Be a Professional, Not a Participant

When I first arrived at Ranger Regiment, I was just a kid. I didn’t truly understand training—I only trained because my senior NCOs told me to. It wasn’t until later in my career that I recognized the real difference between those I looked up to and those who simply survived.

A professional is someone who goes beyond the 9–5. They do the daily tasks to get better. For them, it never stops. Those were the men I wanted to emulate.

As I grew older and sought to improve myself, I had to look outside. I started competing in USPSA while I was a young team leader. At first, I showed up cocky—thinking, I’m a Ranger. Of course I’m a good shooter. These guys can’t be better than me. That illusion didn’t last long. I was humbled quickly, getting beaten by a plumber and a 16-year-old girl.

That experience taught me a powerful lesson: we are not the best at everything. Humility is the one answer to all your training questions. If you’re not the best at something, find the person who is—and learn from them.

In our profession, we are generalists. We have to be good at many things. But true growth comes from admitting when you don’t have it all figured out. My journey into competitive shooting was humbling, but it forced me to learn, adapt, and evolve.

The truth is simple: never rest on your laurels. Never believe you’re the best just because of where you come from. Competence is only rented, and the rent is due every day.

That applies to fitness. It applies to shooting. It applies to life.

Humility and the willingness to learn will take you further than any badge, tab, or title. The moment you think you’ve got it all figured out—it’s over.