US ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE International Military Student Preparatory Course P910 English Writing Example

Essay Handout This handout includes a sample IMSPC essay, written by a student from a previous year, along with an example idea sheet, and an example outline. These documents are provided to help familiarize you with the essay writing process. You should NOT use these documents in your own writing - your work must be your own. You should NOT start writing your essay based on this example - the actual subject for this year's essay will not be assigned until tomorrow. IDEA SHEET The idea sheet is the product of a short brainstorming session on the subject of leaders. While this sheet was composed and printed by computer, you can work by hand on paper, on a whiteboard or butcher paper, or by any other method you are comfortable with. The important thing is to develop as many ideas as you can on the subject in order to help you determine exactly what it is you want to write. OUTLINE The example outline illustrates how an author might lay out an essay. You should develop a similar outline, supporting your own ideas, for your essay. You can use any numbering system you choose. Remember, this is a working document, so your outline may change as you write. SAMPLE ESSAY In the sample essay the three main elements, Introduction, Body, and Conclusion, have been boxed off and labeled. It is not necessary for you to do that for your essay, but all three elements must be present. As you read the essay, identify in your own mind the thesis statement, and for each paragraph in the body of the essay, identify the main point in the paragraph, and the supporting arguments the author makes.

P910-EW-AE1

EXAMPLE IDEA SHEET Subject-Leader Officer Respect Caring Influence Stamina Fairness Communicating Vision Disinterested Persuasion Conviction Firmness Personal example Inspiring Persuade Poorly trained Frightened Direct Incompetent Soldier Lead Competence Power Follow Experience Harsh Concerned Born or made? Honesty Knowledge Self Sacrifice Training Strength Openness Listening Courage Integrity Involved

Determination Organized Guide Weak Lazy Absent Model Stupid

This can be handwritten or done on the computer or a whiteboard. It can be freeform, as this example is, or a list, or any other format you wish. Note that not all the ideas on the sheet are positives. Sometimes negative ideas can be used to help formulate concepts or to clearly express them. Contrasting a negative and a positive aspect of the same idea can be an effective writing tool. Don't reject an idea simply because it is negative.

P910-EW-AE2

SAMPLE OUTLINE Thesis - In this essay I will discuss three lessons that I learned which I have tried to follow throughout my career. Body: A. Caring Leader 1. Soldiers are the reason for leaders 2. Caring for soldiers is all-encompassing 3. Leaders make a difference B. 1. 2. 3. C. 1. 2. 3. Lead by Example Exercise example Example inspired NCOs Positive feedback Meet conflict head-on Personality conflict Search for solution and good advice Resolution of conflict

Conclusion:

P910-EW-AE3

SAMPLE ESSAY - Put your name in the header on each page of your essay. LESSONS I LEARNED IN MY FIRST MILITARY ASSIGNMENT INTRODUCTION (not appear) Although the Canadian Infantry School does an excellent job of tactically preparing a young officer for his first command, there is always a sense of apprehension upon taking command. Will I measure up? Will they like me? Do I know what I am doing? These were the questions that were in the back of my mind when I assumed command of my first platoon. The lessons I learned from my first command are many and varied. In this essay I will discuss three lessons that I learned which I have tried to follow throughout my career.

BODY (not appear) Infantry officers, unlike most other services, exist to lead soldiers. Without the soldier the infantry officer would not be required, therefore taking care of soldiers has to be your primary concern. This was the first lesson my Company Commander drilled into all his new Platoon Commanders. He did not care how tactically competent we were (that would come with time), but he had "no time" for an officer who did not care for the soldiers under his command. I quickly found myself embroiled in all aspects of the lives of my Platoon members. I learned how important this was when I was thanked by a soldier for some assistance I had given to his family on a personal matter. It was then that I realized that my soldiers relied upon me for more than just orders, and I could make a difference in their lives. The second lesson that I learned was to always lead by example. This lesson was particularly brought home during my first Battalion Winter Exercise, in the harsh climate of Northern Canada. The weather was extremely cold and we had been advancing on foot, into a storm, all day long. In extreme conditions it is vital that soldiers maintain proper Winter Warfare discipline (which is difficult to do). Despite personal fatigue, whenever we stopped for a rest or tactical pause I made a point of moving up and down the platoon lines ensuring my soldiers were hydrated, taking care of their feet, and enforcing the buddy system. As a result of my checking, my NCOs also ensured the soldiers followed the proper precautions and we had no injuries. I was later commended by my

P910-EW-AE4

company commander for my conduct on the exercise, as my platoon was the only one without cold weather injuries in the company. The final lesson that I will discuss is one of meeting conflict head-on, regardless of how unpleasant. Personality conflicts arise at some points in time, and this occurred with one of my Platoon 2ics. I had already been in command for one year when I received a new 2ic. Soon after his arrival I left for a three month course, and upon my return I felt that he was trying to retain command of the platoon. The situation had certainly affected our relationship, and it was having a negative reaction on the platoon. After several months, and prior to a two month deployment, I discussed my problem with my Company Sergeant Major. He advised me to tackle the problem head on. Despite feeling uncomfortable, I confronted my 2ic and found (to my surprise) that he felt I was not supporting him properly. We recognized our mutual problem, and set upon a solution to resolve our differences, setting out clear expectations for each of us to follow. Although we never became personally close our professional relationship improved considerably, for the benefit of the Platoon. CONCLUSION (not appear) Throughout my career I have tried to follow the lessons I learned as a new Lieutenant. I consider taking care of my soldiers, setting a good example, and dealing with adversity head on are good rules for a leader to follow. These rules have served me well over the past 21 years, and will continue to do so.

P910-EW-AE5