What is something that you wish you would’ve been told about before enlisting?

2021-08-31T20:46:41-04:00

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 9:58 PM

2021-08-31T21:58:03-04:00

That 10% of the people you deal with hate their job. It doesn’t matter if they volunteered to do it. 10% of people are unhappy no matter what. Those 10% can ruine the morale of a unit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 10:06 PM

2021-08-31T22:06:25-04:00

The promotion system, specifically pertaining to the Army. Not sure about other branches.

Response by CPL Douglas Chrysler made Aug 31 at 2021 10:34 PM

2021-08-31T22:34:45-04:00

I wasn't told KP was washing a bazillion dishes. I thought it meant peeling potatoes.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 11:29 PM

2021-08-31T23:29:51-04:00

Ryan Welch I was drafted...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2021 11:46 PM

2021-08-31T23:46:08-04:00

Double check your contract at MEPS. Overall happy with my career, just got fucked out of my enlistment bonus.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2021 5:59 AM

2021-09-01T05:59:21-04:00

How important civilian education is once you join the Army. It sets you ahead of your peers at the lower levels and is practically a requirement at the higher levels.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Sep 1 at 2021 10:40 AM

2021-09-01T10:40:27-04:00

Sought personal and professional guidance from someone currently serving or a recent veteran.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2021 3:31 PM

2021-09-01T15:31:46-04:00

God, where do I even begin with that list.....

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2021 4:06 PM

2021-09-01T16:06:46-04:00

Ryan Welch Financial advice, savings - put a fixed percentage away each payday, and spending - don't get signed up for a set of wheels that will eat your entire check.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2021 6:04 PM

2021-09-01T18:04:45-04:00

It is a 100% lifelong commitment. Even after all these years, changes of CiC new units and now nearing the end. Still commited to my joes and the military as a whole.
And that I would shed tears everytime I hear about a brother/ sister being killed

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Sep 1 at 2021 8:46 PM

2021-09-01T20:46:28-04:00

I enlisted for Germany in 1961, still haven't got there

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2021 8:48 AM

2021-09-02T08:48:21-04:00

I think I had a little more knowledge on what to expect since my oldest brother had been active for 3 years after he joined at 19 and then he was in the Reserves when I went to basic. My one younger brother is National Guard and he went to basic a year before I did. Although, granted, their basic training experience was different. They both went to all male basic. But when I went to basic, I already knew what to expect. I also went after college so I was 22 and most of my platoon was 18. We had several college graduates though. Then I also had a bit more to expect once I got out of basic/AIT.

But I'm the only one to stay on active duty as long as I have. My younger brother is still National Guard though too.

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Sep 2 at 2021 10:11 AM

2021-09-02T10:11:14-04:00

Save every document handed you.
Do not fail to report any medical problem and keep the documentation. In my early years, at a Nike base in GA, we were required by our Battery Commandeer to fire our sidearms (M1911A1) at least once a month. Back then hearing protection was unheard of. We fired a lot! That is when I developed tinnitus. It developed slowly and I did not think much about it, so I did not report it.
Now, VA will not recognize it as service connected. It is not in my medical records so it is a no-go.
Throughout my career, most troops thought sick-call was for wusses. We just did not go unless we were seriously ill. when I retired, my medical records were very thin.
So, bottom line; Get everything on record and keep copies.

Response by SPC Michael Micallef made Sep 3 at 2021 11:32 AM

2021-09-03T11:32:04-04:00

My GI bill can’t be used at any school. It has to be a college that leads to a degree and I must go full time. My recruiter told me permanent party was like a regular job. BS. None of my employers have made me pick up cigarette buts or made me clean my house on a Friday night because my neighbor didn’t clean his.

Response by SPC Roger Dunn made Sep 4 at 2021 7:47 AM

2021-09-04T07:47:35-04:00

That you will be treated as a piece of sh*^t for at least 8 weeks. In my case 15 weeks

Response by SPC James Parker made Oct 28 at 2021 6:36 PM

2021-10-28T18:36:03-04:00

At first I was scared shitless

Response by SGT James Bradley made Oct 31 at 2021 11:14 PM

2021-10-31T23:14:27-04:00

You will be sent to the tropical paradise also know as Vietnam…..

Response by SGT James Bradley made Nov 6 at 2021 12:32 PM

2021-11-06T12:32:56-04:00

Vietnam would be my first deployment.

Response by CW2 Richard Athey made Nov 6 at 2021 12:37 PM

2021-11-06T12:37:18-04:00

No matter NG or Active make sure your records get updated with any training completed. I was sent to Air deployment planning course, and Hazmat course at a Navy base. The Hazmat course was missing from my final records after getting out, but would have been a great asset in my civilian work.

Response by LCpl Sidney Green made Nov 21 at 2021 7:39 PM

2021-11-21T19:39:23-05:00

That the good will suffer with the bad. Thing is, the bad never benefit when one does good. Even when its exceedingly good. You ever notice that?