Posted on Aug 29, 2015
I'm coming on active duty shortly. Any advice for starting my first assignment as a 2d Lt?
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Air Force
Mentorship
Professional Development
Advice
2d Lt
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 57
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Understand that relationships matter, develop a very candid relationship with your NCOs and make sure they know to pull you to the side quickly when you start to stray towards trouble. Be honest with your platoon. You do not have to be an arrogant prick - everyone there already knows you are the highest paid person in the platoon. And finally, communicate - do not allow early frustration to shut you down, we do not have mind readers in the services so you have communicate what you'd like to have accomplished.
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MSG Bobbie Martin
Aloha CSM, Spot On comments, Retired 18 years ago still miss it very much. Old MSG Paratrooper.
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Sgt Michael Scholl
Respect your troops and they will respect you. Your NCOs will learn from you and will teach you. Dont be a dick, be firm be friendly!
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MSgt Mark Sjoberg
Strive to "not be misunderstood". Too many people try to be understood. There is a difference. Make sure your Airmen understand what you expect. Make sure you are consistent in praise and discipline. Listen to the old dude, if the either is discouraged by your SNCOs, it might not be a good idea. If your section is successful, you are successful. Get the Airmen every thing they NEED to be successful.
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A1C Lisa Casserly
Sgt Michael Scholl... lol. How like a man, to be able to say in a few words what it took me a whole paragraph to say! Great advice.
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Mouth shut, ears open, and find a Chief to follow around for the first year or so. Good luck!
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Capt John Schubert
He's not likely to be even close, as an LT, to any Chiefs. Chiefs are usually at HQ, or higher levels organizations. An LT will be at a lower, operational level most likely.
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CCMSgt (Join to see)
I was retrofitted with 2LT sensing radar. I call out SPIKE when one is stressed out. Every now and then the boss tries to cage my seeker, but I can't help it.
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SSgt Chris Enslow
If you all would look closely, said 2LT is in a blue uniform, I believe? So that's a Chief - as in Chief Master Sergeant. The AF does not have CWO.
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1st Lt (Join to see) Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something. Believe me when I say that your troops will respect you more for finding out the answer, and doing it the right way, than doing it the wrong way and saying, "It's that way because I said so, and I'm in charge." The best officers I've worked for never had to utter the words, "I'm in charge." They led with a presence, and a distinction, of word, thought, and action that never left that in doubt.
Your NCOs know who's in charge, and the good ones will support you through thick and thin, as long as you are willing to do the same for them. You will quickly learn who has what strengths under your command. Use those strengths to strengthen yourself, and you will be respected by your superiors, your subordinates, and your peers.
Your NCOs know who's in charge, and the good ones will support you through thick and thin, as long as you are willing to do the same for them. You will quickly learn who has what strengths under your command. Use those strengths to strengthen yourself, and you will be respected by your superiors, your subordinates, and your peers.
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