Application of Honor, Courage, and Commitment, Essay Example

The related elements of honor, courage, and commitment are important assets for a military officer to have. These are all correlated to strength and others, such as bravery (Peterson).  Such elements are certainly found throughout the history of thought; for example, courage and similar concepts are found in arguably beginning ethics (Aristotle).
Moving beyond their interconnectivity, such elements are needed in two broadly defined types.  Honor, courage, and commitment can certainly be demonstrated physically, such as in extreme situations of war or in everyday lay life. However, such concepts are also valued in a mental and emotional capacity, which is invaluable to all individuals.

Applied to a military officer, such elements are crucial.  Personally one must be able to handle the responsibilities that are transferred with such a position.  Thus, the officer must have a high level of honor, courage, and commitment to one’s country and peers in order to do one’s job to the highest ability.

A military officer also leads by example.  If a military officer is to impart valuable assets to those working under him, he must exhibit such concepts.  Leading by example, soldiers will be able to follow the officer’s courage, honor, and commitment in every important regard, strengthening the unit and each individual soldier.

These concepts cannot be underestimated.  While everyone should strive to have these in their life, it is extremely important for a military officer to demonstrate these elements.  By leading soldiers with these important assets, it will strengthen the unit.

Works Cited

Aristotle. Nichomachean Ethics. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.

Peterson, C. and Seligman, M. Character Strengths and Virtues: A handbook and classification. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.