Sooner, a yell to American youth

“The Transformation of America's Youth

By MICHAEL VANE TIMES-DISPATCH GUEST COLUMNIST
Published: February 21, 2010

If you've ever wondered about America's youth and the future generation, let me put this doubt to rest. Our nation's future is in capable hands. How do I know?

Recently, I attended an Army basic combat training graduation ceremony in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. The sight alone was uplifting and enough to inspire. And this is coming from a professional military officer with 35 years of active-duty service. The young men and women in uniform, representing all 50 states and many of the U.S. territories, beamed with pride as they sang, chanted, and marched on stage -- looking sharp and in step.

Their self-confidence and motivation were clearly discernible. They were very proud of themselves and their accomplishments. To top it off, they still couldn't believe that nine weeks prior to Army basic combat training, most of them had just graduated from high school and were wondering about their futures.

Leaving friends and family for the challenges and rigors of military service is no small matter. But these were not the same kids who left their familiar neighborhoods. These were now men and women who had undergone a transformation.

The transformation of America's youth after undergoing military basic training is still a remarkable social phenomenon. Their newly found sense of self-confidence, individual knowledge, and physical strength came from having been challenged physically and mentally from early mornings, long days, and late nights.

During their nine-week journey of transformation, they learned how to work together as a team. Under the demanding, watchful, and caring eyes of professional drill sergeants, they overcame doubts and inner fears by engaging confidence obstacle courses, performing rigorous physical training, qualifying in basic rifle marksmanship, and familiarizing themselves with automatic weapons and hand grenades.

They strained and persevered to achieve individual personal bests. Their bodies and minds were pushed to new limits -- and then pushed some more. They developed basic leadership skills, accepted responsibility, and took ownership for their actions.

They were also instilled with Army values -- values that create a sense of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. In short, high school kids were now young men and women -- leaders of character.

They were Soldiers.

But what was truly uplifting and gratifying was that it was not just me that noted this transformation. As the graduates stood straight and at attention, many of the 250 proud parents, relatives, and friends attending the graduation of the 150 soldiers were overheard to say, "I can't believe this is my son (or daughter) -- he's a different person!"

Or, "Oh my gosh, that can't be my grandson, Bobby" -- or "granddaughter, Sally!" For many, it was the first time their children addressed them with "Yes, sir," or "No, ma'am."

Did I mention that the transformation includes a newly instilled sense of respect for themselves and others? Yes, a heightened level of discipline and respect is included in the transformation. But Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., is not the only place this happens.

Events like this occur at the other basic training sites in Fort Knox, Ky., Fort Jackson, S.C., Fort Benning, Ga., and Fort Sill, Okla.

America's youth -- the sons and daughters of our nation -- still answer the call of service to country. It is a longstanding tradition for more than 234 years.

They have also willingly accepted the risks and challenges of their decisions and the reality of combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. But I know our nation is being well served by those proud youth. They are serving selflessly, courageously, and will continue to serve us for generations to come.””