What advice would you offer to those in their 20s?

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 01:47:54 -0400

The majority of your junior personnel are in their 20s. Still new to "adult life" and learning the ropes, what advice would you offer them when it came to life in the military, day to day life, finances, marriage, etc.

I realized today that my junior personnel are still so "green" when it comes to many things I find "obvious". What advice would you offer those in their 20s?

Response by SN Kevin Neff made Sep 17 at 2016 1:57 AM

SN Kevin Neff — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 01:57:30 -0400

Think before you act. Especially on big topics. I didn't and that's why I am where I am now.

Response by SrA Sheri Wooldridge made Sep 17 at 2016 9:17 AM

SrA Sheri Wooldridge — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 09:17:03 -0400

Advice to my 20yo self? Do not trust my friends hubby when he said he was sober! (He totaled my car). Trust no one in fact. Be a hard@$$. Join the Marines

Response by SFC George Smith made Sep 17 at 2016 10:07 AM

SFC George Smith — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 10:07:57 -0400

... some of the Words i tell my self...

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Sep 17 at 2016 10:10 AM

SFC Pete Kain — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 10:10:48 -0400

Having a shiny new car WILL NOT get you laid. Save your money and have a plan for when you get out.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 17 at 2016 11:13 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 11:13:55 -0400

For God's sake, DON'T marry Connie! Run! Run fast! Run far! Don't look back, you idiot...

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Sep 17 at 2016 11:14 AM

Capt Tom Brown — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 11:14:47 -0400

When I was in my 20s I didn't need advice from anyone because I knew a lot about everything and did not take advice well.

Response by Cpl George Crab made Sep 17 at 2016 11:24 AM

Cpl George Crab — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 11:24:54 -0400

I love you long time doesn't mean that I should get overly interested. Take a drink of this jungle juice, because everyone already has. Not a great idea. Do not volunteer. Ever.

Response by SFC Don Vance made Sep 17 at 2016 11:27 AM

SFC Don Vance — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 11:27:38 -0400

Read everyday to improve yourself. Save 10% of what you earn, donate 10% of what you earn, live on 80% of what you earn. PAY CASH FOR EVERYTHING!!! Set goals for all aspects of your life and have an accountability partner to help keep you on track.

Response by CPT Tom Monahan made Sep 17 at 2016 5:06 PM

CPT Tom Monahan — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 17:06:09 -0400

Pay yourself first. No matter if you are staying in or getting out, you work to support yourself and your family. You can always make money, but you can't make make time. Your family will value you you when you are engaged with them. If you are not in an MOS with a good civilian equivalent role, reclassify a sap. You'll never know if you will have to get out do to medical or a RIF. If you have a good transferable skill (hint, 11Bs are in high demand in industry, but wheeled mechanics are) you can get on quickly in a new career. Lastly, study and apply personal financial management skills. These will prepare you for retirement and help preserve your family.

PS: if you get out consider staying involved withe the guard or reserves. The retirement benefits are worth it.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Sep 17 at 2016 5:08 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 17:08:03 -0400

I would tell my 20 year old self not to be so damn hard on my body. However, my 20 year old self was a terrible listener. Like most, he could not see past the end of his nose. It was all about what was fun at the moment, damn the consequences.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2016 6:15 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 18:15:11 -0400

Start investing, even if it's only a little bit. You can't make up for missed compound interest.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2016 6:17 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 18:17:50 -0400

If you're attracting the wrong love interests, it's not them - it's you. Fix yourself first.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2016 6:23 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 06:23:02 -0400

don't get pissed off at the reserves and have a couple year break in service between your first enlistment and the following one. (I'd have my 20 in 2018 but now I have to wait until 2020) Also, I should have gone air force right away and not been army reserves for my first 6. ( that would have decreased the likelyhood of me being pissed after my first enlistment). Thanks to Sammy G at my civilian employer for talking me into giving the air guard a try.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2016 12:49 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 12:49:42 -0400

square your self away financially and be ready for natural disaster lol

Response by SPC David Roberts made Aug 24 at 2021 1:38 PM

SPC David Roberts — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 13:38:38 -0400

Join the Air Force! Oh wait, too late. I was already in the Army.

Response by SGT Randall Smith made Aug 24 at 2021 6:35 PM

SGT Randall Smith — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:35:34 -0400

When you enter the service remember, When the shi. hits the fan it is gonna get all over you. I give it 3 to 6 months before the new Veterans are blamed for the loss of Afghanistan, the politicians and generals had nothing to do with it. Been There and done that.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Aug 25 at 2021 12:49 PM

SFC Robert Walton — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 12:49:07 -0400

Here we go send all hate mail to the Post Master General, But this is the truth " I would not give advise to todays 20 yr old because I am old which makes me to damb stupid for them to listen to and I represent Toxic Leadership." JMTC