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Aside from SSD1 and Correspondence Courses, what are some other ways that I can get ahead of the competition while on deployment and back in Garrison?
Posted in these groups: 
Training
Career Advice
Training Career Advice
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 11
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At your level, you are on track, Correspondance courses, College, SSD1. Other than that, any Military school you can attend, ie Field Sanitation, CBRN, volunteer for any school that is offered. Set yourself above the rest by volunteering for more responsibility. When you are at school strive to be the best one there, do not just pass, in college shoot for honor grad or deans list. Military schools, commendants list. Go to Soldier of the month boards. Audy Murphy board etc. Work on APFT get your patch, if you have it, improve on it. All these thing will set you above your peers and you will get looked at prior to your peers and sometime superiors. I cant count on both my hands the number of peers and also people that used to be my squad leaders and platoon sergeants that I now have surpassed. It is all on you, your attitude and mettle. Good luck!
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CSM Michael Poll
Another aspect to look at is 5k and 10k runs even if you dont win them, your attendance at them is a tool, once you are an NCO these can be put into your NCOER, self defense classes, ie tae kwon do, karate, ju jitsu. Earn your belts in these arenas. It will help your physical fitness as well as help you be a better warrior. one day you may kick in a door and have your enemy on top of you and render your firearm usless. Also a bullet on an NCOER once you reach that level. Just thinking outside the box a little...
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CSM Michael Poll
volunteer at boy scouts or another organization, could earn your Volunteer medal by doing things like this, sorry I am rambling but you got my thought juices flowing now...
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CSM Michael Poll
In th e PT block, also the self defense classes as well as it fits into the PT/appearance and development of yourself
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Stand out in a good way. Always be there to help your fellow Soldiers. Look for opportunities to cross-train into other skill sets. Volunteer in the community. When your bosses' bosses' bosses hear or see your name, they should know it and it should ring positively in their heads. Soldier of the Month, Quarter and Year Boards - every time.
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At least get your associates online but if you have time definitely go for your bachelors in any subject.
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While deployed, take DANTES exams for instant college credit and ask to take the driver's training if you don't already have your military license. Lead your peers in completing projects that will either further the mission (re-organize the ammo shed or supply room and create a mapped index for it) or build morale (Independence Day cookout/party).
Show initiative. Notice the little things that can be improved upon and then do it, after getting your supervisor's permission. You'll be expanding your leadership experience and aiding the mission, plus you may even get an award or a waiver for early promotion.
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Don't be afraid to take extra responsibility in your platoon. It will set you above your peers!
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It has already been mentioned, but I cannot stress enough about getting your college degree done as early in your career as possible and then keep reaching higher, Masters, PhD, Doctorate, all will help in your military career to set you ahead and also for your career after the military.
Along with all the other great suggestions already given, education is the biggest thing you can do for yourself even more than just setting yourself apart from your peers, it will benefit you in the long run for your life.
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Military resident courses can be hard to come by so take advantage of every opportunity to attend courses like Combatives I-IV, CLS, Unit Armorer, CBRN Defense, etc... Also take a look at the Technical Matrix for your MOS http://www.hrc.army.mil/site/assets/xls/CMF92-2012.xls and identify certifications you can complete.
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Alot of great repsonses already, CSM Poll has the most detailed list considering where you are right now. MAJ Zeski and SPC Thundercloud also made great points, do things in the unit that will get you remembered for the RIGHT reasons (no one wants to be remebered for the WRONG reasons).
Get yourself some good mentors as well, at least 2. One that is a 92Y and one that is not.
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