Armour, James, CSM

PLEASE DESCRIBE WHO OR WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION TO JOIN THE ARMY.
I grew up in a small town in southern Illinois where I did the normal things of any young person during that era. After high school, I went to college on an academic scholarship, but unfortunately shortly after attending school I was involved in a terrible car accident. I tried attending school thereafter but it just didn't work out for me. I got a job, had a girlfriend, but was not happy with how my life was turning out. The Vietnam War had begun and I felt a patriotic duty to enlist.

One day I went to our local post office where I saw a life-size poster of a Military Policeman. It was then that I decided to try to enlist as an MP. I qualified for induction with a contract to go to MP school, the rest is history. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would serve for over 26 years in the Army.

WHETHER YOU WERE IN THE SERVICE FOR SEVERAL YEARS OR AS A CAREER, PLEASE DESCRIBE THE DIRECTION OR PATH YOU TOOK. WHERE DID YOU GO TO BASIC TRAINING AND WHAT UNITS, BASES OR SQUADRONS WERE YOU ASSIGNED TO? WHAT WAS YOUR REASON FOR LEAVING?
I became a Military Policeman, and my first assignment was in Kaiserslautern, Germany, K-town as it was called, which was also considered "Sin City" back then. We had the largest concentration of US Forces in that area which resulted in lots of action for an MP. It was here that I learned my MP skills. It was also here that I met the woman who would be my life-long companion.

I thought my path would continue in the police operations aspect of the Military Police Corps but that would change after I was selected to become a Drill Sergeant. After this experience, the rest of my career was secured in being a "leader of soldiers." That was my niche, and I truly enjoyed mentoring and teaching young men and women the art of soldiering. I also enjoyed the fact that for over 10 years of my career I represented the enlisted soldiers in whatever unit I was in. I received great satisfaction in knowing that what I did had an impact on so many soldiers. Despite the hardships at hand and the fact that I had a heart attack at the young age of 42, I continued to persevere as a senior Non-Commission Officer.

IF YOU PARTICIPATED IN ANY MILITARY OPERATIONS, INCLUDING COMBAT, HUMANITARIAN AND PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, PLEASE DESCRIBE THOSE WHICH MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON YOU AND, IF LIFE-CHANGING, IN WHAT WAY?
I missed going to Nam by one week after AIT.

However, my time would come in 1970 when I got orders for Vietnam. I was a Sergeant then, but I don't think I was fully prepared to go to a combat zone at that time. I concentrated on knowing as much as I could about weapons, first-aid and physical fitness. I believed that all of these would help me to survive the experience that I was about to receive.

Fortunately for me, I was assigned to Qui Nhon, working for my former First Sergeant. We ran the Military Police station in Qui Nhon where I became an expert in evidence procedures and physical security. I was often sent to places to check security and/or upgrade the local MP station's evidence procedures. I often assisted with the MP operational aspect of local law enforcement and at one time I was the Operations Sergeant over all the MP operations in Qui Nhon and our subordinate MP stations in Phu Tai, LZ English, and Phu Cat. I did this as a Sergeant E-5, performing duties of a Sergeant First Class E-7 position. I received a "blood stripe" promotion to Staff Sergeant E-6 shortly before my departure back to the states. That deployment represented lots of work, under trying circumstances, with tons of responsibility but I got it quick, learned fast, and survived the attacks.

In Dec 88, our combat MP Battalion deployed to Panama, which was then considered a "hostile fire zone." Our mission was to provide security for the American dependents there and to assist in the security of US Forces personnel on the ground. During our tour, we nearly went to war with the Popular Defense Forces of the Noriega-led regime on two occasions. After 4 months of near misses, we were relieved by the 720th MP Bn from Ft. Hood. Personally, it had been just 6 months since I underwent open-heart surgery where I received a triple bypass. Most thought I was crazy to deploy, but I felt it necessary to be with my soldiers. I trained them, now I was going to lead them.

In April 1991 we deployed MP forces to Northern Iraq to provide security in the Northern Fly Zone in support of Operation Provide Comfort. We set up operations in the deserted city of Zahko, Iraq. From here we provided security for the city and outlying roadways. Over time we assisted in the settlement of Iraqi refugees in safe havens near Zahko. Once gaining the trust of the Kurds in that area, we convinced them to return to their cities. As the senior enlisted MP in the Northern Zone, I worked very hard to ensure the safety and security of my personnel. Additionally, I performed the duties as the Headquarters Commandant, attending to the needs of my soldiers. It was a difficult job, with lots of challenges, but ingenuity and perseverance won the day.

During Desert Shield/Storm, our unit provided major security efforts for US Army, Europe to counter possible terrorist attacks. It was then that US Army Infantry forces were sent to Germany to support our security efforts. This was the first time that Infantry forces were under the operational control of a Military Police Brigade since "Tet 68" in Vietnam.

DID YOU ENCOUNTER ANY SITUATION DURING YOUR MILITARY SERVICE WHEN YOU BELIEVED THERE WAS A POSSIBILITY YOU MIGHT NOT SURVIVE? IF SO, PLEASE DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME.
There were many situations while performing MP duty in Germany that became very scary. Vietnam and Panama had a few scary moments as well. Also, the sight of deceased people, whether it be from MP duty or combat operations had an effect on me as well...children mostly. It has been difficult to "hold in," these visions and memories, plus now that I am a senior citizen these moments return more often when prompted by viewing extremely sensitive events on the TV or in movies. Recently, I have seen a doctor to talk about all of this...VA asked for it.

So now I am in a higher rating as a result of PTSD. Am thankful that I survived and be able to care for my family all these years.

OF ALL YOUR DUTY STATIONS OR ASSIGNMENTS, WHICH ONE DO YOU HAVE FONDEST MEMORIES OF AND WHY? WHICH WAS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
Served in Berlin twice. Each time was a super time for us.

On the first tour, I was an MP investigator and worked with the German Customs, French Gendarmerie, and the British Special Investigation Branch plus the German Criminal Police. I made friends in all agencies, including the American CID, Air Force Special Operations Branch, and the local Military Police Investigations branch. We together had parties at our home and their homes as well. Special to mention are Gunther Palm and Andy Neudorfer (Ger Customs).

During my second tour, I served as the First Sergeant of the 287th MP Company. We lived in the Sungauer area and it was here that we did a ton of unannounced parties and the like. Many of our neighbors in our stairwell partook in these events on Saturday nights. We had a great time and performing First Sgt duty was super. Great memories with a ton of fun as well. Also to mention was our unit was recognized as the best MP company, worldwide for 1985.

FROM YOUR ENTIRE MILITARY SERVICE, DESCRIBE ANY MEMORIES YOU STILL REFLECT BACK ON TO THIS DAY.
The most significant event in my career was my heart attack.

At age 42, I was a Battalion level CSM who, up to this point, had made significant sacrifices throughout my career to the Army. The pressures of serving as a Drill Sergeant, 4 year First Sergeant assignments, and then as a CSM took it took its toll on me. I was a "Category A" personality who tried to excel at everything. It appears that my exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam affected my cardiac posture, resulting in a heart attack. The pressures of the day were contributing factors for me at such an early age. My performance during the deployment to Panama was a turning point. The Medical Evaluation Board decided that if I could deploy then I should be retained on active duty.

OF ALL THE MEDALS, AWARDS, FORMAL PRESENTATIONS AND QUALIFICATION BADGES YOU RECEIVED, OR OTHER MEMORABILIA, WHICH ONE IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL TO YOU AND WHY?
Earning the Drill Sergeant badge was an honor, and it instilled in me the wide range of characteristics of becoming a better leader and soldier. Most soldiers respected me for having been a successful Drill Sergeant. It was during that time that I also learned how to perform at the next level. As the unit Senior Drill Sergeant, I was basically doing the same job as a First Sergeant. When it came time to actually be a First Sergeant, I adapted to the job and position very well.

Also, being called First as in First Sergeant was totally awesome. It was here that I had the pulse of the unit in my hands, and it was here that I had the opportunity to influence so many other soldiers. I still receive information/stories from those that I served who talk about the influence I had on them. In reality, that is the most meaningful reward I ever received. Back when the soldiers wouldn't always tell you how they feel.

Today, it is a different story, and I cherish what people have said about me. You see, I didn't stop and check to see the impact of what I was doing back then. Now, I have found out that I just may have been a "good soldier."

WHICH INDIVIDUAL(S) FROM YOUR TIME IN THE MILITARY STAND OUT AS HAVING THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT ON YOU AND WHY?
The one person that stood out for me was my Battalion Commander during my time as a Drill Sergeant. He was the one who took the time to sit down with me and explain the importance of planning. We did this on numerous occasions and continued to converse after being stationed together. I think he perhaps saw something in me and he took time to develop me along the way. I copied his approach and did the same thing with other soldiers under my charge. Colonel Jack M. Mays was a remarkable leader and soldier. What Col Mays taught me came again and again in my mind throughout the difficult years as a 1SG and CSM.

CAN YOU RECOUNT A PARTICULAR INCIDENT FROM YOUR SERVICE, WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN FUNNY AT THE TIME, BUT STILL MAKES YOU LAUGH?
It was around 1990 or so when assigned as the CSM of the 18th MP Brigade and we were conducting field operations near Bitburg, Germany. I was notified by the Brigade commander, Col Ed Delk, to meet him at the helipad to greet the V Corps Commander, LTG David Maddix.

We took the general to our Hqs location where Col Delk briefed the general. As they were leaving I noticed the general had picked up the wrong helmet and Col Delk did the same. I told them they were wearing each other's helmets which resulted in a laugh or two. What I was thinking at the time was "in my mind I thought it appropriate for Col Delk to be the Corps commander."

You see, LTG Maddix was not a good commander in my view but he would go on to making his 4th star and being assigned as the US Army, Europe commander. I wasn't alone in my sentiments.

WHAT PROFESSION DID YOU FOLLOW AFTER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW? IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY SERVING, WHAT IS YOUR PRESENT OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTY?
After the military I went to work in the education arena, helping kids learn more about themselves. I became a JROTC Instructor, which gave me an outlet to influence young people to become better Americans. I received great satisfaction knowing that I was able to help a young person find him or herself. I went back to college and obtained a degree. It was here that I again had the opportunity to influence others.

Often the oldest person in my classes, I was called upon to interject my thoughts and ideas on a number of topics. On the morning of 9/11, I was asked by every professor, in every class, what I thought about the situation. I told them all the same thing; "believe in your Armed Forces, and when you go home, tell someone you love them."

My last semester was plagued by medical issues and 2 weeks after graduation I underwent major back surgery. To this day, I cannot accept full-time employment due to medical issues.

However, I have been featured on national television on the History channel's program, "Military Police, Warriors behind the Badge," and have been sought out by authors and historians for my input on a variety of military history items of interest. Most recently, I was the keynote speaker at the 68th Military Police Anniversary Ball in Heidelberg, Germany.

WHAT MILITARY ASSOCIATIONS ARE YOU A MEMBER OF, IF ANY? WHAT SPECIFIC BENEFITS DO YOU DERIVE FROM YOUR MEMBERSHIPS?
I belong to the Military Police Regimental Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Patriot Guard organization and will probably renew my American Legion card. Throughout the years I have held officer positions in several VFW posts and assisted the Patriot Guard in their missions. For me, it is all about respect for the veteran and do what has to be done to help those in need or peril. My benefit is the camaraderie between my fellow members and nothing more. It is an honor to belong to these organizations and I hold the feelings of membership close to my heart.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS SERVING IN THE MILITARY INFLUENCED THE WAY YOU HAVE APPROACHED YOUR LIFE AND YOUR CAREER? WHAT DO YOU MISS MOST ABOUT YOUR TIME IN THE SERVICE?
Military service has provided me with the ability to concern myself with others and be there when needed. That is pretty much what I did in the service; I worked with people to make them better. Everyone who knows me realizes this, and that I can be counted on in time of need.

Of course, I took much of what gleaned from those many years in uniform and applied many of the ideas and principles to becoming a better person and a better employee. As a JROTC instructor, I was able to pass on to my students much about being a better American. Also, during my college years, I was often asked about "military type," situations in the classroom. On 9/11 I was asked about what we should do next: I told every class that we had the best military in history and that we should believe in them, and that when they went home tonight, to tell someone you loved them.

I miss the people that I had worked and made friends with. I also miss the challenge of being in the moment and having to make critical decisions with lives in balance. As Military Police, during the highly volatile events going on in the world, we had to be "on point," all the time. Exciting you bet!

BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY JOINED THE ARMY?
Get as much education and experience in your career field as you can. Perform your duties to the best of your abilities and share your knowledge and expertise with others as well. Document your service well, either photo or paper. Record all illnesses and or injuries for future reference. While abroad keep in touch with family and friends. If you can, keep a journal of your life during this critical part of your life. And, always be true to yourself...you just might have to be in a position where what you do could impact the lives of others.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS TOGETHERWESERVED.COM HELPED YOU REMEMBER YOUR MILITARY SERVICE AND THE FRIENDS YOU SERVED WITH.
Togetherweserved.com has given me the opportunity to connect with many of those I served. It also has given me the chance to connect with many soldiers that would otherwise be unknown to me, to provide praise for what they have done and guidance when asked. Connecting with young soldiers is awesome. I think it is important that retirees continue to be an active part of our men and women in uniform. Because we too have been there, they usually take heed of what we have to say. Published in TWS "Voices" May 1, 2010.

KC 9.27.21