What are good ways to move up in your military career?

2014-11-12T21:55:54-05:00

Being a PV2, I've done the best I can to show my abilities, even though most NCO and Senior NCO's may laugh, I know the little input my certificates and raw ability can prove; I'd just like to know more motivating tips that might make a new soldier recognized within a unit.

Response by CPL Rick Stasny made Nov 12 at 2014 10:20 PM

2014-11-12T22:20:28-05:00

To prove worthy of increased responsibility, first prove yourself as one able to follow instructions, and although frowned upon by some. Volunteer, get qualified to work any job in your unit. If you become disgruntled, keep it to yourself. Be a motivating factor to others. You will stand out.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2014 10:44 PM

2014-11-12T22:44:10-05:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Do your job, and do it well. Do everything that you can to better yourself, going to schools, getting certifications, if you know that you have a qual or a class that is coming up or going to be coming due be proactive and reach out to get it done. Don't make your Chain of Command have to ask you to do things. If you see something that needs to be taken care of, take care of it. As stupid as it may sound, if you are walking around on Post and you see trash on the ground, pick it up. Take care of the mission, take care of your men, and take care of yourself. And lastly, be a mentor, make sure that whoever is below you, knows how to do your job.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2014 11:35 PM

2014-11-12T23:35:42-05:00

When I was the senior medic for my cav scout Troop (Company for those not cav) I was witness to a lot of the meetings held at the Troop level between the CO, PLs, 1SG, and PSGs. Whenever there was a discussion about which PFC to promote early to SPC the same points were always brought up. Which soldier volunteered to do extra work/details? Which soldier went back to their barracks room to study instead of playing Call of Duty? Which soldier displayed the most effort? Which soldier did everything they could to stand ahead of their peers instead of coasting under the radar?

As a PV2 you almost certainly do not see these types of conversations happening at the higher levels, but I guarantee you that they do happen. You may not think that extra effort is noticed and appreciated, but trust me when I say that it most certainly is. You may not reap the rewards immediately, you may not receive any kind of praise or acknowledgement on the spot, but karma catches up to you. Soldiers that do these things are the ones given early promotions when available. They are the ones that are given slots to career advancing schools and training. Specialists that accomplish these things are the ones that are selected to attend promotion boards for a chance at reaching Sergeant and beyond. Keep your nose clean. Play well with others. Prove your worth by setting yourself ahead of your peers. This is how you advance your career.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Mar 3 at 2016 5:14 PM

2016-03-03T17:14:04-05:00

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member Edward Lott, something I learned in my last duty station was to take the jobs that nobody else wanted and be great at it. Learn from everyone you can. As a UH-60 maintainer/crewchief, I was presented with the opportunity to work in the BN S-3 Shop. At first I scoffed at the notion of being a "staffer", but as I took the time to really think about the opportunity I realized that this could very well separate me from my peers. That's what you want. Something that says you are different form the E-1 to E-4 lottery.