You traded your combat boots for wingtips years ago. Today, you might be climbing the corporate ladder, building a business, or leading a civilian team. Your daily reality is P&L statements, board meetings, and strategy sessions—a far cry from the motor pool or the field.
But if someone asked you where you really learned to lead, you wouldn't point to your MBA or your management training seminars.
You’d go back to when you were a 22-year-old Second Lieutenant, freezing in the mud, responsible for the lives and welfare of 40 soldiers. You’d talk about the lessons learned as a Company Commander or a Staff Officer.
For many successful professionals who served in the Army—whether for four years or ten—there is a hesitation to display military memorabilia. Perhaps you feel you didn't serve "long enough" to warrant a shadow box because you didn't retire. You might worry that military decor won't fit the aesthetic of a modern executive office.
At Blades Raised, we believe that mindset is a mistake. Your Army service is the foundation of your success, and the symbol of that leadership deserves a place of honor.
1. The MBA of the Mud
The principles that make you successful today—Mission First, People Always, absolute accountability, resilience under pressure—were forged in the Army. Your time in uniform was the most intensive leadership course in the world.
While your office walls might display your diplomas and industry awards, they often miss the most critical chapter of your story. The Army Officer Saber is the physical representation of that chapter. It symbolizes the authority you held and the trust your country placed in you at a young age.
Hiding that symbol in a closet is a disservice to the experience that shaped your character.
2. Sophistication Meets Service: The Executive Display
We understand that you don't want your office to look like a recruiting station or a barracks room. You’ve curated a professional environment, and your decor needs to match that standard.
This is why we designed the Universal Sword Display. It moves away from the clutter of traditional shadow boxes and offers a clean, architectural aesthetic that treats your saber like a piece of art.
For the executive office, we highly recommend our Solid Black Walnut finish.
The Aesthetic: Rich, dark, and commanding. It pairs perfectly with leather furniture, mahogany desks, and professional libraries.
The Message: It signals history and gravity. It’s a conversation starter that allows you to share your background with clients and colleagues in a way that is understated and dignified.
Our Dedicated Display: For a classic, precision fit, we offer displays designed specifically for the Army Officer Sword. It is finished in our signature Cognac stain for a timeless, traditional look.
Shop the Universal Sword Display in Walnut
Explore the Army Officer Sword Display
3. Personalizing the "Short" Career
You don't need a retirement date to have a legacy. When personalizing your display, focus on the era of your life that defined you.
Instead of a generic nameplate, use our laser engraving to capture the scope of your service:
Captain John Smith
U.S. Army, 2008 - 2014
Operation Enduring Freedom
This validates that while your service was a specific chapter, it was a pivotal one.
4. A Reminder for the Tough Days
In the corporate world, problems can seem complex and endless. Having your saber on the wall serves as a subtle, daily anchor. A glance at it reminds you of harder days you’ve already survived and tougher challenges you’ve already overcome. It reminds you that you have led soldiers through chaos—you can certainly handle a boardroom.
Didn't buy a sword during your service, it's never too late to get one!
Honor Your Foundation
You are a successful professional because you were a Soldier first. Don't separate those two identities. Bring the saber out of the dark. Mount it with the dignity it deserves. Let it stand as a testament to the values that guide you every day.
This We'll Defend.
- The Blades Raised Team
