When I was still at school, I was sent on a Junior Officer Training Course. I think it was at Catterick, but it could have been anywhere. A coach picked us up, and dropped us off; we didn't really know where we were.
It was a short course, maybe just 4 days; I don't remember.
Much of the course involved military matters, and I will never forget being told that Line one, of Chapter one, of the 'How to win Wars' book was 'Know your enemy, go in strong, go in hard'. I still often bore people with that phrase.
However, the other thing that often comes to mind was a lecture on how to be officer-ish in front of one's men. Apparently this didn't come naturally to some, so they needed to be taught.
An officer needs to command respect from his men, even if they don't agree with him. He should walk with a straight back at all times, look ahead, and adopt an aura of authority. At the same time he should never try to be 'superior'. His men should look up to him as a person worthy of respect.
One example we were given of the 'stiff back' approach, was when walking, and facing another approaching walker, never look away; keep your eyes focused directly ahead. It the person approaching defers his vision sideways or downwards it is a sign of submission/weakness. Whether this is true or not; I don't know.
I often think of this as I walk with Billy. The way people walk says a lot about them; especially men. I observe and wonder what impression they are trying to give; if any. I even wonder if they have given any thought to what impression their style of walk gives to others.
It's strange how certain things can stay with you throughout your life, even things as inconsequential as being taught 'how to walk'.
So, if you see an Army Officer walking straight-backed, and looking directly ahead, he probably went on the same course as me!
15 comments:
Many things are learned
When encountering a stranger you should also say "Halt, who goes there?"
I did think this was a bit excessive!
Now, there's a good idea!
On my morning walks I meet people, a little though, from now on I will pay attention to their walk because almost all of us served in the army here, and much of the character of our army, back then, was based on the tradition that the English left us. There were many drills and parades.
The Gendarmes are of course the military under another name... and we have a retired Colonel in the village and a retired local Chief of Police... both lovely guys but walk everywhere like men on a mission! Exactly as you describe, ramrod straight!
The colonel is also a superbly well groomed, natty dresser [as is his wife who looks as if she's an ex-model]....
But overall it is the way they walk.... not quite marching!
And, if the pavement is blocked, either people notice them approach and give/make way or, the colonel especially, has a way of leaving the pavement and remounting the other side without a break in step!!
Looks good and they both treat everyone as equals.... there must be the French equivalent lessons!
My hubby is retired Welsh Guards, he has the straightest back I know.
A good friend of mine was a Tank Commander in the Israeli army; but he doesn't walk like that.
Sounds like exactly how I was taught, although I didn't follow the advice.
I think it comes with the job!
As an ex shop manager even though I worked in a smart t-shirt and trousers, if I had to go onto the shop floor because a customer wanted to complain about something I would always grab my smart jacket and walk through the door towards them very tall and straight, and start talking to them before they could start ranting at me. It worked every time. If you show you are in control ... you are in control. I was never trained to do it though ... imagine how scary I would have been if I had been. ;-)
Well done; a perfect example. As you say 'take control'.
These are all great points and clearly they have stayed with you over the years.
It's funny how often I think about it. The human brain is a wonderful thing!
Tank Commanders aren't usually Ruperts. My NCO husband was a Commander
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