What advice do you have for someone in their initial enlistment?

SSG(P) Drew Hunnicutt — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 15:25:41 -0400

I have talked about my options for re-enlistment with my unit career counselor, but do any of you have additional insight I should be aware of before my first re-enlistment?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 16 at 2018 3:51 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 15:51:51 -0400

One, you are a Sergeant so for the most part you must have it figured out. Duty, honor discipline. See if they can offer you some valuable training to go along with your enlistment. There are always some sort of gratuities that come with reup. Thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2018 4:32 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 16:32:02 -0400

If it's available look into going to a duty station (Hawaii, Germany, Italy, etc.) that you would like to go. Have your retention NCO look into bonuses and schools (i.e. airborne, if you want to go). But I will say this, don't wait too long if a bonus or school is offered. We all know how the Army says one thing on Tuesday and then changes its mind on Wednesday. Plus, one year stabilization is not bad either. It allow for you to build on your NCO skills since you've been with the unit for awhile now.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Apr 16 at 2018 8:29 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 20:29:13 -0400

I always told my guys that they should always reenlist at least once even if only for the minimum allowed. If your first enlistment wasn't the best it could have just been because of the people around you and or the place that you were dropped in. You can always re-up to go somewhere new and try something different. If you did enjoy it and it still allows for you to reach your desired goals then why not stick with it anyways? See if you can use this next enlistment to knock out some stuff that can prepare you for later; get college knocked out on TA, go to some professional schools, experience some new positions/responsibilities. You're an E-5 now, much of what you experience from this point forward will just add gold stars to your resume if and or when you decide to get out of the military.

Response by Sgt Mike Aydelotte made Apr 16 at 2018 8:43 PM

Sgt Mike Aydelotte — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 20:43:41 -0400

I agree with SSG Eashman. Now that you are familiar with the environment and how things work perform some personal reflection. Me personally i liked the mentoring aspect more than the rest so I took a billet as an instructor for the follow on MOS training. I'm not really sure how the Army works but i know you guys have this as an option as well. Involving yourself in the training cycle provides a massive boost to your skill set and will teach you to plan according to the logical flow of a concept. View this as an opportunity to explore items you may need to improve on or something that is a stretch for you. Good luck!

Response by SSG Randall P. made Apr 16 at 2018 10:44 PM

SSG Randall P. — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 22:44:27 -0400

I always tell anyone that I have reenlisted or about to reenlist, start preparing for your next rank. For the initial term soldier I really spend the maximum amount of time I can explaning all options and how they work, considerations of whatever option they choose, promotion potential based off of trend reports etc. I spend a lot of time with the others, but initial term soldiers generally don't understand, due to inexperience, and are the hardest to retain because reenlistment can be frustrating. Good luck, SGT! #stayarmy

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 4:57 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 04:57:15 -0400

Do you like being an investigator? One course of action would be to put yourself on a track towards becoming a CID Special Agent Warrant Officer. Since you have only recently become an NCO, you will need time to gain established credentials in leadership positions (and documented in NCOERs). RE-UP for a period of time that will still get you some bonus money and focus on being the best NCO you can. Get into ALC as fast as possible and try to find and get to know any Warrant officers you can...especially in your branch, if possible.

This could be you!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 6:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 06:59:33 -0400

Don't get married

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Apr 17 at 2018 9:00 AM

SGT Eric Davis — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 09:00:45 -0400

Well if you aren’t dipping in the proper area then they can enforce it. Is dipping that important to you ? Just let it go and follow the rules!

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 17 at 2018 9:16 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 09:16:44 -0400

Money (bonus) should not be the prime factor- look at career progression, job satisfaction, promotion progress.

Response by SGT David T. made Apr 17 at 2018 1:10 PM

SGT David T. — Tue, 17 Apr 2018 13:10:28 -0400

Also, explore getting out. It is best to look at all of your options and do what makes the most sense for you and your family (assuming you have one). There is a whole big world out there and countless opportunities. Looking doesn't cost you anything.

Response by MAJ Raymond Haynes made Jul 2 at 2018 12:33 AM

MAJ Raymond Haynes — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 00:33:33 -0400

Although the first re-enlistment does not change your status as a career solder, it does , for the first time, give you some horsepower in planning your future. Your unit career counselor is a good start, but somewhat limited in scope. Elevate your weapon and see where it goes. MOS change, OCS, Law School, Special Forces, all they can do is say NO. Somewhere in the system someone may realize that they are saying no to a solder who may be a career prospect, who knows?