Advices for the Junior Enlisted Soldiers, what would you say to your younger self?

2014-12-17T10:42:33-05:00

I'm a recently joined private that is always looking for advice from the more experienced soldiers. A network like RP, with more than 400k members and more than 200k veterans, looks like the best place to find a good advice.
Look at you now as an E5-E9, or as a Commissioned Officer, what would you say to you when you joined as a E1-E4? If you have yourself in front of you with just 19 years old and just 1 year of service, what mistakes would you tell him/her to avoid? Or what you didn't do that you wish you did it when you had the chance?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 17 at 2014 10:48 AM

2014-12-17T10:48:10-05:00

Advice? Look hard at what you want from the Service..... take the time to map out a plan to get where you want TO BE IN 5 YEARS, 10 YEARS, RETIREMENT.

Then look at that plan often.. adjust as needed... let it be a reminder or where you were, what you have done to better your position and where you want to go next.

Your plan may include, a service school.. Ranger School, EMT certification, Signaler Master course, want to go to.. a promotion board you want to get recommended to..a duty assignment desired...and of course should include life after the Military... once the goal is identified, HOW your going to get there is the focus.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 11:03 AM

2014-12-17T11:03:05-05:00

I would say to not focus on being cool with ppl and do your best to be your best. everyone that i was cool with eventually left or got kicked out. by the time i started to want promotions i realized how many opportunities i missed because i was too busy hanging with the fellas.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 17 at 2014 4:28 PM

2014-12-17T16:28:22-05:00

Listen to your leaders and learn as much as possible. Also save your money and take college classes every time you can do it

Response by MSgt Robert Whitehead made Dec 18 at 2014 8:36 PM

2014-12-18T20:36:37-05:00

1. Save your money.
2. Learn your job thoroughly.
3. Back up your buddies.
4. Head up, eyes and ears open, mouth shut.
5. Be humble in the barracks; aggression is for the battlefield.
6. You want respect? You gotta earn it!
7. Be courteous to your superiors; they work for a living, too. Same goes for the junior troopies when they come along; I'd harder for them because they don't really know what to do.
8. Smile - it makes everyone's day a little easier.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 12:10 PM

2014-12-19T12:10:33-05:00

Save money, put attention to the details, be a subject matter expert on your MOS, be a good friend, brother, and a battle buddy and go to college.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2020 7:57 PM

2020-02-16T19:57:07-05:00

Dont get married until I'm an E5 at least ;)

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 22 at 2020 6:26 PM

2020-06-22T18:26:16-04:00

Looks like things have worked out well for you.

Response by SP5 Dennis Loberger made Jun 22 at 2020 9:26 PM

2020-06-22T21:26:32-04:00

Keep your nose to the grindstone.
Never settle for anything less than the best from yourself.
Focus on your job and learning the job of your supervisor.
Be supportive of all those in your unit, both up and down
Focus on that which is good.
Endure the bad with humor. There is always more good than bad.
A positive attitude wins the day