What advice do you have for prior enlisted as they go through OTS/OCS?

In response to your question in the header, which is specific to "going through" OTS/OCS my advice is straight forward and simple. Prepare for it as if it's the most important challenge you've ever faced....train hard physically, be mentally focused on the school...don't allow yourself to be distracted. Study hard in the classroom, support leadership when you're not in charge, and take charge when placed in positions of responsibility. Always set an example for all around you, especially when no one is watching.....never give up...there is always a solution to any problem....maybe not the solution you would hope for or your first choice, but don't be afraid to make a decision.....if necessary, adjust if circumstances dictate. Listen to all ideas of others, but if you're in charge, the decision is yours to make and no one else. Many of these suggestions apply not just while going through school, but also after graduation. As a commissioned officer you'll have different responsibilities.....more opportunity to set the direction of your organization, set standards, then enforce them....but you'll have less opportunity to get hands on, and you'll lose some opportunity to directly impact Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.....but that's the cost of commissioning. Lastly, think carefully about the fights you choose over your career and life. Frontal assaults are typically brutal and bloody, and usually not the smartest approach. When angry or upset, it's probably better not a good idea to say something you may regret, and the best decisions are usually not made when angry. If feasible, it's best to hold your tongue, or wait until you've cooled down to make rational, informed decisions. I know this as I have experience doing it the wrong way. Best of luck to you!!

Being a prior SFC, I can tell you that you need to remember that you're no longer an NCO. Letting go of that and letting your NCOs handle things has been a challenge since the transition. Hope that helps.

Stay in your lane. Especially while you are in training. Your extra awesomeness wont be appreciated and you'll only get a spotlight shinned on you. So why bother.

You're not going to be the only special one that was an NCO as you enter this next training stage of your career. Remember that. Let someone else step out of their lane first and see what fire they take before you try the same.

Until you actually commission and until you actually have finished your branch focus training you are not out of the woods. A PFC that has finished AIT is still more useful than a 2LT in TRADOC.

Completing TRADOC is all that matters. Top Class placement at best might be a bullet on your OER, but an OER for a 2LT, so who cares.

When the window of class leadership opens up, don't bite off more than you can chew. Don't be one that avoids it, your cadre will see you as "that guy", but I've seen classmates buried in their duties. So be prepared for it if you are selected. Getting a class leadership position basically locks in the "leadership box" in regard to your final evaluation in TRADOC. So do keep that in mind (personally I gamed it, and got Class Treasurer, and no one else ended up wanting it so I got that leadership box checked).