Military, the constantly changing career. Are you ready for it?

2015-05-15T09:40:53-04:00

This is another discussion for the Leaders to advice the Junior Enlisted and for the lower ranks bring other questions.

Right when I got to my 1st Duty Station there was a BN CoC, 3 or 4 weeks later a BDE CoC, 3 months later my NCOIC was changed, in this month we have to deal with my OIC change and Company CoC. Beside PCSing, there are a lot of changes in the military. We the Junior Enlisted may get confused with so many changes around. Maybe you were working hard to prove your NCO how good you are and right when you tought you had him in your side, BOOM! is changed and you have to start over again with your new NCO.

I'll give you my example, my Company CDR used to be a Ranger, so for the Monday's run I looked all over YouTube for Ranger Cadences and sing them. Right when I nailed them, he is moving and we are getting a new CDR. I guess I'll be spending some more time in YouTube pretty soon.

How have you cope with so many changes in your career? What would be the best advice you would give to the new Soldiers coming up?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:03 AM

2015-05-15T10:03:49-04:00

This is life. No matter your career. However the Military leader of today will not be your leader in 3 years. That is a fact.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:06 AM

2015-05-15T10:06:39-04:00

Great Question SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member The best that I can suggest is something That i learned from my first PSG when i came in in 2005. Stay Flexible. Your CDR, Squad Leader, Platoon Sgt may change over time and you may PCS but depending on your field and how many soldiers and units there are for that specific MOS you may run into these people again. Dont get down up frustrated with Change. Keep your head up When you first get to your unit find who is squared away and follow their lead, learn from your senior E-4's Most Career fields your E-4's will be your Team Leaders or SME's Most have been around the block a few times especially in the Reserves and NG.

Now I know that I am still in the Lower Enlisted category but After 10 years TIS I have seen alot of NCO's and Officers come and go in the units that I have been in and Changed units a few different times. You know what right looks like, If you don't... ASK. There are a plethora of resources out there for Soldiers these days and with the current conflicts there are alot of soldiers even in the junior ranks that have been around the block a few times sometimes with multiple deployments under their belts. When you get a new NCO they should be doing a counseling session within the first few weeks to let you know what their standards are.

V/R

SrA Zachary A Wolf

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-05-15T10:10:11-04:00

Each time your leader changes, it is a prime opportunity to reinvent yourself. Continue to learn your job, and take as many leadership lessons from as many people as you can. This variety can give you a great base of knowledge and help you define what type of leader you will be.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-05-15T10:10:25-04:00

Stay flexible, but be consistent. Your leadership will change but the if your work is consistently of high quality then it will not matter. You need to build your own form and master it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-05-15T10:13:55-04:00

The Army prides its self on being adaptable you as Soldiers must always change with change.. Your deeds will speak for themselves...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:19 AM

2015-05-15T10:19:26-04:00

Your job as a soldier is to learn from your leaders, the good and great as well as the bad to teach others around you the do's and don'ts so to speak. With one goal in mind. To take my job. Whether through my promotion or my failure my spot will be vacant one day, and you should be striving to fill it. The more leaders you have the more opportunities to learn. Embrace it. This breeds flexibility and innovative thinking.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made May 15 at 2015 10:21 AM

2015-05-15T10:21:42-04:00

Great Question. I have seen the change that you are talking about. My first CoC was in basic! Got to my unit and went through the same thing as a young PVT. Best thing I can say is this. Do the right thing. Meaning just because there is change and the other guys are bitching and moaning, the new leaders hear this. You Might be squared away, but then they lump you in with the others. Second, Find that Squared away E-4 and latch on. Hang out, watch and learn. My Step father always said "silence was golden". Listen to the Leaders conversations. I'm not saying eaves drop, just if they are talking and its GOOD info there is something to be learned. I guess the best thing I can say is also Be where you are supposed to be, when you are supposed to be there and in the proper uniform. Keep your Equipment clean and in good working order. Leaders see this. They see you as squared away. Don't be a cheese eater, but take charge, if you know that there are things needing done, ask your leader, hey I see this needs done can I do this? shows initiative. Don't be afraid to ask questions. and remember we all put are pants on the same way, feet first. Don't be afraid of the leader. depending on who it is, go the proper way to speak to them. hope this helps out.

Response by SSG Skylur Britz made May 15 at 2015 10:29 AM

2015-05-15T10:29:07-04:00

That's why counselings are important, so your new NCO can have an idea of how you are. I also ask the outgoing NCO their read on the SM.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:29 AM

2015-05-15T10:29:53-04:00

Awsome question I would say for a new Soldier coming in to observe for a few weeks and see who is the best person you be like and then learn from that person and follow in there footsteps. Even if people are changing out rapidly you will be noticed if you are always pushing yourself and doing the right thing cause there is always someone there that will speak out and let the proper leadership know to get you recognized with awards or maybe even an early promotion if you are highspeed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-05-15T10:30:55-04:00

This is an excellent question. Like most everyone has said thus far, flexibility is key. Your leadership will change continuously throughout your career, so it's something to get used to.

I believe it may already have been said, but take each change as a chance to learn from different types of leaders. Instead of attempting to impress the chain of command with cadences, impress them with your drive and determination. Impress them by staying on top of your warrior tasks and battle drills. Know your particular MOS like the back of your hand, and when you think you know everything there is to learn, work on learning the jobs of your leaders. This will prepare you to take their place one day.

Always remember that the only constants in life are change and death. Be prepared for them both.

Response by SPC Christopher Pena made May 15 at 2015 10:33 AM

2015-05-15T10:33:11-04:00

In my experience, when i was in, we had changes thrown at us all the time. I was 11B, best thing i could say is learn to adapt to change and learn to take the good and bad, eventually you'll get used to it and it'll be easier for you. Hooah!! Soldier on brother!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:34 AM

2015-05-15T10:34:27-04:00

It may sound corny but be the best version of yourselves. Become irreplaceable. Strive to improve yourself physically, mentally and tactically. If you are waiting for your PSG to give you a high-five or a pat on the back for doing your job, it may not happen. But if you do it for yourself, for the rest of the platoon, you do what you have to do to maintain mission readiness and integrity your job as a soldier is complete. Your leadership will change over the course of your career but the seeds that you have planted as a soldier will be of proof of your value and work ethic. In other words, from one Junior enlisted to another "do what you gotta do" and your work will follow.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 15 at 2015 10:36 AM

2015-05-15T10:36:44-04:00

@PFC Antonio Camacho, I would say that you are doing more than most who have been doing this for a heck of a lot longer. Resiliency and adaptability are key to the constant changing environment. I for one will admit that there were changes at the top that hit me pretty hard deep into my career. It does not get easier, your perspective simply changes. You my friend are miles ahead of where I was at your level.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 10:41 AM

2015-05-15T10:41:26-04:00

Once had a CO tell us "It's not my job to adapt to you. It is your job to adapt to me."

I am not sure I agree totally with that sentiment, but there is no doubt that the subordinate should adapt to the senior.

Beyond that learn from each new situation.

In the end you will find you have become a well rounded person able to deal with whatever life throws your way.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made May 15 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-05-15T10:42:24-04:00

Be open minded, and adaptable. Change and boredom are the only constants in the Military. Learn from both good and bad leaders. Being adaptable and open minded will also help you when you PCS, especially if you go overseas, where things will be different than stateside.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 15 at 2015 10:58 AM

2015-05-15T10:58:04-04:00

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member,

As supply there are many problems that you will face during the process of CoC at any level these will include but may not be limited to, inventories, re-issue of equipment after inventory, and maintenance of records. By showing the incoming CO, PL, PS, or TL that you are on top of things and capable. This is where you start. By showing your leadership that you can do the job with little to no assistance you are proving yourself to them.

Do the extra work that you feel will help you, stay proficient in your MOS, and believe me when I tell you that as a supply clerk there is always something you can learn. Ask to take courses such as the armorers course, field sanitation, and the like. These may not seem like they would be helpful, but they are worth some points towards promotion.

Best of all, do not be afraid to ask question of your leadership, whether it is your supply sgt, or a squad leader. What ever company you may be in ask to participate in the training they do when out on an FTX. Remember, the little things mean a lot. Best wishes and stay safe.

Charles

Response by SSG John Jensen made May 15 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-05-15T11:00:15-04:00

as everybody here says to be yourself and do your job well and you will be recognized - i add to that, become an expert in something, hang out with the mechanics and learn the tricks of the vehicles, or the radio guys, or whatever go beyond your job with whatever it is, and the new leaders will ask your advise, and then you're set

Response by SFC Douglas Duckett made May 15 at 2015 10:59 AM

2015-05-15T10:59:33-04:00

Eat you daily dose of rubber bands and stay flexible.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 15 at 2015 11:04 AM

2015-05-15T11:04:04-04:00

Change HAS to happen if the military is to remain relevant. We lament the loss of the "old Army", but I suspect that muskets and large rectangular battle formations wouldn't last very long in the modern world.

Change and adaptation is not a bad thing. Old things are not always good things...

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made May 15 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-05-15T11:41:19-04:00

I was a professional Soldier and adaptable, but I wasn't excited about my leaders. Honesty, there were times when I look forward to them or me leaving. Given time, we would be going our separate ways. Being exposed to different leadership styles, I think is a good thing.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 12:47 PM

2015-05-15T12:47:57-04:00

My advice mate with all the constant changes of personel and leadership. Don't do things just to win the current leadership to your side. Do you job, know your job, and teach your job to the newer ones coming in behind you. Simply doing that and staying on track doesn't matter who comes in: they can't touch you.

That said it's good to make moves to learn how your leadership likes things done. An example I'll use working as a medic in a massive hospital we have provider changes all the time, with each provider is little tweeks on how they like certain things done. So you have to learn that to each provider but I won't let it effect my way I conduct myself as a soldier how I treat my patients.

Just stick to the straight and narrow as a lower enlisted and your golden.

Response by LTC David Stender made May 15 at 2015 1:18 PM

2015-05-15T13:18:14-04:00

PFC Ort,
You have entered a noble profession that is built upon change. The all volunteer Army is focused upon training Soldiers and leaders to be better than they are. In order to do that, you are going to see changes around the 2 year mark for most positions. This will vary w/ PLs and PSGs as well as SLs.
Now that you know the cycle, what does that mean for you? Well you need to progress as well. That means Army corispondance courses and college. You might have not been a great student in HS but you might be surprised how well you might do after the Army has focused your mind. The other area you should focus is schools and certifications. Civilian certification might be in your grasp; check out COOL.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 8:03 PM

2015-05-15T20:03:30-04:00

You should work hard and don't worry about impressing your commander or anyone, just work hard and do the right thing even when, you think nobody is looking and believe me someone will see what you doing. You don't need to please your commander or your OIC or any body for that matter, because when the day comes and you are the NCOIC of a sections, and you have to get that brand new LT and train him, in that moment you can't be pleasing him or her because in that moment they really your sincerity and though love

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2015 3:45 AM

2015-05-16T03:45:58-04:00

The good news? You got it figured out. The Army is ever changing, from something as simple as COC to PCS to you being the one to move across the COF to another company for some reason that you have no idea why.
How are you going to deal with it? Just continue looking on YouTube, find those cadences, look in FMs, ARs, TCs, find that information that you need to make sure that you are ready to go the board when the time for promotion board arrives. Don't let the ever changing Army get you down. Sometimes it changes for the better, sometimes it changes for what seems to be the worse, but then in the end you realize it was ok.
The Army is a good gig, it takes a lot of flexibility on your part, because the Army is NOT going to flex for us. For example when us old(er) generation retire the Army doesn't stop, scratch it's head and try to figure out what to do next. It goes on without missing a step, doesn't even know that we are gone. If we can't adjust to the change(s) though and get ourselves thrown out, or you just let yourself ETS because you can't deal with the change then you have to deal with a whole new life.
Just remember that in the end, the Army gives us a lot, we put up with a lot, but on payday we get a check and when we get sick we go to the doctor and never pay a dime for it, and I personally have my Associates degree and I will have my Bachelors degree this January BECAUSE of the Army.
I am not telling you all of this to make you think WOW go you!!! I am telling you the same things I tell my Soldiers when I am reminding them WHY they should entertain re-looking at Army. Deal with the craziness, it doesn't matter if you are in the Army or in a civilian job (except as a civilian I would never have got to shoot tanks, deploy to combat, do the things I have done).
You'll be ok, breathe through it, it's not as bad as it seems in the end.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2015 11:06 AM

2015-05-17T11:06:40-04:00

Never be married to anything.