Road March: Lessons in Humility, Self-Awareness

In May 1983, I started off my Army career doing pretty well. After our first month, my peers rated me in the top one-third of our platoon. One month later, we were about to embark on a “forced,” or timed, road march. In June at Fort Benning, GA, it was still 90 degrees and 50% humidity, at 4:00 in the afternoon.

As I finished positioning my equipment, including 2 pounds of water and a 40 pound rucksack, my platoon leader approached:

• Antonio: Tom, will you carry the machine gun?

I was one of the biggest, most fit persons in my platoon, so I thought; I got this, no problem!

I picked up another 23-pounds and off we marched. I found myself reaching for water, again and again. I drained both canteens. I was drenched with sweat. At our rest stop, I refilled and found some shade. 

• Antonio: How you doing, Tom?
• Me: Fine.
• Antonio: Time to go.

As we began another 6 miles, the extra 65 pounds and brutal Georgia sun were taking its toll. After a mile, Antonio dropped back to check on me. 

• Antonio: Do you want someone else to carry “the gun”?

I didn’t want someone smaller than me to suffer this.

• Me: No, I’m fine.

A mile later, he dropped back again.

• Antonio: we’re behind schedule. Do you want to trade?

Now, I didn’t want my peers to think I was weak.

• Me: No

I dug in. We didn’t go another mile and he dropped back a 3rd time. He made me trade weapons, with one of our smallest guys! I was frustrated. But secretly, I was relieved. I gladly traded 23 pounds for 8. 

I had new bounce in my step. But, the first 9 miles wore me out. I was out of gas. I continued to slow everyone down. We arrived late, and failed the exercise. It was my fault!

Self-Awareness

While I wasn’t proud of my actions that day, the most important lessons I learned in my officer training were those in self-awareness. Here are some points to consider:

• Have you ever done something with the best of intentions, only to let others down?

I grew up playing sports. I considered myself a team player. I thought I could handle it.

• What was I missing?

Beliefs

Have you ever believed something to be true, like finish what you start? For me, that was Little League Baseball. I was taught that if you start the season, you finish the season. Sound familiar?

Because of my beliefs, I somehow felt obligated to carry that machine gun. I wasn't thinking of our team’s needs. Had someone told me we were going to fail, I’d like to think I would have acted differently.

• How often do your beliefs, or ego, prevent you from doing the right thing?

More Lessons Learned

It’s not your intent, but:

• When you take on too much, you communicate a lack of confidence in others.
• When you take on too much, you communicate a lack of trust.

And yes, I learned some humility that day. After that road march, I went from the top third to the middle third in our peer evaluations.

Leadership is an art. Sometimes, to do your part, don’t finish what you start!

Join the #servantleadershipdevelopment discussion: https://www.dhirubhai.net/groups/12209292/

About the Author

Tom Crea is a leadership expert, decorated career Army Officer, and Blackhawk Helicopter pilot. Because of his proven skills, he was hand selected to run the Army’s leadership development program at two Boston colleges, where he and his team transformed college students into combat leaders. 

Today, he is a Keynote Speaker, Leadership Development Coach, and Chief Experience Officer. Check out his book, Unleash Your Values, or listen to his podcast, Your Evolving Leadership Journey.