Brian
PANEM ET CIRCENSES
Just a little rant about something that has been bugging the hell out of me for 36 hours now.
Alot of people compare/equate the military and football. They use terms like "Going to war with" or "Out there on the battlefield" or "Field General" etc.
It's a somewhat valid comparison, BUT there is something I'd give my left nut to explain to B.A.
I was a Platoon Sergeant when I went into Iraq. I served in Desert Storm prior to that. My last position I was Cadre at a schoolhouse responsible for soldiers numbering anywhere between 80 - 120. Coaches are responsible for up to 60 some odd players. Solid comparison.
In the Army there are certain absolutes. Number one is Mission first. Period. Do whatever is necessary to accomplish the mission. Football mission = win the game. Valid comparison.
Number 2, take care of your soldiers. You are everything from instructor to mentor, to father, and priest. Head coaching gig is similar. Valid comparison still.
Number 3 (Are you listening coach?) A GOOD LEADER NEVER BLAMES HIS SOLDIERS. That is a mantra in the Army and Marine Corps that is older than I am. It is something that was hammered into me through 3 different Leadership Academies. My job was to train my soldiers, lead them, put them in the best possible position to accomplish the mission, motivate them, instill pride, and develop teamwork. If they failed, I FAILED, but I didn't blame them. I found another way to motivate them. Same as a football team. No different, except maybe the consequences of losing.
If a squad leader (Amos) couldn't handle the job, I replaced him. Then we worked on his deficiencies while the Platoon moved on. Some men are leaders, some are not. Soldiers will sniff that poo out in a heartbeat. Believe me. When poo goes sideways some lead, some follow. Soldiers/players will follow a good leader. They will shun/ignore someone who is just faking it or not cut out for it anymore (even if at one time they could, past deeds and reputation doesn't matter when the bullets start flying).
Coach needs to stop blaming the players. Fire Amos. It's not personal.
Alot of people compare/equate the military and football. They use terms like "Going to war with" or "Out there on the battlefield" or "Field General" etc.
It's a somewhat valid comparison, BUT there is something I'd give my left nut to explain to B.A.
I was a Platoon Sergeant when I went into Iraq. I served in Desert Storm prior to that. My last position I was Cadre at a schoolhouse responsible for soldiers numbering anywhere between 80 - 120. Coaches are responsible for up to 60 some odd players. Solid comparison.
In the Army there are certain absolutes. Number one is Mission first. Period. Do whatever is necessary to accomplish the mission. Football mission = win the game. Valid comparison.
Number 2, take care of your soldiers. You are everything from instructor to mentor, to father, and priest. Head coaching gig is similar. Valid comparison still.
Number 3 (Are you listening coach?) A GOOD LEADER NEVER BLAMES HIS SOLDIERS. That is a mantra in the Army and Marine Corps that is older than I am. It is something that was hammered into me through 3 different Leadership Academies. My job was to train my soldiers, lead them, put them in the best possible position to accomplish the mission, motivate them, instill pride, and develop teamwork. If they failed, I FAILED, but I didn't blame them. I found another way to motivate them. Same as a football team. No different, except maybe the consequences of losing.
If a squad leader (Amos) couldn't handle the job, I replaced him. Then we worked on his deficiencies while the Platoon moved on. Some men are leaders, some are not. Soldiers will sniff that poo out in a heartbeat. Believe me. When poo goes sideways some lead, some follow. Soldiers/players will follow a good leader. They will shun/ignore someone who is just faking it or not cut out for it anymore (even if at one time they could, past deeds and reputation doesn't matter when the bullets start flying).
Coach needs to stop blaming the players. Fire Amos. It's not personal.
