Understanding Aggressive Action & Its Impact On A Community
|
While studying at the University of South Carolina, I have served on multiple humanitarian missions, including hurricane, flood and COVID-19 relief missions. These experiences paired with the classes I took at the university have taught me to focus on how government action, use of the military, and certain policies can positively impact those most vulnerable, especially people living in poverty. However, one perspective I had not yet considered was the negative impact that government action, use of the military, and certain policies could have on the public.
In my sophomore year at the University of South Carolina, Fall of 2021, I signed up for POLI 416, Revolution and Political Violence. We discussed heavily about terrorism and civil unrest as well as key factors that could lead to political unrest and eventually political violence. In class I focused on political violence in Colombia as well as the Police and Security Force’s involvement in protest and riot control. As we researched our countries and assigned areas we were tasked with making a policy brief, referencing the papers that we read in class, on how to combat political violence within the area. The title of my policy brief was Colombian Protest: Deadly But Beneficial. The policy brief summarized how the National Police of Colombia and Colombian Security Forces potentially caused more harm than if they were not mobilized. Additionally, if citizens have the right to peacefully protest it delegitimizes terror and militant groups who have the same political goals but engage in political violence. The recommendation made in my policy brief was to protect citizen's rights to protest against inequality and economic issues. This gives those facing inequality a platform to speak on as well as mitigates any death or brutality that may be caused by police and military action. Additionally, terror organizations and militant groups in the area are not given the opportunity to capitalize on the government’s brutality and so are weakened. In short, my recommendation was to support and empower the public as often as possible and limit any harsh policies that could intimidate the public. 
Urban Environment with Civilian Presence
|
CST 2023
This theory came into play while I was training at Fort Knox Kentucky. ROTC Cadets attend Cadet Summer Training (CST), at Fort Knox, in order to assess and commission into the United States Army. While at CST I conducted several Field Training Exercises, to gauge my leadership potential, critical thinking skills and interpersonal tact. On one mission in particular I was the Platoon Leader and was assigned to ambush an opposing force in the area of operation. The recommendation was to initiate the ambush on and destroy a commonly used bridge to limit the enemy’s freedom of maneuver and limit their Quick Reaction Force. Instead, I requested to move our ambush 200 meters north of the objective in order to save the bridge. When asked why I referenced my POLI 416 course. The aggressive action to destroy an essential bridge in an area with a massive civilian presence would give legitimacy and an opportunity to recruit to the opposing forces. Additionally, if we choose to destroy the only way civilians can get to work and home and potentially injure or kill a civilian in the process, the long term effects far outweigh the short term benefit of temporary security on the objective.
While at CST, there were multiple missions where the theories I learned in POLI 416 led to the mission’s success. Another mission that was conducted was an ambush. After the mission was completed, we were able to make contact with friendly civilians, establish relationships and obtain our Priority Intelligence Requirements, key information from the civilians, which was invaluable not only for my platoon but for adjacent units. |
My platoon did very well overall as we had multiple Cadets be awarded the RECONDO badge, earn the title of Distinguished Military Graduate (top 10% of the nation), and hold multiple leadership positions for our Regiments graduation. Personally, I was awarded the RECONDO badge, was a Distinguished Military Graduate, was the Bravo Company Commander of Troops at our graduation (pictured), and assessed as 26th out 5671 Cadets on the 2023 National Order of Merit List. I will continue to use the theories I learned in POLI 416, that were reinforced at Fort Knox, while I serve as an Army Officer. I will make every effort to support and empower the people I serve and protect, always cognizant of both the positive and negative impact of my decisions.
Artifacts
CST 2023 PHOTOS
POLI 416: Colombian Protest
CST 2023 PHOTOS
POLI 416: Colombian Protest
| CST 2023 PHOTOS |
| POLI 416: Colombian Protest |