4 Ways to See the Big Picture Like the US Army

The United States Army is the largest of all the military branches in our country. In addition to assisting with ground combat actions, the Army is responsible for holding any areas we take and ensuring the construction of things like forward operating bases, hospitals, and more

If the Marines are the invasion specialists for the US military, the U.S. Army takes a long-term, big picture approach and figures out how to occupy enemy territory for strategic value or until the end of a conflict.

Since they're experts in big picture strategy, let’s take a look at what the U.S. Army does best, and see if we can implement some of these 4 tactics into our everyday lives:

4. Don’t Lose Sight of the End Goal

One of the biggest ways the U.S. Army manifests long-term, big picture thinking is by focusing on the end goal.

As mentioned, the Marines are usually focused on short-term goals like taking a single beachhead or knocking out a key enemy target.

The U.S. Army, on the other hand, is always focused on marching to victory in the long term. In your own life, you should take a page out of the U.S. Army’s book and never lose sight of your end goal when performing any action.

This can be particularly helpful if you need to know whether you should do a certain thing or not. Should you take an extra class in college? Do so if it will help with your long-term goal of getting a degree. Avoid it if it'll just be a waste of money.

3. Understanding Value

The U.S. Army has to manage millions of members and trillions of dollars’ worth of equipment. It understands value better than almost any other organization (except perhaps the Air Force and Navy). 

As a result, you should act like the Army when purchasing things or saving things. If an object has current value or will bring value to your life, purchase it or repair it. Valuable things stay valuable forever, at least if you look at things in a big picture way.

If it doesn’t have value, get rid of it. Many of us have way too much stuff cluttering our homes and garages these days, like unused car parts, old clothes, and so on. The U.S. Army never leaves anything to waste – you shouldn’t either.

2. Good Investments Are Never Wastes

It’s also crucial to understand the value of a true investment. The U.S. Army spends billions of dollars each year on new equipment, new tanks, and more. That might seem like a waste since we aren’t currently in a full-scale war with anyone.

But, these materials are investments. They will help to protect any U.S. Army members who do see action over the next decade. Therefore, they aren’t a waste even if they are expensive. The same holds true for things in your own life.

To give you an example, training courses and college programs can cost a bit, but will indeed be a good investment if you improve your marketable skills or health. A home is also expensive, but that’s an excellent investment as your home will gain value and give you somewhere to live. In a big picture sense, it provides financial security for you and your family.

1. Better Prepared Than Caught Off Guard

Part of the big picture approach lies in preparation, as well. The U.S. Army understands better than anyone else that it’s better to be prepared than caught off guard. There’s a reason why they buy so many tanks, after all! If there ever is a call for tank warfare, you can rest assured that the Army will be there with plenty to spare.

By the same token, it’s better to be prepared in your life, even if it costs money and time. Having a bug out bag in case of a disaster, for instance, is a great way to prepare for long-term possibilities or danger. Getting your finances in order opens up doors in your future. And being in peak physical condition sets you up for a healthy, happy, and well existence.

Ultimately, long-term thinking is core to the U.S. Army and it’s something you can emulate in your everyday life as you pursue your big picture goals.

Never be afraid to think big, as it’ll set you on your way to success with each small step you take forward.

Thanks for reading,  

Justin | Author