Any tips for someone headed to their first unit?

2019-12-08T10:00:53-05:00

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 8 at 2019 10:02 AM

2019-12-08T10:02:33-05:00

Do what you are told to do, within reason, and try to do your best

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2019 10:08 AM

2019-12-08T10:08:40-05:00

Right place. Right time. Right uniform. Don't be a shitbag

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2019 10:17 AM

2019-12-08T10:17:09-05:00

It's like prison. Pick the biggest/strongest guy in the unit and fight him for dominance. :-) JK JK

Keep your eyes and ears open, pay attention to what is going on, volunteer when you can. Learn the system so you understand the things you need to do going forward.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 8 at 2019 10:17 AM

2019-12-08T10:17:14-05:00

Besides what SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth and SSG Private RallyPoint Member stated:

1. Don’t accumulate debt.
2. Fund a Thrift savings account.
3. Hit all available correspondence courses.
4. Work on your civilian education. Remember, one day you’ll take the uniform off for good.
5. Get a mentor. You’ll be able to recognize your units superb performers after a few months.
6. Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions.
7. Do not, under any circumstances, compromise your integrity!!!!!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 8 at 2019 10:34 AM

2019-12-08T10:34:49-05:00

PV2 J M Finally! Congratulations on signing on the dotted line!

Strive to go to every or any school you might be able to attend! Have fun and enjoy !

You have been on Rally Point for 3 1/2 years?
I could not find your member number.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Dec 8 at 2019 10:50 AM

2019-12-08T10:50:04-05:00

1. Don't quit and keep your sense of humor.
2. Don't start by complaining or for that matter take the complaints of others to heart.
3. Do your job - there's a whole bunch you don't know about the military or the equipment.
4. Read the technical manuals, especially read the warnings and cautions.
5. If you don't have a sense of humor - ask supply.
.
Best of Wishes

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2019 10:59 AM

2019-12-08T10:59:29-05:00

Don’t buy a ring as soon as you meet her

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2019 11:26 AM

2019-12-08T11:26:46-05:00

Don’t get chaptered

Response by SPC Brent Melton made Dec 8 at 2019 11:55 AM

2019-12-08T11:55:46-05:00

Be at the right place, at the right time, and in the right uniform and you'll be fine.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 8 at 2019 12:16 PM

2019-12-08T12:16:54-05:00

Ask if you will be assigned a unit host, and don't marry a stripper even if her name is Kandy Kane.

You will go to an in process unit where you will take care of administrative and gear requirements.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2019 1:06 PM

2019-12-08T13:06:38-05:00

-It’s easy to be negative about everything. Don’t get in with the group that always has a gripe or complaint. Always look for the positive side of things!!
-Right place, right time, right uniform. It’s too easy.
-Don’t get complacent.
-And more importantly, don’t base your opinion of the military on your first duty station!!!

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Dec 8 at 2019 1:52 PM

2019-12-08T13:52:58-05:00

All respondents have given good advise. You are an Infantryman which you have to prove yourself to your peers and NCOs. Stay fit and get fitter. Learn from your Team Leader and your Squad Leader. Learn everything about your job especially how to read a map, call for fire and communications. Train to better scores on your PT Test. Master your weapons. You are not going to have much time to better your education but you can do online courses on your free time. If you joined the army to go to college, you picked the wrong MOS. Associate with outstanding Soldiers and stay away from dudes with bad attitudes. Just remember the Infantryman is the Soldiers that conducts direct warfare with the enemy. You are the man on the ground that clears building and covers the ground the enemy seeks to hold. If you decide to make the army a career go airborne, ranger, SF or even the Unit. Welcome to the Brotherhood of War, the Infantry.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2019 2:08 PM

2019-12-08T14:08:11-05:00

Where is it?

Response by SPC Kurt Hesselden made Dec 8 at 2019 3:07 PM

2019-12-08T15:07:12-05:00

Try to get issued uniforms with the low Silhouette buttons. The fatigues in '68 held us way too high off the flat paddies.
Good luck on that first posting. Seems the first and the last posting are always the most memorable.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Dec 8 at 2019 3:10 PM

2019-12-08T15:10:49-05:00

Remember you have two ears and one mouth; listen twice as much as you talk. I wish someone had given me this advise when a PV2.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 8 at 2019 4:07 PM

2019-12-08T16:07:51-05:00

Keep your mouth shut... learn all weapons systems.. learn how to drive all vechelics learn..first aid...and all communication devices... marksmanship..MMA..knife..bayonets...Pratice and train...ACFT. Don't get married..avoid drama.. bring doughnuts to admin..avoid Officers and top NCO'S. Obtain all manuals for MOS... if possible walk the VA hospital and talk with Disabled vets... walk a National cemetery. Start studying Iran..North Korea...

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Dec 8 at 2019 4:19 PM

2019-12-08T16:19:45-05:00

Buy better gear... keep all records..especially medical... report all injuries... medical issues.. for VA disability action..
Keep safe.. training kills more than combat....

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2019 5:34 PM

2019-12-08T17:34:08-05:00

Be better than everyone else in your job and you will rise faster than anyone you graduated AIT with

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2019 6:34 PM

2019-12-08T18:34:31-05:00

Do what you are told with speed and intensity until someone tells you to chill out

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Dec 8 at 2019 6:52 PM

2019-12-08T18:52:46-05:00

1. OSUT was only the beginning. Learn everything you can, good and bad, from those in your unit. Pay attention to who has a CIB and combat patch.
2. Keep up the good habits you learned in basic. Right place, right uniform. ALWAYS wear a watch and have a notebook/pen. Find out early if your unit has a uniform and equipment SOP. The earlier you have that squared away, the easier your life will be when it comes to field exercises.
3. Make good financial decisions now. Don't buy that Mustang off base at 35% interest. Eat at the chow hall. Don't marry that stripper because you think she told you her "real name."
4. Boredom is a choice. You will have lots of down time. Go to the gym, run a track, study your warrior tasks. After you hate all that stuff for the day, then play video games with your buddy.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Dec 8 at 2019 10:02 PM

2019-12-08T22:02:53-05:00

1. Become a PT stud
2. Listen and look for those with a CIB and/or a combat patch
3. Don't get caught up in your feelings when you get criticized
4. Be smart with your money, and don't just blow it of frivolous stuff
5. Chow hall food is actually not that bad...don't continually waste money eating out when you have the chow hall made available to you
6. Constantly work to improve yourself and learn your role as an infantryman. Once you do that, learn what the role of an assistant squad leader or a squad leader. Always seek to learn about the job you want.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Dec 9 at 2019 1:49 AM

2019-12-09T01:49:03-05:00

Be calm, stay collected and listen more than talk. Be an outstanding learner and listener, do your work to the best of your knowledge and abilities, know what is expected of you and never shy from questioning what is unknown.

Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Dec 9 at 2019 8:57 AM

2019-12-09T08:57:51-05:00

God gave you 2 ears and 1 mouth. Listen twice as much (or more) than you speak.
Let your leaders lead. You know about 1% of what you need to know right now, be a sponge.
Learn your units SOPs. Learn your units history.
Echoing....find a good mentor.
If you have to look over your shoulder before saying or doing something, don't do it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2019 10:42 AM

2019-12-09T10:42:27-05:00

What everyone has been saying has been good info but one of the biggest things I noticed between the new guys that people liked was

1. Be good at PT (Obviously)
2. DO NOT try to force camaraderie!

When I got to my unit, I kept my head down and let my actions speak for me. I allowed myself to slowly integrate and let my squad accept me in as they got to know me. Don't act like one of the boys when you don't know anyone there.

Versus kids who would show up on their 2nd day and greet the at the guys at the smoke pit with "Whats up motherfuckers?" those are the guys that got on the shit list fast and remained outcasts and shit bags for most of their time at the unit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2019 4:13 PM

2019-12-09T16:13:29-05:00

Work out, work out, work out. As much as possible. Make that your go to time sink. Not just gym rat stuff, go running, swimming on post, hikes, anything you can do to build strength and endurance.
Study, study, study. Every relevant TM and FM you can get your hands on, the ranger handbook, the post guide, your unit's history. STUDY EVERYTHING. My personal unicorn, a PV2 who can rattle off a perfect 9-line, be that PV2.
Disregard strippers, 32.2% interest rate mustangs, and buy here pay here anything.
Use your TSP, sock some money into a CD at the local credit union.
Correspondence courses, start racking up college credit, the GI Bill is a great tool for after the army.
Learn who the mentors and the leaders are in your company, ignore the ****bags who are going along to get along.

And most importantly, have fun when you can. The first duty station and the first enlistment sometimes suck serious amounts of garbage, but even then you can still find the bright side.

Response by SPC John Smith made Dec 9 at 2019 6:13 PM

2019-12-09T18:13:05-05:00

When I was at Schofield (A hundred years ago, it seems) They offered a few college courses per semester for free that was taught and accredited by UH professors. They came right to the day room and provided all the books etc. all one had to do was sign up and show up. I only took a couple of courses, but a guy I graduated AIT with took them all and left Oahu with an AA from the University of Hawaii, all for free. Get the free school!!

Start a 401 K. Don't be too aggressive, just something you can stick with and not touch. Retirement seems a long way away now, but it'll creep up on you. You'll be stoked to see your retirement account in 20 or 30 years.

Get a surfboard. It's great exercise, doesn't cost a lot, good to help you clear your head after a hard week.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Dec 9 at 2019 7:46 PM

2019-12-09T19:46:58-05:00

First impression to every NCO: PARADE REST and address them by their RANK. (A corporal is not your ‘Dawg’ or whatever you kids are saying now)
Believe it or not no one will be impressed by your OSUT unit, what you did before the Army and who your Sensei was. We went through the same Basic that you did and your Drill SGT was no more frightening than any of ours. No one who was in a day longer than you cares that you were Platoon Guide and will not hand you their rank or give you their leadership position.

Most importantly!!! Do not be the FNG that hangs out with the chapter cases or the FNG that got drunk and went to the hospital/jail his first night/weekend.

Response by SGT Cory Blissitte made Dec 10 at 2019 4:46 PM

2019-12-10T16:46:17-05:00

1. Take care of your body. Within reason, do not let people get you down over going to sick call. If your back hurts, absolutely do something about it. Despite the mantra from Basic, pain is not weakness leaving the body. It is your body telling you that something is wrong. Know what the pain means (lactic acid after workout, or sprained ankle, or slipped disk?) and do something about it.
2. Save everything that you get. Find a notebook, it doesn't have to be anything fancy, and you don't even have to put things in there in order. Just start putting things in there. LESs, Leave forms, Counseling statements, NCOERs (some day), award certificates, deployment orders (important), anything you can get your hands on. You cannot count completely on S-1 for this, you need to count on yourself.
3. One of the unstated truths to the military is that when everyone looks the same (uniform) those that do not get noticed. This can be bad, and it can be good. Lost in a company of Infantrymen with AAMs and ARCOMs? Find some way to get something they don't. It didn't happen when I was Infantry, but eventually I got a Navy/Marine Corps Commendation for working with the SEALs. That set me apart. Get noticed for things like that.
4. Save that money. Do not be like I was. I was on Schofield. I spent all of my money every month of stuff that was completely temporary and necessary. Being on Oahu, you do not need a car. Wahiawa is only about 2 miles away, you can take the bus (52 still goes on post?) or walk, it is not that bad, and that is one of the good things that I did. Save that money, you will definitely be glad you did.
5. Inform your NCOs. There are things they need to know. You purchased a car at 25% interest. Tell them. You did not get paid what you think you should have (LES cam in and you have $600 deduction that says Separation Pay?) Tell them. Your NCOs are there not only to lead you, but also to help you navigate your way and not screw yourself up. They *should* provide you with guidance, and sometimes some authority by way of accompanying you to wherever you need to fix the problem.
6. As an Infantryman, Shoot, Move and Communicate are absolutely the must-know things. Don't settle for Marksman. Study up on Land Nav (the ability to accurately read a map is very important). Learn how to communicate precisely and competently over a radio network.
7. Waist Belt. When I was in, we used the ALICE ruck sack. There was a waist belt that was never to be used on your waist. Instead it was wrapped backward around the frame and often we used sleeping mat pad taped to the frame to make it more comfortable. The shoulders of a human are not designed to carry very heavy loads. The waist is. Your back and shoulders will thank you for it 20 years down the road. If the pack has a wide web belt at the bottom, use that around your waist. Let the hips carry the load, let the shoulders keep it upright.

Response by SSG Ron Douglass made Dec 10 at 2019 5:36 PM

2019-12-10T17:36:47-05:00

Don’t get married!!!!

Response by SPC(P) Nathan Stewart made Dec 11 at 2019 9:39 AM

2019-12-11T09:39:33-05:00

Don’t buy a brand new truck from a dealership close to your duty station

Response by SGT Cory Blissitte made Dec 11 at 2019 1:24 PM

2019-12-11T13:24:39-05:00

Also, read up on Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad ops. When I was in it was FM 7-8. Now it looks like it is ATP 3-21.8. It is heckin simple to get Army Regs and Manuals nowadays. Get 'em, read 'em.

https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ATP%203-21x8%20FINAL%20WEB%20INCL%20C1.pdf

ATP%25203-21x8%2520FINAL%2520WEB%2520INCL%2520C1.pdf

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 6:14 PM

2019-12-11T18:14:57-05:00

There WILL be times life sucks. You're team members are sucking too. Don't whine or complain while you're performing your duties, it's okay afterwards, never during.

Response by 1SG Don Jones made Dec 11 at 2019 9:02 PM

2019-12-11T21:02:26-05:00

Choose your friends wisely
Look and act like a Soldier when you report in. You only get one chance to make a first impression.
Be ready to be treated like the new guy.
Be ready for the goofy pranks.
Train and work hard show your ready for you promotion
Don't pickup any bad habits

Response by SGM Robert McKee made Dec 12 at 2019 8:13 PM

2019-12-12T20:13:36-05:00

Yes, mouth closed, ears open.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 13 at 2019 4:38 PM

2019-12-13T16:38:26-05:00

Part of my initial counseling for all Soldiers was the five Soldier rights:
Right time
Right place
Right uniform
Right attitude
Doing the right thing

Those last two are more important, IMHO, than the first three.

It's OK to make an honest mistake. I always preferred a Soldier who took initiative, tried hard, and screwed up 10% of the time over the one who never screwed up because he always waited to be told what to do and never tried to exceed the standard.

Response by SrA Salvador Ruiz made Dec 13 at 2019 6:12 PM

2019-12-13T18:12:30-05:00

As my uncle to me (USAF retired) "Never volunteer" and see #7 from MAJ Javier Rivera

Response by SrA Ronald Moore made Dec 16 at 2019 6:08 AM

2019-12-16T06:08:48-05:00

Attention!!! Forward ,March !Get with the program .

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2019 3:02 PM

2019-12-16T15:02:12-05:00

Along with all of the other great comments already posted, ensure that you are in the mindset of learning as much as you possibly can. You are at a point in your new career where you can focus on the fundamentals and not need to worry as much about other soldiers. As you develop become the soldier your unit won't know what to do without when you leave. If you can become irreplaceable, you have done your job. That goes for not just your first duty station but every place you go in the Army.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2019 8:35 PM

2019-12-27T20:35:02-05:00

Hydrate..

Response by CPO Nate S. made Jan 4 at 2020 8:18 PM

2020-01-04T20:18:38-05:00

In addition to what (~287550-maj-javier-rivera), SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth, SSG Private RallyPoint Member and [~1481154-msg-danny-mathers) and those others who responded in their threads said please add this - Don't rely on what someone else tells you is in a military regulation is become familiar with them. Some folks are what the navy calls "sea lawyers" (https://www.collinsdictionary.com/us/dictionary/english/sea-lawyer) and think they know, but have never taken the time actually look things up for themselves.

In the US Navy we have the SSIC (https://docplayer.net/7371362-Standard-subject-identification-code-ssic-manual.html), which is a well ordered index by topic code. If the Army has a similar manual become familiar with its structure. Of course make sure you are using the most UTD version. Learn early and often how to use such an index and how to stay up on Army-wide, Base-Wide and your individual commands guidance documents (aka written instructions). Set your mind to reading about one subject a week (humm 52 subjects a year). In this way, as you work toward promotion you NCOs and Officers will see your value because you will sharp with appropriate knowledge about important subjects.

Also, get familiar with Army-Cool (https://www.cool.army.mil/). Just as you are preparing to be 'professional' during your time in the Army, be preparing yourself for life after the Army regardless of when you leave the service. Gain both practical and academic skills, both will be useful to you!

Your 1st year will be very busy learning your craft, whatever that is. But, as you have free time take time to volunteer as well. Read to kids once a week, etc. You are a member of your community inside and out the base gates. Set an EXCELLENT example. You never know who knows you CO, XO, or SgtMaj in the community. It has been experience that sometime the CO may see you and someone in the community as something positive to say about one of their troops. I no of NO CO who does not well positive news about any of their troops. Be humble, but be RIGHT!!! Arrogance can get you through some things, but real leaders know their stuff and their actions, not their mouths speak for them. But, when you do speak, speak with confident authority.

Finally, if you need help ask!

sea-lawyer)