In a previous article I discussed the role the “mission statement” plays in military operations, commercial enterprises, and in the lives of individual people. In this article I will examine my mission statement and identify a few of the ”essential tasks” that I need to accomplish so that I can live up to the expectations that I have set for myself. My personal mission statement is included below:
Be happy and content in life; know and speak the truth; love your God, country, and family; respect your elders and God’s creations; be loyal to your friends and comrades; work hard to be physically fit and mentally alert; be vigilant and maintain your presence of mind when confronted with threatening situations; move to the sound of the gunfire and be prepared to defend yourself, protect your family, and attack your enemies, to the end.
As you can see my mission statement is one long sentence. The words say a lot but more importantly they imply more, if you read between the lines. The first portion of my mission statement deals with God, country, family, and friends. Right up front you can see that it is important to me to be content with my life…live right and have no regrets. Be truthful and respect God, Country, Family, and Friends. This is essential part of my mission and life, and it is reflected in my attitude, behavior, and how I spend my resources (primarily time and money).
The second portion of my mission statement deals with my approach to the world we live in. From my vantage point the world has two components, a natural component and a manmade component. History and current events are full of examples that illustrate the interaction between nature and man.
It seems when man and nature collide the world gets complicated and the future becomes uncertain. In my mission statement I outline my approach to an uncertain world that I cannot control. I work to know where I stand in relation to the world around me and how to maneuver my way through or around the uncertain situations I may confront along the way.
In his book Lord of the Flies, William Golding follows a group of young boys marooned on a deserted island as they adjust to a harsh environment and adopt a natural selection and competition for resources approach to survival. The book illustrates what happens when Mother Nature and human nature collide. As time goes on, existence on the island becomes tenuous and the boys behave more like savages than school children. Although written in 1954, the message remains current. Lord of the Flies illustrates what occurs when unsuspecting people are thrust into harsh environments.
My mission statement prompts me to be prepared for uncertain situations. The situation in Lord of the Flies highlights some of the negative aspects of human nature: namely the quest for power and competition for scarce resources. Although this point of view may appear pessimistic, I believe it reflects current-day reality.
To accomplish my mission I have adopted a course of action and a plan that enable me to get traction so that I am not a victim. My plan moves me from thinking about hypothetical situations to actually being prepared mentally and physically. That is I take it upon myself to be equipped; trained; and poised to prevent and respond to adverse situations that may come my way.
For instance, my mission statement includes the passage: “work hard to be physically fit and mentally alert.” Mental and physical preparation plays a prominent role in my mission statement.
I believe it is essential to my ability to accomplish my mission. This means I dedicate the time and money necessary to be physically fit and mentally alert. I exercise regularly; I maintain a proper diet, and I am knowledgeable on a wide variety of subjects including weapons, equipment, and tactics; as well as fitness, exercise, nutrition, and medicine.
Spotter Up exposes me to a wealth of information. It provides me with an unbiased point of view on a wide variety of relevant subjects. The Chessmen have done the hard work; they are experts in their field and work hard to maintain a keen edge. Considering my mission statement and the tasks that are essential for me to perform in order to succeed Spotter Up is a great place for me to spend my time. The information I learn from Spotterup will put me in a much better position to make a way or find a way around the obstacles that threaten my mission.
Alec Yandy*
Alec Yandy was born in the 1950’s and raised by parents who were charter members of “the greatest generation.” His father served in Europe during WWII as an Infantry Platoon Leader and retired from the Army reserve in the 1960’s. He was raised with a sense of duty, honor, and country, and faith in God. He attended elementary school in the 1960’s and high school and college during the 1970’s. He attended and graduated from The Military College of South Carolina, in Charleston. There he learned a great deal about discipline, leadership, himself, and other people. After graduating he went into the Marine Corps and retired 20 years later. He spent 9 plus years overseas serving in a variety of combat engineer units and intelligence staff assignments, afloat and ashore assigned to conventional and special operations forces. Since retiring from the Marine Corps he has been working as a DoD contractor supporting the Combat Support Agencies, in the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. He reads and studies history; is a firearms and survival enthusiast; works out and spends as much time as possible at the range, in the woods, or on the beach.
Alec Yandy subscribes to the Spotter Up way of life. “I will either find a way or I will make one”.