Reading the blog title, you may be asking yourself, “I’m not out in the woods with a compass, so what are you talking about?” I’m writing about how you carry yourself and how you present yourself to those you lead. As I continue the series on the Marine Corps leadership traits, this week’s topic is bearing.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Have you ever visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia? If not, then do an Internet search and watch the guards as they walk their post, but make sure you watch the changing of the guard.
The Tomb is guarded by U.S. Army soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard” posted at Fort Meyer, Virginia.1 Their uniforms are immaculate, and every medal, badge, and patch is precisely placed. The trousers are sharply creased, and the faces of the guards are reflected on their shoes. The movement of the guards is precise and calculated.
These soldiers understand the importance of their solemn duty and mission to guard the Tomb from interlopers who would demean, disrespect, or desecrate this monument to our fallen military members.
The soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Regiment demonstrate bearing every hour and every day of the year regardless of the weather conditions.
Do You Have Bearing?
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines bearing as, “the manner in which one behaves or comports oneself: the manner in which one bears oneself.”2
What about you?
- Do you have the type of bearing discussed above?
- Is your fire department uniform clean and pressed?
- Do the department members present a professional appearance in public?
- Is the fire apparatus cleaned, shined, and maintained?
- When you salute at a ceremony, is it a sharp military salute or is it some sloppy substitute with your fingers curled into your palms?
How you carry and present yourself to others has a direct impact on your leadership, and make no mistake, maintaining your bearing is leadership by example.
1Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial | The United States Army
