Philson Tavernier leads by example to keep others ready

Philson Tavernier leads by example to keep others ready

Many people from sports, business and the military have served in leadership positions. When you look at these leaders, the ones who don't just use their words have the most respect, admiration and loyalty. They lead with their actions.

Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Philson Tavernier, U.S. Army, works to be a leader who is followed and revered for his actions and example, rather than just giving orders. He wants to be recognized as a leader not only when he is heard, but even when he is seen. He works to look the part. He renews this commitment every day.

“That’s one of my main philosophies,” Tavernier said. “I think credibility goes a long way.”

Tavernier made this point about fitness in particular, but it could be applied to all aspects of his life. The husband and father sees himself as a leader both in his career and in raising his daughter.

“I think it’s important that we have credibility and that we model the behavior that we expect from those we train.”

Tavernier was born in the Caribbean on a small island called Dominica and spent much of his childhood before moving to New York City as a teenager. He admitted that he did not have the leadership qualities that he is proud of today.

“I got into a lot of trouble, following the wrong people and doing things I shouldn't have done,” Tavernier recalled. "I found myself on the wrong side of law enforcement, and that wasn't good. I actually had to look at myself in the mirror and ask myself what I was doing. What was my goal?"

When he asked himself this question in the mirror, he had to follow it up with action. That's why he decided to do military service after graduating. He was a first-generation service member, so he knew very little about what he was signing up for. He just knew it was the right move for him at this time in his life.

"The recruiter asked me what I wanted to do. I said, 'I don't know. Shoot cannons and drive big trucks. Sounds like what soldiers do," he said with a laugh. “The rest is history.”

He described his transition from citizen to soldier as “relatively easy.” It certainly surpassed previous jobs he had, such as working at a delivery service on a bike, where he revealed he was hit by a taxi or a bus several times. Tavernier originally entered because he wanted to support himself financially through college while pursuing his passion for art. He enjoyed working on graphic designs and drawing. However, he made the service his full-time career and has now dedicated over 26 years of his life to the country he calls home. Tavernier, who is currently stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, is both happy and proud of his career so far.

"It was fun."

Philson Tavernier shared that over 60% of soldiers who join the Army go through Fort Jackson for training. This means that he has direct influence on more than half of the soldiers who will later play a key role in protecting freedom.

One component of his career and life that has served as an anchor for him is fitness. In addition to his usual physical training, he also trains with weights several times a week. A commitment to being his best physical self has been an integral part of his success in both his career and his entire life.

“I've always been physical growing up and that's a part of it that I'm proud of, whether it was running, basketball or soccer, I've always tried to get involved in anything that has to do with physical activity because physical activity really motivates me.”

As he would learn upon enlistment, joining the military requires a different level of training. He described the training as a marathon, not a sprint.

"It's a total fitness mindset, and if you think you're going to be there long-term and don't condition yourself properly, you're in for something else."

Many people see training as a prerequisite for the job or as a must. Tavernier excels at fitness as he does in his career because of his mindset.

“I see it as a way of life,” he said. "It's about body, mind and soul. "If you can commit yourself to staying physically fit, that also ties into the mental aspect. It comes down to individual discipline."

Philson Tavernier is now working to not only defend freedom now, but also to prepare future members of the armed forces. He is taking part in the preparation course for future soldiers in the army. According to the U.S. Army's website, the program is designed to "prepare recruits heading into initial military training to meet or exceed (its) rigorous standards." As someone who was once a citizen who made this transition himself, Tavernier sees it as his duty and privilege to help these future heroes become the best they can be.

“That was one of my most important tasks,” explained Tavernier. “It gave me the opportunity to shape the future of not only this person, but our nation.”

While he is obviously happy when someone chooses to make service a full-time, lifelong career, he even sees the benefits in helping someone who chooses to serve even for a short time.

"They may just do three years and get out. The values ​​we instill in these young children are the values ​​that will bring them back to our society and make our nation and the world a better place."

Programs like the FSPC are critical to recruiting and maintaining a strong military, which has been an all-volunteer movement since 1973. There have been rumors that standards are being lowered or being lowered to maximize the number of future recruits, but Tavernier confirms this is not the case. Norms arenotis lowered. They work to make citizens achieve the high standards. This applies to both the ASVAB test and physical fitness.

“They are in a controlled environment where we educate them about the importance of eating right and exercising.” he revealed. "We have instructors that teach them some of the basic math and English skills that they need to actually pass the (ASVAB) exam. This gives them a better opportunity to feel more comfortable."

Because our nation needs future heroes and all the benefits that can come with serving in the Army, Tavernier offers his hand, which he hopes others will accept, as an invitation to join and reap all the benefits he has seen firsthand. In his eyes, as in many others, there is nothing greater than playing a role in protecting freedom and serving our nation and the people within it.

“I strongly encourage anyone who is concerned to raise their right hand and serve,” he shared. “It is a privilege and an honor that we should take advantage of.”

To learn more about the FSPC, you can visit the US Army website or contact Fort Jackson for more information.

Follow Philson on Instagram @philsontavernier_