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Admiral Hyman Rickover's dedication to the nuclear propulsion program-he rides here on the Barb (SSN-596)-is legendary, and marks him as a true Navy servant.
Webster's defines service as: "[from the Latin servitium condition of a slave, body of slaves, fr. Servus slave]. 1 a: the occupation or function of serving <in active~> b: employment as a servant <entered his ~> 2 a: the work performed by one that serves < good ~> b: help, use; disposal for use <I'm entirely at your ~> 6 b: one of a nation's military forces."
These definitions embody a concept that falls strangely on today's ears. Being a slave is not at all enticing or relevant in modern society. Employment as a servant is considered demeaning. The concept of subordinating one's needs, priorities, or philosophies to another individualor to anything other than self-is becoming increasingly foreign. It is rare to hear military members identify themselves as being "in the service." Instead, they describe their occupations in more socially attractive terms. "I'm a pilot," they say, or "I'm in the military." This growing disparity between identification with the concept of selfless service and the rising supremacy of self is dangerous in a profession in which the fundamental operating methodology and the accomplishment of the profession's ultimate purpose demand an ability to subordinate self.
There are certain personal qualities that characterize the concept of service. They are not often seen today, and even in times when they are appreciated remain elusive. A few of these-subordination of self, ongoing intellectual development, uncompromising ideals, valuing improvement over praise, and compassion-apply especially to military leadership.
Self and the Warrior Ethic
What is the most basic character trait a warrior should possess? Bravery? Courage? Sacrifice? No, not one of these. The most important trait for a warrior is that of being a servant-the rest will flow from that. The fundamental quality of service is the subordination of self to another person, goal, concept, or ideal that the individual considers larger, greater, or more important than himself. Optimally, and for any organization's best interest, individuals lose or discard self and identify instead with that to which self has been subordinated. All activities become centered on furthering the goal, concept, objective, or ideal.
No servant, if...