As a new enlistee in the Army, I was shipped to basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky, where I would experience firsthand the Army’s definition of leadership. Up until I got off the bus at the reception center, my world consisted only of my parents, extended family, and friendships, which were developed while attending school. Moreover, the formal definition of leadership was just that—a definition of how people should behave when they are in charge. As my military career progressed along with my operational span of authority, I was exposed to many different styles of leadership, which would expand my knowledge base and influence my decision-making for years to come.

The Army Field Manual Leader Development (FM 6-22) defines leadership as “the process of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improve the organization” (Army Publishing Directorate, 2022). Upon entry into the Army, it became readily apparent that leadership was a characteristic I needed to develop if I were to graduate from basic training successfully. As a new enlistee, I had never been in a formal position of authority, nor did I fully understand how the acronym, “LDRSHIP,” which was stenciled prominently in the company area, would serve as a foundational reference point for a future career in public safety.

I later learned, after what seemed like never-ending push-ups, jumping jacks, and flutter kicks, the words Leadership, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage formed the acronym LDRSHIP. For the next two decades, each succeeding promotion was accompanied by requirements to attend leadership academies developed to prepare you for increasing levels of responsibility. In 2018, I retired from the Army, however, the leadership lessons and tacit knowledge gained while serving in the United States and abroad, remain a pivotal part of my leadership philosophy.