Nick Palmisciano’s Unfiltered Advice to New US Military Officers

Nick Palmisciano’s career path and the hard lessons he learned in the military make him a rare authoritative voice when it comes to leadership. As a West Point graduate, former U.S. Army infantry officer, entrepreneur, and founding board member of Save Our Allies, Palmisciano embodies a unique combination of battle-tested grit and practical wisdom. For young officers entering their responsibilities, his leadership is not only valuable, it is essential.

Palmisciano shares important advice from his father, a private Vietnam veteran who has stuck with him throughout his career. “When you become an officer, there will be a lot of people who will try to mold you into how they think or what they need from you. It will be very political,” Palmisciano warns. His father’s words underscored a fundamental truth: every officer will eventually return to civilian life, be it in five years or twenty.

The key question Palmisciano asks new officers is: Can you sleep well at night making decisions? “Don’t make any rank decisions that will keep you from sleeping well every night,” he says. Palmisciano’s advice is a powerful reminder of the need to prioritize honesty, common sense, empathy and self-respect over careerist ambitions in a military environment that often pushes officers toward politically expedient choices.

Throughout his career, Palmisciano saw a tension between what was politically safe and what was right. He understood that the easy way often leads to compromise. However, the right path requires conviction and moral courage at the expense of one’s career. “Go to bed feeling good about your decisions. And if that means you don’t become a colonel, that’s okay,” Palmisciano adds.

This mindset allowed him to make difficult decisions without hesitation, even if it risked offending senior officers. “It was very easy not to worry about pissing off the old man because it was the right thing to do,” he shares. This is not just empty talk; it is advice forged in the fires of real-life leadership challenges and ethical dilemmas.

Palmisciano’s reflections offer young officers a model for leading by unwavering standards. Leadership is not just about tactics and orders; it’s about making decisions consistent with core values, even under enormous pressure, most often from within your organization rather than the enemy. In the military and beyond, those who pursue rank at any cost often sacrifice the trust and respect of their subordinates.

The real test of leadership is not how many promotions you get, but how well you stick to your principles. Palmisciano emphasizes that leadership rooted in authenticity and courage leaves a lasting legacy, whether on the battlefield or in the boardroom.

For aspiring military leaders, Palmisciano’s story is a lesson in how to balance ambition and ethics. It reminds them that while medals and awards may shine, it is the intangible values—respect, integrity, and moral courage—that determine true success and true respect from those under their command.

Nick Palmisciano’s ideas, shaped by years of war and post-war experience, are an essential reminder that being a leader is not about the power you wield or the title you hold; it’s about the trust you earn and the example you set. His words are addressed not only to the officers of today, but also to the leaders of tomorrow who will carry the torch of integrity forward in the military, in business and in life.

Check out Nick’s new comedy series. Joe’s officewhich will be released on Amazon and other streaming platforms on November 8, 2024.

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