The 1986 movie “Heartbreak Ridge” took the Marine Corps community and audiences by storm as it showcased Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Highway’s rough and tumble personality. Clint Eastwood took on dual roles as he starred in and directed this iconic film role about a man who is on the tail-end of his military service.
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Behind Gunny Highway’s tough exterior lies a man who knows plenty about being a career Marine, but also has a need to build relationships as he moves forward in life.
So check out these life lessons that we could all learn from our beloved Gunny.
1. Don’t let anyone punk you
In Gunny’s own words, “be advised that I’m mean, nasty, and tired. I eat concertina wire and piss napalm and I can put a round through a flea’s ass at 200 meters.”
You tell them, Gunny. (images via Giphy)
2. Know exactly who you are
Although the majority of the film’s characters were out to discourage him, that didn’t stop him from being true to himself.
(images via Giphy)
3. Be semi-approachable
Yes, Gunny is a hard ass, but giving a treat to somebody to shut them the hell up is an excellent networking technique.
Gunny always finds a way to make friends. (images via Giphy)
4. Size doesn’t matter
You can have the biggest muscles in the room, but if you don’t have that “thinker” sitting in between your two ears, you don’t have sh*t.
Gunny doesn’t back down. (images via Giphy)
5. Grunts vs. POGs
The rivalry is real.
When you have some trigger time under your belt and know you’re right, sound off to make your point loud and clear.
Get him! (images via Giphy)
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6. Lead from the front
Leadership is about showing your men that you will fight with them and for them.
(images via Giphy)
7. Being patriotic is a turn on
No matter how hardcore you are, after a long day of kicking ass and taking names, it’s always good to have someone to come home too.
And Gunny lives happily ever after. (images via Giphy)We told you this movie was about relationships.