What advice would you give to enlisted soldiers interested in entering the officer ranks?

As an enlisted solider from 1992-1996, I served as a Unit Supply Specialist (MOS: 76Y/92Y) in the First Infantry Division and First Cavalry Division. At Fort Riley, KS I was encouraged by my superior officers to become an officer and make the Army a career through the Green to Gold program. I chose not to go that route, but this is what I learned along the way. Look like, act like and be a solider. Lead by example. Know that being a good Army officer (or NCO) is not about being in charge, but rather it is about doing the right things even when nobody is looking, and taking care of and molding other soldiers into leaders. This is what got me noticed by my superiors. As an officer, don't ever overlook or underestimate the potential of soldiers. Case in point, I originally never aspired to make the Army a career, but the more time I served, the more I wanted to reach the rank of Sergeant (E-5) to see where things might go from there. Unfortunately, I was never given the opportunity to go to PLDC because of the demands of my MOS. After working 12-14 hour days in the unit supply room for over one year under the supervision of several supply sergeants who came and went and who were all on profiles for one thing or another and couldn't perform their duties to standard, and attending several day and night fire ranges as the unit armorer, my company commander wanted to promote me to E-5 (Supply Sergeant), but he learned from my company First Sergeant that I had not been to PLDC; he was not happy about that. I was the one picking up all the slack in the unit supply room and arms room during a unit deactivation. I always worked hard and maintained integrity and discipline, not for notoriety, but because it was my job. My company commander knew it and that's why he wanted to promote me to Sergeant. Since he couldn't promote me to Sergeant, he was then getting ready to promote me to Corporal to run the company supply room as the NCOIC, but it was too late. I had already re-enlisted to go to Fort Hood, Texas and had already received orders before this issue came up. Enroute to Fort Hood, I went to Fort Lee, Virginia to attend the Unit Supply Specialist MOS identifier SPBS-R (Standard Property Book System Redesign) course. Upon weigh-in before an initial PT test, I was 1 pound overweight. The company commander at that unit at Fort Lee, VA sent me packing. He said, "It was probably the sandwich you ate on the plane, but the Army has standards". That statement confused me. I thought I was there because I had already been meeting the Army's high standards, including receiving the Army Achievement Medal for serving as the only lower enlisted soldier in an NCO slot for at least one year in the Division Property Box Office. I was selected by the company commander from PBO to help run the unit supply room during our unit deactivation. Upon first hearing the commander at Fort Lee, VA say those words to me with no regard to my service record and potential, I felt like I was just a number and looked over to narrow the size of the SPBS-R class down to a select few. The class was entered as part of my re-enlistment contract. I was there at Fort Lee, VA maybe 30 minutes, and I was already being sent home for 30 days leave and 10 days permissive TDY. During my second enlistment while serving at Fort Hood, TX, I was honorably discharged under Chapter 13 for failing 2 consecutive PT tests (2-mile run) because I had developed cardiac arrhythmias and asthma while stationed at Fort Riley, KS. Rather than put me through a medical board, my senior chain of command decided that my position was too critical and needed to be filled as soon as possible. This is the route they thought was best for the Army. Knowing which decisions need to be made as officers, regardless of how difficult it may be or how it may impact the lives of others, officers do what they feel they must do to maintain unit readiness. I wanted to stay in the Army and go through the medical evaluation / medical board process to see if my cardiac arrhythmias and asthma could be controlled with medication, but that's not the hand that I was dealt. Instead, my battalion commander decided that I needed to be replaced as soon as possible, which ended up being with the first female in the unit since the 1800s. I thought that was pretty cool until she painted our supply room sky blue on her free time! I miss the Army and serving our country in uniform. It was by far the best job and experiences in life that I ever had. I maintain close relationships today with many veterans and active duty members as the founder and co-owner of USMilitaryHats.com. Without it, I'm sure I wouldn't be connected to those I admire and respect more than any other people I have ever had the opportunity to work with.

I would only add, expect to work longer and harder and just as you expect the loyalty of those under you, always be loyal to those above your station.

LCDR Gillespie, I absolutely love your advice. Not only does it apply in the military but the same holds true in everyday life in civilian life. You advise honesty, integrity, and humility. This is the best advice I have seen for everyone to subscribe to.

Again, your response is excellent. I would like to copy this to teach our children. Hopefully some politicians will read this, as well.

Thank you for your service, sir.

Spot on sir!

"It’s an honor to lead soldiers be prepared to make your self worthy of that." Very well said.

Take this man's word. He was good to me, it's been a decade since I was was in. Despite that you remember a good officer and all that they have tought you.

Very well said , Sir.
When I went from SSG to 2 LT I was told my Senior Sgts was my resources. They would help mold me.
Then there were the Junior officers meeting that polished you into a fine Officer.

I will say as a SFC I loved taking care of soldiers and keeping them away from political games played at officer and senior NCO levels. Soldiers should love their job the hard job is getting them to love it Stay enlisted it is rewarding to your sole

Say enlisted it is rewarding to your sole

My battery commander in the Army was a former enlisted combat Marine. He had been there and done that. He left no doubt who ran the battery, but had great respect for his NCO's and all enlisted and demonstrated it it on a daily basis.

best advice ever. When I was a PL, my Joe's didn't get so much as a screwdriver without signing a hand receipt for it. lol

HAHA yes You own every thing now and a statement of charges will be coming your way if it gets lost, our screwed up.

Merica

It's been 36 years, but I try to live up to these words everyday.
Mission of the US Coast Guard Academy.
“To graduate young men and women with sound bodies, stout hearts and alert minds, with a liking for the sea and its lore, and with that high sense of honor, loyalty and obedience which goes with trained initiative and leadership; well-grounded in seamanship, the sciences and amenities, and strong in the resolve to be worthy of the traditions of commissioned officers in the United States Coast Guard in the service of their country and humanity.”

LTJG Richard Bruce - I know I was enlisted and was Acting Sgt, SSgt and SFC yeah I wore all those hats as an E-4. The Army just didn't have the promotable slots available in the early 80s. I had many Commanders, Battalion and Regimental say the same thing you said. I would get the Mission or the Job and get it done LOL they didn't want to know the details :D I would get it done, to what it was supposed to be.

Much appreciated 1SG.