Pushing through a career slump?

2015-08-02T18:35:04-04:00

I'm currently at 13 years active duty and in the middle of the worst career slump I've ever experienced. My morale has never been lower. I am never excited to get up and go to work. It is a combination of things that has brought me to this point. The Army in general, my superiors making bad decisions, mundane task after mundane task that has nothing to do with actually fighting a war taking up every valuable moment Soldiers could be using for training during the day (i.e. SERE 101), the list goes on. I need to push through this! I know others out there like me have dealt with this before, looking for those others to share their experiences and how they overcame them and drove on with their career.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2015 7:07 PM

2015-08-02T19:07:02-04:00

All I will say is, stay strong and push through. And think about the end game and what it will do for you and your family in the future. Will be praying for you brother!

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Aug 3 at 2015 11:37 AM

2015-08-03T11:37:02-04:00

First and foremost stay in and fight threw it. A mid-career slump is normal for everyone. Unfortunately yours is coming along with the double negative of a draw-down and a civilian world that is facing the longest recession in America's history. Look around you, the entire world is in an emotional slump at this point in time. Leaving the comfort of a world that you know for a civilian career at this point would be a mistake for most people. That is, unless someone walks up and offers you a once in a lifetime job. Everything is cyclical, in a relatively short period of time, the DoD will be back to begging (paying bonus's) for people to re-enlist, you will be over your current slump, the worlds economy will be rebounding, and you will be able to retire in a much better place, both emotionally, and economically. Remember that the security of a retirement check with basic healthcare for the rest of your life is well worth putting up with your current difficulties. I've known so many people who got out at the 12 to 16 year mark and regretted it for the rest of their lives. In the meantime, be the NCO who thinks things through and does the right thing. Remember that you can't change the big things that you are not responsible for (i.e. superiors making bad decisions, being delegated mundane tasks that taking time away from important tasks, etc). Also, take time to work on preparing yourself for the eventual day you will retire or separate (education and certifications, family, decide where you want to live, and what you want to do). But most importantly, only pull the cord when you are ready and on your terms.

Response by SGT Bobby Clingan made Aug 4 at 2015 12:02 PM

2015-08-04T12:02:00-04:00

Every career has it's up and downs. My suggestion is for you to stick it out. Try reading some leadership books and maybe a secondary MOS to jumpstart your career..along with joining some online support groups like this one. Leaving the comfort of a world that you know for a civilian career at this point would be a mistake for most people. That is, unless someone walks up and offers you a once in a lifetime job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-08-04T13:36:37-04:00

You are at a point when you need to made a big decision: stay or go. I've been there and done what you are experiencing. At 13 years you can say all I've got to do is tough out another seven, or get out, go to college, get a degree and on the fast track of civilian life.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Aug 4 at 2015 2:27 PM

2015-08-04T14:27:25-04:00

Look, its not easy being in a slump, it drags the people under you and affects the unit. Take charge of yourself with personal leadership modeling and bring in like minded folks in. You are an E-7 SFC, thats a field grade enlisted position. I was only an E-6SSG type going through the same bs...The way I did it was...I got a hobby to balance out my needs as a Service member. It got so big that I got command sponsored. Sure it doesnt start out that way but with a simple idea, you can share it with others with like minds and just do it.

Get Creative and explore uncharted avenues. When people see that you are having a good time, they want the same...give it to em by sharing.

You are in Kentucky....hmmm I see horses, stables, trails and a possible para militant parades, trick shooting, and soldier-horsemanship, there is an opportunity here. Maybe u see something different. Hey, everybody has a hobby to stay busy. Get one. and Get some...

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Aug 4 at 2015 2:32 PM

2015-08-04T14:32:33-04:00

Might be a little late, but let me ask you a couple questions:
1. How old are you ? (you'll see why I'm asking in a minute)
2. Ever think of Drill Sergeant Academy?
Getting that hat and badge is a HUGE career accelerant - like worth 60 points on the promotion worksheet. With no more deployments going around, medals hard to get, and PME schools getting canned left and right, DS and Recruiting are the only realistic ways to rejuvenate a "stalled" career.

While being a Drill is sort of a young man's game - it's only the physical part. The mental part (i.e. role model presentations and other academics) are a function of maturity. If you're young and have maturity, that's great, but many aren't. That's where being older comes in. Personal story - I went through the Academy at 40 and competed passably against people literally half my age. It CAN be done.

Question is -- how bad do you want that next stripe? How you answer makes all the difference in the world.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 4 at 2015 2:58 PM

2015-08-04T14:58:31-04:00

Is an inordinate amount of stress getting to you?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2015 4:02 PM

2015-08-04T16:02:49-04:00

Has going warrant crossed your mind?

Response by LCpl James Robertson made Aug 4 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-08-04T16:32:54-04:00

It depends on what MOS you are in, after being in Infantry where depression, PTSD thrives, the Core could have handed me any other job available and I would have accepted. If this job is creating health problems I would try to move on to another MOS. But I would caution, with 13 years in, most civilian jobs cannot compete starting out. When I left the military, I had one pitiful pay check, and little benefits. And as I see service members coming out of different branches the outlook is not that great.

Response by CPO Jim Turner made Aug 4 at 2015 4:40 PM

2015-08-04T16:40:28-04:00

It's time to do something for you. Are you going to school? Do you have enough leave to take a trip somewhere? If family is with you, be a scout leader. These helped me.

Response by SGT Michael Heffner made Aug 4 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-08-04T17:31:47-04:00

You have "Reached" the milestone of your career & passed it, Maybe a changed of MOS or duty station. Might be the thing needed to re-light your passion to serve... In another 7 years you will retire, Have no regrets & anything left un-done before that time comes.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Aug 4 at 2015 7:21 PM

2015-08-04T19:21:35-04:00

I do not know what today's service is like, but I do have a couple of comments.
1. If you are married it is critical that you discuss this with your spouse, it makes a big difference. Others have suggested this and I whole heartedly agree.
2. One thing that I do not understand is all of the pass the buck attitude about "nothing to do with actually fighting a war taking up every valuable moment, that could be used for training". Make a change here, that you can definitely have an impact on, whether you have good or bad superiors. A lot of soldiers from time immemorial have had this exact type of issue to deal with. To give an example that some or most of us are familiar with - Police Call. Every activity whether it is mundane or not can be turned into a valuable training activity. A history lesson can be turned into a prime training activity. Here is an opportunity for you as an NCO to answer the question - Why do we have to do it? Getting back to using Police Call as an example, it is not just a way to pick up cigarette butts or trash not disposed of properly but to train on the principle of "Attention to detail". For NCOs it is an opportunity to observe and correct subordinate soldiers.

I hope this helps.

Response by CDR Charles Thompson made Aug 4 at 2015 8:13 PM

2015-08-04T20:13:15-04:00

After thirteen years you have pretty good idea of what' professional and what isn't. It's too bad you hit this unit at right now. My suggestion is that you use it as a learning experience on how not to handle a unit. You might also practice some leadership skill - remember that leadership is nothing more than exercising and ability to influence the behavior of others.

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Aug 4 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-08-04T22:03:37-04:00

I would suggest you take on a special duty assignment to give you a change of environment or perspective. In other words, go on Recruiting or Drill Sergeant duty. If you have already done with one, then go back out there. I did recruiting duty around the 10 or 11 year mark and it was the best slap in the face I got. It was like a reawakening for me and I came back into the fleet with a whole new attitude. Also, it's a lot worse out in the civilian world once your out but you have to push through that too.

Response by SSG Jason Neumann made Aug 5 at 2015 4:36 AM

2015-08-05T04:36:26-04:00

Going through a slump in your military career can be frustrating, however, you are able to choose the direction that YOU want to go in. For myself, I found that being stuck in a position was not helping me. I did the best I could in the position I was in, learned on the fly and produced excellent results, but the position wasn't going anywhere for my career. I volunteered for numerous deployments in my unit, however, those requests were denied. I then took it upon myself to find some type of forward progression in my career. Hence, volunteering for another hardship tour of duty. Now I would definitely recommend talking this over with "Household 6", if married. Also, you being SFC I would recommend college, if you have not already. You need to do you, there is no one else out there that will look out for your career, but you. Going to Drill Sergeant Academy is a career enhancer, however once you get to your unit on the trail it would be up to your CoC within that unit that could make or break you. I say this, since they can either support you or not in what ever decisions you and your DS team come up with. There is a lot to think about, but in my opinion you have to make time for you.

Response by SFC John Kohlhepp made Aug 5 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-08-05T09:59:10-04:00

I the same slump. at my Job, seems like nothing can move forward in a positive motion for me, but is for other's..I'm the only VET..and seems impossible..cut off at the knees.

Response by CW3 James Bradley made Aug 5 at 2015 12:03 PM

2015-08-05T12:03:29-04:00

As bad as it is it could be worse. Find your blessings in life and drive on

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 12:10 PM

2015-08-05T12:10:06-04:00

SFC Richardo, I can relate somewhat to how you are feeling as I just went through a similar career slump. I am just over 13 years active. I just left Campbell after being there for 8 years. You can imagine how I felt when every time I called branch I was told that I was fenced in and couldn't be touched. However there are inter-post transfers that you can look into. I just left the Warrior Transition Battalion where I was cadre for 2 1/2 years and it was the most rewarding job I've ever had the privilege of doing. They have been hiring and the CSM does interviews to find the most qualified candidates. It might sound like a boring job but if you like taking care of soldiers it will benefit you just as much as it benefits them. It also removed my fence and I just PCS'd to Belgium. If you haven't already maybe you should go check in with the WTB and see what they are all about. I can put you in touch with many people that you can talk to.

Response by MSgt Darum Danford made Aug 5 at 2015 12:39 PM

2015-08-05T12:39:40-04:00

When I hit my slump I listed some pros and cons to stay in the military. The list of pros far outweighed the cons and I remembered why I did what I did. It actually helped me push through my slump with a renewed sense of purpose.

Response by SGT John Galbraith made Aug 5 at 2015 12:46 PM

2015-08-05T12:46:20-04:00

I know the feeling all too well. Take a look at my rank. Yeah, I spent 8 years as a specialist and most of that time my points were maxed out and every 4187 I submitted to change my MOS was denied. So I started getting depressed, gaining weight, I felt like my body was breaking down. Then I caught a break and scored an MOS change to get out of the dead end MOS on re-enlistment. Boom I made SGT but, too late. I was 12 years in and competing with sergeants that were 22 years old. I was new at my MOS, the old guy, pushing the limits of AR 600-9 and barely passing my PT test. So, at 16 years.. I took the ETS and walked away. I miss the military and wish I could have gotten more out of it. But I made the wise decision. You are a 13 year E7, I would have killed to be in your shoes. Keep your head up man.. you are actually doing great.

Response by GySgt Derek Fry made Aug 5 at 2015 1:03 PM

2015-08-05T13:03:00-04:00

With 13 years in this is not the time to give up. Realize that there are other opportunities waiting for you on the outside when you finish your career. Now is the time to prepare for that to help direct your attention away from your current situation. Be sure you are taking college classes, get a degree, get any special certifications or training that will help once you retire. Numerous employers are realizing the value of prior military experience and are eager to hire retirees. So get prepared now. After 22 years in the Corps, I work for one of the largest Major Aviation organizations in the world and have 15 years with the company. Alot of people here feel the way you do now, so just understand that your situation is not isolated to where you are now, there are alot of incompetent people out there!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-08-05T13:12:28-04:00

It will sound cliche but you really do have to "hunt the good stuff" everyday NCO's, CWO's and GO's just like yourself have to find their motivation. It's easy to sit here on the outside of your life and say "you need to figure it out". It is true that you need to discuss your situation with someone. You also need to discuss it with yourself, self reflection can help in more ways than you can possibly imagine.

I came in at the end of 2003, i am a SGT/E5, I was lazy in my career and have note become stagnant and will most likely never see anything beyond 14yrs and SGT rank. However, everyday i find another reason to get up and do my absolute best now. From mentoring my Soldiers to pushing myself during PT.

Think back to why you first came in, apply those reasons and motivations to where you are now, service to our Nation, love for ones family, college or maybe even there was nothing better to do. Once you see the validity of your sacrifice again your shoulders will be a little bit lighter, the creases of frustration a little less pronounced.

Good luck to you SFC, i truly hope you can take the experience you are currently on and help those around you and through that help yourself.

Response by SA Barry Lorette made Aug 5 at 2015 2:36 PM

2015-08-05T14:36:45-04:00

If this keeps up you should consider seeking aid from a chaplain,& even if you're not religious they can offer valuable advice, or even a caring ear-heart to help you through this speed bump in the road of your life. I went through a depressing time when I was in the CG ,& I was even hospitalized for it , but never diagnosed with depression. Today's service is more able to treat you than when I was in. Just saying to give it a chance,& stay strong.

Response by SCPO Penny Douphinett made Aug 5 at 2015 2:51 PM

2015-08-05T14:51:40-04:00

I have to wonder if it is really your career or just the inordinate amount of stress in your life right now? You must feel you have little or no control over anything. You live near your Mom who is being treated for cancer and that is not an easy thing for any child, adult or not, to experience. My mother's funeral was yesterday, she died of cancer. You say your wife has MS and you found an excellent neurologist at your current duty station. I would say you feel TRAPPED! Add to that an Army that, perhaps, hasn't found its way in the face of the draw down and end to constant combat deployment and/or training cycles.

I'm going to guess you have deployed, probably more than once, and know what your Soldiers need to be trained for in order for them all to come home alive next time. You go to work, you look around and you are back to the peace time military of white washing rocks, barracks inspections, polishing just to polish, and officers and enlisted alike who worry about careers that no longer include combat deployments. That last may sound cynical, but it is true IMHO. You are a 13 year E7 which is an accomplishment in itself.

You might not like where all this is leading, but you need to speak with a doctor for a referral to a mental health counselor. Just dealing with your Mom's and wife's illnesses alone is a huge challenge that comes with anxiety, loss, grief, and probably some anger even in the healthiest of people. Add your work stresses on top and it gets to be an awful lot to bear. Sounds like you have a family and Soldiers who need you and you can only do that once you are feeling the best you can. I hope you will seriously consider this and talk with your wife about it as well - I bet she is as worried about you as you are about her! GOOD LUCK!

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And before the rest of you jump all over me about bringing up mental health counseling - did any of you reflect on the info about his Mom and wife beyond he couldn't PCS? It is not a "female, touchy-feely" thing, it is about listening to what is being said, all of it. Put yourself in his shoes and I can't imagine not feeling overwhelmed. I'm sure a lot of servicemembers are having a very difficult time adjusting to a reduced optempo.

Response by SGT Elizabeth Magiera made Aug 5 at 2015 6:00 PM

2015-08-05T18:00:00-04:00

I feel for your situation. I went through the same thing. I would have anxiety attacks just thinking about going to work. I had 11 years in and then got out. Having gotten out I would say try and find something that will make you happy while you are in. Do you have any friends that you can talk to? Maybe try and get away on the weekends or when you have time off. I can tell you that my getting out has not really done me any good. I don't have a job currently. And I won't begin to tell you the mess trying to go to school was for me. I hope you can find something to keep you in. hindsight is 20/20 so looking back I can see what I should have done instead. It's good that you are looking for ways to stay in. Good luck

Response by SPC Americo Garcia made Aug 5 at 2015 6:15 PM

2015-08-05T18:15:54-04:00

I'm still in one but Going to college and using my GI Bill has elevated my stress. Should check into it there are many programs out there for veterans to help veterans.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-08-05T19:11:23-04:00

The good thing about the military is that if the job stinks and the people are challenging to deal with, hold your breath, either you or they will transfer and you'll be at a different job and location. Is this something that talking to a counselor and/or chaplain would help? The resources are there AND FREE; don't be shy about using them. Or would taking leave help refresh you?

Think of it like a marathon. You are more than halfway; you are in the home stretch! :) I STRONGLY advise doing your 20 b/c a lifetime pension can help you. You have no idea how long it will take you to get a job after.

You got this. Don't give up.

Response by LCpl Steve Smith made Aug 5 at 2015 7:16 PM

2015-08-05T19:16:29-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member In the Green Machine or out in the Real world many people hit that same slump in their Career. It's obvious you also have some outside stress's contributing to the Low moral. You need an outlet for your stress, pick up a hobby, Exercise (running, swimming, weights) That will help is some of the stress areas any one of those should help clear your mind, as far as the career slump some of the above will help in that area too. I follow a word of advice my Dad gave me when I was a young man, and that is "if you are getting burnt out at your job or starting to not like what you are doing, find the one thing about that job you like or love and exploit that till the slump is over or till a better opportunity comes along." That has helped me get through some Frustrating career moments. So Find the good parts of your Job you enjoy and focus on them. Not the mundane, Frustrating parts. We as Human-beings Always Gravitate to looking at the bad parts of our Lives or situations and that just makes us feel Depressed, Frustrated, Lost and many other feelings. Look at the good parts of your career and personal life even while those stress's are going on. Is it easy to do? No. Will it help? Yes I believe it will it just takes practice, like it did to do some of the things we learned to do in the Military. Also Find someone you can talk to, Like the base Chaplin he / she may be able to help you sort through some of the things you are going through and can give you a different perspective (maybe) Plus you never know what Resources they may know about that could help ease some of the stress you are going through.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 7:26 PM

2015-08-05T19:26:56-04:00

I have to say that everyone is telling you to push through. Decide what you want out of life and what can the Army still offer you. What is the status of the Army right now? They Army is downsizing 40,000 troops. I suggest coming up with a decision matrix, write out the pluses and minuses and work with your family to see where you want to be. Do you think with the budget cuts, things will get easier? If you stay in the job will be competitive and if you no longer like your life or what you do then its hard to keep that edge. Where are you with your education? What other careers have you thought about after leaving the military? Where do you want to live or be stationed? Make a plan and decide how you're gonna get there. Stick to the goals you set. I was at a similar point in my life but I had 10 years. I did not want to be at year 15 having to stick it out just to get a retirement. I got out and I'm happy. Can you go back later? I still have that choice for a little while. Check out other branches. There are those who switched to the Airforce or another branch and they loved it. That coincides with your retirement as well and maybe you'll gain another skillset. Take charge of your life, don't let things happen to you.

Response by Cpl Sergio Calvano made Aug 5 at 2015 8:57 PM

2015-08-05T20:57:48-04:00

Take some leave go relaxe

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2015 9:37 PM

2015-08-05T21:37:27-04:00

Call military one source. Talk to a counselor. You can't control everything but you can work on controlling your attitude.

Response by SP5 Michael Cates made Aug 6 at 2015 12:43 AM

2015-08-06T00:43:27-04:00

Hey it is never to late to make better decisions and you can start by looking at who your friends are because you go to someone for advise so you might start there! Keep thinking positive YOU HAVE TO THINK THAT IT IS GETTING BETTER FOR YOU AND IT WILL!

Response by MSG Marcel Guaring made Aug 6 at 2015 12:44 AM

2015-08-06T00:44:46-04:00

You have already vested almost 3/4 of the way. Next thing you know the remaining years will creep up in no time. You have to dig deep inside and use all the experience you have in coping with stress
like the way you would advice and mentor your Soldiers. You have to focus your energy and efforts on things that you can control. I know it is easier said than done but I know you can do it if you apply yourself. Remember that it is not always greener on the other side and do not be like me always thinking back and saying " What if I stayed in a little bit longer". Only you can make that decision on what is best for you and your family. What ever it is just stick to it and go forward..

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made Aug 6 at 2015 12:49 AM

2015-08-06T00:49:36-04:00

Thirteen years! That's an accomplishment, and in some instances a mile stone. What are you, an E-7? To me, you have demonstrated the capacity to face stumbling blocks. Your rank says it all, but are you tired of being a non-com? Do you feel you can contribute much more to the military, than just being, as you so aptly put it, someone just going through the motions because of the lackluster supervision by your superiors? I don't think you're a quitter. I think you are more than just a blip on their radar. I'm sure that this is not the first time you have experienced this phenomenon, but you have, and have defeated this inconvenience. And that's what it is, an inconvenience. Look around you, and ask your self, what area, and/or function you might feel comfortable with, and if it's within your reach, and capabilities. Once you find that niche, pursue it, clear your muddle mind, and that rut that has been chasing you, will gradually disappear. I experienced similar situations in my private practice, and other occupational endeavors. So, you're not alone. You have numerous brothers, and sisters at the ready. You can count on us. Do keep us posted. Blessings.

Response by Cpl Derrell McBroom made Aug 6 at 2015 12:51 AM

2015-08-06T00:51:48-04:00

Create a routine within the routine. You have try doing weight lifting, drawing, write your thoughts down and try to bring it up the chain of command, but whatever you do stay in the fight.

Response by MSgt Karen McGloughlin made Aug 6 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-08-06T16:31:27-04:00

As someone said, all things in life are cyclical. This too will pass. However, what to do in the meantime could make or break you. When I suffered from something similar I tried to focus on something else I was passionate about. Family, a hobby, giving back to the community, mentoring new airmen. The key is to do something you care about. Keep it positive, try to learn something in the process and help others. Typically when you are seen making a difference then others notice and opportunities open up again. Hang in there. :)

Response by PO1 Kerry French made Aug 6 at 2015 9:03 PM

2015-08-06T21:03:52-04:00

Dude, seriously... hang in there. Only 7 more years and you can retire. How about thinking about mentoring some junior troops... get a hobby outside of the military... there IS life outside of the gate. Find your passion... and make it happen.... lol (flashdance)

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Aug 7 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-08-07T11:41:04-04:00

I guess the way to do it is find what part of your military career you are most proud of or enjoyed the most and try and work toward doing that more. If it's being a NCO and teaching Soldiers. Well Drill Sergeant or Instructors. If it's being deployed and being on mission fight hard to become a 1SG for a unit that is about to deploy. You ahve to find passion in the Army, sometimes it's passion in doing the mundane, sometimes It's just pissing people off being the loudest at PT. Make the Army fun for you. I love to teach when I was in. So I volunteered for every class I could. I taught EO, Legal, OPSEC, and Land Nav. I just wanted to be in front of Soldiers teaching them in hopes of making them better. My sadest day was when my body hurt too much to show up to PT or physical classes. I got most down when I physically couldn't be a Soldier anymore.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 6:23 PM

2015-08-11T18:23:54-04:00

I'm in a similar situation, though I'm in the Air Force. Was due E-6 but I switched AFSC and due to a paperwork snafu, I'm still stuck at E-5 almost 2 years later for no other reason than a stubborn chief.

That being said, there are things that will push you to the top of the promotion list that you can handle without relying on anyone else. First and foremost, education. If you can further your college career and get that degree (or multiple degrees) then not only will it show your value to leadership, but when you retire from the military you'll be that much more valuable on the civilian side. Also, it gives you a challenge that you can achieve that will boost your moral and allow you to achieve YOUR goals.

Second, look for volunteer opportunities on and off base in things that matter to you. Again, it shows your value and it boost your moral because your achieving things in a subject that matters to you.

I'm sure you've heard it before, but the life is what you make it. You'll always run into the occasional road block, but if you can find ways to push through no matter what, you'll look back with an even stronger sense of pride in yourself for what you're capable of.

Handle your business, and the rest will fall into place.

Best of luck to you. I'm sure find a way through it all.

Response by PO3 Grant McQueenie made Aug 11 at 2015 7:52 PM

2015-08-11T19:52:23-04:00

During times like this i would look into a schooling opportunity. Try too shake things up a little. Just the change of pace will help. I also had lots of friends to get ideas and to bounce things off .

Response by PO3 Grant McQueenie made Aug 11 at 2015 7:53 PM

2015-08-11T19:53:59-04:00

Aircraft carrier

Response by SGT Loren Hammons made Aug 16 at 2015 8:50 PM

2015-08-16T20:50:35-04:00

Concentrate on mentoring the younger soldiers to give yourself purpose again and be a self motivator. I found that getting more involved of post groups and taking classes always helped me. But basically I have had my moments and sometimes even now being out I run into times where it is just hard to keep going. You got a few good years left to go and mentoring young soldiers to follow you is the only thing I can think of to make it worth the effort. Becoming an expert at common task and leading by example. Hope this helps!

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2015 8:56 PM

2015-08-18T20:56:17-04:00

First of all, stay and fight the battles that you can win and not the ones you can't. Secondly it's the last tour that it gets to you. Seek answers from your superiors by challenging them with new and out of the box picture with your ideas. Remember this, Three Things Come Not Back: The Arrow That Is Flown, The Spoken Word, And Loss Opportunities. When I got promoted to Gunnery Sergeant in 1983, my good friend the Career Planner and Gunny for our unit sent me these words of wisdom and a pair of Gunnery Sergeant Stripes to, So go all the way Soldier. Stay Focus. S/F JK

Response by SMSgt Cary Baker made Aug 25 at 2015 10:17 AM

2015-08-25T10:17:00-04:00

Every soldier, sailor, marine, and airman has dealt with this. The positive thing is, with the military, is your leadership, commanders, etc move out every couple years and you get someone new. Not saying your SNCOs are not good or tough enough, but when I was a SNCO and something came down the chain to do something that I thought was wrong or something stupid that could get someone hurt for no reason and it didn't pertain to our mission, I would get kicked out of someone's office before it was said and done. I'm sure this has happened! When it's all said and done, when orders are passed down, we follow them. The best course of action for you is to find peace somewhere (counseling, church, etc.), fight through this - you are not alone, continue to be a positive example for your soldiers. You will see change!!

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Oct 8 at 2018 5:00 PM

2018-10-08T17:00:36-04:00

Sounds like your in the position of having no imput into what you and youre soldiers are doing. Having no "ownership" in the decisions that have effects on your actions is like having a whole other enemy to fight. Tell that to your units NCOs and your company level officer - I bet they are either feeling the same or are the ones that should claim the reason.
Don't piss anyone off - just explain what is happening and tell them you want to break your soldiers out of the sump.
That's what I did - and they listened and together we fixed it - you're not alone in a vacuum.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 8 at 2018 7:03 PM

2018-10-08T19:03:28-04:00

Take some leave and recharge your battery.