Should you volunteer in the Army?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:49:51 -0400

A lot of people have told me "Don't volunteer for anything"
Others have said "Always volunteer"
What should I do?

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 22 at 2015 10:51 AM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:51:16 -0400

Do what's right for you! You can't go wrong that way!!

Response by SrA Edward Vong made May 22 at 2015 10:51 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:51:21 -0400

I would say volunteer for a cause you care about.

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 22 at 2015 10:56 AM

CH (MAJ) William Beaver — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:56:04 -0400

Sounds trite, but it is authentic. I volunteer to help meet a need when (1) my faith calls me to do so, (2) if I have spare time in my schedule , (3) if my superiors give permission because my volunteering won't detract from my full engagement in the mission. If I gain recognition, that's a bonus. I volunteer for the intangible rewards. Not for the praise and medals.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 10:59 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:59:15 -0400

I guess I'm a cruel leader. I always would ask for volunteers without telling them what the task was. Sometimes the person who volunteered got the task of taking the afternoon off. I mixed it up. It was like Russian roulette.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 22 at 2015 11:00 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:00:52 -0400

Know what you're getting into.

One of the most powerful phrases in your arsenal is "What do you need done, Sir/Sgt/Etc?" which can be followed on by "I've got this going on," which allows them to make a determination whether their task is more or less important than the task you are currently doing (or about to do).

Volunteering shows willingness. Volunteering "blindly" shows something else.

But here's the deal, even crap details have rewards. You learn things, you meet people, and there are often benefits above and beyond the detail itself. The reward for hard work is more hard work. In the Services, that is usually Leadership roles. So having done a crap detail before, can often mean you will be (nominally) "in charge" of it the next time, which in turn means recognition and chances for "better" crap details. Instead of cleaning latrines, you're trusted with mowing lawns, the guarding ammo, then coordinating picnics, then running events, etc.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 22 at 2015 11:02 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:02:22 -0400

You will know when you should volunteer...and when you should not. IF you never volunteered, you would not even be in the Army. Thank you for stepping up.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 11:14 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:14:32 -0400

Volunteering can be a double edged sword......but a fulfilling one as well. Yes, there are times when you volunteer that you could end up pulling crap duty......BUT......you always volunteering when your peers are not, will set you ahead of them and your leaders will come to you to get things done because you have shown a track history of taking the jobs no one wants and getting them done. Which leads to awards, faster promotions, more time off, or other perks they may offer.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 22 at 2015 11:45 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:45:32 -0400

There's a special place in heaven for volunteers, Private, and you've already earned your place. Why quit now?

Let me tell you a story...

After graduating from Infantry OCS (volunteered for that after volunteering to join the Army), I spent a few weeks at Fort Ben Harrison where a new draftee (this was the Vietnam era) was studying to be a postal clerk. It came to someone's attention that he was a test pilot at Boeing as a civilian. When asked why he hadn't spoken up he replied that he had been advised to never volunteer anything.

He was summarily discharged and sent back to Boeing inasmuch as his civilian career was far more critical than anything he could have done in the Army.

Ultimately, volunteering opens you to new opportunities. You'll learn new skills. You'll garner the attention of your superiors for good while those who go into "nametag defilade" whenever volunteers are sought won't.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 12:21 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 12:21:42 -0400

Absolutely volunteer as much as you have time/availability. I only add the caveat about time because once can sometimes turn into always doing something and it is possible to get over-committed. But actually in the military having too much to do rarely becomes an insurmountable issue (unless it gets to interfering with family). Even volunteering for shitty sounding stuff often has hidden rewards. If nothing else, a good story.
One career note: volunteer - and document it no matter how small.

Response by SGT John Rauch made May 22 at 2015 12:49 PM

SGT John Rauch — Fri, 22 May 2015 12:49:57 -0400

research. think before you open your mouth, and know what you are getting into. as far as schools anyway. as far as details go, you are a lower enlisted,therefore you are already volunteered, so don't try avoiding the work because it puts a target on your back. a lot of times avoiding the work is harder work than the work itself.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 1:02 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 13:02:25 -0400

The general "rule" is not to volunteer for anything, PVT Private RallyPoint Member, but I submit to you that if you want to get ahead, be noticed, and learn things, you should go ahead and volunteer for some things.

I would caution you not to volunteer for everything, you'll be seen as a brown-noser, but do volunteer for some things - especially the hard or unpleasant things that nobody else wants to do - and you will get noticed. Volunteering for tasks could help you build your knowledge and skills, and it will certainly get you noticed as a guy who is willing to go above and beyond, and - if you do a good job at those tasks - you'll eventually become the go-to guy that your leaders call when they need someone they know they can count on.

So, despite the general rule against volunteering, there are actually quite a few good things that can result if you volunteer.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 22 at 2015 2:43 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 22 May 2015 14:43:17 -0400

I am not going to answer your question but will illuminate how I felt as a commander in reference to volunteerism. I told the NCO's that we will compensate the soldiers for volunteers. The impact was positive as soldiers volunteered.

Response by LCpl Josh McNeill made May 22 at 2015 2:51 PM

LCpl Josh McNeill — Fri, 22 May 2015 14:51:11 -0400

I look at it like this I am a volunteer firefighter and I think people who volunteer care more about the people they are helping not getting paid just doing it to better a community with nothing in return. Just the satisfaction knowing you are making a difference .

Response by SSG John Erny made May 22 at 2015 4:45 PM

SSG John Erny — Fri, 22 May 2015 16:45:45 -0400

I volunteered once during basic and ended up mowing grass, The E-4 in charge of the detail let us order a Pizza! Drill SGT's Green and Coder would have had a melt down if they had found out.

Response by SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA made May 22 at 2015 5:42 PM

SGT Hector Rojas, AIGA, SHA — Fri, 22 May 2015 17:42:24 -0400

PVT Private RallyPoint Member , here's the rule of thumb:
When PSG or 1SG asks for volunteers, don't be the automatic first hand raised. Be the second or third. Blindly volunteering for anything and everything can be a detriment.

Now, this is the important part, if there are no automatic hand raisers, just as the uncomfortable stares to each other begin, that's when you want to be the first hand raised. That's when your leadership realizes you chose to be the one guy when no one else would.

Volunteer is not so much about doing everything, but about being the person willing to go the extra mile, willingly and knowingly. Any leadership worth their stitched rank patches would realize and value that.

Good on you for having an inquisitive mind, you're not in yet, but you are demonstrating the traits of someone who wants to succeed.

Welcome again brother.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 7:08 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 19:08:57 -0400

I recall we used to play this game for those who didn't volunteer. When asked for a volunteer, or more, the ones that didn't would get smoked. Often the smoke would last longer than the task that few volunteered for. We would fight just to volunteer. I still always volunteer whenever I can. It is ingrained in me now.

As a leader now I see those that do volunteer. When I have a school or something else to offer my soldiers I will always offer it to those that volunteer and put fourth their best effort. We notice this.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 22 at 2015 7:21 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Fri, 22 May 2015 19:21:21 -0400

Unfortunately, I found myself listening to this rather pathetic advice the first time I was in. When I came back in as a 40 year old PV-2 I was more aware of how the world really worked. Volunteer your butt off! It will keep you from getting bored. And in the process you will truely shine. You will advance at a pace that will have the folks that are telling you not to volunteer working for you before you know it. When you are not working, volunteer as well. This one will do nothing more than warm your heart. Although all the MOVSMs that reside on my rack say you get more out of it than this, it is all that really matters.

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 22 at 2015 7:20 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Fri, 22 May 2015 19:20:49 -0400

There are two things at play -

1. Not volunteering is self-interest. Sometimes you gotta jump on the grenade. If you know the detail is going to suck, think carefully about the fact that NOT volunteering means you sticking a buddy with it. Cover the guy to your right.

2. Group mediocrity - There's an impulse to not stick out. Team play is important but following the herd isn't going to do you any good either. Balance the group vs your own progression. This is when a little self-interest pays off, but instead of sticking it to someone else, you're getting ahead by making sure the shit doesn't fall on anyone else.

Overall, balance it. If you've volunteered recently, don't be afraid to NOT volunteer. If no one else will step up, don't be afraid to step up. The results may surprise you (also, some details have awesome perks you don't get while in basic/AIT/OSUT otherwise).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 7:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 19:22:11 -0400

For me I like "volunteering" ,being on detail makes things go by faster,and I tend to learn things from the "volunteer" work I was doing...If you don't volunteer you'll eventually get picked and you'll probably hate it.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 22 at 2015 7:39 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Fri, 22 May 2015 19:39:37 -0400

I can't tell ya when 1SG walks into your bay and asks for volunteers if you should do it. Really no one can. You might start to get a feel for when its in your best interests to step up, but really, what's the real hard in doing so?

In the end, whether you step forward or not, you won't get to the end of your contract any faster regardless of what you choose.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 11:13 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 23:13:50 -0400

Volunteer. The results are continually surprising, and you'll always have a cool story to tell with the joes. Have fun, be professional, and learn.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 11:18 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 23:18:30 -0400

This has nothing to do with this particular question but I wanted to compliment you PVT Private RallyPoint Member . You are asking good questions and you really seem like you want to be a great soldier. Great job!
Now, as far as the question... It's a mixed bag. Some leaders will notice if you tend to volunteer for things and actually save the crappy details for those that never volunteer. Others will just want a warm body to accomplish the task.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 11:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 23:31:07 -0400

I always volunteered, I loved to work and stay busy but sometimes the job was easy. I volunteered for the Army, Airborne unit, Ranger School, Special Forces, Military Dive school, and combat duty. Be all you can be.

Response by SPC(P) Mark Newman made May 23 at 2015 12:37 AM

SPC(P) Mark Newman — Sat, 23 May 2015 00:37:30 -0400

Some of my best memories from the US Army came from volunteering. I found myself, after a class I'd volunteered for, eating lunch in the 10th Special Forces mess hall (great meatloaf! ) while just an e-2 in AIT. Other trainees in my platoon sat around in the barracks. The Green Berets were honing their teaching skills, so they needed volunteers. What did they teach us? How to operate several Soviet weapons in case we came across them in combat! I got to meet Green Berets AND play w AK-47s under their tutelage and got a verkficate for a half-day Foreign Weapons Familiariaztion (Soviet) class. It weent over so well a month later they taught me how to repel off their SF repel toer (Ft. Devens). Again, they only took volunteers. Less glamorous: The drill sgt ehobasked for a volunteer on graduation day to load a truck. As we drove around FtDix, I got to know this scary, thunderously loud beast as an actual human being. I remember that detail 25 years later as a positive memory. So those are three of my experiences out of 20 or so volunteering for extra duty. I never regretted it once!