Chewing Gum in Formation
Why You Shouldn't Chew Gum In Formation
Showing discipline and always having a professional appearance are two of the
most important parts of being a soldier and should be treated as such. When it comes
to standing in formation everyone has the same role and follows the same command
so when one person is not doing the right thing it is easily spotted, which is why I was
pointed out for chewing gum in formation. Blatant disregard for the rules is the only
explanation for my actions. It is easy to stray away from the simple disciplines of being
a soldier once your away from basic training and AIT, but maintaining those
disciplines is what separates us from other professions. Regardless of whether your
standing in formation or fighting in Afghanistan a good soldier always maintains the
same behavior and should conduct him or herself in the most professional way day in
and day out. AR 670-1 clearly states and I quote, "Smoking and chewing gum detracts
from a professional image and is not allowed in formations. Although I am not yet an
NCO I should know these AR's by heart and apply them everyday. As a soldier with
over 3 years of experience in the Army there is no reason that I should have to be
corrected on the proper way to conduct myself in a formation. Furthermore I should be
setting the example for the newer soldiers that are just arriving, and also proving
myself worthy of representing this flag on my shoulder and U.S. Army tape on my
chest. Even as I was in formation today I found myself with a piece of gum in my mouth
and corrected myself like i should have and i think that was the point of this corrective
action. In my opinion writing an essay to correct an action is kind of tedious, rather
than the standard smoke session but punishment is punishment. I've spent the last 4
days after work attempting to write as much as possible about why you shouldn't chew
gum
Showing discipline and always having a professional appearance are two of the
most important parts of being a soldier and should be treated as such. When it comes
to standing in formation everyone has the same role and follows the same command
so when one person is not doing the right thing it is easily spotted, which is why I was
pointed out for chewing gum in formation. Blatant disregard for the rules is the only
explanation for my actions. It is easy to stray away from the simple disciplines of being
a soldier once your away from basic training and AIT, but maintaining those
disciplines is what separates us from other professions. Regardless of whether your
standing in formation or fighting in Afghanistan a good soldier always maintains the
same behavior and should conduct him or herself in the most professional way day in
and day out. AR 670-1 clearly states and I quote, "Smoking and chewing gum detracts
from a professional image and is not allowed in formations. Although I am not yet an
NCO I should know these AR's by heart and apply them everyday. As a soldier with
over 3 years of experience in the Army there is no reason that I should have to be
corrected on the proper way to conduct myself in a formation. Furthermore I should be
setting the example for the newer soldiers that are just arriving, and also proving
myself worthy of representing this flag on my shoulder and U.S. Army tape on my
chest. Even as I was in formation today I found myself with a piece of gum in my mouth
and corrected myself like i should have and i think that was the point of this corrective
action. In my opinion writing an essay to correct an action is kind of tedious, rather
than the standard smoke session but punishment is punishment. I've spent the last 4
days after work attempting to write as much as possible about why you shouldn't chew
gum