Any advice for those showing up to their first duty station?

2018-07-24T20:13:26-04:00

Does anyone have any advice for me being Junior Enlisted showing up to my first duty station? Want to make a good first impression and such.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 8:22 PM

2018-07-24T20:22:32-04:00

-Show up on time or better yet early.
-Make sure your uniform is squared away and have a fresh haircut.
-Use proper customs and courtesies.
-Have multiple copies of your orders.

Those are just a few things off the top off my head, but I'm sure others will add on.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 9:02 PM

2018-07-24T21:02:00-04:00

PFC Perry,

Show up with a good attitude, be ready to suck it up and volunteer for everything. Request to go to the Soldier of the Month Boards, attend any schools offered, do SSD 1 and begin attending college so you set yourself apart from your peers. Do not be a "yes man" but do understand your vocabulary only will consist of "Roger, Roger SGT". That being said, good luck and welcome to the best MOS available.

SGT V

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 9:04 PM

2018-07-24T21:04:55-04:00

Demonstrate a desire to learn your job (then remember what they teach you because they will probably quiz you on it later). Make efficient use of your time. If nothing is going on, don't just sit and play on your phone, have study material in your chest or shoulder pockets to pull out and review. Most units have good and bad soldiers, it probably wouldn't hurt to ask your first line supervisor who to emulate and who to stay away from. You will be given most of the crappy details. Do not complain verbally or non-verbally, do what you are told and keep your motivation. When leaders see that you are a good soldier, they should ease off on feeling like they need to treat you like a child (because there are a good number of soldiers that need to be treated that way!) Don't make stupid decisions outside of work that cause your leaders to see you as a liability (ie: getting a DUI, getting arrested, or not taking care of your barracks room). Set goals for yourself of where you want to be in the future. Keep a good attitude and I think you will do just fine.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 9:37 PM

2018-07-24T21:37:38-04:00

I echo the previous comments. I would add that your actions will absolutely speak louder than words. One of your goals should be to become the soldier others go to because they trust in both your competence and capabilitiy. Absolutely stay away from that cell phone when on duty, unless it is an emergency.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2018 9:39 PM

2018-07-24T21:39:38-04:00

Show up on time, contact your sponsor (if you have one) right away.

Be able to pass a PT test

Proper customs and courtesies until the NCO or Officer tells you to relax. Any NCO or Officer you do not know immediately go to parade rest or attention for them.

Integrate with your unit, always volunteer, if someone tells you to do something do it. A lot of our fellow Junior enlisted that come in straight out of training are entitled and don't want to do what a PFC or SPC tells them to do.

I'm sure you'll do fine. Good luck

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:02 PM

2018-07-24T22:02:49-04:00

I've e elected a very, very long time on all that happened when I got where I was assigned, I couldn't even begin to count the sheer number of mistakes and sheer gaffes I committed, I wouldn't even know where or how to start, honest...I wasn't enlisted prior, so, obviously, my perceptions are going to differ, certainly...I'll try to think of appropriate things to suggest, your question was unusually perceptive, it made me reflect, in all candor, quite considerably, honest, I've really got to give it a good deal of thought, in truth, as answering it the right way, to try to say the right things to you would certainly be quite complex, let me reflect on that more...unusually perceptive question....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:03 PM

2018-07-24T22:03:06-04:00

Sorry, reflected, typo....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:04 PM

2018-07-24T22:04:37-04:00

To try to answer you properly, and candidly, it'd be perhaps nest to relate what happened to me, such as it might do you any good...I've got to keep these answers short, as this tablet conks put on me a good deal....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:07 PM

2018-07-24T22:07:02-04:00

There is a great deal of truth tat first impressions count a very great deal, more, perhaps, than one might be ordinarily inclined to admit or perceive...you'll be judged not solely by your technical competence, as by your demeanor as well...when I got where I was assigned, I bollixed up just about everything that could possibly be bollixed up at first, I wouldn't even know where to begin to describe it, though I'll try, for whatever good it might do you....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:08 PM

2018-07-24T22:08:18-04:00

I didn't have clue one what I was doing, I was quite clearly in way, way over my head, had I been enlisted before going USAF OTS and Army ROTC 3 yes before that, I think I'd have certainly been far more prepared, honest, in retrospect....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:10 PM

2018-07-24T22:10:51-04:00

I was initially assigned to a system program office (SPO) which was typical for where I was, it was an acquisition spot, I'd have had to have done a good deal of travel, incl overseas, however, idiotically, I'd wanted to be on the clinical side, I wound up on the line side, because of not knowing how to go to the right recruiter, I also asked, stupidly, in retrospect, to be moved to another unit, as I was, candidly, bored out of my skull where I was, however dumb that might sound now in retrospect, honest, which, of course, I k ow it was now....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:14 PM

2018-07-24T22:14:08-04:00

I was reassigned to a different unit, doing serious science, and yet, still managed to bollix that up also for tr first year and a half, God knows how those I was under ever even tolerated me till I'd learned to start adjusting...remembering all the sheer number of gaffes I made, beyond merely embarrassing, in all candor, actually boggles my mind now...I did everything wrong someone new could possibly do, I say that only to try to help you where you're going to be, of course....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:16 PM

2018-07-24T22:16:05-04:00

Here's the thing...which service you're in doesn't matter, which unit you're in doesn't matter...you're there to help them accomplish their mission, they're not there to help you further yourself beyond a certain point...your career is not their responsibility, except insofar as you illustrate your willingness to cooperate enthusiastically, and cheerfully, at all times, honest...obviously, that is purely my own view, of course....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:27 PM

2018-07-24T22:27:48-04:00

You'd listed Fort Knox in the list above of where you'd sent this in, son I'll assume you're headed there....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:28 PM

2018-07-24T22:28:55-04:00

It'd help to know more background, als, a bio sketch so far as you can elaborate...your goals, objectives, ambitions, hobbies reading interests, sports incl !artial arts, of any, as well....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:31 PM

2018-07-24T22:31:35-04:00

I saw your on the clinical side...I'm sure Ft Knox has an educ ctr, from day one, live in it, camp out in it, use it, get to know it...if colleges bring programs in on post, go, by all means...also, do you want career active duty? Do you want senior enlisted ultimately? Warrant? Commissioned? Do you want to stay on the clinical side or ultimately !I've? What are your thoughts about such aspects? The !ore you relate, the more all Jere can suggest things for you....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:32 PM

2018-07-24T22:32:46-04:00

Never forget a few other things...doing coursework in something other than your day to day work is exceptionally difficult, esp on active, I assure you, been there, done that (BTDT), failed abysmally at it, honest....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:34 PM

2018-07-24T22:34:44-04:00

Next, you can work and drive, you can drive and go to school, you can go to school and work, however, short of having a big red S on your chest and flying around in a cape, few can work, drive, and go to school app at once, which is why if on post colleges are there, try to use them, outside of work, you should be in school sevl nights a week, minimum....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:35 PM

2018-07-24T22:35:38-04:00

Preferably in an assoc or Bach program related to your day to day job, it'll male life a whole lot easier, and you're likely to be where you're being assigned a pretty fair while, I'm assuming....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:40 PM

2018-07-24T22:40:20-04:00

If you don't do a martial art, pick one and do it, I prefer aikido and iaido, I should have done then them when in, I'd had the chance, and totally flubbed it...I'm aware of the Army Comnatives program, if it's given at Ft Knox as I think it likely would he, that would he a good route, certainly...a good many enlisd, warrant, a commissioned, both from videos I've seen, stories I've read, participate in unit sport activities, find those that interest you and do them....I'd done volunteering fund raising for charities bike riding, as a case in point...obviously, that was after I'd started to adjust to the life and the role, albeit way, way too late, certainly....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 10:42 PM

2018-07-24T22:42:13-04:00

Your conduct must always be positively above reproach at all times, you need to remember that, in that uniform, you're a public servant, no different than an elected official, and held to an even higher personal standard...trust me, I know, been there, done that(BTDT), most definitely, I assure you....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 11:03 PM

2018-07-24T23:03:54-04:00

Understand...believe me, I've been dressed down more times than I can even describe...I've invented new ways to get yelled at, while I was in...I was yelled at by Army ROTC faculty while o was on scholarship, while I was at USAF OTS, by managers over me...I'm total perm disabled now, however, I had every kind of boss that walked crawled, talked, or flew, civil service, junior commissioned Senior Executive Service (SES), my own unit commander the same day he gave me a plaque unexpectedly for helping with unit IG review performance, so trust !e, I've seen just abnoit every vagary of service life one can see, other than actiqp deployment, I never got to do that, I'm afraid...believe !e, I've been well around just about every bureaucratic block there is, I assure you, honest...

Response by SGT Everett M. Cheney made Jul 24 at 2018 11:04 PM

2018-07-24T23:04:55-04:00

Young brother , be the first up, last down. Always remember “ the men first ,then lastly myself. If it’s raining and your in it just enjoy Gods plan for the day and soldier on. Always keep a watchful eye on those around you. Situational awareness applies in Medic”ing” as well as safety and security. So your situational awareness will show you that Pvt. Smith didn’t take his medicine or that Pfc. Jones isn’t wearing any socks with his field boots. All these things tip you off towards issues you will be dealing with in the near future . Watch who’s drinking water . Always ask those you are serving how they are doing and truly listen to them. Listening to your patient and fellow warriors is a lost art. Listen and Learn, talk less absorb more. When you think you’ve got it down then try the same I.V. Adminwith your eyes closed or in a darkened room . Always push your personal “skills comfort zone” never stop trying to learn. If you are around another military unit look up the Docs and talk shop, learn what you DONT know. Share techniques and equipment if you can spare it . I always enjoyed those times because I would pick up on ideas I hadn’t thought of . Young brother , it will be what you make of it , but those you are to serve deserve your absolute best every single time regardless of personal comfort or fears . Focus and execute and you will be known by your peers as “DOC” and that’s a priceless award that is only earned not given . Stay safe

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 24 at 2018 11:06 PM

2018-07-24T23:06:59-04:00

I only tell you those things for you're good, not to dissuade you, only to educate you, promise....not live me, benefit from the lessons I learned, I worked with many enlisted, occasionally supervised others, though I never wrote enlisted evals, I saw a good deal of enlisted life day to day, for those in my unit, and elsewhere at my installation, I may not have seen everything, certaonlyz however, trust me, I did see a good deal, promise....

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jul 25 at 2018 5:06 AM

2018-07-25T05:06:26-04:00

Be open, listen and follow the orders given. Ensure your uniform is impeccable. Ensure that you know and practice the respect due to your superiors. Be as physically fit as possible. Ask your NCOIC which Soldiers you should look to for support and advice in addition to them. Be an adult and ensure you keep your leadership informed. Thank you for your service.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 25 at 2018 5:33 AM

2018-07-25T05:33:45-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Have Fun and Always Make Things Better for the Next Guy. When I Left My First Command I had a Shitty Attitude, I was Spoiled Rotten on Staff Command and My Sea wanted to Know why I took a Scheduled Rotation and not asked for an extension since He would have Kept Me to the end of My first 4 Years. I forgot what My Response was but it was Plain and Simple "Bitching". He Steered Me Straight, You Don't Like something, You Don't Bail, You Stick Around and Make it Better for the Next Guy. That Left an Impression, I "Stuck Around" for another 17 years making it Better for the Next CTO.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2018 8:14 AM

2018-07-25T08:14:15-04:00

If it’s Fort Riley just start dipping and smoking reds and crying

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2018 8:47 AM

2018-07-25T08:47:10-04:00

Don't forget what you learned in basic. Ask questions and don't make assumptions. Be where you are supposed to be before you are supposed to be. Be a leader and not a follower. Learn whatever you can, and do great things for the Army!

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Jul 25 at 2018 9:47 AM

2018-07-25T09:47:21-04:00

When they introduce people to you in the new unit, make a mental note of who else is fairly new within the last 6-8 months. Then circle back with them and attempt to find out their opinion of the unit, what future pranks to lookout for as a newbie, etc. You kind of have to do that diplomatically so they do not catch on to what your doing (especially in the newbie prank area), otherwise they will clam up and say "I had to go through it, now it's your turn". If your successful at that, you'll avoid a lot of stupidity with pranks plus you'll get a heads up on who is fair and who is a jerk.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 25 at 2018 11:03 AM

2018-07-25T11:03:44-04:00

Do what you're told, learn your job, support the mission. As far a first duty station goes, you should be handed in-processing forms and checklists. Read and take them seriously .Have all the "life history" documents you'll need to get through in-processing. Orders, ID card, driver's license, car title, insurance card, birth certificate, passport (if you have one), training records, pay records, health records (if any of these were given to you). Attend all of the briefings you're required to attend. Visit every location you're required to check in with. Keep your new supervisor posted on your progress. If you are having difficulties with any person or place that you're required to in-process with, let your supervisor know. Be courteous and friendly throughout the process.

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Jul 25 at 2018 1:39 PM

2018-07-25T13:39:11-04:00

Be on time (15 minutes early), in the right uniform, with the right attitude, and you will be fine. Being the new guy kind of sucks, but you'll be right at home in a couple of months. Avoid the strippers and do what your NCOs tell you and you'll have nothing to worry about. Just some further advice, save your money. Don't piss it away on a new car. If you need a car, see if your team leader or squad leader will help you find a suitable car from a reputable dealer that is within your budget. I'm serious, financial troubles can seriously mess up a young soldier's career.

Response by SPC William Weedman made Jul 25 at 2018 2:56 PM

2018-07-25T14:56:28-04:00

You’re going to make mistakes as the new guy, learn from them and try not to make the same mistake twice. Be willing to ask questions, ask your battle buddy first if he doesn’t know or his answer sounds like BS ask your first line supervisor. I learned a lot after hours sitting and talking “shop” with the specialists and sergeants as well as what I was taught “on the clock”. I was also willing to pass that information along as I became a squad leader myself.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2018 5:21 PM

2018-07-25T17:21:21-04:00

I was in your position once, even shared the same MOS with you when I arrived at Ft. Hood fresh out of Sam Houston back in 2013.

Ill do what I give you what I learned

As a brand new E1-3 you don't have much of a reputation yet and this is where you get it. If you want to make your life easier be put together, know basic medical knowledge from AIT such as your combat casualty assessment, what ABC is, etc. Also be expected to learn new medical concepts, AIT was just the beginning. Excel in PT, max your PT test if you can, keep a clean room, enroll in college if that's where your goals lie, if you are not interested in college at least start SSD1's quickly. One or the other looks really good to your NCO's, they can harp on you for SSD's later as an E4 if you are taking college classes (you only get so much free time so I get it). Floating under the radar is a real thing in the military, if your NCO's can expect you to be able to do the right thing without them having to harp on you (ie are you going to fail your pt test, are you going to do stupid stuff on the weekends, is you room clean, can you pass a medical lane etc).

Do not kiss ass to your NCO's, they will see through you, especially if you lack somewhere else such as PT, your medical knowledge, or your general character with your E4 and below peers. DO NOT BETRAY YOUR PEERS TO IMPRESS YOUR NCO'S. You will lose respect of both in the end. Obviously there is a limit to that, so use your intuition. Just don't forget your NCO's were in your position once, and no one likes that kid who tells on SPC snuffy because you saw a white sock through their boot blouse.
That's advice for how to look good to your NCO's and to your unit.

Now personal advice.
Do not settle, life and the military both are allot better if you are constantly developing yourself. I am sure you have goals, so work towards them. You want to be an E5, well focus on your points and do it in 2 years, you want to get a degree, well go enroll in school while you are in processing to your duty station. I personally had the goal of going to SFAS and went within 6 months of being in my unit, I failed my first go around, and I am sure some people in my chain of command hated me because I couldn't be an extra body for some detail for 3 weeks, but I also believe I earned the respect of more than I lost. I ended up going a second time within my last year of my contract and passed and got airborne wings out of it all as well, a school no one at hood gets to go to. None the less I chose to ETS instead of continue with the army at that point, wanted to go to school more.

Which brings me to a next point, if you ever had even a remote thought of doing special forces, civil affairs, psy ops, or being a Special Operations Aviation Medic then go see your base Special Operation Recruiting Battalion (SORB) office, or check out their website at https://goarmysof.com/
I'm not trying to talk you into going that route, but the ARMY does need soldiers in those jobs and their are allot of benefits of going that route, so I figured I would let you know that it is a thing so mine as well get some info on it. Also green to gold is a really good program as well if you want go officer. There's allot more to the military than just sitting around and waiting to be told what to do. The military is what you make of it.

P.S. For fuck sakes ask your NCO before buying a car.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 7:02 AM

2018-07-26T07:02:24-04:00

Wear a new clean uniform, be confident but not cocky. A lot of our mos is ojt so be ready to learn a lot both in duty and off duty. As others said it should always be Roger sergeant and execute. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something because you’re still human. Other than that just have fun and realize our job is awesome but sometimes it sucks becasue we’re always there when the guys we support are out. So first in last out.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 6:15 PM

2018-07-26T18:15:23-04:00

As a medic you'll be expected to outshine the other soldiers. Work hard in learning how your unit works. Get your medpros access fast. Help with medical readiness. Currently deploy ability is the armies biggest issue. Push yourself with PT and score high on the PT test. They are going to be hard on you the first 3-6 months so be used to it. You can be chaptered for failure to adapt in this time frame so don't go do anything crazy. Be respectful and don't joke around with your NCO's. You never know which one will jump on you. If you don't have transportation be sure to plan with your team leader or senior medic to make it on time to work especially PT formation. Get SSD1 completed immediately. Stay late at work to knock it out so you can get your SPC rank. Start taking college courses soon. It's free. Use that TA. Also do not sleep around. STD's are everywhere. Treat everyone as a toilet seat

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2018 6:18 PM

2018-07-26T18:18:32-04:00

Learn your units creed and history and the NCO creed as well. Not only will it prepare you for boards, it will also teach you what a NCO really is and is supposed to be.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jul 26 at 2018 6:34 PM

2018-07-26T18:34:41-04:00

Ft. Knox isn't bad been there for training quite a few times. Just be yourself, and listen to the sound advice that many of the others have given you. Also, have a good time. Make the most of it and you will be just fine.

Response by SFC John Mandrioli made Jul 26 at 2018 10:07 PM

2018-07-26T22:07:29-04:00

Everything mentioned so far is sage advice my only addition would be Not to get caught up in any crap already going on IE don’t you think private snuffy sucks at IVs trust me your opinion will come back to haunt you! Just be there with a can do attitude and a willingness to learn most everything else will work itself out

Response by SPC Kendall Metcalf made Jul 28 at 2018 12:21 AM

2018-07-28T00:21:42-04:00

Show up early, Fresh haircut, Clean Shave, Nice uniform, 10 copies of your orders, 3 pens, one pencil, fresh new notebook pocket size. Keep your eyes and ears open. Keep the Basic training stories to a minimum. Do the right thing at all times. When I doubt ask someone.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Jul 28 at 2018 1:06 AM

2018-07-28T01:06:16-04:00

Three things:
- Be at the right place at the right time with the right equipment. Always.
- Watch and learn from the guys who have been there...and stay positive
- Don't do stupid stuff on your time off; not worth it

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2018 4:27 PM

2018-07-29T16:27:03-04:00

Good haircut, at least ten copies of your orders (with amendments etc.), squared away uniform (check your boots, do they need replacing?). 5 minutes early for everything. Bring a note pad and pen, take notes! Get "contact info" for your team leader, squad leader and PSG at your first meeting. Once you've got the battle rhythm of your unit down start looking for personal improvement (college courses, military schools etc - don't go looking for this on day one, become a team player first). Make sure you follow the "newbie checklist" to the letter so you aren't haunted with the "unchecked block" and find yourself explaining your failure to your PSG/PL.
Most importantly, learn your job! Practice and preparation will make you as close to perfect as you can get. Unlike most of us, real lives depend on your skills every day on the battlefield or off.

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Aug 3 at 2018 2:00 PM

2018-08-03T14:00:30-04:00

Well, Asking this question was a good start. The LT had good points - have yourself and your uniform squared away. Give respect to everyone - especially those who out-rank you.
Learn the SOP's for your unit - follow them. Be wary of the "barracks lawyers" who try to tell you which ones you can skip.
Always be prepared. Have a notebook ready to jot things down if you need it. Be ready to do what is asked of you and keep a positive attitude. Be ready to do a little extra - the Army is not a 9-5 job. Not every assignment is easy.
If you are thinking about making the military a career, start taking correspondence courses, sign up for college courses when you can. Asks about the Soldier of the month Boards, find out what will make you eligible to compete. All of these things will help make you competitive for promotion.
If an opportunity comes up to train for the Expert Field Medical Badge - jump on it.

Response by PO2 Jaron Bernstein made Aug 5 at 2018 4:47 AM

2018-08-05T04:47:54-04:00

Don’t get married without a prenuptial agreement.

Response by LCDR Glenn Adwell made Aug 5 at 2018 9:26 AM

2018-08-05T09:26:51-04:00

Watch out for crusty old Navy veterans like me who now work for as a civilian on post.. One serious warning, Fort Knox has an exceptionally high number of generals for a fairly small base. Be aware of who is around!

Response by CWO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2018 8:20 PM

2018-08-11T20:20:59-04:00

Keep you’re mouth shut and you’re ears open!

Response by SPC Greg Campbell made Aug 13 at 2018 1:40 PM

2018-08-13T13:40:08-04:00

Eyes and ears open, keep the pie hole shut. Be at the appointed place 15 mi early in the proper uniform. Your the new guy so add some skin. Someone will take you under their wing.

Response by SPC Miles Blackman made Aug 14 at 2018 3:46 PM

2018-08-14T15:46:00-04:00

Be the type of soldier that your officers and nco's can give a job to and know that the job is done with out having to come check up on you.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Aug 14 at 2018 4:46 PM

2018-08-14T16:46:44-04:00

God gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason....
You will encounter leaders who inspire and mentor you.
You will encounter SMs who are senior to you but aren't worth a shit.
Learn from all of them.
3 words rarely spoken these days...Bearing, Tact and Humility.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Aug 14 at 2018 5:48 PM

2018-08-14T17:48:40-04:00

Don't disrespect your seniors and make the most of your time in the Army. Learn to love your job because it's your chosen profession. When I went in I wanted to be advanced as fast as possible so I worked hard on the prerequisites for promotion. Maintain a good attitude, do the best you can but always stay within the Army regulations. Good luck.

Response by Cpl George Goodwin made Aug 15 at 2018 3:03 PM

2018-08-15T15:03:31-04:00

No disrespect intended, to put it simply....
1) Shut up
2) Listen up
3) Find a slightly more seasoned soldier than yourself to show you the ropes

Good luck

Response by SGT Tom Wheeler made Aug 16 at 2018 3:47 PM

2018-08-16T15:47:24-04:00

Stay away from the FTA types. Don't be a brown-noser, but don't be a shammer, either. During the first couple of months, do as many correspondence courses as you can. Save as much $$$ as you can. Read up on all the FMs and TMs that pertain to your MOS. And stay out of the clubs close to the gate...nobody in there has your best interests in mind.

Response by SSgt Daniel d'Errico made Aug 18 at 2018 4:27 PM

2018-08-18T16:27:34-04:00

Make sure you do these things before you go thru the main gate of your first duty station. Wear the proper uniform. Class A, freshly pressed, shoes or boots shined to hurt the eyes, clean shaven, hair cut properly, teeth brushed, and a good attitude..

Response by Lazaro Alcazar made Aug 28 at 2018 1:48 AM

2018-08-28T01:48:33-04:00

Be as professional as you have respect for the uniform you are wearing...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2018 12:26 PM

2018-09-07T12:26:47-04:00

Brother, make sure you do what your told. I know that may sound old fashioned or not what your wanting to hear but my dad gave me some advice when I went to boot camp in 1994. He to keep quiet and do what your told. He said to always be Moral , do what’s right, be ethical be legal make good decisions. Your future depends on it. He said every decision you make in life is going to affect your future. That is so true. If you ever have any questions or concerns about life or the Army you can always call me. [login to see] . One other thing. I’m 43 now and if I’d stayed in the Army after my first contract I would already have 20 years so don’t ever get out stay in and be able to retire by 38. Also start going to college as soon as possible. Look into your options for your future . Think about becoming an officer. Think about long and short term goals and then set some. Make life happen for you. Know your job better than anyone. And one more thing go to church. Get to know the Lord. Someday he might be the only friend you have. Read your Bible and pray daily and go to church every chance you can. Life is short and before you know it you will wake up and it will be to late to do some of these things. And don’t get married until you’ve dated someone for at least 4 or 5 years. You don’t get to know how people truly are until you’ve known them a long time. I will be at Fort Knox Ky on Sunday for Army Reserve Career Counselor course so if you want to ask me any questions in person let me know. Good luck.

Response by SSG Rick Robbins made Sep 9 at 2018 9:43 PM

2018-09-09T21:43:38-04:00

Head down, mouth shut

Response by SGM Ronald Cheatom made Sep 16 at 2018 4:34 PM

2018-09-16T16:34:35-04:00

My uncle's advice, was simple. Do as you're told, do as you're , do as you're told. Pay attention, and keep your mouth shut. Figure out out who is real, and who is BS. Always remember, right, from wrong, according to regulations.

Response by SSgt Rick Erens made Sep 21 at 2018 12:07 AM

2018-09-21T00:07:26-04:00

Listen very carefully, remember that your Drill Instructors are doing their job, be more headstrong than physically fit and keep your mouth shut.

Response by COL Kathleen Roehr made Sep 28 at 2018 12:40 PM

2018-09-28T12:40:45-04:00

Listen, listen, listen. Watch what goes on, get into the routine.and hang out with the right people. BTW, don’t be afraid to volunteer!

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Oct 7 at 2018 11:41 PM

2018-10-07T23:41:47-04:00

Keep your eyes and ears open and put your head on a swivel.
Do what you are told to the best of your ability. Keep you mouth shut but ask questions if you don't understand what your mission or task entails.

Response by PO2 Mark Evans made Oct 12 at 2018 3:27 AM

2018-10-12T03:27:58-04:00

Two things you don’t want to come off as, lazy or know it all. These are the only things I remember people having real problems with as a new kid on the block. So be ready to work and listen even if you think you know what you are being told.

Response by SSgt Michael Bowen made Oct 14 at 2018 6:15 PM

2018-10-14T18:15:46-04:00

Yes don't act like they are lucky to have you and should be thankful . Unless like in my case they were ,LMAO Just kidding people

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Oct 20 at 2018 7:31 PM

2018-10-20T19:31:23-04:00

Take the cotton out of your ears, put it in your mouth, be a face in the crowd not THE face in the crowd. Do not make extra work for your first line supervisor.

Response by SFC Randall Atchison made Nov 3 at 2018 11:56 PM

2018-11-03T23:56:32-04:00

I feel so sorry for you!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2020 10:21 PM

2020-06-16T22:21:45-04:00

Keep your head down. Make sure that you give 70% 100% of the time, rather than 100% for a day and burning yourself out. Don't be too quick to volunteer for dumb shit, but make sure that you volunteer before NCOs start voluntelling people.

Response by Capt Glen Downey made Sep 2 at 2020 3:55 PM

2020-09-02T15:55:31-04:00

Earn your EFMB. My son did and it opened a world of respect and opportunities.