Posted on May 18, 2018
What are the biggest challenges for a new service member arriving at their unit for the first time?
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For the junior enlisted members who are new to the military, what are the things that concern you, you find confusing, worrisome or difficult as you arrive at your first duty stations?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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First thing is fitting in, second is making a good impression, third is getting along with the rest of the group.
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The biggest challenge for me I would say was trying to get into the swing of things and getting out of the boot camp mindset. Also not knowing who to talk to or knowing anyone period.
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Realizing that their is life beyond the cell phone and going through withdrawals from not having it attached to their hands 24/7 ...
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A promising military career could be that much more rewarding if a mentorship program was available. Unfortunately, “mentor” seems to be an ugly word in all the wrong circles.
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AB Edward Mondini
Is there a poster, displayed prominently at every recruiting station, promoting RP as a go-to resource for new recruits?
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SSG Carlos Madden
AB Edward Mondini - Probably not because RallyPoint isn't a DoD company. Plus, the military isn't always keen on people jumping their chain of command to get information. What kind of mentor are you looking for?
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AB Edward Mondini
SSG Carlos Madden
The time for me to seek out mentors in the military has long ago passed.........that was in a previous life. I wish more than anything I could have answered your question differently.
The corporate world, fortunately, provided a bit more in the way of mentorship, but I hasten to add only the large corporations provide that.
Smaller companies jeer at the concept. Are you familiar with Tom Peters? He started that concept in corporations........I’m guessing he didn’t find an audience in the US military. But thank you for asking.
The time for me to seek out mentors in the military has long ago passed.........that was in a previous life. I wish more than anything I could have answered your question differently.
The corporate world, fortunately, provided a bit more in the way of mentorship, but I hasten to add only the large corporations provide that.
Smaller companies jeer at the concept. Are you familiar with Tom Peters? He started that concept in corporations........I’m guessing he didn’t find an audience in the US military. But thank you for asking.
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To me it was the expectations of me since I came in at 27 with leadership background. Will I be Ok having a bunch of kids bossing me around. I still have trouble to this day with new E5s or even with my chain of command as most of them still don’t know how to be a mentor. I guess that’s why my career isn’t going the way I had hoped it would. Maybe the maintainer and noner mentality is just very different.
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From my aspect it's trying to find people you can know and talk to when needing advice . When I got to my reserve unit I didn't know many abbreviations and s.o.p . Then I started talking with my squad Sgts who helped square me away.
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The only real challenge for me is not being around my family as often as I used to be.
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Adapting to changes, relaxed settings and trying to maintain your military bearing.
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I remember my first concern was hoping to feel welcome. I was escorted in to meet our Platoon Sgt on my first day with a smile on my face because I was glad to be there. (I am a naturally happy guy) The first thing he said to me was wipe that smile off your face, your hideous. I was confused and definitely did not feel welcomed there at all.
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