tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.comments2021-01-07T07:11:24.205-06:00Fen's ThoughtsFenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06348152970109407543noreply@blogger.comBlogger243125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-27947915614194340132016-05-16T21:43:14.851-05:002016-05-16T21:43:14.851-05:00I came across one of your newer posts and decided ...I came across one of your newer posts and decided that I needed to start all over from the beginning. After reading these first five, I must admit that what you have posted almost six years ago holds a lot of truth to today. But reading post #5 made my gears really start to turn. I know I do not have the full philosophy that you are referring to in this post, therefore, I can only go off of what you spoke about, "Accomplish any mission""...but always looking for a fight." and "Be creative". Yet another said "Use Task, Condition, Standard". I will give to you what my interpretation of what these mean to me, and hopefully some positive mentorship and guidance can be used to better both, but I must admit, it’ll be one sided for a while... <br /><br /> First set, "Accomplish any mission""...but always looking for a fight." What I thought of when I read "Accomplish any mission" was the obvious of accomplishing any mission, but also to hopefully understand the ”why” of the accomplishing the mission. I know I hear a lot of my peers and seniors complaining about having to explain the reasoning of why the Soldier has to do the assigned task or mission, but I do believe if you can articulate the reasoning, the results will be better accomplished. Now, the part of “...but always looking for a fight." to says that we will stay vigil in our traditions of not backing down, that if you come around with some “non-sense”, you will be dealt with accordingly. I understand where you are talking about the “type A world of an Infantry battalion or brigade, it's not too difficult to imagine which camp will win out.”, however, someone at that level has to have the clear headed levelness to know which part to use, a balancing act of sort. I know that is easier said than done, but I believe it can be done, it’s going to take someone with the “Total Soldier Concept” at the lower level to make sure that everyone understands why they are using “Win the Hearts and Minds” for one instance instead of kicking in doors and blowing stuff up. But I am not an infantryman, I am a mechanic, so I may not see your side of the point fully.<br /> <br /> Second set. "Be creative". Yet another said "Use Task, Condition, Standard". Everything we that we train, PRT, WTT, SMCT, etc, all have a Task, Condition, and Standards. I would like to think that when he said this, is to actually be creative when doing TCS. Like you said, you have Task X, train it to Y condition, and meet Z standard, our left and right limits. The standard or end goal will always be the same, will it not? That in order to pass, you must meet the minimum expectations of the outcome...I hope I didn’t lose you in what I am trying to say. But can we not be creative during the conditions of training? The task being reacting to an ambush, condition, I hope this is where the creativity can take place, IED’s placed somewhere, “air support”, call for fire, etc…, and then either retreat, or regroup, plan an offensive attack, and then see if you meet the standard, unless what all I just listed is nothing more than plagiarizing, then I hope this will broaden the view from just a non infantryman Soldier.<br /> <br /> Anyways, just my thoughts for the night. I will continue to read what else you have posted and hopefully get caught up to the most current post in the near future.<br />J.Ellingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06261903421253427777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-25701032833560180342016-05-11T12:27:32.065-05:002016-05-11T12:27:32.065-05:00I think Churchill's quote was spot on and you ...I think Churchill's quote was spot on and you integrated it well with your personal experiences. Few people are truly self aware of their failings and how these fit in to how they view themselves and how others see them. It takes courage and wisdom to be genuine. Most people will not take the time to be self-critical and cast themselves in an image that suits their goals and dreams. Anything that may derail your goals and self image becomes taboo.<br /><br />I an epiphany regarding my career in my 40's. I had been chasing a professional goal and cultivated a self-image to support that objective only to find out that it was a mirage. Others could see through my façade and knew where my true strengths were. Only when I took stock of past events and where I really effectively lead my teams did I find a place where I could be genuine, enjoy my work and have those around me value and accept who I really am.<br /><br />I now work in a field where my efforts actually help people, leverage what I am good at and leave both my coworkers, customers and me with a good feeling at the end of most days. Am I perfect? The answer is clearly no; everyone is a work in progress. Am I a better, more fulfilled person and of value to those around me, I like to think the answer is yes.<br /><br />It's really hard to be something you're not and to be open, frank and honest in personal and professional dealings. It takes effort and is draining. If you can find something you are passionate about, being genuine becomes easier. That said, even the best person is risk averse in some respects. Fear of failing will always prevent us from totally letting go.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-15664562620800970562012-04-18T12:26:38.758-05:002012-04-18T12:26:38.758-05:00Excellent Fen!...I'll show this to my niece bo...Excellent Fen!...I'll show this to my niece boyfriend he's in the Army at Ft. Sill and I'm sure he'll like this!Ilsem Alejandro-Torreshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13515117652116230764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-26481713237069098562012-04-18T12:19:25.058-05:002012-04-18T12:19:25.058-05:00Speechless...excellent thought!, I'll share th...Speechless...excellent thought!, I'll share this with my 7yrs old son and my friends!Ilsem Alejandro-Torreshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13515117652116230764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-59369544597845041292012-02-14T00:20:49.558-06:002012-02-14T00:20:49.558-06:00Very well and powerfully written. I really hope t...Very well and powerfully written. I really hope that as you move on both in the Army and whatever is after that, that you are able to share what you have learned and discovered on your journey. Your learning curve and journey have taught me a great deal.<br /><br />JDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-6004293208050385932012-01-28T08:17:21.443-06:002012-01-28T08:17:21.443-06:00Interesting...Maybe I will take a look in the mirr...Interesting...Maybe I will take a look in the mirror & listen in 2012. Good thought...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-14242943787214722702012-01-25T12:11:28.784-06:002012-01-25T12:11:28.784-06:00If I was their commanding officer I would rightful...If I was their commanding officer I would rightfully feel a heavy burden of responsibility and want to know what I did wrong that led to this failing in my chain of command.adrian clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13346771853250756883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-35752288417142064032012-01-01T12:46:17.755-06:002012-01-01T12:46:17.755-06:00This is such an important topic, thank you for rai...This is such an important topic, thank you for raising it. America spends more money on porn than pro-baseball, basketball and football combined, porn is America's No1, number one pastime. It's time for real men to step up to the plate as warriors, defenders and providers of a safe and secure environment for our daughters and sisters.adrian clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13346771853250756883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-32109307156107666072011-12-20T17:24:10.359-06:002011-12-20T17:24:10.359-06:00I agree with parts or all of the comments so far. ...I agree with parts or all of the comments so far. As one of the replies point out beautifully, the post isn't really about ending rape or sexual assault. The point is to look at who we are assigning responsibility for its' prevention to, and then who it really belongs with. Secondly, it's about seeing how often we are saying to Soldiers that it's not the action itself that matters most, it's only really the consequences. Implying that if you don't get caught then it's not wrong. <br /><br />Jim - No outfit or behavior invites rape. None. No lack of self-respect says "Please come violate me." The onus to stop rape and sexual assault belongs to men. We must accept it not because we might get caught, but because it is wrong. <br /><br />JD - If you mean that we have to talk about how we lead and define right and wrong for young men, I agree with you completely. Byt first, we all have to recognize how easily we get thrown off track or become blind to what we do not want to see.Fenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06348152970109407543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-60106590191978328142011-12-20T17:05:47.206-06:002011-12-20T17:05:47.206-06:00Most of the young men who are now joining the rank...Most of the young men who are now joining the ranks come from broke, fatherless homes. They don't just need a leader. They also need a mentor and roll model.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-79697802678483886752011-12-20T15:15:08.639-06:002011-12-20T15:15:08.639-06:00This post is a beautifully constructed example of ...This post is a beautifully constructed example of what is necessary in the leadership of men….Leadership that teaches, shapes and models for men what manhood should look like, and eschews the ‘cover your ass’ expediency model that is so prevalent today. ..Leaders who teach and require personal responsibility from the soldiers that they lead, who define and hold their soldiers accountable to a higher standard of behavior, and who themselves understand the necessity of redefining business as usual in order to preserve and perpetuate all that is so very good about men.<br />While I realize that your post is not really about ending rape and sexual assault, I do applaud the public stand that you have taken against these abuses and appreciate the way that you have claimed the conversation as one belonging to and for men.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-70907515086285547952011-12-20T05:55:26.969-06:002011-12-20T05:55:26.969-06:00Great posting and great topic....well said....one ...Great posting and great topic....well said....one of "those" topics that the collective "we" don't want to talk about, but HAVE to talk about....<br /><br />this might add to the discussion:<br /><br />http://www.armytimes.com/community/opinion/army_backtalk_corevalue_011209/<br /><br />JDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-88649943966766122492011-12-19T16:16:39.531-06:002011-12-19T16:16:39.531-06:00What a great article Jeff. I couldn't agree mo...What a great article Jeff. I couldn't agree more and I think it is time for us as leaders to stop using the "consequences" as a scare tactic. We need to stand up and say "NO, your wrong and this is wrong." But as leaders we must also understand that these new Soldiers who are entering our into our ranks are coming from a MTV culture where society has deemed openly that sex and degradation of women is acceptable. But at the same time our women have to respect themselves first before respect is given to them. For instance, if a woman is outside shopping or hanging out with her friends and is wearing provocative clothing that is showing off assets that shouldn't be shown, our MTV generation thugs and gangster wannabes are not going to show her a chivarly expression. But that is where parents need to step in and teach them what is a right and wrong way to treat a young lady or woman. And then as leaders we should be reinforcing the right and wrongs of behavior by both educating what is wrong and if you're still going to do the wrong, this is what is going to happen to you and make sure we as good men, don't stand in silence. Like the quote that says along the lines of, and I'm probably going to chew it up, but "bad men do evil things when good men do nothing." But this is all from my smart phone, so I apologize for any mistakes or if a sentence or two doesn't make sense.<br /><br />JimJ.Ellingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06261903421253427777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-89405478896761653472011-12-18T22:40:52.029-06:002011-12-18T22:40:52.029-06:00I think most people have become unauthentic with t...I think most people have become unauthentic with themselves, they don't see themselves as they really are, but how they would like the world to see them. It is undoubtedly impossible to be authentic with others, if we cannot even be honest with ourselves. <br /><br />I can't wait to see where your journey takes you friend!Lorenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11122723245360475930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-81909293404370297982011-12-16T07:01:24.149-06:002011-12-16T07:01:24.149-06:00It is actually very exciting to "test" a...It is actually very exciting to "test" all the changes and growth you have gone through in a new and different environment. A true test of leadership.<br /><br />I have no doubt you will pass with flying colors and I am very happy for the Soldiers who you will influence and develop.<br /><br />JDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-32933527115560443752011-12-13T07:36:45.054-06:002011-12-13T07:36:45.054-06:00The road to hell is paved with good intentions.The road to hell is paved with good intentions.adrian clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13346771853250756883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-10544808464603403452011-12-11T15:52:10.139-06:002011-12-11T15:52:10.139-06:00I love your thoughts on living an authentic life. ...I love your thoughts on living an authentic life. I recently wrote a post on my own blog about Sincerity. I feel that authenticity and sincerity are becoming a very difficult concept for many people because it requires a deep commitment and maturity that many people do not possess. It is challenging and takes resolve to be authentic. Many people take the easy way and avoid it.<br />Thanks for addressing this issue and I wish you all the best in your new position and phase of your life. Keep us all posted!Diana M Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18132952135261933461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-44404756268201745792011-12-04T12:55:26.464-06:002011-12-04T12:55:26.464-06:00Great post. I think this one compliments it:
http:...Great post. I think this one compliments it:<br />http://thewisethingtodo.wordpress.com/2011/12/04/interview-with-a-spouse/adrian clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13346771853250756883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-54448948824332101062011-11-16T11:24:43.731-06:002011-11-16T11:24:43.731-06:00For me the core is and has always been there avail...For me the core is and has always been there available to me, however over the years, like a table in the corner of the office (or at least my office) so much stuff gets stacked on top, that we don't think about the table, see it, or even dwell on it's beauty and the contribution and foundation that it provides to our lives. And some tables/offices have so much stuff laying around it takes a good long time to sort it out, and sorting through it is likely useful to view and think about items that one day you laid down not ready to let go of, but looking through the lens of the present, letting go is possible and even welcome. I myself have an entire corner area of a room upstairs. Somedays I do not like to even look at it. But bit by bit, I try to go through a small stack. Some stuff, is easy to let go, you don't know why it was important before. Other stuff, you move to another stack for another day's consideration. Sure as years accumulate, so do experiences and they cannot just be erased, but the important thing is not to let them completely cover the table. <br /><br />No matter your personal spiritual beliefs, perhaps revisit those. If you align yourself with a particular faith, how earnestly do you pursue that? If you do not believe in a spiritual life, then at least try going outside in the sunshine, wind, clouds, rain or snow, take a deep breathe and blow the stink off. Soak in the fresh air and allow yourself to be wrapped in the free elements all around and smile. <br /><br />The brave men and women (and their families) of the armed forces sacrifice so much to give freedom to those they serve. <br /><br />It is wonderful to be alive and free. And Each of us is loved.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-36881834511465082072011-11-14T16:17:05.784-06:002011-11-14T16:17:05.784-06:00Recently I became across “Fen’s Thoughts” and have...Recently I became across “Fen’s Thoughts” and have read some of your blogs . . . this one has made me think a lot. I can identify with many of the things you mentioned. From time to time I have been afraid, have had many doubts, and most importantly afraid to speak ones truth. <br /><br />I have been trying to discover my core as well. It has taken some deep thinking and time. As a man, husband, father, soldier, and leader what was the definite point in which you found yourself or as you say “your core.” How can you tell or realize what your real truth is and what is not? As you have walked your journey is your truth clear or do you continue to hold to your old patterns? Do you continue to be afraid, if so how do you fight this feeling?Elvianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-55431927368220176532011-10-31T06:20:27.656-05:002011-10-31T06:20:27.656-05:00I REALLY needed to read this today and I thank you...I REALLY needed to read this today and I thank you, sincerely, for the inspiration. Your words hit home for me, as I am currently in a situation where my contract ended rather abruptly and my situation is unknown and precarious. But I have all that I need for now, and am hopeful something will turn up soon. I have a loving family, wonderful friends, my health, freedom and the drive to succeed. Thanks for the eloquent reminder to keep things in perspective and be grateful for what I do have in this moment. An outstanding post!Diana M Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18132952135261933461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-64626120425273131072011-10-30T17:48:06.894-05:002011-10-30T17:48:06.894-05:00These are valuable thoughts, thank you. I agree. T...These are valuable thoughts, thank you. I agree. That little girl has to grow up in a home where she feels love. But also sees love. You and I model how a man loves a woman and our wives demonstrate to our daughters how a woman loves a man. Love is an action and commitment before it is a feeling. Your daughter may now always feel loved, especially when she is in need of discipline but she will know she is loved from your protection, provision, compassion and service.adrian clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13346771853250756883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-30718735055026739422011-10-13T08:50:04.466-05:002011-10-13T08:50:04.466-05:00The Army is a wonderful and huge organization ...w...The Army is a wonderful and huge organization ...warts and all.....constructive criticism focused on improving the organization is healthy and required as professions are "self policing".....if the collective "we" don't police it won't get done....<br /><br />Fen, I commend and salute you for doing your part!<br /><br />JDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-50292595425993741602011-10-09T22:28:48.866-05:002011-10-09T22:28:48.866-05:00Fen- The Army culture certainly lends itself to ea...Fen- The Army culture certainly lends itself to each of us thinking we can do it better than "the last guy" and instead of using what is going well, we focus our efforts on what is "jacked up" and needs to be fixed and that is true on a unit or institutional level. If we were to take the amount of effort to follow the prescribed plan as we do complaining about and fixing it, we would probably be 150% more productive! Your transparency and openness are honorable :) Thanks.Lorenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11122723245360475930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446049270059337405.post-49144876256287482172011-10-08T13:25:29.285-05:002011-10-08T13:25:29.285-05:00Well said my brother. I always enjoy positive word...Well said my brother. I always enjoy positive words from you and your documentation on this blog is priceless. Thank you for who you are and for taking the time in helping me develop into a better leader!!!wildbill35https://www.blogger.com/profile/00464379582551743062noreply@blogger.com