the camaraderie, the discipline, and the challenges have shaped my personality and taught me invaluable life lessons. These lessons are not just confined to the battlefield but are equally applicable to everyday life and leadership in any profession. Here are the key takeaways from my Army career:
1. Team Spirit: Strength Lies in Unity
From day one in the Army, I learned that no mission can be accomplished alone. Success is only possible through teamwork, coordination, and trust in one another. The Army instilled in us the concept of Esprit de Corps—a deep sense of unity and devotion to our team.
A good leader knows how to utilize each individual's strengths effectively. For example, a smaller-built soldier may be better suited for maneuvering through tight spaces, while a taller and stronger individual may be ideal for carrying heavy loads. Understanding these nuances helps in optimizing the team's potential.
2. Leave No One Behind: We Are One Body
In the Army, we move forward as a team, ensuring that no one is left behind. A weaker team member is not abandoned; rather, we support and uplift them. All for one, and one for all is not just a phrase—it’s a way of life. This lesson applies beyond the Army as well. Whether in corporate life or personal relationships, true success comes when we help others grow along with us.
3. Ownership of Responsibility: Success Belongs to the Team, Failure to the Leader
One of the most profound lessons I learned is the importance of taking ownership. In the Army, the credit for success is always given to the team, but the failure of a mission is attributed to the leader. This instills a deep sense of accountability. A true leader never passes blame but instead learns from failures and ensures better planning and execution next time.
4. True Leadership: Leading by Example
Leadership is not about issuing commands from behind; it is about setting an example and leading from the front. We were taught that leadership is like moving a string—you cannot push it from behind; you have to pull it from the front.
A leader must be large-hearted in victory and graceful in defeat. It is foolish to expect people to follow your advice while ignoring your actions. The best way to inspire others is by demonstrating the values you preach.
5. One Look on the Ground Is Worth a Thousand on Paper
Theoretical discussions and planning are necessary, but nothing replaces ground reality. One of the most important lessons I learned is that physically inspecting a situation is far more valuable than endless discussions in a closed room. This principle applies everywhere—whether in business, problem-solving, or daily decision-making. Always verify facts firsthand before making a judgment.
6. Discipline and Fairness: Learning from Our Own Punishments
During our training, punishments were a way to instill discipline and resilience. However, an important realization dawned upon me: if I ever felt a punishment was unjust, I made a mental note that when I became a senior, I would ensure that no subordinate of mine was punished unfairly. This lesson shaped my leadership style—I believe in discipline but also in fairness and empathy.
7. Climbing the Ladder of Success: Two Approaches
There are two ways to climb the ladder of success:
- Through hard work, dedication, and consistent progress.
- By stepping on others to get ahead.
We were taught that while the second approach may give temporary gains, it is unsustainable. The moment a colleague shrugs off your weight, you will come crashing down. True success comes from lifting others as you climb, ensuring that everyone grows together.
8. Never Give Up: Keep Moving Forward
One of the most critical lessons I learned is persistence. No matter the obstacles, no matter how hard the journey, one must keep fighting until the last breath. The Army trained us to "Bash on regardless"—to keep marching forward with faith in ourselves and our mission. Stumbles and failures are part of the process, but they must never deter us from our ultimate goal.
9. "Sir, Ho Jayega!" – The Power of Commitment
Whenever I was assigned a task, my response was always:
"Sir, Ho Jayega!" (Sir, it will be done).
This simple phrase signifies confidence and the determination to find solutions rather than excuses. Once I committed to a mission, I ensured I developed the necessary competency to accomplish it. This mindset has helped me tackle challenges in both my military and post-military life. I recall my Commandant at 505 Army Base Workshop in his speech on my Dinning Out mentioned the " If I as ask Guljit to get me Ice from North Pole his response would be Sir Ho Jayega and sure enough the consignment would be delivered to me at the promised time ,packaged nicely maintaining the right temperatures.
10. Camaraderie: Brotherhood Beyond Blood
The Army fosters a unique bond that transcends differences in religion, caste, or background. Camaraderie is the heartbeat of military life.
A powerful example of this was when a fellow soldier needed a blood donor—before a formal request was even made, 50 volunteers would step forward without hesitation. This selfless support system is one of the most valuable aspects of Army life, and it has taught me the importance of standing by my people, no matter what.
11. Culture of Unity: Strength in Diversity
In the Army, we come from different religions, castes, and regions, yet we live and function as one cohesive unit. Our differences become irrelevant because our shared mission and common values unite us. We create an environment of mutual respect and harmony, proving that true unity comes from shared purpose and respect for each other.
12. Goals vs. Systems: What Really Drives Progress
One of the most counterintuitive lessons I learned is that achieving a goal only changes your life for the moment. We often focus on goals, believing they are the key to success. But the real challenge is not just achieving a goal—it is maintaining and building upon that success.
The truth is, goals provide direction, but systems create long-term progress. In the Army, our training was not just about achieving one-time results but about building habits, routines, and processes that ensured consistent excellence.
For example, if you want to stay physically fit, setting a goal to run 5 kilometers is great. But what happens after you achieve it? If you don’t have a system in place, you may stop running altogether. However, if you establish a habit of running daily, fitness becomes a lifelong process rather than a temporary achievement.
Goals are good for planning, but systems are what actually drive results. Having a process and committing to it is what truly makes the difference.
13. Be an Encourager: Lift Others Up
"Be an encourager, the world is full of critics already."
This is a philosophy I try to live by. The world already has enough negativity, criticism, and people pointing out flaws. Instead of adding to that, choose to be someone who uplifts and supports others. Offer encouragement and positive feedback wherever possible.
In the Army, morale is everything. A single word of encouragement from a leader can boost a soldier’s confidence and drive them to perform beyond their limits. This lesson extends beyond military life—whether in the workplace, in relationships, or in personal interactions, be the person who builds others up rather than tearing them down.
Final Thoughts
My Army career has been my greatest teacher. The lessons of teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and integrity have shaped the person I am today. These principles are not just meant for soldiers—they apply to anyone striving for success in life.
Whether in business, sports, or personal growth, these values can guide anyone to become a better leader, a stronger individual, and a more compassionate human being. The Army may have been my training ground, but these lessons will stay with me for a lifetime.
Comments
Post a Comment