Posted on Jul 28, 2016
How can I remain motivated after career progression setbacks? I need help staying motivated.
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By no means am I the perfect soldier, but I have always strived to be the best. At my last unit i achieved so many great things... Air Assault and EFMB just to name a few. Now I am stationed at a hospital, the ER to be specific. My immediate COC and the Nuses I work with will say that Im one of the best Medics in the department. I pride myself on that. Now it is time that I move up in the ranks. I earned my promotable status and was given a slot to BLC. The morning of the first day of class, I over slept and lost my slot. HUGE mistake, that set me back 6 months. My 1SG wasnt going to give me another shot for 6 months. During that time I fought for a slot. I submitted a packet every chance I got. Part of that packet was a record APFT, which I took 4 records in the span of 6 months. Being in the ER I do PT on my own, and never had an issues passing. My finally convinced my 1SG that ibdeserved another slot at BLC, and submitted a complete packet to attend. During my BLC counseling I was told that I need to improve my PT, and I agreed, also I was told that there was a possibikity that I would have to retake the PT test because the test that we took for BLC may have been putside the 30 days needed to complete the packet. So rather than wait for further instructions, I started to PT very hard. I was informed the day before that I had to retake the PT test for BLC, and I failed. My form was crap, and I could not perform to standard. I still have not had my official counseling form my 1SG, but my ERB already reflects several flags, and I am sure I am going to lose my P status. I have 5 years in, and want to make the army a career, but this year has been one set back after another. I just would really like some advice on how to stay motivated theough all of this. I love the army and everything that it has done to improve my life. Thank you in advance.
SPC
Motivation
Military Career
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 26
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One last thought I'd offer: Many times while I was in I faced precisely the same question you asked. More often, perhaps, than I myself realized at the time. Very often, when one is in, one can often lose one's sense of direction and or purpose, despite one's very best efforts, that much I do in fact know to be true, I assure you. I only thought to mention that, as, principally, that was why what you'd asked especially interested me to try to send you an answer, honest. Believe me, I've faced precisely that very same question many times, both while I was in, and long after I'd gotten out, as well. I do have other thoughts I could offer, I think, however, as I'd said, knowing more of your motivations and interests would just help me focus what I might suggest more coherently, that's the only reason I asked, so, I'll wait while you digest all I've said, before sending more, I'd be !most eager for your feedback, many thanks.
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I can tell you the first thing is stop whining, and man up. You only go half-way to own the place you are in and if you know what needs to be done, do it. If your 2 mile-run is weak practice running 4 miles. The PT test should always be easier than your training for it is. That's how you never get a fail. Some MOS's are not designed for career length duty. That doesn't mean you need to get out though. I have retired after 31 yrs, 5 MOS's and 3 AFSC's. My body is broken but I stayed and shifted career fields and branches of service to accommodate my deteriorating physical limits to stay a bit longer. That also meant accepting a life long environment of continuous learning. I understand you are a medic and an NCO. You need to understand real fast, there are soldiers that may one day depend on you to save their lives and you must be fully prepared physically and mentally to do so. You are also in a leadership position and must set the example.
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SPC (Anonymous), I just thought that I would write and check up on your status. How are things going for you in the military. Have you been able to find you a group or mentor to hep you out with your PT program? It has been a while and I have not seen any updates to your post and was on RallyPoint and thought about this post. I hope that everything has improved with your situation and wish you the best and continued luck while in service.
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You sound like you got a good head on your shoulders. You are honest with yourself which a lot of people don't possess that quality. When you make it to NCO you will be an awesome leader I think.
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They can't flag you by regulation if you have no been counselwd on failing your PT test. Also, if it was not a record APFT they are not authorized to flag you if it was just a diagnostic. Stay positive and keep working on improving you physical fitness on your own time. Do more pushups, pullups, decline situps to help increase your pushups and situp numbers. Do that 2-3 weeks out from your PT test if possible and you will be surprised by how much you would improve. Also not saying you don't eat healthy, but reducing soda and limiting high fatty foods for just 2 weeks will help you lose weight as well. Show them thT you can pass a record APFT and then put in a new BLC packet with your BN S3. If your unit still denies you go to IG about it with your NCO. Make sure you have documwnted proof about your situation.
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remember that you learn more from failures than success and make a list of everything you need to fix and improve to get to where you want
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This may sound redudant; but hunt the good stuff. Flags aren't good- we both know that. But bouncing back from things like that can sometimes mean more respect. It means that you cared about it, and you fixed that shit, and you kept moving.
Motivate yourself for other soldiers. Lead by example. Show them. Let them see you push yourself, let them see you strive, let them see you succeed. This extra PT will help you become more physically fit. Learn from the poor form.
Sometimes it's hard to find motivation but I promise you, you can find it. Even if it's false motivation. But if you love the Army like you say you do- you'll find a way.
Motivate yourself for other soldiers. Lead by example. Show them. Let them see you push yourself, let them see you strive, let them see you succeed. This extra PT will help you become more physically fit. Learn from the poor form.
Sometimes it's hard to find motivation but I promise you, you can find it. Even if it's false motivation. But if you love the Army like you say you do- you'll find a way.
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Get out go work in a civilian Er and go to nursing school like I did. You are at a tight bottle neck in your career; and at this point they are looking hard at every mistake a soldier makes. Joes can't make a mistake s any more. The army wants perfect soldiers these days until the republicans can put more money back into defense; your screwed!
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WOW, Hang in there Brother! BUT, and not that it's easy, what's that saying? "The measure of man is not how many times one gets knocked down, it's how quickly they get up!" Staying unmotivated only tells them "See, told you he wasn't qualified!" Sometimes, you just have to let that be your motivation and blow their minds! Might be a small explosion though! ;-)
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