During my 34-year military service, I’ve had numerous assignments that involved extensive writing, often in front of a computer screen. These assignments spanned across military units and commands that I have served such at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Headquarters Philippine Army (HPA), the former Headquarters Southern Command (Southcom), the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID), Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and even in my foreign deployment under the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
As I progressed in my career and assumed more senior roles, I essentially took on the responsibility of editing written outputs submitted by my subordinates. In the military, writing tasks are inevitable for officers at every level. Even lieutenants were tasked with drafting operational plans, orders, spot reports, progress reports, and after-battle and accomplishment reports. The demands of writing only intensified as one climbed the ranks, with senior officers like me often overseeing and refining the written work of cohorts, colleagues and subordinates.
In the realm of military service, the ability to write well is not just a valuable skill—it is an indispensable tool for success in a progressive military career. As someone who has served in various capacities, including as the head of plans and research branch of the army’s human resource office for more than 3 years where drafting military policies, plans, and staff studies were core functions, I can attest to the critical role that writing plays in effectively fulfilling responsibilities and achieving objectives.
First and foremost, writing well is essential for clear communication. In the military and in the army in particular, clarity and accuracy are paramount, whether conveying orders, formulating strategies, or articulating policies. A poorly written directive can lead to confusion, misinterpretations, and potentially dire consequences on the battlefield or in mission planning. Therefore, the ability to express ideas succinctly, logically, and persuasively is essential for ensuring that messages are understood and acted upon appropriately.
Moreover, writing serves as a means of documentation and record-keeping in the military. From operational plans and intelligence reports to after-action reviews and historical accounts, written documents play a crucial role in preserving institutional knowledge, documenting decisions, and evaluating past actions. Accurate and comprehensive writing ensures that information is recorded accurately and can be referenced and analyzed for future planning and learning.
Furthermore, writing well enhances credibility and professionalism. In a field where precision and attention to detail are valued, the ability to produce polished and error-free written work reflects positively on one’s competence and reliability. Whether drafting policy documents, briefing materials, or speeches, well-crafted writing commands respect and fosters trust among colleagues, superiors, and subordinates alike.
Beyond its practical applications, writing also fosters critical thinking and analytical skills. The process of organizing thoughts, synthesizing information, and articulating complex ideas forces writers to clarify their own thinking and deepen their understanding of the subject matter. In the military, where decision-making often hinges on careful analysis and strategic planning, the ability to think critically and express ideas effectively is invaluable. In my previous roles as the head of plans and research branch and chief, operations branch writing was not just a task; it was a cornerstone of my responsibilities. Whether drafting military policies to guide decision-making, developing operational plans to achieve tactical objectives, or crafting speeches to inspire and motivate the audience, the quality of my writing directly influenced the success of our missions and the effectiveness of our commanders.
Proficiency in writing is also paramount for success in military courses like the Command and General Staff Course (CGSC) and master’s degree programs. Effective communication through writing is indispensable for articulating complex ideas, analyzing strategic scenarios, and presenting well-reasoned arguments on your CGSC Commandant’s Paper, academic turn-ins and master’s thesis. In these rigorous academic settings, the ability to craft clear, concise, and persuasive written documents is not just beneficial but essential.
My final takeaway: The importance of writing well in the military cannot be over-emphasized. From facilitating clear communication and documentation to fostering critical thinking and enhancing service reputation, writing serves as a linchpin of success in mission accomplishment and leadership roles. As someone who has experienced firsthand the impact of effective writing in the military, I am extremely aware of its significance and value, and I continue to prioritize the development and refinement of this essential skill in all aspects of my professional endeavors.