How to prepare myself for longevity and success in the Army?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 00:42:38 -0400

I'm currently 3 years in the Army, 1 1/2 in the guard and the rest in Active duty (I crossed over). I'm a 68W with the intent of pursuing a commission as a Nurse or PA. I'm about to be an NCO soon and recently married. This is a very broad question, I know, but I more or less just want to hear how some of you with 8+ years experience managed to set up your life for success.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 1:02 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 01:02:31 -0400

Enroll in college early. Keep taking one or two classes at a time. It's easy to hold a 3.8 GPA when you're only in one class. That GPA makes you more competitive for nursing or PA.
Always choose the challenging assignments. Take classes that are offered. Never neglect PT. Mentor juniors. Education, fitness, challenging assignments and mentoring - this is the formula for promotion and success in the Army.

These are the two most important pieces of advice I can give you:
1. ALWAYS treat your subordinates like family. See to their needs and treat them with respect while instilling discipline. As you get older you'll find that being a good leader makes you a better father, and being a good father makes you a better leader. "Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. They will follow you into the deepest valley"- Sun Tzu. If you do this you will be greatly respected everywhere you go.

2. NEVER steal from your family to pay the Army. Don't take time away from your family to catch up on paperwork, or stay late, or work weekends you don't need to. There will always be work, you will always be behind. Learn to manage your time and resources better as opposed to taking time away from your family. If you do this, you will still have a family when you leave the Army, and you will make your family stronger.
Good luck.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 1:09 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 01:09:49 -0400

I had just over 4 years active duty and about 3 years Guard when I applied for a G to G scholarship. I was married and my wife had a good job, active duty nurse (2LT). I had two years left to get my degree so I had a two year scholarship. Our first child was born the end of my jr year.
It wasn’t easy. Scholarship paid for school and I lost my e5 pay. We had to figure out how to get things done. I would go to school during the day and we would meet in the parking lot of the hospital at fort Sam and transfer baby duties. Sometimes I would drive home, sometimes I would go back to school and do my ROTC duties.
You do what you have to do to succeed and take care of your family. It’s a team sport. You and your partner have to visualize your goal and just keep working to it. 23 years later we are both 06, that little kid. She just graduated from West Point last summer and our other, a boy, is in college. She had him while I was at flight school.
You set a goal and keep moving towards it. Sometimes you have to adjust as you go along but just keep moving forward. Work together and make the big decisions together. Good luck.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 4 at 2018 1:26 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 01:26:48 -0400

Keep yourself healthy. If you injure yourself beyond the use of the Army they won’t want let you stay in. Report and get help for injuries. Don’t take your healthy lightly. When you say longevity that’s what came to mind.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Nov 4 at 2018 7:20 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 07:20:54 -0500

The advice below is very good. I will add that you will need to find a way to include your spouse in this plan. You are married for a reason, you must be dedicated to the Army as well. It is a balance not to be taken for granted. Work hard, educate yourself, take care of your Soldiers, get and stay fit, show your grit and all will come together. Thank you for your service.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 4 at 2018 10:47 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 10:47:09 -0500

Stick with your gut. It will guide you in the right direction. Moreover, work hard by setting the example no matter the situation or pressure you’re under. Continue your college education, do well, and volunteer in your community. Lastly, set incremental goals for yourself and achieve them. You will eventually accrue enough that will warrant success and longevity.

I hope my guidance, for what it is worth, rings a bell. Take care and God bless.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 4 at 2018 1:29 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 13:29:26 -0500

Do your job, understand rules and regulations, know protocol, live and work by the Army Values, and use leave to regenerate. It will infinitely help to find a mentor.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 4 at 2018 3:53 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 15:53:19 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, there's not really enough information in the question and almost none in your profile to help me provide a specific answer. I'll pass along some general responses that might help you.
-The job you have now is important and you should be the very best at it that your can be. Don't let plans for the future get in the way of excellent performance in the present.
-While you're enlisted, take every opportunity to enhance your career and leadership knowledge. Volunteer for training and schools in your specialty.
-Determine how you will prioritize your life--Get the "big rocks" in order and the rest will sort itself out. I recommend God, Family, Duty, Honor (Integrity), Country.
-If you plan to be a nurse, get your BSN; if you want to be a provider get an MSN and Advanced Practice Nurse
-When you complete or nearly complete your bachelors degree, talk to the medical recruiters from all the services. Take the offer, regardless of service, that provides the best benefits for you in terms of accession date, rank, credit for enlisted and Guard time, and assignment. The Army may not be the best deal. My daughter had about 12 years in the Air Guard (supply and civil engineering NCO), left for about 10 years completed her BSN, MSN, APN, and then took the Navy Reserve offer to be a nurse practitioner and enter as an O-3. Promoted to O-4 in less than 4 years.
-Talk it all over with your spouse. Keep this line of trusted communication open all the time. I never regretted making a family oriented decision in terms of professional opportunities and assignments.
-Get with a certified financial planner soon and make a plan. I recommend Financial Engines. They offer discounts for military members.