Posted on Sep 7, 2017
What advice do you have for someone trying to find work/family balance while attending the USASMA?
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Fort Bliss
Education
Social
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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It will literally be the easiest year of her career.
Overwhelming at first, then the routine.
Overwhelming at first, then the routine.
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SFC James Shanks
There is actually a lot to do here. I am sure she will excel in whatever she does, she made it this far.
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Autumn Jackson
She is trying to balance the school work without neglecting her family. This is a new place for them and it's a little difficult.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
Understandable. Now, take my advice with a grain of salt, obviously I have never been through the SMA. But as far as I see it, it is just another PME school. It must be treated as such. Just like any duty assignment, there is going to be an initial struggle between juggling the work load and the home life, but it must not be forgotten that the work life is paying the bills and allowing that nice home life. Her family should be able to understand that this school is the beginning of something incredible; not many enlisted people ever make it to SGM. I would definitely front load the work and attempt to make time for social and family on the back end. There will be plenty of time for family and social life after graduating.
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Autumn Jackson
SGT Joseph Gunderson - Great advice thank you, I am not in the military but all of the feedback has been great.
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Hiking and site seeing the beautiful mountains in West Texas and SE New Mexico. After graduation, if you can afford to take leave inconjunction, head up to Colorado Springs; ten hour drive but well worth it
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Relax, remember for once your not in charge and you have very little responsibility other than yourself and some Admin junk you are handed because your in a school environment.
NO ONE WILL DIE THIS YEAR because of your decisions...After the first 30-45 days things will slow down and a rhythm will develop... Find the open time spots and DO NOT WASTE THEM... Take some classes, finish a degree, make a standing date night..it will be the only time in your career not making it will be YOUR fault totally..
NO ONE WILL DIE THIS YEAR because of your decisions...After the first 30-45 days things will slow down and a rhythm will develop... Find the open time spots and DO NOT WASTE THEM... Take some classes, finish a degree, make a standing date night..it will be the only time in your career not making it will be YOUR fault totally..
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Go with the flow, for me USASMA was the only time I was ever able to have any semblance of balance from the day I got to be a Squad leader until I retired. The predictability of the schedule and nature of the course should allow you plenty of time to enjoy family oriented activities. There is no selection to E10 for the honor grad.
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Autumn Jackson
I spoke with her over the weekend and I think she will revert to the way she handled her life before.
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My old unit SGM once said,
The first month is the worst, it's hectic after that it smooths out.....
It was that my love life.....
Fuck me!!!
The first month is the worst, it's hectic after that it smooths out.....
It was that my love life.....
Fuck me!!!
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What is her focus for balance. If she made it this far in her career, I would say that she sticks with what has served her to date.
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That is a little concerning the she has selected for promotion to Sregeant Major and has trouble finding ballance. Should have leaned that as a Platoon Sergesnt or as a First Sergeant. I think is s little late in the game as a Sergeant Major.
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Autumn Jackson
The concern is more for me than her. She has definitely earned and worked extremely hard to get to this point in her career.
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SFC Anthony Shaffer
Gottcha. Unfortunately with the more rank, more responsibility, less personal time.
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