If you had a chance to speak with cadets and/or midshipmen before they commissioned, what wisdom, advice, and lessons would you offer them?

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 10:39:53 -0400

We all know what it's like being the "new guy" on the block - and most of us have interacted with junior officers whose uniform still smells fresh from the NEX/PX. From an enlisted or officer standpoint, what would you like these JOs to know? What wisdom would you bestow on them to hopefully make them both a better officer and more effective leader?

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Sep 17 at 2021 10:52 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 10:52:20 -0400

Your Senior NCOs know more than you do. When they are speaking, LISTEN. The very best Generals and Admirals began as Lieutenants and Ensigns. And when they were Lieutenants and Ensigns, the listened to their NCOs and learned from them.

Your mid-career Officers know more than you do. When they are speaking, LISTEN. But use your grey matter, too. Do *not* be a "yes-man." Push back, when necessary, especially if the plan is unnecessarily dangerous or risky, or if you just have a smarter way of doing things. Don't be insubordinate, but don't be a push-over, either.

Your flag Officers know so much more than you that they don't even realize how little you know. When they are speaking, ASK QUESTIONS. If you don't understand, it is OK. It is far better if everyone thinks you are dumb for asking a question than if everyone KNOWS you are dumb because you botched a mission. Most senior Officers (and NCOs) *want* to train junior Officers; they *want* to help you learn and grow. But sometimes they don't even realize that there is a knowledge / experience / learning gap that has to be bridged.

Response by CSM William Everroad made Sep 17 at 2021 11:12 AM

CSM William Everroad — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 11:12:00 -0400

SFC Casey O'Mally Provided the starter tips. They are pretty common advice and very sound. I always expand on them:

"Your Senior NCOs know more than you do. When they are speaking, LISTEN."

This is no excuse to not know what you are about. Learn as much as you can about your CMF, your profession as an officer and know your responsibilities. Have conversations with your colleagues and learn from their mistakes and successes. Be well read on Leadership. Your Commander or mentor can provide a reading list.

"Push back, when necessary, especially if the plan is unnecessarily dangerous or risky, or if you just have a smarter way of doing things. Don't be insubordinate, but don't be a push-over, either."

I can't agree with this enough. But get an idea of when is it absolutely necessary to push back. There are NCOs who will use you to get their way. At the end of the day the Commander's mission still has to get done. There is line between "dangerous or risky" and "inconvenience".

"Your flag Officers know so much more than you that they don't even realize how little you know. When they are speaking, ASK QUESTIONS."

This is true for everyone. Don't fake it. Most leaders will appreciate questions, especially if it is clear you are trying to develop or take care of Soldiers. Additionally, His comment, "Most senior Officers (and NCOs) *want* to train junior Officers; they *want* to help you learn and grow", is is so true. Most will take time to pass on lessons learned or advice. But be careful how much you dump on your Commander, "trying to learn and develop" can cross into "lack of capability" pretty quickly. Expand your network, make connections with your left and right, and use the resources available to you.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2021 11:30 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 11:30:25 -0400

For prior enlisted officers, I would recommend that they be humble and realize their enlisted time doesn't make them gods. I saw far too many arrogant priors who sucked as officers.

For non-prior officers in technical roles (like I was), find your technical expert mid-level NCOs. Partner up with them and learn everything you can. Search out their bosses and let them know you want to learn from their subordinates. Being third generation military (father and grandfather were Army enlisted and warrants) helped me understand that. So many of my peers didn't get it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2021 12:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 12:01:23 -0400

You can delegate your authority but the responsibility is always yours. Your NCOs make the mission happen, let them make you successful, if you don't they can just as easily make you a failure. Have their backs and they'll have yours. You can't do your job and your NCO's job.

Response by CW5 Jack Gaudet made Sep 17 at 2021 12:13 PM

CW5 Jack Gaudet — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 12:13:21 -0400

Don't show up with an attitude that you are in charge and will change the world. The men and women you lead or will lead will have an attitude towards you from the beginning until you prove yourself. Listen to your NCOs, they have time under their belt, the better ones want to get their mission and move out. Respect is earned, not given, take care of them and they will take care of you. You are part of a team even if it is just you. If you are prior enlisted, remember where you came from and what it was like.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 17 at 2021 12:59 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 12:59:58 -0400

- Listen to the NCOs.
- Study tactics until it’s like the back of the hand.
- Start developing a leadership philosophy.
- Ask the commander about expectations.
- Compile a list of common phone numbers of external organizations.
- Know TLP and OPORD formats.
- Be humble.
- Understand the unit’s METL.
- Never compromise your integrity.
- Make a leaders book.
- Know how to counsel and write NCOERs.
- Try to have some fun.
- Show gratitude for the troops’ hard work.
- Last but not least, take care of the troops.

Response by SGT Kevin Taber made Sep 17 at 2021 1:13 PM

SGT Kevin Taber — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 13:13:16 -0400

Listen to your non-commissioned officers

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Sep 17 at 2021 1:37 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 13:37:37 -0400

I would say:
-Your real [insert Service] career starts now
-The academic and military education you are completing provides a base on which you will build your career
-Keep track of the cadets/midshipmen in your class. They will be a resource for you as your careers progress
-If you are headed for a school (Infantry basic, pilot training, etc.) forget where you came from. On the first day, you are equal to all the other students. Work hard, study hard, play a little, prove yourself.
-Integrity is invaluable. Live it, keep it.
-Expect to screw up. Admit it. Learn from it.
-Avoid three career killers: Abuse of legal or illegal drugs, poor handling of Government money and resources, abuse of other people
-Listen to your SNCOs. They know more than you do about almost everything. If in doubt, do what your First Sergeant/Sergeant Major/Master Chief said you should.
-Take time to relax. Balance your work, social, and personal life as best you can.
-Anything you ever say or show on-line never goes away

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2021 2:09 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:09:35 -0400

I’ve been commissioned for a little over a year after 8 years as an enlisted soldier. A few tips from my short commissioned career:

1) You aren’t God’s gift to your military service because you were enlisted. There is always room to grow.

2) Be confident in what you know. This isn’t your first military rodeo. You know what right looks like. Don’t let people try to convince you otherwise.

3) Look out for your Joes. All officers hear this (and the majority try to do it) but it’s different when you’ve walked in their shoes. Be the officer you always wanted.

4)Lead through your NCOs and give them room to handle NCO business. A lot of things can be handled at the SL/PSG level (E5-E7).

5) Listen to your COMPETENT NCOs. The vast majority of NCOs are great at what they do but don’t fall into the trap of thinking all NCOs know best. There are few who get in those positions when they really shouldn’t be there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if something doesn’t sound right or to call BS if you know it isn’t right.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Sep 17 at 2021 3:30 PM

SGT Aaron Atwood — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 15:30:27 -0400

Be polite, professional, and confident. Be humble also, and do not ever confuse being humble with being an ass-kisser.

Own your mistakes as well as successes. Read "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink.

You're cultivating your creative muse now while in a training setting. Don't ever stifle your muse. Outside-the-box creativity is almost always one of the greatest internal assets any leader could have. Not everyone's idea is a good one, but a good idea can come from anyone.

Don't chase awards and medals for yourself, but always chase them for your subordinates. Your career's just starting. The person nominated for the award may be depending on this award to reenlist, get promoted, or get a good job upon their EAS. Take care of your people!

You never know all the facts until you hear all sides to the story. Remember that when you have to discipline someone.

Ambition runs strong through all ranks.

When listening to advice from another leader you must mentally figure out if the advice is for your gain, their own gain, or beneficial to everyone.

At any change of command ceremony the only people who actually want to be there are the outgoing, the incoming, and maybe a few of the people they invited. Plan any speeches accordingly.

Never ask of anyone what you aren't willing to do yourself. Same for standards.

Leadership isn't just what you or others preach; it's also what you tolerate.

Sucking it up is never an option unless actively engaged in combat or a combat patrol. That said: suffering is a teacher unlike any other, but never have your unit suffer just for the sake of suffering. Counter any SNCO or higher officer who tries pulling this.

Chow/dining protocol: juniors always get the first pick. After them are the NCOs followed by SNCOs. You don't get in line until everyone else got what they wanted.

You don't have to have a Psychology degree to be an effective counselor and mentor, but also recognize when a subordinate's grievances cannot be resolved by you via your rank or billet.

Take mental resiliency training courses. You will have moments in your career when you got rock bottom, and someone hands you a jackhammer. More importantly you will have subordinates and NCOs/SNCOs who will go through similar moments.

Be trustworthy to your unit members, and equally important trust them.

Be empathetic and sympathetic when appropriate. Remember that they are different as well as similar.

In a memorial service the most haunting and painful parts are following: final roll call, Taps, and looking the family members in the eyes as they receive their flag.

Suicidal people are almost never obvious with their symptoms before they attempt to commit.

The ultimate in badassery as a leader is when any of your peers or subordinates would openly take a fall for you, or give their life for you because they respect you that much.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Sep 17 at 2021 3:57 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 15:57:39 -0400

Listen to current staff before going in blind.

Response by PO3 Pamala McBrayer made Sep 17 at 2021 4:34 PM

PO3 Pamala McBrayer — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 16:34:36 -0400

The idea that the enlisted “bear watching” (we picked up a Midshipman’s manual that was dropped by the future officer who was on a summer internship), was particularly annoying. It implied that enlisted were untrustworthy and derelict, and that only strict discipline would ensure a reliable, motivated sailor. It saddened me to see the attitude that the Naval Academy inculcated in their future leaders. Fundamentally, it was disrespectful in perspective, and did nothing to foster unit cohesion or encourage confidence in those who do the work.

My advice for ensigns is to rely heavily upon the judgement of their NCOs in personnel issues and focus on learning about WHY we do our jobs the way we do them. It is my hope that junior officers will use that knowledge to remove bureaucratic and other barriers and be our defenders and truth tellers up the chain of command. Don’t just sit there and nod…always tell the truth, even when its bad news.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2021 4:47 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 16:47:35 -0400

Officer status or not, learn to shut up, listen and learn. Your joes know more than you do about the job and the way the unit runs. Don't be that guy that jumps in and starts trying to re-invent the wheel. Sit back, observe, shut up, and learn. Once you truly KNOW how it all works, if you see things that can be updated or modified to work better, THEN bring it up to your PSG/counterpart, and confer with them. If it will work and the ol' salt dog agrees, then change it. Don't do ANYTHING without your NCO and a thorough understanding of what you're about to upend.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Sep 17 at 2021 8:09 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 20:09:47 -0400

[~501415:CPO (Officer Candidate) George Martin Thank You So Very Kindly Chief Petty Officer (Officer Candidate) George Martin: for the Great Honor You Have Bestowed Upon Us; here on Rally Point; by Honoring us with Your Presence.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 17 at 2021 8:36 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 20:36:18 -0400

Couple added cents. Remember you're at a schoolhouse and not reality. You'll learn the book but not necessarily how to use it. Afterwards, remembering plans fall apart after contacting the enemy, be prepared to adjust quickly. I grew up starting at E-1 with great NCOs pointing the way. I always returned the favor by supporting the NCO community. It was a no brainer because that works best by far. The more you see, the more you'll be shocked seeing some of the dirtbags that for some reason got promoted or had seniors that didn't do their job and push them out. Don't decide you're the bounty hunter. It does take a Village to get rid of the Village Idiot quickly. Get into the mindset that many don't discover until too late. The Military is a business and business decisions are required. We're not the bleeding heart touchy feely decision by committee organization. Therefore, you're expected to grow as a Leader with a capital L. Finally, getting tagged with a nickname isn't necessarily a bad thing. Lord knows I've earned a few over my time.

Response by LT Michael Watson made Sep 17 at 2021 9:23 PM

LT Michael Watson — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 21:23:52 -0400

Think. You are in a new learning environment where you may employ what you have learned to date, but must now be put into practicum. No plan or lesson ever survives first contact.

Response by CPL Brian Clouser made Sep 18 at 2021 11:30 AM

CPL Brian Clouser — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 11:30:01 -0400

What would I tell them? Listen to your NCOs! They have the experience and the knowledge that you lack

Response by LTC Gary Bracht made Sep 18 at 2021 12:42 PM

LTC Gary Bracht — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 12:42:38 -0400

My first piece of advice is to trust your NCOs but verify what they tell you. Manage by walking around. Don't be afraid to ask questions, better yet, ask a question even if you know the answer and have your troops and NCOs explain WHY they are doing what they are doing. Many ways to skin the cat, build tools to keep in your kit bag. When you have to act in a crisis, act and try to keep your head on a swivel. Lastly, remember your troops eat first, you eat last...all the time. If you can't grab a bite, have you PSG get you a meal and eat it cold.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 7:23 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 19:23:45 -0400

You are not better than, smarter than, more capable than anyone solely based on your commission .

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 7:28 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 19:28:57 -0400

Never underestimate the abilities and capabilities of your subordinates

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 7:30 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 19:30:22 -0400

Feel free to call me at [login to see] .
LCDR Marc Soss (ret.)

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 7:30 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 19:30:56 -0400

These are things I wish I were told as an Ensign (now I'm a LT with 7 years experience, for reference). Read any instructions that relate to your collateral duties and any joint pubs that relate to your job. You may not understand what they're addressing at first, and that's ok. Ask questions respectfully to learn, and when you speak make sure you have something to say. If you don't know how your comment or input makes the conversation better, it's ok to withhold comment. You can learn from anyone (Junior enlisted, senior enlisted, fellow JO, your CO), so try to do that. Know what your command's objectives are and make your departmental and professional objectives line up to meet those command objectives. It's not about you, it's about the team.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 7:39 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 19:39:56 -0400

As a Navy Mustang CDR my recommendation would be to listen for understanding before responding to subordinates or seniors. Make sure to “answer the question” no more, no less. There will be time for guidance once you rank up. That was my hardest lesson … transitioning from senior enlisted to JO the newbie with all the bling. The O’s don’t understand and the CPO’s don’t get it but your Sailors will love that you remember where you came from. Lead, follow, mentor! Enjoy the junior ranks while you can … first 4 years are non compete and instant JG and LT … then the real work begins. Fai Winds Shipmate!

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 7:44 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 19:44:03 -0400

Just learn your job, be confident but not arrogant. Become an expert at MoBoards, understand how the bridge team works and where you fit in. Get into the Capes and Lims of SPY. Always say what you mean and mean what you say. Lastly, foster respect up and down the chain of command.

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 7:46 PM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 19:46:47 -0400

As a newly commissioned Ensign (Its been about 5 months now) you’ll know basically nothing and you’re in for a whole new world. It might be uncomfortable at first, but you’ll adjust. Most know that you’re new, don’t be afraid to ask the dumb question. I can hear Gunny telling me assumptions make a$$es out of both of us.
Find a JO you like, and strive to replicate the things you admire out of then. Spend time with all of your JO’s and get to know them. Networking is huge and those who have gone before you can help you avoid repeating their mistakes. Lean on your peers, and let them lean on you. No one is an island.
Nobody cares about your qualifications more than you. People will help, but you have to ask for it. You have to put in your 10,000 hours to become the expert your community needs you to be.
Find some time to separate work from home. For example; As a sailor, you live on the ship. For weeks or months you will live where you work. When you’re home, don’t bring your work home. Otherwise you won’t have any healthy boundaries.
Take care of your people. They will do so much more for you when you show the, you care about them as a service member but also as a person. Find out their birthdays, ask about their kids, ask about their quals and living conditions. I think Theodore Roosevelt said it but “Nobody cares what you know, until they know that you care.” You’ve got to earn their trust and commitment to you and your objectives.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:02 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:02:37 -0400

Listen to your enlisted experts first and foremost. Get to know them, understand them, and learn about them, their backgrounds, their families, their hobbies, and ask tons of questions. Take an active interest in their careers and help them achieve whatever they ask for.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:14 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:14:36 -0400

Watch band of brothers.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:18 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:18:21 -0400

Talk less, listen more. Accept criticism, but do not accept disrespect. Put your team first, yourself last. The only way to get better is to do, so accept tough tasks, try hard, ask for help, don't be afraid to fail. What your boss finds interesting, you should find fascinating. Contrary to what some NCOs have written on here, they do not know more than you do about everything, and they do not know everything. They're not all geniuses. There will be times when neither of you knows exactly what to do. Work together to figure it out. There are as many bad NCOs as bad officers. Be receptive to good advice regardless of where it comes from. When you make a decision, you have to both stick to it/enforce it, and be willing to change your mind. That's one aspect of the art of leadership.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:21 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:21:09 -0400

Leadership is leadership, and as an officer you will instantly find yourself in that role. There are plenty of great books on the subject written by civilians, and spending the time to read some of the better ones and absorb that knowledge will provide you value regardless of which role or unit you are assigned. If you look at successful individuals in any organization you will typically find that they are well read.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:21 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:21:49 -0400

I was fortunate to have several "mentors" who were senior to me in years, but not rank. My first Master Chief assigned to me was a fountain of wisdom, great teacher (after he realized I was serious) and the most adept scrounger of anything and everything we needed (this was Viet Nam).
Today's military is much more internally/externally political than before, and career ending (unless you like Iceland in the winter) so think before you speak. The seniors above you, know your history and it is your job to be an asset to the unit in your new position...time and experience and OBSERVATION of the unit's dynamics are your playbook.
You have to earn your position by being an asset and if a conflict arises, then be as diplomatic as possible about the potential conflicts on ALL aspects.
Good luck....many of my my senior enlisted and superior Officers are among my best friends.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:31 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:31:31 -0400

You already know this, but listen to your chiefs and let them run shxt! Also, not all enlisted who get commissions make the transition. Of the few former chiefs who I've seen, they've done well, though. Always look out for your people and they'll look out for you.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:32 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:32:05 -0400

Start developing your leadership philosophy now - if you don't, one will be given to you. I was a CPO prior to commissioning, but I was still an Ensign after I commissioned. Don't go in making changes, let dust settle, learn & evaluate, work with your enlisted leadership team and make the place better.

Listen to learn vice respond. This allows you to earn trust, give respect to your people and show that you care.

Always remember to value your people. Always remember character; moral courage, honesty, humility and empathy.

I teach leadership via the RBLP certification program, look at it, there is a lot of good info in it and COOL pays for it.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:33 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:33:00 -0400

Remain humble.
Keep your paperwork squared away.
Lead by example, maintain your professional integrity.
Remember that people are watching you even when you're off the clock and therefore you may hold yourself to a standard higher than you were when you were an enlisted individual.
Read and study. Find those courses that provide you with leadership guidance and take them all, just not at the same time.
There's no gold stars for flaunting your intelligence, listen first to the question in its entirety before responding.
Try not to engage in a war of opinions. Stay objective and only deal with evidence-based data.
Don't be afraid to say I'll get back to you with an answer.
Treat your colleagues with respect and you're enlisted with more, for they are the shoulders you stand upon and one kind word goes a long way.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:33 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:33:04 -0400

Get qualified, be a productive member of the team. This has a lot of layers to it and its more than just getting qualified, its: learning the ship, learning the mission, learning the people, learning the Chain of Command, learning the TTPs, and integrating with the crew. They are your family. They are your support network. Learn from everyone. There are lessons to be learned everywhere, you learn from both good and bad leaders.

Your Chiefs' have technical knowledge and experience you don't, integrate them into your routine, but remember they are part of the decision and not the decision maker. They aren't infallible and sometimes their goals don't align with yours. That's OK. Your job is to leverage their experience to help inform decisions.

Always remember "show me the reference" - this isn't because you are micromanaging. It's so you learn where to look and so you can provide backup to your sailors. When in doubt the pub has an answer from where you can start.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:39 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:39:44 -0400

Earn it everyday! Remember it is service no matter how senior you get. Start and finish each day with gratitude and never forget where you came from. Lead by example always in all things.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:51 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:51:14 -0400

The title says it all: https://blog.usni.org/posts/2017/08/10/leadership-means-listening

Shut Up and Listen: Leadership Means Listening

The aft lookout was having a routine morning on deployment when the Commodore, riding the ship for an exercise, sauntered up to him to share the sunrise and make small talk. “How are you this morning?” asked the captain of the Seaman. “I’m good,” he answered, as is the case 99 percent of the...

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 8:59 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 20:59:09 -0400

When you arrive at your first duty station remember one thing, Even though your rank is “higher” than someone else’s, they are a subject matter expert and you have a lot to learn from them. Be humble and listen and learn.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 9:00 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 21:00:10 -0400

There is so much to say and it depends greatly on what designator community you are joining. I’ll start by reiterating items that have been said already. Take care of your Sailors and they’ll take care of you. Don’t be a yes man, but if you can learn to pick your battles it can be helpful. I have not and I die on many hills. But take care of your Sailors. Find ways to use the actual electronic means of doing business without printing out copies to put in to a blue folder to be routed that will take weeks for an approval of something that should take no more than two or three days. Take care of your Sailors. Don’t accept the words,”that’s how we have always done it”. You should be pissed off if you hear those words. Take care of your Sailors. The Navy without Sailors is just a bunch of junk that does nothing. Yes, we are a fighting force and yes we need to go to sea; but would you rather be short handed for a week so a Sailor can take care of a legitimate personal issue or risk that Sailor making a mistake that injures or kills themselves and/or others because they are preoccupied with that personal issue? There are some that take extreme advantage of the system and you have to figure out who they are. Bottom line: Take care of your Sailors. That being said, become an expert in your chosen warfare profession as well.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 9:18 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 21:18:55 -0400

There’s a lot of good stuff already posted, so I highly recommend reading through them. You’ll see a lot of common themes, but I’ve boiled it down to a few ROTs (rules of thumb) I use often.

1. Be humble, creditable, and approachable.
2. Three things you never mess up/with: money, classified materials, and fraternization.
3. Learn from your leaders: bad ones teach the best lessons.
4. Look out for your people, and they will take care of you. Their success is yours and vice versa.
5. Ultimately, be someone you’d want to follow.

There’s always more to learn. Good hunting on your journey.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 9:22 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 21:22:15 -0400

You bring knowledge and experience to the job that non-prior enlisted officers don't have and that will serve you well, but take care to not trip on it. Remember that you ARE an officer now, and try to avoid falling into enlisted member's habits of thought. Listen to what your enlisted members tell you, especially the chiefs, and work at making that fit into all of what you've learned about being an officer, and what you find of yourself in growing in to this new role. Especially, don't make the mistake of doing the Chief's job. Let the Chief be the Chief, and learn from the Cheif, in a way similar to (but NOT identical to) the way you'd learn if you were still in the Chief's mess. You will have more than enough to do trying to learn your own duties and earn your warfare qualification to take on someone else's job. I second the recommendation to listen and learn - maybe "sponge mode" is a good way to think of it. Congratulations, and good luck!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 9:33 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 21:33:34 -0400

Since you're coming from the goat locker, this might be a harder one for you to swallow. Not all of your brothers and sisters are the Chief that you were. Respect the mess, but remember that you are part of the wardroom now. Look back on your time as a Chief with pride, but remember that it was you who sought a commission. Push forward as you would with any other mission.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 9:44 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 21:44:42 -0400

Always do your best. Do the right jobs and do them well. Find mentors (plural) and take their advice, but keep in mind the “age” of their advise. Remember always, that you are the one that has to live with the consequences of your decisions. Be mutually courteous and respectful at all times. Lastly, smile and do the things that make your bosses feel like they didn’t give as much effort, and let them pull you up with them.

Response by SPC Ray Orvin made Sep 18 at 2021 10:22 PM

SPC Ray Orvin — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 22:22:12 -0400

Enlist first with 4 yes and promotion to e5 with two ncoers first

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 10:22 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 22:22:12 -0400

Make friends with other LTs. A lot of good things can happen for platoons when the LTs in the BN are a united front. Moreover, support each other.
People will spend a lot of time giving you trash as soon as they see that bar, get thick skin and lean on each other.

As you learn from your NCOs, take time to get to know them as well. Don't get lost in the insurmountable mountain of work you will have infront of you and neglect to get to know your people. In the end, do your best and forget the rest.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 10:37 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 22:37:27 -0400

Remember your roots as a prior enlisted. Stay humble.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 10:52 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 22:52:27 -0400

The new officers who use what they wear on their collar as a reason to be dismissive of their sailors’ experience or input very soon realize that they actually do need those sailors to accomplish things, but those sailors will all learn very quickly that that officer is not someone deserving of it.

Be appropriately professional, but actually work and speak with your sailors as people. Be approachable. Even before you’re competent at your role, by the fact that you’re an officer, you have easier access to the XO, CO, and CMC/COB than your Junior enlisted do. It doesn’t require any PQS, qual card, or warfare pin to be a good liaison for them if they need it for some reason (even something as simple as personally caring enough to make sure a leave chit isn’t sitting in a department heads inbox).

And definitely be consistent in your personality, demeanor, and judgment. Everyone hates a bipolar leader who they need to figure out if it’s the mean one or the nice one that day. They’d rather a consistent jerk than an unpredictable guy who’s chill sometimes.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 10:54 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 22:54:17 -0400

Take the time to mold non-prior junior officers. They feel above the enlisted and it shows... making them arrogant and unapproachable.

For yourself, work your butt of to earn your Warfare device as quickly as possible before taking on collateral. Collaterals with slow your progress; and the collaterals they give unqualified officers are low impact. Race to qualify so you can take high visibility and high impact collaterals, which will fast track your progression amongst your peers. That progression will be critical to earning your board for promotion and securing tenure for retirement.

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 11:05 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 23:05:03 -0400

Take care of your people, everything else will take care of itself.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 18 at 2021 11:30 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 18 Sep 2021 23:30:59 -0400

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/new-officers-listen-up

New Officers, Listen Up. | RallyPoint

As a newly Commissioned Officer, or as a Cadet aspiring to become an Officer, you may be asking yourself many questions as you get closer to leading your first Platoon. How will I rise to the challenge? How should I “come in”? The first thing you need to adjust is your mindset. Unless you have prior enlisted experience, you have to adjust to the fact that you will not be leading peer Cadets. Cadets are great and wonderful people. They are...

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 12:56 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 00:56:11 -0400

Plenty of excellent advice already provided below. My only two cents for a Mid, Cadet or ROTC about to commission I guess would be 'take it one day at a time.' You're going to have good days and bad days. Don't give up on your career because of one bad day, one bad senior officer, one bad command.

Stick to the fundamentals and you'll be okay:
+ Work hard, pay attention, look genuinely interested (it'll be noticed at all levels);
+ Be early and try not to be the first guy down the gangway at the end of the day either (that'll also be noticed);
+ Respect people and their stuff, if you have the last cup of coffee, make a new pot. Pitch in if something has to get done, even if it's out of your lane.
+ Volunteer for additional duty / assignments (yup, it'll be noticed), but don't be afraid to ask for help if you're getting overwhelmed, and ask sooner than later. It can be phrased along the lines of 'excuse me Sir/Maam, but any advice on the best way to prioritize my Legal Officer extra duties versus my Division Officer daily stuff? I don't want to let anybody down.'
+ Always, always take care of your people, the men and women under your command, and not just work stuff, which is important, but as a military officer you're also now responsible for their physical, mental and financial well being (to varying degrees). You have to 'notice stuff,' like who's not getting work done, sleeping enough, going to medical/dental, and of course, signs of depression, etc. This is something your counterpart working in the office selling insurance does NOT have to worry about. If you have to go to bat for one of your people if you think they're being unfairly treated, then go to bat (because when they see you've got their back, then they'll have yours).

Now get out of here and go enjoy the best, most rewarding job you'll ever have in your life, whether you do 5 years or 30.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 3:23 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 03:23:48 -0400

Give your troops something to brag about. Finish your qualifications early and well. Stay in shape. Give them every opportunity to teach you, and full credit when they help you succeed. Refuse any credit for THEIR successes, and take full responsibility for their failures. Refuse to eat before they eat or sleep before they sleep. Learn their home towns and the names of their wives and children. Take risks on their behalf. Routinely surprise the midnight watch with a hot cup of coffee, and know what they put in it. Never, ever lie to them.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 6:12 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 06:12:23 -0400

Prepare to fail, maybe even a few times before you get it. I tell my Sailors to use resources at the right level and time; there is little excuse for failing alone. Here is a simple wordpress page that I send to enlisted wanting to become officer or others who recently commissioned: https://jorules.wordpress.com/.

JO Rules

Advice for Junior Officers in the Navy

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 6:25 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 06:25:07 -0400

1. One of the strangest things in the military is the truism that you both lead your senior enlisted and must learn from them. As a senior officer, I would constantly remind my Chiefs Mess of their incredibly important role in training junior Officers.
2. Take care of your people. Know them, their goals and their families. Their goals may not be big enough and you may need to help them realize it. Give your people all the credit and keep all the blame for yourself.
3. Know your weapon system cold. Whether you are flying an aircraft, driving a ship, a tank, a submarine or leading a platoon, know the tactics and procedures better than the next guy.
4. Actively save for your retirement. Take advantage of TSP and save more than you earn. Bank half of every pay raise.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 8:08 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 08:08:28 -0400

1) Stay humble. Your rank is on your collar so no man could look you in the eye and not know you are an officer.
2) Respect your enlisted men. Trust that they can perform until they prove otherwise.
3) Don't embarrass yourself by thinking you know as much as they do. Give them the opportunity to recommend, then you judge their recommendation as to its validity from your level.
4) Remember GOD is watching how you handle responsibility.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 9:22 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 09:22:52 -0400

Trust but verify. you will want to get your hands dirty, because that is what you did,even as a CPO. Don’t do the work for your troops, they will do just fine, but verify the know what they are doing and qualified. Risk Management! Ask questions, and provide praise often!

You have a new young officer to worry about. You! Stand strong and earn your trust in the Wardroom! It will go a long way when other officers that may not have your experience, trust you. Never “say, when I was enlisted or when I was station at…” You are a new officer and so is every future challenge. Look ahead, and never forget where you came from. Honor, Courage, Committment!

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 11:22 AM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 11:22:55 -0400

Some great advice above. I didn't read all of it, so forgive me if this is redundant.Here are a couple pieces of advice I've always tried to instill in the Officer's I've trained (Navy Specific):
1) The Chief's Mess is unique and extremely valuable for their expertise, experience and knowledge. As a former member you should know that well, however, as an Officer, it is your name that signs official records. "Trust, but verify" has been mentioned above. In our constant barrage of work I often see people (across the CoC) that just sign documentation as it is completed. My personal pet peeve is evaluations that I have been told "The Mess already took care of it." NO, They have a valuable input, but it is your signature at the bottom of the page. You need to make sure you either agree with what is written or at a minimum have a good explanation of why it came out the way it did.
2) Make a decision and don't be afraid to fail. I know this is particularly difficult in today's military with a "zero default" mentality (especially when promotions are concerned). BUT, I'd rather have someone make a mistake and learn from it than someone who runs to the boss with every decision. If you need advice, ask for it (up or down the CoC) but take that onboard, balance the consequences, and own it. Be deliberate, but wasting time and energy, or worse delaying a difficult decision, is poor leadership.
3) Keep a journal. Assuming you will be "in" for a while yet, it will amaze and reassure you to revisit how you evolve in your decision making process as you gain experience.

Good luck. GO do great things!

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 11:23 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 11:23:21 -0400

First of all, thank you for serving our country! The first day when you check in to the command approach everyone with the highest degree of respect regardless of their rank. Lead by example. For example, paint, clean etc. don’t be afraid to get your uniform dirty. Become an expert in your area and all areas of the command therefore read, read, read and guess what read some more. Become a knowledgable leader. Last, ATTENTION TO DETAIL. Observe, inspect and know your area a responsibility like the back of your hand.

Best of luck!

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 11:46 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 11:46:05 -0400

Coming from the CPO Mess, you will miss the camaraderie and tight bonds of the Goatlocker. The wardroom does not work in the same way, and I've seen that become a friction point for those commissioned into the officer ranks from the Chief's Mess. Most of your fellow junior officers will not have your experience and will be somewhat intimidated by you; share that experience willingly and those bonds will develop.
Others have posted the key points below, especially 2LT Ford.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 1:38 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 13:38:41 -0400

As a junior Naval Officer, the most important thing I did was to ask the Chief's Mess for a mentor. Listen and accept their constructive advise openly. Secondly, spend your O1 and O2 years learning everything about the profession (your job) and the services. Understand the platforms, capabilities. Don't limit yourself to your community.

Response by CW2 Michael MacInerney made Sep 19 at 2021 3:01 PM

CW2 Michael MacInerney — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 15:01:21 -0400

Study the ancient philosophers that put deep thought into:
Wisdom
Courage
Justice
Temperance

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 4:02 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 16:02:01 -0400

1. Leadership is going there first, and taking people with you.
2. Believe in the stupidity of the REMFs, keep copies of all the paperwork.
3. Volunteer for everything, learn as much as you can, there is no replacement for hard work, if someone says "Don't work to hard", politely excuse yourself.
4. Don't micro manage enlisted, remember you didn't like it.
5. Sarcasm with juniors is poison, with seniors it's insubordination.
6. If a senior officer asks your opinion, be blunt, honest and forthcoming, without throwing any fellow officers, or senior NCO's under the bus.
7. Don't whine up or down the chain.
8. Never disparage an officer to or in front of an enlisted member , regardless if that officer is a douchebag.
9. Plan for contingencies, failure to plan, is planning to fail... realize the first thing that fails in a crisis is your plan... be flexible(Semper Gumby), planning for contingencies allowed you to think through COA's ahead of time.
10. "No" is just a speed bump to "Yes"
11. Don't pull facts out of your ass, know your shit, and then stick to your principles.
12. Never, Never, Never... get drunk in a foreign country, and don't break General Order #1 it's a career ender, and so is DUI.
13. Don't fraternize either, that will kill you career pretty quick.
14. Kill the "Good Idea Fairy", change for change's sake creates undue burden.
15. Consider the implications downstream of your decisions.
16 Finally, from Mad-dog, Always carry a knife, you never know when there's cheesecake or you may have to stab someone in the throat.

Response by Sgt Richard Rourke made Sep 19 at 2021 5:29 PM

Sgt Richard Rourke — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 17:29:37 -0400

Be fair

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 5:31 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 17:31:42 -0400

Even though you have been an Enlisted member, use the knowledge of your Chiefs as they are there to mentor you in your JO role.
Take any job afforded you as you will establish yourself as a go getter and also help you gain knowledge of how things work.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 6:17 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 18:17:00 -0400

My advice would be to listen first and then speak. Listening skills are important when you are a JO. Always be on time, as a matter of fact be at the appointed place and time at least 5 minutes before you need to be there. Never give any excuses for being late. Never gossip about your shipmates. You have to build trust with everyone, and you can't do that when you gossip. If you disagree with a superior use this: ... before you make a final decision, there is something you might want to know... Then offer some information that leads to a solution. Try not to bring a problem to a superior without a solution, or maybe a few different solutions.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2021 5:17 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:17:26 -0400

It is hard to get a commission but even harder to stay an officer. It really depends on what Billet you are in. As a suppo, we are seriously overmanned so Navy is always looking at cutting officers from our who do not perform or do not have good paper. Be sure to get great fitreps at the minimum. Get NOBCs as much as possible when doing your ATs, ADSWs or MOBs. Keep up with training and get your Quals. Make sure your awards and records are up to date. Volunteer for the tough assignments as its easier to be a big fish in a little pond than a small fish in a larger pond.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2021 11:00 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 11:00:27 -0400

1) As everyone else will tell you, listen to your Chief (Senior NCO). But that word is "listen", and do so actively. That means "ask questions in return" to verify understanding, and then make a decision. You're partners in the success of your branch, department, etc.
2) Qualify for anything and everything as fast as possible. That will be the primary differentiator among your peers. Learn at every opportunity.
3) Volunteer for every deployment/exercise/training opportunity. Learn by doing.
4) Rank doesn't entitle you to respect - you earn it.
5) It's a 24/7 job. I learned more, and had much better leadership opportunities, walking around the hangar bay at 0200 than i every did at 1400. Grab a wrench and help change an engine, etc. You'll be amazed at what you learn in the wee hours.
6) Embrace the team - be part of the bigger effort
7) Choose between your social life and career progression - decide which means more to you, and focus on it. New officers arriving early on deployment always did better than those arriving immediately after one, when they had nothing better to do than work. The training opportunities are better - sea time, flight hours, missions, and senior personnel away from home with nothing to do in their spare time than train new officers. If you don't arrive early in a deployment, treat it like you did. Be in the unit 12 -14 hours a day, on weekends etc. Great time to get trained by members of a bored duty section.

Finally, probably the best advice I have, shared with my by my own Navy officer father: "Never play cards with anyone in the Navy for money".

Best of luck.

r/,

CAPT M

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2021 3:36 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:36:07 -0400

Greetings,

My best advice is this: to be a good leader first learn to be a good follower. Diligently follow lawful orders and be that person in th crowd who most models professional behavior. Don't mindlessly follow orders, but thoughtfully engage with your superiors, be deferential, and earn their respect through hard work and diligence.

When it's your turn to lead, patiently but forcefully expect the same from those under you. Never be a tyrant, but also never be a pushover. Don't try to be their friend, but someone they respect and want to follow.

Follow the example of great leaders. Read and study your craft. John Keegan’s “Mask of Command” is a good place to start and gives great illustrations of what it takes to lead others into combat and care for those you lead. Reading about how great leaders handle difficult situations helps you to focus on what's important. A good officer is always learning.

A central axiom I was taught as an Ensign that I carried to Captain (O6) was, “there are three things to remember when you are in charge or in command: #1 take of your people, #2 take of your people, and #3 take of your people. Take care of your people, and they will take care of you. They’ll follow you to hell and back, and you won’t have to coerce them or force them to excel, they’ll do it willingly to not disappoint you.” That axiom was proven to me time and time again.

Model the behavior you want to be given and it will be. You will still have “problem children” but the vast majority of those you lead will fall in, and the magic of a team forms.

As a young JO, seek the counsel of a mentoring NCO (E7-E9). In my experience in the Navy, this is remarkably good. The Navy, in particular, has a culture where by the Chief, Senior Chief, and Master Chief are mentors by design, both junior enlisted and officer.

As you progress in your career, when you lead, strive very hard to delegate. Empower those under you, communicate clearly the commanders’ intent, and let them surprise you how well they do what you ask and do it better than you imagine.

Always be clear as you can be when giving instructions. As the saying goes, no plan survives the first round in combat, so be flexible but also reduce ambiguity. Be decisive but also do not be a tyrant.

On your command staff, seek those that are a different mindset and personality. This is an art, because it's easy to get it wrong, but strive to get those who will respectfully disagree with you when it is important. Don't tolerate insubordination, especially in front of your crew, but also don't be too proud to know when you are wrong and say so. Your men will respect you more, not less, when you admit mistakes.

Likewise, when you are a staff officer, and especially an XO/second in command, be courageous and respectfully let the CO/Skipper know when he/she is off track. If the superior ignores or berates sound advice, then it is your DUTY to take it to higher. This an art too, and fraught with potential consequences if you are wrong or done incorrectly, but it is a requirement of those who lead. I can't guarantee it will work for you, but once when I was CoS for a flag officer, I literally said "with respect sir, that is about the dumbest thing you have ever said...". Fortunately for me he agreed with me after I explained and he calmed down, but we had that relationship. He was a high energy quick decision officer and he had chosen me because I was a quieter deep thinking type. We worked very well together and he taught me a great deal about leadership.

Finally, the best advice I can give is BE YOURSELF. Don't try to be what others tell you have to be. Always be a man of integrity and model honesty, and lead from the front. Never expect anyone to do what you yourself would not be willing to do. Always expect the best of those you lead, and patiently lead them to where they are the best they can be. Hold yourself accountable and also those under you. And remember, when you do the right thing and remain honest, you never have to make stuff up and remember the details of the story. Now, go forth and be a great leader!

Very Respectfully,
J M Poston
retired Captain, US Navy

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2021 9:01 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 21:01:44 -0400

Many folks have responded with great advice. What I would like to add is this. At every step in your military career you will be presented with opportunities. Opportunities for certification, qualification, advancement, etc. As you go forward, be sure that you are looking at those opportunities as stepping stones towards your future. If the opportunity presents itself to take an extra class, take it. If you can further your education by getting an advanced degree either paid for by the military or not, take it. If you have the ability to go on a tour that will maybe take you out of the normal career track, THINK about what that means to your goals and ambitions.

Throughout my career I took advantage of what the Navy offered me, and I had a very satisfying career. I was a Naval Post Graduate, Test Pilot, Program Manager, Flight Test Director, Acquisition Professional, DAWIA Certified, DCMA Chief of Staff and Operational Department Head. I have met many others along who also took advantage of opportunities to become Foreign Area Officers, go on Pilot Exchange Tours, lateral transfer to different specialties, get a masters degree, go on Industry Internships, etc....even becoming a U-2 pilot from the Helo community! All while supporting their units, listening to their NCOs and superior officers, and keeping every door possible open to ensure that they/we got the most out of the Navy. Because not only will you help yourself, but when the time comes, you will be a wealth of info for your junior folks. And they will come to you for advice. And the best feeling in the world is the satisfaction of taking care of your Sailors!

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2021 8:04 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 08:04:25 -0400

As prior enlisted, you will have the personal experience an enlisted servicemember, and perhaps first hand knowledge that many of your peers will not. Use this to your advantage in caring for you troops and sharing your insight with your fellow junior officers without coming off as a know it all. I’ve found in my 32 years of service that the more I learned, the more I realized I had to learn. Congratulations and best of luck!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2021 3:43 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 15:43:21 -0400

First, congratulations on your achievement.

I agree with the other comments. I just want to add these:

Transitioning from an enlisted personnel is probably one of the hardest things to overcome as you will be drawn between your experience in the enlisted ranks and putting on the big shoes.

- You wanted to put on the big boy/girl shoes, now that you have them on, learn to walk WELL in them.
- Remember, you were once enlisted so you should understand that viewpoint and be an advocate, as best as you can. Don't forget were you are coming from. Don't become a tyrant.
- However, always remember that you are no longer enlisted and you are now held to a much higher level of accountability. You get away with... nothing. No excuses.
- Listen to, and value the ideas of the chiefs and junior personnel, especially your chiefs. Your success lies mainly with them. The decision is ultimately yours, decide wisely.
- As enlisted sailor, your chiefs and officers covered your rear, but now, you are the officer, standing front and center with not much covering for you. Thankfully, you still have officers within your designator to help out.
- The mid-level and senior officers within your designator have been where you are now and they have notes, learn from their mistakes.
- Use your better judgment in everything. Collect info, process them and decide what works best for you. The decisions you take go a long way in defining your career, so be wise.
- Form alliances with other JOs in your AOR. Share notes. Working issues as a group can go a long way.

I hope this helps.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2021 7:00 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 07:00:34 -0400

Motivational: Be humble, get your hands dirty with your "Es" from time to times, learn everything you can about your area of warfare, and even if you HATE the job you get saddled with, be the best at it.

Hard truth: The Navy is NOT your life and you are NOT the life of the Navy. If you become a liability, you will be separated. "Readiness" is not about your health, dental, or physical fitness, it is about the ability of you conducting your duties for the Navy. Never leave entitlements on the table because once they are gone you'll never get them back. WRITE/EMAIL EVERYTHING DOWN THAT COULD BITE YOU IN THE ASS LATER!!! If it's not documented, it never happened! You will not be treated fairly, but that should not stop YOU from treating your peers and subordinates with dignity, respect, and fairness.

NROTC Grad / JAN09 Commission / 1310 (P-3C)

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2021 8:56 PM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 20:56:36 -0400

My #1 piece of advice would be to focus on, enjoy and execute the job that you are in. Don't worry about your next job/promotion, ect. If you do your job well then the rest will take care of itself.
2nd: There is always more going on in the big picture, and you don't have all the pieces. In my career (ret CDR) I was in an Airwing, CV CDC Officer, deployed in support of SOF, worked in 3 Program Offices and was the Operational Test Director for the MQ-4C; in each of these jobs I learned new things and wondered how I was so unaware of certain aspects up to that point. Seek first to understand.
You can learn something from EVERYONE (even if it is what not to do.)
3rd: Anticipate needs, don't wait to be told what to do. Offer solutions to any problem that you bring up!
4th: Be a self-promoter without being an a$$hole. The CO/XO are very busy so don't think that they actually know what you do day-to-day, if you want credit for it then find ways to let them know without having a negative effect. You will be writing your own FITREP (at the very least a FITREP input) so keep track of what you do and don't be shy about it.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2021 12:04 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 00:04:58 -0400

Get woke quick

Response by CPT Michael Moyers made Oct 27 at 2021 12:54 PM

CPT Michael Moyers — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 12:54:25 -0400

Listen to your NCOs. You don’t always have to follow their advice, but listen to it. ASK QUESTIONS. Lots of them. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you have to appear to know everything. You don’t. Pick the brains of your NCOs, your lower enlisted, and your mid-career officers. Expand your knowledge outside of your area of expertise. If you have the opportunity to observe collective training for another unit, do it. You’ll pick up knowledge and ideas about how to do your own training. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t understand.” Good leaders will explain things to you, and they’ll appreciate that you didn’t try to blow smoke up their asses.

You are going to get your ass chewed.

Learn from it, and never make the same mistake twice. Own your mistakes.

Let your NCOs do their jobs. Know what NCO business is, and stay out of it. But don’t let them snow you with the Jedi mind trick. Know what is happening with your guys.

If you don’t know what to do, take care of your people. That’s always the right answer, even if you have to take a shotgun blast to the face because of it.

Be careful which hill you choose to die on, but know that you may encounter a saber issue. By that I mean an issue for which you may have to fall on your saber. These can be career-ending, but it’s far better to do the right thing and leave with your head up than it is to save your own skin and betray your responsibility to your people.

Response by GySgt Jack Wallace made Oct 31 at 2021 8:38 AM

GySgt Jack Wallace — Sun, 31 Oct 2021 08:38:28 -0400

Be a good leader, not heavy handed. Led my example and never run down your troops or be disrepectable to them.Seek advice from your SNOC's and be the leader that men want to follow and not hated because of rank heavy attitude. Most of all take care of your men and they will take care of you.

Response by Maj Robert Larkowski made Nov 21 at 2021 10:46 AM

Maj Robert Larkowski — Sun, 21 Nov 2021 10:46:23 -0500

They should heed to advice of SNCO's and seek pout a mentor to guide them in their military life.

Response by Todd Rasmussen made Nov 29 at 2021 2:49 PM

Todd Rasmussen — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 14:49:21 -0500

I have answered this before, but I'm going to do it again. My step-dad joined the army in 1939. He fought two wars in the brown shoe army. (Did you know there is a difference in spit-shining brown boots and spit-shining black ones?) When he sent me to college and I wound up in ROTC, he was quick to point out to me that "That d*** gold bar on your uniform doesn't mean anything. All it does is make you an apprentice to a first-sergeant."
As I aged I came tp appreciate the wisdom of his words. He was a great first sergeant. One of my biggest regrets about my life is that he died before he could give me my first salute.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2023 11:58 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 11:58:52 -0400

SFC O'Mally's reply is spot on. I will add: Remember that it really is all about servant leadership. Take care of your people. it is not primarily about being able to tell people what to do (i.e. "boss them around") because of your rank or position. Be firm, and do not accept slackness, but keep your cool. The "yell" tool should rarely, if ever, have to come out of your toolbox (and if it does, remember to reprimand in private--praise in public). Stay humble. There are others who know more than you do, irrespective of rank. Learn as much as you can from them. Take care of your folks and they will do their best for you-which fosters mission accomplishment.