If you had the opportunity to develop Navy midshipmen before they commissioned, what pieces of advice or lessons would you give them?

2021-09-17T10:33:53-04:00

I am a Chief stationed at an NROTC university as an Officer Candidate. We have nearly 100 young midshipmen who, primarily due to location and COVID restrictions, have had very few opportunities to learn from both enlisted and commissioned Khaki level leadership. I realize I have a rare position to mentor and assist in the development of these young, soon to be officers and wanted to pose the question to the experienced leaders here: What is something that you would like to impress upon these future officers before they got to the fleet?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2021 11:00 AM

2021-09-17T11:00:56-04:00

Listen, observe and ask questions throughout your career. And always remember ’Mission first, Troops always’.

Response by PO2 Lon Hebert made Sep 17 at 2021 1:19 PM

2021-09-17T13:19:01-04:00

I would advice then once they get there commission to listen to there Senior Petty Officers 2ND CLASS, 1STCLASS AND CHIEFS. Meaning these mean and women have been on the job for a long time so they know what is to be done.

Response by PO3 Pamala McBrayer made Sep 17 at 2021 4:45 PM

2021-09-17T16:45:45-04:00

Telling the truth is a dangerous thing. Learn how to be truthful without being offensive, but never ever back off the truth for appearances. Not everyone is going to like you, or what you have to say, but your seniors will respect you if you are right, and will fight your corner. Develop that spine!

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Sep 18 at 2021 6:58 PM

2021-09-18T18:58:59-04:00

Under no circumstances drop the soap in a communal shower.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2021 10:02 PM

2021-09-18T22:02:23-04:00

To all the Officer Candidates currently at your university, I impress upon them these things:
1) Always be willing to learn new things. College is a test of educational endurance. Officers must have a degree to keep up with the pace once you commission when learning new processes, understanding each level of war and translating technical information to superiors.
2) Practice being organized. Prepare for each day as if you’re being watched…because you are. Prioritize your day from morning PT to mentoring another Sailor on expectations for the weekly. Make your guidance clear so time is not wasted and proper steps are followed to complete projects.
3) Seek advice often from Senior enlisted leader and middle grade officers. You can avoid common mistakes by learning from those that come before you. At all times maintain your composure and civil disagreements with a grain of salt. Do not easily become frustrated.
4) Control the controllables. Drop all the rubber balls and hold on to the glass ones. Understand that you are not expected to be perfect, just be confident, be thorough and stay motivated.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Sep 19 at 2021 8:03 AM

2021-09-19T08:03:11-04:00

There was a saying in the Corps that there was a reason that Second Lieutenants (O-1) and Majors (O-4) wore gold rank insignia. It meant that while these officers were found technically qualified for service in that grade, they required additional experience and guidance to be operationally proficient.