What habits or routines should you keep after the military that still help in the civilian world?

Sgt Matt Medhat — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 22:53:12 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2021 11:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 23:16:29 -0400

You absolutely need to maintain a physical fitness regime. When you're young PT is a bit sad masochistic, it's all about suffering or watching others suffer. As you get older you need to find something you enjoy doing every day or else you'll find reasons not to do it. For instance, I love Olympic lifting and hate running. It's a struggle for me to convince myself to run even twice a week, especially when it's cold outside. But I'll put on a hoodie and sweats to go out into my cold gym to do cleans and Squats

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2021 11:20 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 23:20:01 -0400

Sgt Matt Medhat Being on time and prepared for meetings or encounters with others. Maintaining a disciplined and determined approach to all facets of life. Plan, set goals and execute the plan. Staying Squared Away. Never quit.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2021 12:32 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 00:32:48 -0400

Knowing how to tie an actual tie. Clip-ons are absolutely pathetic, and that includes bow ties. It's actually really easy, and looks amazing.
Imperfection shows knowledge and class....

Response by 1SG John Highfill made Apr 3 at 2021 6:49 AM

1SG John Highfill — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 06:49:56 -0400

Make your bed

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 3 at 2021 9:28 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 09:28:57 -0400

Discipline in establishing a routine for health and proper nutrition. Ensure you are investing soundly for a strong retirement plan. Never, I say never forget those who carried throughout your career, FAMILY.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2021 9:58 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 09:58:09 -0400

Lifelong learning. Never stop.

Response by SFC Monica Primus made Apr 3 at 2021 11:26 AM

SFC Monica Primus — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 11:26:53 -0400

Take the extra step when doing a task.
Here is an example of what I mean. I recently contacted a woman in charge of a website. I needed to inform her of a huge omission on her site. So, I sent the email and provided the missing information. Her reply was that someone else was responsible for that part of the website and had I contacted them? She did not even supply the person's contact info. Well, what she should have done is replied to me to let me know who the actual contact person was AND CC'd the appropriate person on that email.

When tasked to do something, do it wholeheartedly.

When confronted with a problem, don't just complain about it; find an answer and present it. Even if it is not the answer that is used, you will have learned something and your employer will see that your are truly interested and committed to what you doing.

Some other things I taught all of my soldiers is not to shirk your duties, do whatever you are tasked with to the best of your abilities, be a person of your word, do it right the first time, and complete your task.

Another thing is to stay up to date regarding any rules or regulations that apply to your position/industry. I was/am a Pharmacy Tech and had to do continuing education in order to be competitive for promotion and to maintain my certification. I know all jobs don't have CEs available, but there may be new regs, training classes, etc. available. Learn them, take classes, attend trade shows, etc.; they will help you stay competitive in your field.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Apr 3 at 2021 1:39 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 13:39:48 -0400

Attentiveness [being on time], grooming standards, and a good work ethic.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 3 at 2021 2:27 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 14:27:47 -0400

- Prioritize events and tasks
- Values
- OPORD methodology
- Paint the picture
- Build teams
- communicate expectations
- Train to standard
- Rest when u can
- Set goals
- Assess strengths and weaknesses
- Set short and long-term goals
- Have fun
- Say thank you
- Delegate
- Use Troop Leading Procedures
- Monitor threats
- Military thinking

Response by CW4 Gregg Brown made Apr 3 at 2021 3:48 PM

CW4 Gregg Brown — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 15:48:45 -0400

You could start with LDRSHIP. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage

Response by CSM Danny S. made Apr 3 at 2021 6:29 PM

CSM Danny S. — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 18:29:27 -0400

Some of the habits that help with your success is being disciplined and follow up with individuals on projects, due out, or tasks. Additionally being early will never hurt.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Apr 3 at 2021 8:36 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 20:36:06 -0400

So many excellent suggestions on this thread. Fantastic advice. Above all, always be respectful even if you don't agree with someone else's point of view. We all have freedom of thought and speech. Sometimes harder to walk away or change the subject but in the end, you will be the better man for it. And if you slip up and do offend someone, a simple apology goes a long way.

Response by SFC Melvin Brandenburg made Apr 5 at 2021 11:59 AM

SFC Melvin Brandenburg — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:59:01 -0400

Aloofness, passive aggressive tendencies, angry and snide comments, 1000 yard stares when the boss is on my ass, and ritualistic adherence to inflexible routines at work. Saying "roger" and "show stopper" a lot also helps.

Response by Laurie Geoffroy made Apr 13 at 2021 5:01 PM

Laurie Geoffroy — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 17:01:10 -0400

Such a great question and loving the responses. Having been in the recruiting industry since before dinosaurs roamed the earth, and also helping veterans transitioning into civilian roles, this topic is extremely relevant. First, veterans bring a wealth of best practices that are extremely valuable to organizations. I have presented to HR groups on the value of hiring a veteran. It was obvious from their responses they had not thought of some of the key best practices veterans have. Here are a few that I am confident most organizations are needing: 1) Team mindset - this is paramount. We live in a world of selfies and individualism. Veterans are there for each other. In the workplace, leaders want people who care about the team they are on, how to collaborate, communicate, and work together to achieve goals. 2) Agile mindset - if there is a population that is agile and needs to pivot quickly, it is a veteran. While it is easy to think that a vet's career path (if they stay in the military) can be pretty predictable, those who have been in battle, know there isn't too much that is certain in that experience. Being flexible to a new direction or strategy or last minute pivot can be life or death in that environment. While it is highly unlikely you will face that in a civilian workplace, organizations love people who are open to change and know how to "tack and jibe" as we say; 3) Solution provider - vets are about solutions and finding effective ways of doing things better. Managers usually love the employee who, when bringing a problem to him/her, also brings a couple of suggested solutions. Two things happen here: The manager recognizes that you appreciate his/her time and it sets you up for continued skill development.

I could go on and on but the answer is - there are so many best practices you can continue to use to create a fulfilling path for yourselves. Market them in your interviews!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 25 at 2021 9:08 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 09:08:23 -0400

Show up! 80% of success is showing up. 10 minutes early is on time. Be ready for every event or job. Right clothing, right tools, solid skills and knowledge, physically fit. Your civilian contemporaries will get much of this wrong. Have quiet confidence.

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Apr 5 at 2022 4:27 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 16:27:36 -0400

I want a do over, but after 4 years of constant PT and workouts I just stopped the running, a big mistake. I was in 2nd Anglico, and I basically did a PFT at least 5 days a week most times 6, not including company runs, but not on a Sunday, I was running 4-5 miles a day plus the pull-ups up. After 4 years honestly I was just burned out and the thought of running 5 miles just wasn’t in play. But the older me realizes that was a huge mistake. So when I see people on here complaining about PT test it irks the shit out of me, it part of your damn job. Who’s falls out of runs or fails a PT test? Damn you'd get punked to death, labeled a pussy whatever, never ever happened.. Never I’ve never seen anyone, even the biggest shit bird fall out of a run or fail a PFT. Didn’t exist. Same goes for going UNK at the range, never, the minimums on both is too ridiculous to talk about. The minimums are too minimum, to be in a fleet unit.

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Apr 5 at 2022 5:31 PM

SFC Francisco Rosario — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 17:31:21 -0400

For me it will always be a good haircut and staying in good shape (clothing is expensive). Followed by discipline, integrity, & commitment.