How can I better manage myself, and not settle for "good enough", and how can I become great. The NCO Creed and NCO Charge were made so a Non-commissioned Officer would have a precise understanding of his responsibilities in the United States Army. They say nobody plans to fail just fails to plan. I believe that this is what I have failed to do. I neglected those responsibilities and disrespected the backbone of the United States Army. This is my understanding of how the NCO Creed and NCO Charge apply to this situation. A leader is someone who inspires others to make the right decisions when it may not be popular or easy. A leader does not commit intentional acts that make it difficult for subordinates to respect someone that has clearly humiliated himself and his position. A proud Non-commissioned Officer does not make irrational decisions of the very corps he is honored to be a part of. My actions were substandard when measured against this standard, pointed directly in the face of what any professional or leader strives to be. A professional does not waste his or anyone else's time spreading discontent and questioning leadership. Leaders do not put themselves in positions to have their professionalism, integrity or respect questioned. They become something larger that does not need the support of others to do what is right. Most importantly, a non-commissioned officer does not lose sight of or let something influence his moral compass. I neglected one of the key ties bringing both the NCO Charge and the NCO Creed together. The charge, "I am charged at all times with presenting an image of competency, integrity, and pride - The image of a Professional NCO," is very similar to the last paragraph of the NCO Creed. Both highlight professionalism which I directly link to personal honor. As a Non-commissioned Officer you can expect me to be a professional leader dedicated to taking care of soldiers, the mission, and the army way of life. You can expect me to use...