By Noah Jager
When we wake up in the morning and put on the uniform, sometimes freshly pressed or other times rumpled and grabbed from a rucksack, we are expected to uphold the standards that come with our service. With the American flag strapped to one shoulder and our unit insignia to the other, we are not merely getting dressed; we are stepping into something bigger than ourselves.
But what happens when we continue our service outside of the uniform? Perhaps to pursue graduate studies, serve as liaison officers, or participate in broadening assignments. While the uniform may be folded away, we still represent the flag through our values, actions, and presence.
Upon graduating from West Point, I learned this firsthand while pursuing a master’s degree in War Studies at King’s College London. As one of only a few Americans in my program, I was surrounded by students from all corners of the world. They came from places like Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Brazil, Ukraine, India, China, and Australia, just to name a few.
While learning how to represent the U.S. Army in this environment, I came to understand a few key lessons that helped me carry our standards beyond the uniform. Although I hesitated to share these lessons, knowing I have much to learn, I offer them in the hope that they might resonate with others in a similar position.
Be Deliberate in Time, Action, & Presence
Without morning formations or daily deadlines, I quickly saw how easily time can slip away. After struggling to master a daily routine, I adapted to my new schedule by relying on a lesson many of us are taught early on in the military: plan backward. Whether it was setting aside time to complete course readings, work on essays, or just to grab a meal with colleagues, this routine kept me focused and reinforced daily self-discipline.
Additionally, in an environment where there was not an institutional emphasis on fitness, I learned the value of being deliberate in my training plans, goal setting, and presence. I found that by writing down weekly training splits and setting long-term milestones, such as running a marathon, these tools created a clear sense of direction and purpose. Without that structure, I experienced how training could easily become mundane and even unproductive.
When it came to maintaining a professional appearance, I came to recognize that one’s presence extended well beyond being well-shaved or having a proper fade. It meant showing up to class prepared, arriving on time, and actively participating; if I failed to do so, I risked signaling a lack of commitment and consideration for those in the room.
Embody the Army Values
Just as deliberate structure helped shape my days, I saw the importance of the Army’s values, particularly those of respect, integrity, and duty, in shaping my interactions. A pivotal moment came when two classmates of mine, a Taiwanese student and a Chinese student, erupted into a heated verbal exchange in Mandarin, during which one used a cultural slur. After working with others to calm the situation, I was reminded that respect means showing genuine care for another person’s background and listening to their perspective, even in moments of stark disagreement.
As for integrity, in an environment where beliefs and presumptions were often challenged, I recognized the importance of staying true to my Midwestern family roots and the principles instilled at West Point. I found that even in moments when my commitment to being a military officer was met with skepticism and stereotypes from students with differing perspectives, the values ingrained in me over the years provided a steady frame of reference to guide my actions and opinions. This experience reinforced to me that, no matter the time or setting, one’s principles can remain unwavering.
Finally, I came to see this time outside the uniform as a chance to grow into a more capable leader when it is on, working to fulfill my duty. I found that studying topics like the Russo-Ukrainian War and East Asian security was most valuable when I linked them to challenges I may face as an officer; a mindset that also encouraged me to step beyond my comfort zone. One such opportunity came during a project in which I joined a team tasked with briefing over 100 peers and a professional panel on NATO’s defense posture against Russia. While initially reluctant, the experience sharpened my communication skills, strengthened my confidence under pressure, and reinforced the value of embracing challenges to grow as a leader.
Lean on Mission Command Principles
While participating in group projects, I experienced how challenging it can be for teams to take on complex assignments when strong and differing perspectives persist. In these experiences, I learned that Mission Command Principles are a helpful guide for being a great teammate, even outside of the Army. In the academic environment, the principles of competence, shared understanding, and disciplined initiative proved particularly valuable.
In my first group project meeting, I thought completing the core readings was enough preparation. However, once the discussion began, it became clear I had not fully developed my own perspective; I could summarize the information but struggled to apply it. In this moment, I learned that competence requires more than meeting basic requirements; it demands mastering the material so it can be applied effectively, much like in the Army.
I also came to more fully recognize the value of a shared understanding. In some projects, I saw how conversations drifted off course or became dominated by unrelated issues when the group lacked a clear grasp of the assignment’s objectives. I recall one meeting in which we talked for nearly two hours before realizing we were not even addressing the research prompt. Moments like these reinforced the importance of clarifying the assignment’s purpose, identifying key objectives, and inviting others to share their perspectives early in the process, like planning development in the military.
Lastly, I experienced the importance of disciplined initiative, especially in moments of uncertainty or tension. In another project, which accounted for half of our grade, our assigned group leader unexpectedly dropped the course, leaving us without a clear group structure. After struggling to find direction and missing self-imposed deadlines, it became clear we needed to readjust our roles and scheduling. Applying disciplined initiative, I worked with the group to reorganize responsibilities and adjust our timeline, which helped us regain momentum and complete the project successfully.
Embrace the Journey
Just like everything in life, I have learned there will be ups and downs when continuing service outside of the uniform. Some days, I felt fully engaged in an academic debate, encouraged by a meaningful conversation, or energized by a breakthrough in my research. On other days, I struggled with assignments and missed the clarity and purpose that come from training in the field with fellow soldiers. But through it all, I learned to focus on the process more than the outcome. While the result was not always in my control, I saw how I could always control my attitude, effort, and the example I set for those around me.
Additionally, I came to value developing skills outside the uniform to strengthen the leader I will be when I put it back on. Beyond grades or a diploma, I found fulfillment in building strategic thinking through analyzing modern conflicts, coordinating across cultural differences, and exercising peer leadership as a student representative. Challenges such as leading without a rank structure, maintaining consistent time management, and staying composed under criticism pushed me to grow as a person and reinforced the importance of the principles that we strive to uphold in the Army.
Finally, I learned firsthand that even when the uniform is folded away, the responsibility of upholding its standards remains. I came to understand that each interaction I had might be someone’s only experience with the military, a moment that can leave a lasting impression of our Armed Forces. That is why our commitment does not end when the uniform comes off; in many ways, that is when it matters most. I hope the lessons in this essay offer a small glimpse into service outside the uniform and encourage fellow servicemembers to represent it to the best of their ability, even when it is not on.
Noah Jager is a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. As a Rotary Global Scholar, he is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in War Studies at King’s College London. Upon completing his master’s degree, Noah will serve as an Infantry Officer posted to the 101st Airborne Division.
