Posted on Jun 30, 2022
PV2 Infantryman
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So I’m at my first duty station, just arrived a week ago. I’m obviously the new private that doesn’t know much. I struggle with retaining information if it’s not hands on learning, I really do try though. Im just frustrated these last few days looking like a jerk because I don’t know anything in front of my team. I don’t wanna look weak, I wanna get bigger and stronger/smarter. I haven’t been home in 7 months and about to go on deployment in a few months, life is crazy right now. Do you have any tips? I really want to be here but these last few days just have been a mental toll more than anything. I know it’s not supposed to be easy.
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MSG Preventive Medicine Specialist
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Of course you don't know anything in front of your team. All you know is doctrine. You have yet to learn operational/real world. Slow down. Breath. Eyes and ears open, mouth shut other than to ask questions IOT learn. It takes time to get bigger, better and smarter. Patience, young Padawan.
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PV2 Infantryman
PV2 (Join to see)
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Thank you sgt.
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SGT Ruben Lozada
SGT Ruben Lozada
2 y
SFC Livingston, I concur. He's still ypung and new. The Military is about learning as much as You can and taking notes. And, not everybody learns at the same rate. Another good option would be to carry around a note pad.
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SGT Ruben Lozada
SGT Ruben Lozada
2 y
PV2 (Join to see) You're welcome.
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SSG Jeffrey Leake
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Nothing is easy when you're the FNG. Don't over stress your situation. Listen to your leaders, take notes, ask questions. Talk with your squad and team leader. You'll learn a lot on your deployment. Don't rush things.
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SGT Ruben Lozada
SGT Ruben Lozada
2 y
SSG Leake, I totally agree with You.
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LTC Self Employed
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You did the right thing to ask for advice.

1.It is ok to be your own worst critic but forgive yourself and Just go with the flow.

2. Just listen to your corporals and Sergeants.

3. I remember corresponding online with an active duty Sergeant out of Fort hood. His biggest problems with Junior enlisted was dealing with those who drank too much, dealing with those who didn't pay their bills and dealing with those with personal problems. Do not open up candidly to those in your unit until you know who they really are because you may not like them and they may not be your battle buddy.

4. Talking candidly to your squad leader or your team leader is a different story. Just be careful with your Junior enlisted until you really get to know them.

5. Even if you are not religious, talk to a chaplain if you have issues.

6. Always do more than the minimum.

7. A full-time active duty Lieutenant Colonel had this on his wall. If you live by this, you will be successful.

I was enlisted before becoming an Officer.

I was the oldest E-4 in my training Battalion. I felt strange. People mocked me. I was in the ARNG so after basic and AIT was over, I went home.

Each and every unit that I went to had good people and not so good people.

Here are some resiliency training slides. The Army has issues with people not being able to cope or sometimes they feel down or don't feel confident. To minimize this, they give classes on resiliency training and I'm sure you will get them sooner or later at your first Duty station.

Just save these slides on your smartphone or laptop for future reference.

Thank you for reaching out to us here at RP
MAJ (Join to see) MSG (Join to see) SSG Jeffrey Leake Capt Brandon Charters
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SGT Ruben Lozada
SGT Ruben Lozada
2 y
Sir, excellent post and I concur with You.
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LTC Self Employed
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SGT Ruben Lozada Thanks for your compliments!
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