How can I as a new soldier coming from AIT make a good transition from a training environment to my first duty station?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 14:53:26 -0400

Many soldiers are young adult who have never had to move to a new place before. What are some things we can do to make a good transition from training (AIT), to our first duty station? And what are things we should avoid doing? And what are things we should start planning for accordingly now, before we actually leave for our first duty station? And what can we expect when we do finally begin our duties in our units?

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Apr 7 at 2018 3:02 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 15:02:35 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member: Don't lose your bearing as a Soldier. Remember all that you have been trained to do. Be Confident! You'll be just fine.

Response by MSG Lance Kelly made Apr 7 at 2018 3:04 PM

MSG Lance Kelly — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 15:04:38 -0400

You may go to your first duty assignment alone, without your battle buddies. You have to figure things out on your own, you may not have people directing you where to go. My first duty assignment was in Germany and after nearly boarding the wrong bus I ended up at a duty station I had no idea where I was located. I was left on my own for the most part to figure out how to inprocess. Think of your new assignment as "home". Start learning your way around and where things are, make as comfortable as possible. Ask questions about your unit, get to know your mission and what your role is in that process. Be a team player and get to know people. Make it enjoyable and have fun.

Response by SSG Alan Pelletier made Apr 7 at 2018 4:28 PM

SSG Alan Pelletier — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 16:28:38 -0400

When you're trained by the best to be the best, you ARE the best!

I cannot say it enough... READ every single Field Manual, Technical Manual, Regulation, and document you can get your hands on. Most important, "pay attention" to what's going on around you.

You'll be fine. Thank you for your service.

Response by Sgt Wayne Wood made Apr 7 at 2018 4:50 PM

Sgt Wayne Wood — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 16:50:50 -0400

Keep a low profile & do what’s needed

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 7 at 2018 5:49 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 17:49:10 -0400

Retain my Platoon guide advice, supplement with the following:
- do what you are told
- be there ten minutes early with what ever you are supposed to have
- stay out of trouble...doesn't mean not having fun.
- drinking. You've got the rest of your life. You don't have to drink it all in one sitting. (Added)
- have fun. See stuff.
- learn your job, learn anything they'll teach you
- make FAT friends: faithful, accessible, and trustworthy
- don't listen to barracks lawyers
- keep your personal affairs and finances straight
- start investing and saving. Go to ACS and sign up for classes.
- start your education
- stay in shape, it'll protect you from injury

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 6:06 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 18:06:15 -0400

Listen and learn.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 7 at 2018 8:04 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 20:04:59 -0400

1. Make sure you have all your gear- do not bring extra crap- 2. Do not go out and buy a ton of electronics, till you see what you are living in and with whom. 3, When you show up- keep your ears open and your mouth shut! Your new unit has it's own way of doing things and they could care less how it was done in AIT. 4. Google your new unit/Post- do a map recon to see where things are. 5. If the Post has a museum- visit it at 1st chance- see the history behind the place, Some units have certain motto's in lieu of greeting based on their history- you don't want to stand in front of a senior NCO/officer with your mouth hanging open. 6. Get accustomed and be prepared for some ribbing when 1st getting there- if it goes over the line- tell the Chain of command! Finally go in with the mindset that this will be your new home/hood for the next few years- and you have to make the best of it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2018 8:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 20:15:27 -0400

Carry the discipline that you were taught and used in basic and AIT right into your new unit. The first five seconds you meet your new leadership is what they will judge of you so use it to show you are disciplined and motivated. Build and self develop your knowledge base on your MOS and the Army in general and be competitive. This will show them that you strive to excel and mean business.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 7:31 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 07:31:20 -0400

Stay positive and do not fear changes and discomfort....

Response by SSG David Barnes made Apr 8 at 2018 9:09 AM

SSG David Barnes — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 09:09:20 -0400

Always try to look at the bright side of things no matter the situation. Always listen to your leaders. When you have learned your job and discover other ways the are easier and will have the same out come don’t be scared to say you think doing something this way might work better.

When off duty go out and enjoy the area. If overseas definitely get out there. Learn the culture have fun. Make friends. Just stay out of trouble. Lol

And just take it one day at a time. Enjoy your time in make the best of it and be proud of what you are doing. You will fall right in and learn quickly how to be the best you can be.

So rock on and have fun while your in.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 6:30 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 18:30:10 -0400

- Be on time (15 min early)
- Don't make typical "boot" mistakes I.E. Marry a stripper, buy a 2010 v6 Mustang at 16% interest.
- And most important always show interest in learning your MOS as well as the other daily aspects of a soldier/Marine as an NCO I've always found as long a junior Marine/soldier has the will and interest to learn they can be molded to be successful.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2018 9:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 21:41:16 -0400

Don't do things you can't afford, focus on advancing your career instead of partying. Listen and learn from your NCOs.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Apr 8 at 2018 9:45 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sun, 08 Apr 2018 21:45:29 -0400

Well first, don't act as if your back on the Ponderosa...........just kidding. Couldn't resist with that last name.

Response by Sgt Roy Hale made Apr 9 at 2018 5:32 PM

Sgt Roy Hale — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 17:32:01 -0400

There should be not much of a transition, your a Marine,Soldier, Sailor, or Airmen. Discipline between ranks needs to be maintained , it is not a social club. While you may get more liberties after your recruit and AIT Training, you are either in a combat theater or training to go to one. You signed on the dotted line.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2018 6:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 18:38:18 -0400

Always be at the right pace, at the right time (15 minuets prior to your hit time), and in the right uniform. Maintain that and a good attitude when presented with duties and you will be fine.

Response by MSG Justin Kuchar made Apr 10 at 2018 7:37 PM

MSG Justin Kuchar — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 19:37:12 -0400

Ask questions. Ask for more to learn.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2018 9:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 21:34:41 -0400

1. Do not succumb to peer pressure.
2. Figure out where you want to be 10 years from now and make sure every decision you make helps you get there.
3. Always think big picture.
4. Treat everything as a learning experience; good and/or bad.

Response by SSG Brian Wulfman made Apr 14 at 2018 8:55 AM

SSG Brian Wulfman — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 08:55:13 -0400

Strive for your own best, don't volunteer for smaller tasks. Know your MOS!!!! Upper echelons will task you for fail missions and get a laugh of your actions. Most of all, when promoted to Specialist, DO NOT become a lazy troop.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2018 11:20 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 23:20:43 -0400

I would say to start saving your money and look at providing yourself with dependable transportation (a car or truck). Don't go out and by a hot rod that you cannot afford or get a car loan with 36% intrest because thats all they said they could do for you. There are always other options. Make sure if you get a vehicle you have full coverage. I've seen to many young soldiers make this mistake and be left paying for a car they couldn't drive because of a accident.
When you show up be respectful and have a nice uniform and fresh hair cut. Remember this will be your first impression to your new unit and it can make or break how they view you from the start.
Be willing to learn and work hard in all areas. Even if it's area beautification. It may not seem like it but your hard work and good attitude will be noticed.
Right place, right time, and right uniform these three things will get you far in your career. And if you may think you are going to be late contact you leaders. We are all human and a simple phone call can save you. Just don't make it a habit.
Always be honest and up front. Leaders will ask a lot of questions about your life, but it isn't because we want to control you it's because we can't help you if we don't know the whole story.
Make friends and get out of the barracks. Explore the areas around the base. It does no one any good to stay inside all day.
If you can drink have a plan and a backup plan. Alcohol is not worth throwing your life away because of a dumb decision.
Lastly make the best of everyday. Remember life will not always be easy with the military but you now have brothers and sisters all around you. So talk to some one if your having a bad day and in turn listen to others.
Overall have fun and enjoy the experience you have and the friends that you will make. I've been in so far almost 14 years and though I've had ups and downs of do it all over again.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2018 3:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Apr 2018 15:16:57 -0400

Communicate and be on time. And be a soldier 24/7.

Response by Sgt Michael Reyes made Apr 26 at 2018 2:02 AM

Sgt Michael Reyes — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 02:02:32 -0400

As you begin duty at your new duty station, avoid the bars, etc outside the base’s gate. There you will only find trash trying to pick up a meal tiket. Young service men get trapped by some whore who is probably already pregnant with someone other dude’s baby!

Response by SSG Conrad Sylvestrelamb made May 4 at 2018 10:51 PM

SSG Conrad Sylvestrelamb — Fri, 04 May 2018 22:51:22 -0400

Keep personal information to yourself, follow orders , stop only when you hear or see motion for gas

Response by CPL Ruby Merriweather- Garnett made May 16 at 2018 9:01 AM

CPL Ruby Merriweather- Garnett — Wed, 16 May 2018 09:01:29 -0400

Make sure you take GOD with you & KEEP HIM by your side.~I would encourage you to NEVER STOP "TRAINING" ; Your BODY, ALWAYS CONTINUE to be PT TEST READY, Your MIND, GET a HEADSTART using your GI BILL- EDUCATION- EDUCATION-EDUCATION. Ask your NCO about any CLASSES/COURSES Offered by the Army that will help train you to be a better soilder (Aids in Promotion/Advancement), Your FINANCIAL FUTURE; Maybe "BONDS" they Appreciate with Time. INVEST Your Money WISELY.~Maybe when you go OFF POST, You will have a SENSIBLE CROWD with you. Take advantage of TOURS offered to see the Country. KEEP Your APPEARANCE/UNIFORM SHARP. REMAIN FOCUSED/ GOAL ORIENTED,~~PRAY & BELIEVE that GOD will KEEP YOU SAFE! ~May GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR LOVE ONES.

Response by SGT Ace Paul made Jun 4 at 2018 3:46 PM

SGT Ace Paul — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 15:46:46 -0400

Try this;
Listen to what you are told.
Do your job.
Keep your mouth shut.

Once you have mastered those, many other things will be much easier.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jun 5 at 2018 8:14 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 08:14:56 -0400

PV2 Cartwright,
You know I never gave it too much thought because one, I was already married to a former service member who already had negative things to say about the unit. Stay away from this person or that Sergeant, that sort of thing. Two, most of the people there I already knew from AIT, so that made the transition a little easier. My first duty station was at the National Training Center, Ft Irwin, California. But, some things that stuck in my mind were...and in no particular order.
- not to go buy a vehicle at outrageous interest % rate
- don't listen to the "barracks lawyers"
- be on time (10 minutes prior)
- sign up for correspondence courses
- learn your job and your supervisor's
- be familiar with the radios
- train on vehicles, for example Hmmwv or humvee, 5 ton truck/expansible van, and Mobile Video Units trucks
- know the terrain
- stay in shape
- mission first
- listen to your NCOs, especially those who have been there for a while. I actually learned more from those who were rough on the edges than the ones that were nice and easy going.
Embrace been lost because is going to teach you once you move to the next duty station. Then you'll know what to expect and what not to. Sometimes you will not run into your friends from AIT, but sometimes you will. The important thing is for you to follow directions from your superiors and maintain discipline, and you'll be fine. Good luck brother!

Response by MCPO Ted Strieter made Jun 6 at 2018 8:24 AM

MCPO Ted Strieter — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 08:24:07 -0400

And select friends carefully.

Response by Sgt Chuck Stewart made Jun 7 at 2018 9:23 PM

Sgt Chuck Stewart — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 21:23:24 -0400

Hook up with some good soldier's. Learn from them. Take your job seriously this isn't college or high school. Keep up physically, learn your basic skills like the back of your hand. There is time for fun but on base keep it professional. Don't borrow money unless it's from a bank to build credit. Make investments and don't touch the money that you have in it. You will find that it has huge rewards when you reach the retirement age. Hope that's enough to get you going

Response by Sgt Raymond Mirabile made Jun 7 at 2018 11:27 PM

Sgt Raymond Mirabile — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 23:27:15 -0400

Figure it out man! Your a soldier now act like one.

Response by PFC Sara Crusade (Leon) made Jun 11 at 2018 6:31 PM

PFC Sara Crusade (Leon) — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 18:31:16 -0400

My experience of the #1 mistake young soldiers make: drinking under age, driving under the influence, & thinking they can get away with drug use. So choose your friends wisely, stay away from & out of trouble. Don't drink alcohol if you're under 21, don't drink excessively if you're over 21, and don't think you're ok to drive if you've been drinking. I'm a SUDCC provider. If you get referred for an indisciplined incident you can pretty much kiss your career & benefits good-bye! Be smart. Live the Army values.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2018 12:15 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 00:15:30 -0400

Don’t date in your unit, learn the culture, focus on your job, and learn what it takes to move up. Play the game and don’t get in trouble.

Response by SPC Deyton Privette made Jun 25 at 2018 2:00 AM

SPC Deyton Privette — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 02:00:13 -0400

Coming from a E1 soon to be E2 its similar to AIT except no one is there to hold your hand. As long as you're in the right uniform, at the right time, at the right place and do what you're told you'll be ok

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2018 10:33 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 10:33:35 -0400

Watch who you hang with. Negativity breeds negativity. Making the right choices now in the beginning of your career can help you later in your career to not have to look back and say "why did I do that"? Also, don't judge a command by one commander. There are highs and lows. Stick it out. Your career is what you make of it.

Response by SGT James Tyo made Jun 27 at 2018 5:10 PM

SGT James Tyo — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 17:10:23 -0400

Private Cartwright,
It has been 3 months since you have posted this inquiry. How is the first tour going for you?

Response by CWO2 James Mathews made Jun 28 at 2018 11:04 PM

CWO2 James Mathews — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 23:04:52 -0400

Well, I don't know much about the Army but I do know about the Navy. Coming on board as a newbie to a submarine, you will have finished boot camp and Submarine School. Everyone in the crew will know this and expect you to use the information you learned. You will be faced with unpleasant tasks, unpleasant orders, and unpleasant people so the rules I would be pleased to offer would be:

>> Expect to be treated as a newbie, and expect some tough jobs because they are there!
>> Keep your smart cracks and comments behind your teeth;
>> Listen carefully to what directions you get from your seniors and remember them:
>> Strive to be the hardest worker in your workgroup;
>> Get your Submarine Qualification Pin as soon as you can. Spend most of your liberty time studying the task until you complete the training. The same applies to the Surface Warfare Pin.
>> Forget about your adventures in High School, nobody is interested since all in the crew will have stories that would raise your hair!
>> If you have a question, or do not fully understand - ASK!
>> Respect your seniors for what they know, and their rank if for nothing else. Try to learn from them, and if necessary what not to do when you are a more senior grade!
>> Listen carefully, work hard, study hard, follow the rules, and if your head tells you "better not do it" - Then DON'T!!

Respectfully Submitted;
James L. Mathews

Response by Cpl Bill Johnson made Jul 7 at 2018 10:15 AM

Cpl Bill Johnson — Sat, 07 Jul 2018 10:15:37 -0400

When your NCOs tell you to do something do. If you see something that needs doing, do it without being told. Don't just be on time, be early (if you aren't ten minutes early, you are late). Don't let booze ruin your career or life.take care of your uniform and keep your personal space squared away. Study. Stay fit. Do those things and you will be off to a great start. Semper Fi!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 9 at 2019 4:43 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 16:43:29 -0500

As a former leader, thoroughly appreciated motivate troops regardless of the situation.

Response by SSG Ron Wilson made Mar 15 at 2019 12:54 AM

SSG Ron Wilson — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 00:54:57 -0400

The main thing, is to pay attention, become a team player, don't kiss ass, or worry about saving yours.

Response by LTC James McElreath made Mar 16 at 2019 1:16 AM

LTC James McElreath — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 01:16:01 -0400

Upon graduating from AIT, the Army will provide a set of orders that inform you where, when and how to react to their order. It's a very easy transfer, but be patient and you will settle right in.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2019 12:06 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Mar 2019 12:06:18 -0400

Be a sponge - soak up as much information as you can.
Watch and listen to your NCO'S. You'll find out quickly which ones are more high-speed than others.
Listen more than you talk, but don't be afraid to ask questions, ever!
Yes, you may have unique skills and knowledge your superiors don't possess, but I guarantee they have more life/military experience. Learn from them!

Response by SGT Thomas Jungbaer made Mar 22 at 2019 11:25 PM

SGT Thomas Jungbaer — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 23:25:48 -0400

just remember what you learned in basic and AIT. keep your nose clean, stay in shape, use all the benefits the Army gives you.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 16 at 2019 1:35 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 16 Jul 2019 13:35:33 -0400

Give the soldier a sponsor to integrate into the unit and the disparate places the soldier needs to go to finish in-processing.

Response by SSG Robert Velasco made Jul 16 at 2020 7:59 PM

SSG Robert Velasco — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 19:59:03 -0400

I remember my first instinct was to follow the crowd,and many times it ended up sourly. I would refrain from being a drunk,chasing tail and study the tm manuals for my mos. It's a challenge to get smarter and wiser and if you're planning to make it a career, then shop courses such as welding, machine shop,computers, electronics or any other craft is helpful and useful!