Photo By Spc. Tynisha Daniel | A Soldier's Soldier, the United States Army Reserve Command Training and Operations...... read more read more
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FORT BRAGG, N.C. – It’s a fact, less than one percent of the American population has ever served in the Army. But what does it mean to be a Soldier? Is a Soldier tough? Is a Soldier smart? Is a Soldier flexible? Yes! A Soldier is all of that and more according to the U.S. Army Reserve Command’s top noncommissioned officer of operations and training.
He doesn’t just preach it; he embodies it. A Soldier is a motivating leader, student, mentor and teacher, said Sgt. Major Paul J. Klikas, the U.S. Army Reserve training and operations sergeant major. “If my uniform is incorrect or I am doing something wrong, it’s your job as a Soldier to correct me,” he said.
Klikas is now serving as the commander of the U.S. Army Reserve 2016 Best Warrior Competition for his second and final time. As the top NCO for BWC, Klikas has displayed his leadership during the event.
Merriam-Webster defines a leader as a person who has commanding authority or influence. To be an effective leader your influence must come from experience.
“If you’re a noncommissioned officer or an officer that has removed yourself from what it (was like) to be that private first class or a specialist, then you’re failing yourself and your Soldiers,” Klikas said.
In order to lead, subordinates must be motivated to follow. That happens when Soldiers lead by example.
During the BWC, Klikas made sure to be a part of every event. He was motivating the Warriors, cadre and support staff everyday to drive on and complete the mission, regardless of the situation.
“We’ve been hot, cold, sweaty and tired but the support of the cadre feels good and makes us want to go harder,” said Spc. Justin B. Ruzicka, currently the 11th Aviation Command Soldier of the Year from Conroe, Texas. “Even the sergeants major are out here.”
Klikas has been both a trainer and sponsor for Warriors in the past.
“When you can recall events like receiving your first specialist pin, and first achievement ribbon or attending your first promotion board, it allows you to be affective with the Soldiers you’re leading,” said Klikas.
To pass along his leadership, lessons learned and experiences for others to follow, Klikas is writing a book entitled “Too much to tell” where he will include what he has seen and experienced throughout his military career. “I have been seriously working on this book for the last six months,” said Klikas. It is his goal to begin reaching out to publishers in the fall of this year.
Klikas, who is a leader, motivator and teacher said, No matter your rank, you can never forget where you started and what it means to be a Soldier.
| Date Taken: | 05.05.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2016 18:48 |
| Story ID: | 197459 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 738 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
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