SSG Victoria Ryan, U.S. Army (1973-1988)

Military training does not end with basic or AIT (advanced individual training). It is an ongoing, continuous journey which imparts many valuable and often life-long lessons.

One of the most valuable and enduring lessons I repeatedly received during my many years of Army service was that there is a chain of command and it is there for a reason. Nothing is written in stone, situations can be fluid, and utilizing a chain of command can be instrumental in accomplishing or changing a situation.

Soldiers are people and, as such, are not automatons – we don’t just nod our heads and accept everything that is ordered at face value and never question or challenge when a situation appears to be problematic in some way. There are channels that are open to every service member in order to pursue an objective with which we may disagree and would like to see a positive change. I availed myself of these lessons learned.

Exercise was never my forte. Despite extreme effort toward accomplishing the prescribed six-month physical training (PT) test goal, at one point I fell short. The penalty was remedial PT. While stationed at Fort Myers, VA and subsequently assigned to the Department of the Army Casualty Operations, I was required to report to Fort Myers to participate with several other soldiers at the crack of dawn. The cornerstone of the training was a run, which was my weakest event.

When I learned of the running route that had been designated, I was appalled. The entourage was led through the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery! This was not a simple up and back road or track. The runners were led through the sacred headstones of this country’s fallen service men and women who had made the ultimate, final sacrifice for our great country.

The runners were led through and around rows of memorials of those brave souls who were laid to rest in the most sanctified ground in the entire United States. What were we doing on this consecrated property, running like ragamuffins, desecrating this peaceful, serene beauty of those who lie below our pounding feet? I felt shame, embarrassment and guilt for my part in disrespecting this revered and sacred cemetery. At one point, bringing up the rear, I became separated from the pack and felt lost among the headstones. With tears in my eyes, grappling with direction in order to reach the starting point, I was visibly shaken upon my return.

I could not let this stand or persist. I knew that I could not be blindly led like an ignorant sheep. I needed to take a stand. Enter the chain of command. I knew that this would be a challenge and I may not succeed, but I could not accept not trying. It took some time, but I sent written correspondence to everyone within my current chain of command, all the way to the Sergeant Major of the Army, expressing my deep dismay at the way the remedial PT running event was structured and administered. I was ready to accept either no response or an outright dismissal of my concerns and that it could be a lengthy wait for any feedback.

However, to my astonished relief, I received word that the remedial PT running policy had changed, based on my communication and description of what was taking place. It was apparent that higher-ranking personnel were in agreement with my assessment of the situation.

My sorrow and shame instantly turned to pride, that I had followed my training and utilized the chain of command in order to effect this permanent change. It was a flawed decision that needed to be rectified, and I was the one who took a stand and conveyed what was needed, by bringing it to the attention of those in my chain of command. The results spoke for themselves.

Read the Military Memories of our Runner-Ups.