What advice would you give to a 21 year old specialist, to make the most out of life and the military?

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 20:41:28 -0500

I'm so confused on what I wanna do in life, I'm 21 years old with only a year of college, and just so confused on everything. I feel so overwhelmed cause I wasn't taught anything from my family.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2021 6:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 18:45:27 -0500

Sounds like you need some life skills.

Find yourself a mentor. Someone who you want to be like when you grow up. You don't need career advice, you need mentorship from a decent human being and that will help you become what you will become. Don't expect that you'll ever know what you want to do in life until your 40s or 50s, but a good mentor can help point you in the direction of your talents. Once you try out enough new things you'll discover what you like and uncover what's important to you. You're never going to have have some moment where you have an epiphany and discover the perfect job that will make you happy. It's a puzzle that you slowly piece together.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2021 6:51 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 18:51:54 -0500

CPL Private RallyPoint Member Your profile has you in the Reserves. What is your civilian job and do you like it? Continue your education by taking required courses until you can decide exactly what you want to do for a career. Do your research, talk to career counselors, etc. Decide on a course of action, plan, make goals, and carry out your plan. Plans are subject to change, so make course corrections as needed. You will make mistakes along the way, but you will learn from them. Good luck.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 6 at 2021 7:21 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 19:21:26 -0500

Mission first. Learn your mission and the knowledge and skills needed to do the mission.
Integrity always. Be honest with your subordinates, superiors, and yourself. Tell the truth when it’s easy and natural, but also tell it when it’s difficult and possibly against your self interest.
Education is important, but gaining the right knowledge and skills is important. Take full advantage of training available to you through the Army. Do all of the leadership training you can. The Army is good at building leaders. You’re on the first step now. Learn all you can and keep working at it.
A 4-year degree isn’t necessary for success in life. Technical or trades education can be the pathway to good paying jobs. This includes IT certification.
Find a mentor to emulate and advise you. At your rank, it may be a SSG or SFC who’s approachable and well respected.

Complete your RP profile and ask more specific questions. You’ll get better advice.

Response by Col Tri Trinh made Jan 7 at 2021 12:35 AM

Col Tri Trinh — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 00:35:44 -0500

From an outsider, you’re young, you’ve accomplished 1 year of college already 3 more to go, you are in an awesome career field. You are farther ahead than you were years ago and among your peers.
Don’t let the thinking about your family ever be a crutch. You’ve already made your own path and should be proud of your accomplishments so far.
Stay focused and committed to your education. You can commission and be an officer after earning your degree if so desired. Let your military supervisor and leadership know of your intent if this is what you chose to do.
Remember your military benefits and VA benefits waiting for you regardless if you make a long term or short term military commitment.
Evaluate what gives you joy and who you like to spend time with. Perhaps that will help you decide your future path.
All the best to you. Enjoy life!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2021 7:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 07:57:53 -0500

This is more geared towards self growth and less towards the military. However, when you grow as person, you'll grow within your career field as well. Find a person that you look up to and can honestly tell yourself, "I'd want to be like that in ten years" for example. Once you find that person, talk to them and talk to them some more. You need to start learning from what right looks like. And lastly, just like you did by writing this, NEVER be afraid to ask questions. I've learned so much in my short time of life by simply having the will to ask questions. So many people are afraid to look dumb. Just remember, whoever you're asking a question to, there was a point in time when they did not have that information either. Good luck!

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2021 8:03 PM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 20:03:39 -0500

Do the best job at everything you do, no matter how menial. Don't piss people off. Be friendly and helpful. Help as many people as you can and remember those who have helped you. Don't take no for an answer. Find mentors in and out of the military. Network in and outside the military - join VSOs. Use that GI Bill, and not at a crappy school where your credits/degree don't have value.

Response by SrA Amanda Jackson made Jan 8 at 2021 5:53 PM

SrA Amanda Jackson — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 17:53:39 -0500

Invest while in the military. So when you are out you will be good financially. Get the most out of TA for education while you can ( to complete pre req for any type of education program, pre med, pre nursing). Explore as much as you can while in as well.

Response by SGT James Hammons made Jan 29 at 2021 6:20 PM

SGT James Hammons — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 18:20:30 -0500

My advice is simple and from experience. While you are in take advantage of the on post education system. Always place mission first and family next. Strive hard to keep in the best physical shape. Get you an NCO MENTOR who can help you. Strive to be the best at every job they assign you.