On Guard

The American military is in the news. Post Vietnam and before Desert Storm, most of us did not think much about the armed services. Now, the war in Iraq and American involvement in it is all anyone is talking about. One hot topic is how the men and women of the United States military are prepared for combat and for victory. Preparation and protocol is discussed, debated and argued by talking heads on television, radio and at public forums. In the interests of this column, I found an interesting parallel comparison by Family Matters founder, Dr. Tim Kimmell.

Kimmell states, "I am not going to go down the laundry list that makes up the biggest threats to your family. You should know them by now. If you cannot articulate them, then you might want to start running now; at least you can save yourself. But if you care about the people left in your charge, I thought you might benefit from the standing orders of those military men and women assigned to guard the perimeter."

Kimmell outlines "The General Orders of the Sentry". These instructions for military sentries are found in the Plebes Handbook, Reef Points, the US Naval Academy. He lists the points and then relates them to being a parent. They are good and they apply.

1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view. While we are on duty as Mothers and Fathers, we are to assume a position of leadership, keeping a good eye on everything and everyone in our care.
2.To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing. We are not to be mistaken for preoccupied, indulgent or "free-thinking" parents. We must pay attention!.
3.To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce. We do not do anyone any favors by ignoring the rules. Circumvented and flexible standards are useless and meaningless.
4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own. Everyone fares better when we keep the lines of communication open.
5. To quit my post only when properly relieved. For most, it is just before they embalm you.
6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me-of all orders from the commanding officer, officer of the day, and officers and non-commissioned officers of the guard only. The next generation will fare much better if we make sure they know what it takes to do their job well. I.E. A life well lived.
7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty. Beware of those who would distract you from doing what you know is best.
8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder. Do not worry about sounding foolish. Warn your teen of threats. Even if they choose to ignore you, at least they have no one to blame but themselves.
9. To call the commander of the relief in any case not covered by instructions. Pray, pray, pray!
10. To salute all officers, and all colors and standard not cased. Teach your children honesty, patriotism, respect and honor.
11. To be especially watchful at night and, during the time of challenging, to challenge all personnel on or near my post and to allow no one to pass without proper authority. Guard your children like a watch-dog. Question, inspect, assert and lead by example.

Just as American citizens are threatened by extremists who want to destroy our way of life, our way of life is also threatened by social and moral changes within itself. At the root of these threats sit people we love. America's children. As a parent we are called to duty, to vigilance and to courage. Kimmel calls us to hold our posts and think about others instead of ourselves. Adults in this society must surrender selfish interests and even disregard some of their own needs. Sacrifice is part of the commitment. And no matter what, "we grownups" must not turn tail and run.

Here's to the men and women who serve our country and lead by example. May God protect them and may our government find an effective and expedient way to bring them quickly back home. It's time.