Posted on Jun 13, 2016
SPC 13 R
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SGT Robert Cupp
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Do your ssd
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CPT John Sheridan
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A few pieces of advice:
1) Make extra effort on your uniform every time you wear it, even in the field (bring shoe polish to the field?)
2) Set the example by trying the hardest.
3) Be the first to arrive and the last to leave at drill.
4) When CIB testing comes up, take it seriously, study, and out perform your peers.
5) If your battalion has a soldier of the month/quarter competition, ask to be selected for it.
6) Keep a positive attitude and show it with enthusiasm, a cheerful demeanor, and a serious demeanor when appropriate.
7) Be attentive to your leaders.
8) If the troops you hang out with during down time whine, complain, or show a bad attitude, find others to hang with.
9) Tell your NCO's that you want to be a sergeant. They may joke with you about it, but most leaders are looking for willing troops to mentor and will be happy to do so.

(Yes, I know that I was a Chemical Captain, but I was an Infantry Sergeant before that)
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
MSG (Join to see)
8 y
CPT John Sheridan , all excellent points....minus part of #1 as we no longer have to shine boots.
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TSgt Logistics Management Specialist
TSgt (Join to see)
8 y
What is CIB testing? Or did you mean EIB?
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CPT John Sheridan
CPT John Sheridan
8 y
TSgt (Join to see) - Yes! EIB. The test for the CIB is a bit trickier.
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CSM Charles Hayden
CSM Charles Hayden
8 y
'Desert Strike", 1964's huge FTX trained troops to polish boots to prevent them cracking in/on the Mojave Desert.

At a 6th Army CDR's call in 1980, the 6th Army NCO of the year acted like a broken record. That SSG told everyone in attendance that he wanted to be a 1SG, repeatedly!
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SSG Squad Leader
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Edited 8 y ago
Education, education, education... Civilian and military education/training. High score on PT tests and weapons qual. This is the most effective way of receiving promotions, outside of doing the common sense soldiering (uniform, doing what you are told, etc.).
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SFC Gregory Brown
SFC Gregory Brown
8 y
Education,Education,Education.......Did I mention Education?
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