ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. -- Maj. Gen. Nick Justice gave his fellow U.S. Army officers an assignment -- to memorize and heed their promotion orders.
"How many of you can recite your last promotion order?" asked Justice, commanding general of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command. "You have a homework assignment. Memorize it. It has values in it that you should never forget. They are consistent through all 236 years of Army service."
Justice then recited the promotion order for Army officers, with emphasis on "trust."
"The President of the United States has reposed special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity, and abilities of NAME. In view of these qualities and his demonstrated potential for increased responsibility, he is therefore promoted in the Army of the United States from RANK to RANK."
Trust in fellow Soldiers is the foundation for success in every Army mission, Justice said to about 100 Army officers Dec. 16 at the Ball Conference Center as part of officer professional development.
Being an Army officer is not job, but a tremendous responsibility to the nation, he said.
"It asks you to go far beyond a job. We don't have time clocks in the Army for a good reason. We have a job to complete regardless of the allotted time, available resources and manpower," Justice said. "You are trusted to get that mission done at all costs at all times."
The Continental Congress' resolution that commissioned George Washington as commander of the Continental Army is the same as today's promotion orders, he said.
"Measure yourself on the trust and confidence that the nation has put in you. Measure yourself by your commitment to the Army," Justice said.
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