In the television mini-series Band of Brothers, one of the commanders, Major Richard Winters says to another CO who he’s instructing, “Don’t ever put yourself in the position where you can take from these men.” This isn’t a new ethic, a moral code that was pumped into the show in order to display courage or great moral upstanding by those in charge during World War II. The idea that the leaders should be in all other ways as one with their men isn’t astonishing, it’s Primus inter pares: First among equals.
One of my CO’s came past where I was lying one day to check on how we were doing, since we were meant to be getting some rest before our 04:00 sentry. And all I can think is… ‘how tired is she going to be when we’re up again?!’
They put themselves last, give up their equipment for the good of the platoon, bring extra kit just in case someone has forgotten their own. And my question is this: when was it that this ethos evaporated from the civilian world? When was it that it became alright for the boss to have a salary 140 times that of the average employee? When was it that the big guy doesn’t look after the little guy? When was it that we decided a tax cut needed to go to those paying most tax rather than those who actually needed the money most?
People so frequently see the Armed forces as a hostile force, as something to be regarded with suspicion, but where else to you see examples of such egalitarian and honourable behaviour? There may be mistakes, but at least they aren’t the standard operating procedure.
Obviously I didn’t know about this story when I wrote about this.
Popularity: 1% [?]
