I Mark Dale Wyrick II do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.
I have officially joined the United States Army as an Officer Candidate. I report to the processing station to ship to my training location 11/24 at 0500. I will be in training and schools for the next 25 weeks at Ft. Benning, GA.
I know that this may be suprising news and I understand that many people will question why I want to be an officer in the Army. I have many reasons, among those are career aspirations, overall excitement and duty that I feel. This decision is hard for most people to understand. I do not expect you to feel the same way, because very few people do. (Those people are serving in the military)
As part of the difficult selection process for Officer Candidate School, I was asked to write a page letter stating why I want to be an Army Officer. I would like for everyone to read this letter. Although, the letter may sound idealistic. This is truly how I feel.
Answering the question of why I want to be an Army officer is complicated and complex. First off, it’s not for money, not for respect from my peers, nor is it a quest to find myself.
My desire to become an officer originates from a respect for other people and a love for my family that motivates me to serve. So, why serve in the Army and not perform some other means of service? I believe the Army provides an important service to our nation by defending and protecting the Constitution. This service allows people the opportunity to enjoy their freedom in safety. Everyone deserves to live their life with freedoms and security. I believe there are some things so important that we must defend them. Our liberty, safety and freedom are those things. I want to make a difference in this world and I want to ensure that my family and future generations can benefit from the safety and freedom I enjoy.
So, why do I want to be an Army officer? I want the opportunity to lead men dedicated to serving their country, men who regardless of their reasons for joining are willing to serve in a way few people will choose. I want to be a leader among the chosen few. I want my example and efforts to be an influence for good. I know that I can make a difference in this world and I am willing to lead other brave men to do likewise.
I am also excited and enticed by the opportunities to learn and grow through the training and experiences being an officer in the Army will present. I look forward to a long career full of challenges, camaraderie and benefits that will be presented, along with the prospect for promotions and advancement in a career with the Army.
I don’t expect many people to understand why I want to be an officer. If I had to give a short answer, it is that I think serving is the right thing for me. I feel strongly that protecting and defending our freedom is essential to creating a better world. I want to be part of this work building a better, safer future.
Sincerely,
Mark Dale Wyrick II
Of course I have additional reasons relating to career advancement and training but those are really secondary to my desire to serve.
Anyone with questions feel free to ask me. I will still be around for a couple of weeks and would love to tell you about my experience thus far.
