If you could give every future soldier one piece of advice, what would it be?

2015-05-12T20:15:39-04:00

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 8:19 PM

2015-05-12T20:19:00-04:00

Don't be That Guy!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 8:19 PM

2015-05-12T20:19:08-04:00

Do your best always. Do what you are told to do, when you are told to do it and do it well.

Response by CWO3 Bryan Muche made May 12 at 2015 8:22 PM

2015-05-12T20:22:17-04:00

Take the time to prepare yourself for life after serving.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 8:27 PM

2015-05-12T20:27:37-04:00

That's easy. I tell this to every new Soldier I get.

1. Be where you're supposed to be.
2. Do what you're supposed to do.
3. You control how your career progresses ie:
Doing well on your APFT
Doing your SSD's
Take advantage of what the military has to offer
4. Never be afraid to ask questions.

Response by SGT Richard H. made May 12 at 2015 8:27 PM

2015-05-12T20:27:34-04:00

If it's not in writing, it did not/will not happen.

Response by SGT Michael Touchet made May 12 at 2015 9:51 PM

2015-05-12T21:51:25-04:00

Take classes every opportunity that you get, you will be glad you did. Save money and take advantage of the travel opportunities, most of all enjoy the camaraderie.

Response by CPL Jay Freeman made May 12 at 2015 10:11 PM

2015-05-12T22:11:53-04:00

Fallow your heart not a good peace of ass. Wish I would have stayed in

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 10:22 PM

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Follow me.

Response by SGT Justin Lamb made May 12 at 2015 10:28 PM

2015-05-12T22:28:38-04:00

Always live the creeds and the values, they are the base lines of who and what we are. They are not just a group of lines to memorize for a board.

Don't judge a book by its cover, judge a lamb by its chops.. PVTs to CSMs bring all different cards to the table.

Always volunteer! It gets you knowledge across the board on how things are done on all levels. Sheds light on things that tend to hide in the dark which tends to leave bad tastes in other people's hearts.

Don't wiz on the electric fence.

Always place the Soldier to your left and right above you!

I think I'll hit submit now. This is always a fun question

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2015 11:28 PM

2015-05-12T23:28:33-04:00

Listen to SFC Springman he just gave you 90% of all you need to succeed. The only things I would add is:
1- You are your best career manager. Identify at least three goals for the next five years, research the path to get there, write it somewhere you see it often. Hopefully you achieve thise goals.
2- Repeat.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 12:42 AM

2015-05-13T00:42:09-04:00

Join the Coast Guard.

Just kidding (sort of).

Anyway, just one piece of advice? As soon as you get to your first unit, take $100 a month an set up a Roth IRA. Then set up an automatic draft to it. Then... don't touch it. Even if you get out after one enlistment, you have started some sort of savings for retirement.

If I could offer two pieces of advice, do NOT get an AAFES Star card. It's not worth it, and there are other ways to build credit.

If someone were to ask for one more, find out when your unit has a Financial Peace University class and take it (normally through your unit Chaplin and free).

If you haven't caught onto my theme, it's take care of your money. You can be barracks rich, or you can be financially stable for the rest of your life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 12:50 AM

2015-05-13T00:50:11-04:00

Watch who you do (cause we all know it happens), what you do, who you do it in front of and who you tell. - If you're gonna go get hammered at the bar then do something stupid ( doesn't have to be anything serious but could get you in trouble), then you gotta know who you are with, who saw you do it, who you tell and if the people you are with will go spread the "word". Rumors start to easy as it is, so even something harmless could be misconstrued

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 12:56 AM

2015-05-13T00:56:05-04:00

Keep 2 copies of EVERYTHING! Keep one at Mom and Dads (or someone you trust) in a safe and keep one where you can access it. This way if you are loved today/ hated tomorrow and the other decides to get rid of your stuff- you're still covered. Separate accounts even after marriage!

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 13 at 2015 5:22 AM

2015-05-13T05:22:54-04:00

Be aware that non-verbal communication is 80% of the communication process. What you say is not as pertinent as what you do not say. Learn tact and time and place when expressing yourself. Do not be afraid to try new things if you fail learn from the initial setback and set a goal to succeed next time the opportunity presents itself.

Response by SSG Donald Mceuen made May 13 at 2015 7:40 AM

2015-05-13T07:40:57-04:00

Think before you open your mouth. I had to learn that the hard way. Still have not learned
myself but it can save you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:09 AM

2015-05-13T08:09:43-04:00

My advise is this:
-during Basic Training or Boot Camp "play the game" meaning that pay attention to detail and do what you are told, but do it good.
-During your military career after BCT try to do the best, educate yourself military and civilian-wise, always take care of yourself and take care to the soldier next to you.
-Be disciplined. Respect those appointed over you and always seek for advise. When in doubt, always ask questions. There's no such thing as a dumb question. Work hard to get promoted. Learn from your NCO's, and once you get promoted as one or commissioned as an officer, apply all the lessons learned.
But of all those things I humbly advise to you, remember to ALWAYS take care of your fellow soldier, the one next to you. Teamwork is a must. Good luck in your career. Army Strong!

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made May 13 at 2015 8:33 AM

2015-05-13T08:33:28-04:00

Positive Attitude even on the worst days. There will be some.

In my day the Army Motto was?
"Be All You Can Be"

My career allowed me to follow that motto. My MOS was 26V in those days it was an electronic technician for microwave communications. I learned everything I could and had a blast doing it.

I'm sure MOS's are more regimented today then when I was serving. Being an NCO was able to use my leadership skills as an opportunity to move and take over repair shops, facilities,

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made May 13 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-05-13T10:10:43-04:00

LEARN ALL YOU CAN!

Response by SFC Jacob Hinkkanen made May 13 at 2015 11:13 AM

2015-05-13T11:13:44-04:00

Keep your hands behind your back, shut up, and listen.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 13 at 2015 12:10 PM

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The Army is an outstanding opportunity to do something with your life, and make a difference for yourselves, families and country.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made May 13 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-05-13T12:38:42-04:00

SCHOOL, the military is just like soup, the more you put into the more you get out of it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 13 at 2015 12:45 PM

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Keep a don't quit attitude.

Response by CW3 James Ives made May 13 at 2015 1:20 PM

2015-05-13T13:20:09-04:00

Always take care of your subordinates.

Response by CW3 James Ives made May 13 at 2015 1:22 PM

2015-05-13T13:22:16-04:00

Always remember to take care of your troops.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-05-13T13:24:00-04:00

Enjoy Basic training. My piece of advice I always give soldiers, Get everything out of the Army you can because the Army will try to do the same to you.

Response by Sgt Frank Rinchich made May 13 at 2015 1:58 PM

2015-05-13T13:58:07-04:00

Two words (STAY IN ) It was a good life.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 3:26 PM

2015-05-13T15:26:19-04:00

I'd say a few things, basically what I just told 2 brand new guys about 6 hours ago
1- don't be late, always be in the right place at the right time
2- do what you are told to do
3- learn what right looks like and make it look that way every time
4- if you don't know something ask!!! I'll never turn anyone away if they are trying to gain knowledge
5- be a sponge!! Soak up as much information as you can. Someday you'll be a leader and need to know things to teach you new soldiers

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 5:08 PM

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The military is what you make it. Remember they give you the tools to succeed, but it is up to you to learn, study, and use those tools to succeed. You can do it, if I can do it.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 13 at 2015 8:22 PM

2015-05-13T20:22:19-04:00

STAY THE HELL AWAY! Anything you accomplish will just be destroyed by the next liberal in office.

Response by SSG Jocephus Duckworth made May 13 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-05-13T23:33:34-04:00

Your trained to be a leader day one in basic training. Through out your career your being prepared for war so teamwork and leardership will come together as one.

Response by SSG Jocephus Duckworth made May 13 at 2015 11:35 PM

2015-05-13T23:35:25-04:00

Learn and live the 7 army values.

Response by SGT James Roth made May 13 at 2015 11:44 PM

2015-05-13T23:44:49-04:00

Pay attention. Always be on time. Enroll in college classes in the evening and get your degree. EXCEED expectations.

Response by SGT Stamatios Lahaniatis made May 14 at 2015 5:32 AM

2015-05-14T05:32:22-04:00

Make sure your plt leader is paying attention!

Response by SGT Beverly O'Hara made May 14 at 2015 8:21 AM

2015-05-14T08:21:27-04:00

It's true you should follow the traditions and creeds of the branch you are serving. Make sure you are in the career field you want to be in. Further you education while on active duty. Find a good NCO that knows what to do even in a crisis situation. Ask him/her to mentor you so that you can be the best that you can be.

Response by PO3 Dennis Bullard made May 14 at 2015 8:53 AM

2015-05-14T08:53:19-04:00

how respect to every officer, but become the soldier, sailor, marine that your senior enlisted men want you to become.

Response by SFC Joseph Dunphy made May 14 at 2015 8:08 PM

2015-05-14T20:08:59-04:00

Do your last tour near a good finance unit, so your retirement pay is correct when you go out the door.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 14 at 2015 11:10 PM

2015-05-14T23:10:17-04:00

Keep your head up, never give up, what we do here will help you later.

Response by MSgt Keith Hebert made May 14 at 2015 11:21 PM

2015-05-14T23:21:03-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member how can I add more than that other than
1 always give 110%
2 take care of your business
3 do not procrastinate

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2015 11:37 PM

2015-05-14T23:37:21-04:00

Always stay motivated and dedicated to your cause. Semper Fidelis

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made May 15 at 2015 3:30 PM

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Be at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform, and be ready to execute the task at hand.

Good luck!!!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-05-15T15:35:16-04:00

Maintain focus on the task at hand, show initiative, and always do the best job that you can.

Response by MSG Scott McBride made May 15 at 2015 9:13 PM

2015-05-15T21:13:06-04:00

Get your education.

Response by SSG James Doherty made May 15 at 2015 9:18 PM

2015-05-15T21:18:44-04:00

Run. Run far. Run fast. It will help you with stress, help you with your fitness, and it's fun.

Response by SFC Wayne Ocker made May 15 at 2015 9:20 PM

2015-05-15T21:20:16-04:00

Stick with it.

Response by SPC Thomas Kenyon made May 15 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-05-15T22:18:06-04:00

go in for something you can use when you get out or reclass after first enlistment

Response by SGT Stephen Gober made May 18 at 2015 6:56 PM

2015-05-18T18:56:29-04:00

Save your money and don't go out and party every weekend. When you have enough saved then buy a house. If I had it all to do over again I would have been paying off a mortgage (in my home state) while living in the barracks. If you go out and party every weekend you'll have no money and perhaps a few stories to tell. But those stories won't pay the bills. Just to be clear I'm not saying spend every weekend doing nothing in the barracks. Just keep an eye on the future.

Response by LTC Patrick Mahaffey made Aug 21 at 2015 2:02 AM

2015-08-21T02:02:15-04:00

Do your job better than your supervisor/boss can do it.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 11:55 PM

2015-09-16T23:55:53-04:00

Prepare first. Don't underestimate what you are going to go through. Prepare as much knowledge as you can, too.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2015 12:32 AM

2015-09-17T00:32:59-04:00

I'd say we don't thank them enough. Off the top of my head, all the sports that give a simple thanks to the military get paid A LOT of money to do it. A simple thank you. You'd think they could just do that anyways. The part that pisses me off is that it is a transaction. It is a simple thank you for giving them the freedom to do what they are doing.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Sep 17 at 2015 12:55 AM

2015-09-17T00:55:30-04:00

Live your life, love what you do, think, feel, and embrace the freedom you fight for.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2017 11:26 AM

2017-12-22T11:26:10-05:00

Not just for soldiers but for everyone. Enjoy the good things in your life and don't dwell on the bad.