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When we shut down a whole base for a sensitive item, but let a Soldier go missing, we (Army Leaders) have lost sight of our priorities.

A leader is nothing without its Soldiers because it is the work of those Soldiers that elevate that leader through the ranks.

When one forgets the priorities it is easy to think of subordinates as a number (DODID) as a body (I hate it when this word is used), as lower (lower enlisted-WRONG- they are junior enlisted), and this shows in the treatment we give them. SPC Guillen magnified something that has been prevalent for a long time (ever since I joined in 99) and that is the negligence and mistreatment of Soldiers in the hands of leaders who have promised that “no one is more professional than I” and that they will never forget one of their two basic responsibilities “the welfare of my Soldiers.”

Instead, we have leaders who say “I’ve done my time,” and regurgitate the same toxic practices that previous leaders imparted on them and continue the cycle of apathetic leadership.

Now, this is not a post where I say leaders are supposed to be perfect or that I’m perfect. That is not the case. Perfection is NOT needed to lead Soldiers. I am also NOT perfect. I’m learning as I go and I pray that other leaders are in a continuous learning cycle. However, we should strive to be present and to be our best. I think that when we look at our Soldiers like human beings, even when we make mistakes it won’t be reckless because we wouldn’t have lost track of the top priority: Soldiers. You can replace equipment. You cannot replace a Soldier.