Posted on Oct 10, 2016
What advice would you offer someone who planned on joining the Army out of high school?
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Do your research. Understand the commitment you are about to make. Make sure that you can live with it. If you are "I have an issue with....authority, any race, religion, gender, or sexuality", then you should rethink your decision....
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get in shape... stay in shape ... Take it One Day at a Time... Enjoy your time off Take all the classes you can take...
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LTC Stephen Conway
And read all the military times editions as a hobby so you know more about your job, why you may go to war and have better situational awareness. Read the newspaper and listen to PBS or NPR news while still in high school to get international stories that often tie in to military missions abroad in addition to what SFC Smith posted.
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Learn to be a leader, take note of what the good and bad leaders do. Analyze what properties and attributes make a leader great and try to be like them. It's an important skill to have when you leave the Army and applies to any job.
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Don't downplay the non-combat MOS's. I know everyone wants to kick down doors and take names. But think of the long term as well. Say you only do 1 tour. Did the MOS you pick teach you a skill that you can use to get a job in the civilian world? Most people only think about putting the military in their rearview, but the military is going to pay you to learn a skill, you might want to maximize that opportunity to benefit you. I got out almost 2 years ago and I'm still doing the exact same job I did in the military only with a significant boost in pay.
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LTJG (Join to see)
I was incredibly close to signing up for the Air Force. Why didn't I? When I toured an Air Force base it looked fun. It looked like something I'd enjoy. I saw Marines working out, Soldiers cleaning their weapons while sitting behind a rundown shed, and Airmen in their single barracks playing video games. I swear on my honor this is a true story. After I saw that, as awesome as it was, I was at peace with myself in knowing that it wasn't for me. This is not to say that the Air Force doesn't go onto do great and challenging things - I know they do. However, I wanted a lifestyle like the Marine Corps. I ended up enlisting with a SEAL contract, but biting off a little more than I could chew at the time. Looking into going that route again, but it will be some time from now. Either way, do what is right for you! You will never regret your decision!
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
In any event the fact You went and served Your country in any of the branches of the Armed Forces of the United States means You have earned My respect !
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The most important word of advice I can give is: "Do what you love, and love what you do." If you have the opportunity and the qualifications, make sure you are doing something you are going to love. If you aren't in love with turning wrenches, and you sign up to be a vehicle mechanic... I will bet a paycheck that you won't re-enlist. Your time in the military is short. Whether you do a 3 year stint or blink your eyes and 20 years went by... capitalize on the opportunity to pursue real goals. Shoot for the stars, and if it's important to you, don't accept defeat at the first "no" you hear. There are plenty of bureaucrats in uniform that are not interested in helping you achieve your goals for the simple reason it might create more work for them. "Where there's a will, there's a way." Good luck!
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If you decide on 11 Series go to Infantry OSUT then decide to go AWOL, don't hot wire the Milk Delivery Truck as a getaway vehicle.....that's been tried already from what I read. Seriously though, do your research and if there is a GUARD or USAR unit near you, attend one of their weekend Drills in civilian clothes and talk to the Soldiers there, that's what I did before the age of the internet. You need to have that face to face contact and see what questions stir what reactions.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
When I was on duty in the USAF Security Police at Hanscom AFB, MA I actually had an Air Force Recruiter approach Me with a Young potential recruit who wanted to enter Law Enforcement in the Military . The recruiter thought it would be a good opportunity to talk to someone who was working in that field on Active duty. He asked questions, I gave him some advise. I'll give the recruiter credit for being pretty straight with that young man anyway. They weren't all that way !
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SPC Erich Guenther
SMSgt Lawrence McCarter - I know and more Recruiters should take the time to do that so the youngster understands their future MOS choice better. I just thought the Ft. Benning story was humorous, reminded me of the scene in the movie "A Fish called Wanda" with the steamroller.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
SPC Erich Guenther - Reminds Me in the movie Private Benjamin, She was remembering something Her recruiter told Her and the Drill Instructor informed Her. "Your Recruiter lied " We were in a Military Base Heater at the time,. needles to say everyone in the audience laughed.
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To read my book. The NEW You: Now Equipped With Wisdom found on Amazon... It will help them tremendously.
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SFC Randy Purham
Fair enough lol. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IJWNNGE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid= [login to see] &sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=Randy+Purham
The NEW You: Now Equipped with Wisdom: A Guide to Personal and Professional Development - Kindle...
The NEW You: Now Equipped with Wisdom: A Guide to Personal and Professional Development - Kindle edition by Randy Purham. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading The NEW You: Now Equipped with Wisdom: A Guide to Personal and Professional Development.
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