Does it matter if the statment is not exactly 400 words? I have ~250 words and have said almost everything I want to... will I be penalized for that?
T
Seeking my commission as an officer in the United States Navy was a critical decision in my life. The Navy has given me the opportunities to work with a myriad of people from every background imaginable. These great men and women have really had an impact on my development as a sailor and as a person. (Let's try to combine these sentences and make it punch.) "The great men and women of the navy have had an immesurable impact on my development as a sailor and person. Therefore I understand better than most that seeking a commission as a USN Officer is a decision that requires careful consideration.Through the Navy I have learned the meaning of honor, courage and commitment. I hope to teach others such values as an officer.
Being on the front line of the technical training chain has really shown me the importance and effect we as leaders have on young sailors and marines. We are given the opportunity and responsibility to instill the integrity and character that it takes to make the right choices in the most difficult circumstances. As leaders it is critical that we understand the needs of our shipmates so that we can motivate them, lead them, and retain them in our Navy so that they can in turn become our leaders of tomorrow.
Like the many of our Armed forces members, I came from modest beginnings and... Even though I lettered in 2 varsity sports and was active in my community, I lacked focus in my academics. (You could may downplay the lack of academics, and focus on how BigNavy helped you accomplish your academic goals. To that end, lose this sentence)
...The Navy became a catalyst for change in my life. I finished my “A” school as (an) “Honor Grad” and because of my exceptional academic and leadership performance during this time was advanced from E-1 to E-4. Unparalleled commitment (to) mission readiness led me to aggressively pursue my qualifications and helped distinguish me as an expert in my field . During two deployments in support of OEF and OIF (Consider your use of acronyms. They're obvious, but maybe not as professional as could be?) I gained invaluable leadership experience by overcoming diverse and challenging situations. (I think in this case, one solid, quantifiable example would be most pertinent. Either use the one right after this, or blend whatever you put with how you got your Master Training thing). As a Navy Instructor I once again rose above the standard and earned my Master Training Specialist qualification in record time. Through diligence and impeccable professional bearing I was able to ascend to the rank of E-6 in just six and a half years.
I have seen first hand the impact our training and leadership has on the future of our Navy. As a naval officer I look forward to making positive changes that will greatly improve operational readiness and contribute to a more functional and efficient fleet. Throughout my career I have consistently refused to accept anything less than excellence. I have no doubt that, if given the opportunity to serve, my service as a naval officer will exemplify (I wouldn't bold this in your final draft. The word itself stands out) our proud heritage and the highest standards of Navy tradition.
Hi all, I finally hacked away at my motivational statement and was looking for some criticism and discerning eyes... Thanks for all help you guys have been so far! This is 400 words on the nose by the way. -Mark
" My family experience and relationship with God have driven my aspiration to become a commissioned Officer in the US Navy. Unlike many people, I had the fortune of being born in a country where we are free due to the sacrifices of others before us. Over time I have recognized the real significance of what that means. Because of my volunteer work with Wings of Dreams and Fly-Drive-Ride for MS, I am fortunate enough to learn about this first hand from the veterans who lived those sacrifices. Having gotten such invaluable perspective, I feel like that beyond having been born on this soil and breathing this air, I have done nothing in particular to deserve such a blessing as being an American. I view commissioning as an Officer in the Navy as my chance to contribute to that history and to afford others the opportunities I have had in life.
I believe my grandfathers, both enlisted aircrew, unknowingly imparted that same aforementioned sentiment in me along with the core values they lived by. Those values, especially commitment, helped me endure being denied transfer to UF. Having since petitioned my way into the college, I have excelled with a 3.79 GPA and joined two honor societies. My grandfathers also took care of my brother and I as children and the time I spent with them has profoundly influenced my desire to serve. I would often venture into his closet, which stored aircrew helmets, uniforms, and souvenirs from VP-30 and VP-16 deployments. Often, he let me don his flight gear and uniforms, which I thought was just the most amazing feeling. He also shared photo albums with me pointing out slides of Neptunes and Orions. What I really saw in those photographs was the camaraderie and memorable experiences he shared with his shipmates. Something that to this day I doubt I could experience anywhere else. From that time as a kid in his room shuffling through photos, I knew in some way, some fashion, I wanted to lead such men and share similar experiences one day with my own family. Even now, I have a personal window into the sacrifices of those serving, as my brother is a Naval Flight Officer. I look at him and see everything I aspire to be. This has fueled my desire to serve as an Officer and become a small part of such an admirable history."
I wasn't sure if I should make an effort to make it more objective/acheivment oriented as much as really explain why I wanted to commission. Please let me know if I should think otherwise! Also, what type of formatting is recommended the Motivational Statement?
First post ever, do your worst.
Stats:
3.1 GPA International Relations
56/6/6/7
D1 Swimming
LOR: Swim coach, 2 professors ( 05 army)
Motivational statement :
Although I was never able to meet my grandfather, his career, as a Commander in the Navy has truly inspired me. The virtues of sacrifice, service, hard work and humility that my grandfather and the U.S. military Officer represent are the base strength of our nation. The opportunity to positively influence our society and defend our nation is among the greatest callings. In times of uncertainty and change, it is easy and fashionable to see shortcomings in our nation, but few are willing to put in the work to make this great nation better.(I would personally not discuss how it is easy and fashionable to see shortcomings in our nation. Reword the sentence and you could have something good that leads into the TR quote) Theodore Roosevelt said, “Nothing is worth doing unless it means effort, pain and difficulty”. The Navy has a venerable and impressive history of success in the most difficult and perilous pursuits. (came off to me sounding a little irrelivent, the people reading this know the history of the Navy and what it is all about)The Navy now and into the future requires leadership and teamwork, which as a Naval Officer; I would be honored to contribute.
In college, I have<--delete have pushed myself mentally at one of the most academically rigorous and challenging institutions nationwide? worldwide? statewide? most challenging institution for where??? while also pushing myself physically in 3 years of Division I swimming. During this time, I have been<--insert was recognized for my achievements both in the pool and in the classroom. This collegiate experience has established me as a leader on campus, in the community, and also helped me develope a vigorous work ethic along with a deep drive to succeed and overcome adversity. During freshman year I had trouble adjusting to the increased intensity of my academics and athletic commitments. Even with athletic success, my grades suffered and I failed to retain my academic scholarship. Despite this set back, I became more focused and disciplined in my studies. I achievied strong marks and convinced the administration to reinstate my scholarship. These combined experiences have allowed me to positively affect (Switched around the words) the University and the greater Boston community through various charity events.
For my entire life, the Navy and aviation have captivated me. As a young child, one of my earliest memories was my Christmas gift: of a Pan- Am airport. As my father worked for various commercial airlines, aviation became part of my life at a very young age. This childhood interest continued to grow after moving to Jacksonville due to its large naval community along with attending high school across the river and under the flight path of NAS Jacksonville. These combined experiences have shaped me as a person and have solidified my commitment to serve this nation.(The last sentence is good but there is something I just don't like about the second to last, try rewording it a bit.