From the Classroom to the Battlefield: My Unforgettable Journey as a Teacher in the US Army Infantry

Teaching is often described as one of the noblest professions, where educators have the power to shape the minds of future generations. As a dedicated teacher, I had always believed that my purpose was to guide and enlighten young minds within the confines of a classroom. Little did I know that my passion for teaching would one day lead me on an unexpected journey into the gritty world of the US Army Infantry. In this article, I will share my personal experiences and the valuable life lessons I gained during my time as a teacher-turned-serviceman.

My Initial Journey as an Educator

Like many aspiring teachers, I embarked on my teaching career armed with a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of students. I believed that through education, I could empower the youth and mold them into responsible individuals. For several years, I dedicated myself to inspiring young minds, refining my teaching techniques, and creating a positive learning environment. However, I began to feel a growing sense of restlessness and a need for a different kind of challenge.

A Twist of Fate

It was during this period of self-reflection that I stumbled upon an intriguing opportunity – joining the US Army Infantry. The thought of venturing into a completely different world filled with discipline, physical challenges, and the chance to serve my country awakened a sense of adventure within me. After much contemplation, I decided to take a leap of faith and embark on this extraordinary journey.

Squared Away: One Teacher's Journey Into the US Army Infantry

by Stephen P. Millett (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	349 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Basic Training: A Shock to the System

My transition from the classroom to the military was an abrupt and stark one. Basic training brought on physical and mental challenges that I had never experienced before. From mastering combat tactics to enduring rigorous physical fitness training, every day was a grueling test of determination and resilience. The training instilled a sense of discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to think quickly on my feet – all skills that proved to be invaluable later on.

Adapting the Teaching Skills

Surprisingly, my teaching experience was not entirely obsolete during my time in the Army Infantry. I discovered that the ability to effectively communicate information and inspire others to perform their best played a crucial role in my new environment. Whether it was educating my fellow soldiers on proper weapon handling or leading training sessions, I found that my teaching background allowed me to connect with others on a deeper level and facilitate their learning.

Leadership and Responsibility

One of the most profound changes I experienced was in terms of leadership and responsibility. As a classroom teacher, my role was primarily to guide and instruct, but in the Army Infantry, the responsibility of leading and mentoring soldiers weighed heavily on my shoulders. I quickly learned the importance of leading by example, making quick and informed decisions, and taking responsibility for the well-being of my team. These skills were not only crucial in achieving our mission objectives but also in fostering a sense of camaraderie and trust amongst my fellow soldiers.

The Aftermath: Carrying Lessons for Life

After completing my service in the Army Infantry, I returned to the education field with a renewed sense of purpose and a heightened set of skills. My time in the military had not only enhanced my ability to adapt to new situations and handle pressure but also broadened my perspective on life. I realized the significance of resilience, discipline, and the importance of pushing oneself beyond perceived limits. By incorporating these invaluable life lessons into my teaching, I found that I could make an even greater impact on the lives of my students.

My journey from a teacher to a soldier and back again was a transformative experience that I will never forget. It taught me the true meaning of adaptability, leadership, and the ability to overcome challenges both big and small. Although seemingly worlds apart, the synergy between teaching and the US Army Infantry showed me that education extends far beyond the walls of a classroom. Whether it is instilling knowledge or preparing individuals for life's obstacles, both professions share a common goal – shaping lives and creating a better tomorrow.

Squared Away: One Teacher's Journey Into the US Army Infantry

by Stephen P. Millett (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	349 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	267 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Squared Away is a non-fiction memoir about a former high school teacher’s enlistment in the US Army Infantry at the age of thirty-nine. A surprising applicant for the military, Stephen enlisted in 2010, and attended Infantry Basic Training. His memoir describes what it was like joining the Army at a time of war, what it took for him to complete the difficult Infantry training, and what it was like serving in Afghanistan in 2012.
Stephen’s memoir tells the story of his service with funny twists and turns that make Squared Away a genuine and heartfelt exploration of service. This book is fast-paced and accessible and will surely entertain any reader. Starting with an infamous “Shark Attack” this memoir pulls in the audience from the first chapter.
Squared Away has twenty-four vignettes that comprise the chapters of the memoir. Each one details a different, humorous event and works within the larger context of what it means to serve America in uniform with brutal honesty, conviction, and care. In the book we meet a merry band of characters including sadistic drill sergeants, high-speed recruits, and hapless teenagers far from home.
Stephen deployed at forty-one years old as an Infantryman to Afghanistan with the 4th Infantry Division, 4th Brigade Combat Team, from Fort Carson, Colorado. His unit was deployed near the Pakistani border in a time of chaos in the region. Part humorous account of Basic Training and part examination of what it takes to serve in uniform, Squared Away is a first-hand account of surviving in the military. It is Full Metal Jacket meets One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.

Email Contact:
Stephen P. Millett: [email protected]