The Art of the March

While at Keesler I have the privilege to march flights (common word used for groups) of Airmen from as little as 4 to as large as 49.  I use the word privilege very deliberately because leading a flight puts a flight commander (the one leading the flight) in charge of how well the entire flight performs and most importantly their safety.  Little nuances develop when magnified by dozens of Airmen doing them at synchronized moments.  For instance, making a left turn and then making a sharper left turn can quickly make a fine looking flight look like a disaster (trust me, I know).  Additionally, things like all Airmen marching in step with limited to no movement from their waste up is a recipe for a well performing flight as is keeping in line with the Airmen to your side.  You might be reading this and be thinking “what is the big deal?”.  The big deal is that how we conduct ourselves during the “little things in life” reflects our integrity and discipline in how we will conduct ourselves when given more responsibility.  A lesson that is invaluable given the important responsibility that is granted to those who actively serve, have served and will serve in the U.S. military.    

One of the first things an Airman learns in basic training is how to march.  As far as the power of one thought it is pretty simple enough; moving groups of people from point A to point B in an orderly fashion.  During training we start out with the fundamentals and gradually piece them together as we become more proficient.  If you asked some you might get answers that it is a waste of time, or that it is pointless.  However, ask someone that understands it better and you will see why it is ingrained in the training process for thousands of trainees year after year.  My explanation simple: marching is a practical tool that instills discipline in those involved that crosses over in our daily lives.

Marching is not a new concept.  In the U.S. military it dates all the way back to revolutionary times with George Washington’s Army with the help of Prussian officer Baron von Steuben with the intent to quickly assemble troops in tactical formations and instill discipline.  This tradition has carried on today despite the modernization of the nations’ military.  From my point of view it is easy to see why.

Just as the flight must keep this lesson in mind so should the flight commander who sets the tone for the entire flight.  When a flight commander remembers he/she is there to put service before self and confidently lead their flight with discipline it translates into a group of men and women who are more likely to trust their leader and strive to do the little things right.  Each little critique and little correction in marching can be seen as the finely brushed strokes that make up the finishing touches to a fine piece of art.  As you go about your day remember the little things in life and the discipline that allows you to focus on them.  March on and paint your masterpiece.