What is the best advice that you would give a young, junior enlisted, soldier?

2022-04-11T10:41:32-04:00

As a junior enlisted, I'm still relatively new to how the Army works and the bureaucracy surrounding everything. Aside from the regular semantics stuff they teach you in basic (right uniform, right time, basic military courtesies, how to properly fire your weapons, Army schools/certifications to pursue, finances and your TSP, etc.) what other really good advice could you give soldiers, or advice you wished you would've known when you first enlisted?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 11 at 2022 11:26 AM

2022-04-11T11:26:11-04:00

Keep your Ears on and mouth shut- if you have questions ask them as questions one on one to your leaders. Never play "Barracks Lawyer" That most of the time will bite you in the ass. Never settle for mediocre or just passing- always try to Excell at everything. Take all the military education you can get

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2022 12:06 PM

2022-04-11T12:06:34-04:00

Stay squared away and continue your education. Be a planner, set goals, and adjust if needed. Manage your money wisely. Live beneath your means and save aggressively. Invest wisely so that money is available for cars, homes, family, retirement, etc. Learn about savings plans, IRA's, Roth IRA's, asset allocation, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc. Do your own taxes so you have a good feel for your finances. Good luck.

https://www.investor.gov/

Home | Investor.gov

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2022 12:27 PM

2022-04-11T12:27:53-04:00

Volunteer for everything, doesn’t matter what it is or even if you aren’t told what you’re doing. Sometimes it’ll suck and you’ll be the guy doing what the others don’t want to do, but it’ll build you up as the kind of leader who’s known to get the job done right every time and who’s not afraid to sacrifice their comfort for the good of their troops. It will show you’re dependable and can be a “fire and forget” type of worker, that doesn’t need to be supervised. Volunteer for everything, it’ll get you promoted, but more importantly you’ll EARN the RESPECT of your peers and subordinates.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 11 at 2022 3:05 PM

2022-04-11T15:05:55-04:00

Understand you are entitled to nothing. A lot of young entry level folks get a false sense of place, purpose and entitlement after finishing entry level training. Finishing basic makes you just that. Basically trained. You earned the right to come through the door but that's it. Stay humble and be read to absorb knowledge while checking your ego at the door. Lot's of macho BS get's people put in a bad spot when first starting out. Just focus on the job and be ready to learn.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 11 at 2022 3:36 PM

2022-04-11T15:36:44-04:00

I always told my Soldiers of their five rights. You have the first two already: right uniform, right time. But also there is right place. And more important than those three are the other two: doing the right thing with the right attitude.

The first three are expected. They will never be noticed or mentioned unless you screw them up. The last two are what gets you noticed.

Take initiative. Even as a Specialist. If you have nothing to do, find something. If you can't find anything, ask your NCOs. They'll be happy to put you to work. But they'll be even happier if you put yourself to work.

When in charge, take charge. This includes if you and a group of privates are standing around waiting for something. You are the senior guy, take charge and do something productive. Even if it is just discussing the upcoming training or the training that just completed, a discussion can get people's mind in the right frame, or help clear up confusion.

Respect your coworkers - seniors, peers and subordinates. Regardless of your personal feelings, they are human beings and worthy of the basic respect of a fellow human. In addition, they raised their right hand. Even if they SUCK, at least they were willing to serve, which is more than 99% of Americans.

Finally, and this ties in to respect, but don't be a dick. There will be times when one of your NCOs or Officers screws up. Big time. Don't "I told you so" (even if you did). Don't rub it in, and don't take the opportunity to highlight their failure to higher. Instead, help them out. Take the opportunity to prove you are on their team.

There will also be times when you are in charge of other Soldiers. That is not the opportunity to do to them all the crappy things that were done to you. Even if they mess up. Figure out WHY they messed up, and help them fix it. Don't just smoke them and tell them to unfuck themselves. If you stay around and make a career, there WILL be times when you have to be a dick, because that is what the situation calls for. But 1) this should be the exception, not the rule and 2) make sure it is professional, never EVER let it become personal.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2022 3:59 PM

2022-04-11T15:59:53-04:00

If you are planning on a career in the military learn from your leadership. By keeping your eyes and ears open you can learn what works and what could use improvement. Hopefully your goals include being in leadership positions someday. Find a mentor or two that you know will mold you to the best of your abilities.

Care about the job and doing it correctly. Have pride in what you accomplish. That doesn’t mean you need to be cocky. But know you are good and maybe the best to accomplish any work or problems put in front of you.

As you become a leader yourself remember to take care of your troops (People First, Mission Always). Something as a specialist you should already be doing. Without strong troops behind you the mission can be compromised. They must trust and respect you as well as you having trust and respect in them.

Just asking this question makes me believe you are heading in the right direction. Don’t be afraid to reach out in the future. There are many here on Rally Point with tremendous amounts of knowledge and wisdom. Best of luck in your career Specialist, God Bess!

Respectfully
Curt

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 11 at 2022 4:42 PM

2022-04-11T16:42:19-04:00

Listen to your leadership, do not question them publicly, study your craft and work on you fitness. Always volunteer, and when your NCO tells you to cut back then listen.

Once your are up on your garrison and tactical skill set, take college courses. Finally as an E4 you need to read and study the NCO Creed. It will guide you I ways you could not imagine. It is one of those documents that seem to shape shift and provides further insight each time you read it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2022 5:22 PM

2022-04-11T17:22:40-04:00

Keep copies of everything.

Never give your original paperwork over to the administrative process if you don't have to.

NEVER EVER N-E-V-E-R!!!!!!! give out your last copy of anything.

You don't know what will be needed when. You just don't. Look at the questions folks here ask about getting Vietnam service updated. How the hell are they going to do that if it isn't from documents already in their possession.

Competency and success didn't happen if it isn't documented in an award or Annual Evaluation. Likewise for incompetency and failure if it didn't iPerm'd.

Someone got a promotion/award over the ACFT failure, but I doubt they got hammered on an evaluation.

Response by LTC Ray Buenteo made Apr 11 at 2022 9:50 PM

2022-04-11T21:50:05-04:00

Education, experience,training, experience, certification.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2022 10:07 PM

2022-04-11T22:07:55-04:00

Stay. The Hell. Away. From Barracks Lawyers. Those cats will get you burned faster than a 3 dollar hooker.

You want great things to come your way, bust your ass to earn them.

Don't get married just to get out of the barracks.

Always think and act 1-2 ranks above you. As said in "We Were Soldiers..." Learn the job of the person above you and teach your job to person below you.

Lastly. Do NOT be afraid to go to sick call. If you are hurt, injured and/or sick...GO TO SICK CALL. Get that shit treated and documented. You're gonna come across some old crusty bastards that'll tell you that you're a bitch for going to sick call. Screw that noise. If you need to go...you go.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2022 10:16 PM

2022-04-11T22:16:33-04:00

Here's what I might tell myself or my buddies back when we were privates:

If you want to improve, then be okay with being thought foolish or stupid. Being open to your leaders and what they're trying to accomplish and teach isn't always easy, but it's important. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. And when the time comes that you are given more responsibility, don't be afraid. If you're afraid of the extra work, the longer hours, the heavy weight of leadership, then either ask questions and get mentored, or get out.

Lastly, do some PT. Quit whining and actually try. You don't have to be the best, but you have to give your best.

(Quotes from Epictetus and Proverbs 11)

Response by A1C Medrick "Rick" DeVaney made Apr 12 at 2022 1:52 PM

2022-04-12T13:52:47-04:00

Well, BEFORE I Enlisted I Took Some Advise From My 2 Brothers Who Were Also In The Air Force Before Me.
BASIC TRAINING Advice..... For Those Not Yet Through It:.
Always Keep In Mind , One Of His JOBS Is To Try Pushing You To Your Limits, Physically & Mentally... When He Yells At You, It's Pretty Much An Acting JOB.
When Your T.I. Comes In at 4 AM And Makes A RACKET To Wake You Up, He's Already BEEN Up For At Least An Hour Or So.... And Laugh At Him, The Poor SOB.. ...(But ONLY in Your MIND)
YOUR Basic Training Is Tougher On HIM Than It Is On YOU.....
LMAO, But Absolutely True.!
When Getting To Your Duty Station, Everything Changes.
Just Do Your Job , The Best You Can, & Respect Those Out Ranking You.
Follow Instructions, Then Out-Do Those Instructions...
Just About The Same As You'd Do In Any Civilian Occupation To Advance.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2022 4:16 PM

2022-04-12T16:16:40-04:00

Always have a good workout routine, right or wrong how good you do your job isn't enough for some leaders compared to how fast you run or how many pushups you can do. Besides being physically fit which is always good, it's not something poor leaders can use against you.

Study regulations that relate to your MOS, Admin, and Leadership. Additionally, start studying for the NCO Board once you get done with AIT. You're a Specialist so your next goal is Sergeant, it's a ways off but you can be prepared for every board they make you attend even if you can't get promoted yet you'll look good.

Keep your ears open and volunteer for stuff, getting your name out there in a good way can help you later. Yes, sometimes there's extra busywork, but sometimes there's work that teaches you new skills or a new perspective. Always be learning your MOS, but also always be learning stuff that can help you or your future Soldiers in other avenues.

Make sure you're leadership knows what you want. If you want to go to school, do certain trying, prepare for a board, how to get ready for your next rank, etc etc. Let them know that you want assistance and guidance on how to proceed.

Stay away from Barracks Lawyers. 99% of them don't know what they hell they're talking about. If you want to know a reg, read the reg, if you don't understand it then ask. If you need legal advice talk to JAG. Simple.

Don't get married at your first duty station to just get out of the barracks. If you do get married, good for you, keep separate bank accounts. Additionally, you absolutely 99.99% of the time never need a General Power of Attorney no matter how much someone especially your brand new spouse tells you that you do. Get a Specific/Limited Power of Attorney tailored to the specific issue you need it for. If you deploy and are newly married, authorize a trusted family member to check on your residence if you are living outside of the barracks.

The Army gives a lot of stuff for free, don't blow all your money, especially on a deployment. Start sending money to savings with every single paycheck. Build up a tidy sum that you don't plan to touch until you're out of the Army. Research how to invest money for retirement, home buying, etc. Don't be the broke boot around post, and be the financially successful Vet when you get out.

Response by CW2 Gale Dorman made Apr 13 at 2022 12:21 PM

2022-04-13T12:21:59-04:00

Are you sitting down? If you want to make the military a life time commitment, retire and be happy you have to do some very prime things in your life!
Make a plan where do you want to be in three, five, ten, fifteen, twenty years from now!
Look at your career field, how far can you go for promotion?
Look at your education, always seek improvement be it in leadership, in your field of expertise, your degree program, your military education program.
Do not except "NO" make it known you want the next level of assignments and responsibilities! Then go after them!
Set the example, excel at everything you can and what you cannot excel at work harder and improve on those items!
Walk the walk and talk professional do not be mislead!
Take chances, seek opportunities, become an instructor, go to drill school, recruiting school, any training you can get your hands on! Work Hard at it and the rewards will come your way!
If your organization is looking for someone to do an important job that will take time, patience and also insuring the work is consistent and perfection is preferred. Do not be afraid to take the position.
Support those who work with you, those that train from you, as you progress in rank remember where you came from! Give those who you work with all your support, they may one day be in a leadership position where they can assist you with your future!
If you graduate from any military classes or schools with honors. Let the schools know you are willing to support them by taking to their graduating classes and letting them know your lessons learned!
The most important thing to remember if you are married, remember you are married give your spouse and your children time! If you loose them they will affect your future in many ways! If you support them they will be unbelievable support for you!
Last thing I give you is write down what you have done, time frames what you have gained from the experience, Communicate, Communicate, Communicate with your superiors and those you work with! You will never know it all! Seek help and guidance as needed!

Always be professional, do not lie, do not do others wrong, you will succeed with unbelievable success and things will happen to your very fast at times. You will be asked to go on assignments that you do not think you are qualified for or will take much time. You can say no to such things, but look at the big picture. I was a CW2 and worked in a CW4 position for a year then retired. I excelled and was offered quick promotions and duty assignments! I excelled at what I did. Prior to my retirement I had to look at the difference of getting my CW4 with in two - three years or loose my family for not being with them. My Branch had given me a three year plan and with that plan I would only be with my family three months. The rest of the time I would have been training and deploying Patriot Units around the world where I could not take my family. I chose my family, it was the right chose but I would have loved to have challenged myself and look forward for my extended service leading the pack of Warrant Officers! By the way the Warrant Officer field is an exciting and wonderful field! I had a Master Sgt and 80 some soldiers working in my maintenance unit when I retired. Good luck to you! Remember its all on you no one else you hold the strings to your success!

Response by PO1 William Robertson made Apr 14 at 2022 12:42 PM

2022-04-14T12:42:48-04:00

Focus on your career, not the bottle. Shut your mouth, open your ears, do it as instructed until you have mastered the craft, and then share your knowledge with other junior enlisted. Become a leader, not a follower. Earn trust at all levels of command, and, don’t be a boot licker.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 17 at 2022 1:42 AM

2022-04-17T01:42:26-04:00

No one cares more about your career than you do. Keep every LES, is the only real proof of service. Keep your own 201 file. Be active in doing your promotion packets. Units can screw up on records, so keep your own. Listen and learn.

Response by MSG Ronald Williams made Apr 19 at 2022 1:38 PM

2022-04-19T13:38:09-04:00

take advantage of education opportunities available. will be an asset for both your military and civilian benefit.

Response by SN Robbie Malone made Apr 19 at 2022 3:01 PM

2022-04-19T15:01:22-04:00

Get everything in writing, also check out the MOS, for what you want to do in the military. Do some research to see what branch would be the best fit. And if you have a little bit of college or a degree that helps.

Response by Cpl Craig Howard made Apr 19 at 2022 7:01 PM

2022-04-19T19:01:33-04:00

Take every opportunity to learn. I worked in Avionics in the Marines, but I was qualified to not only work on all systems on my aircraft, but I cross trained to all Rotor Wing aircraft. I also was certified as both a Rifle and Pistol coach, NBC training NCO, and Tech Pub Librarian. When on our float, I spent time with some of the Ground side refreshing what I learned in Boot, as well as honing new skills. I spent time with the Master-at-Arms on ship, so I trained in Hand to Hand too. You will never regret learning more. I continued this when I returned to Civilian life, and have always ended up in a Management role. In a word, Learn.

Response by Sgt Susan Mcneely made Apr 19 at 2022 7:06 PM

2022-04-19T19:06:39-04:00

I always kept my training books for my MOS for my next rank with me and studied them any time there was down time. I never got less than a 95% on any of them which of course was great for promotions but also helped me to be the best at a job I loved. There was also at the time in my squadron a policy of a three day pass for each test result of 90% and above so that was great too. My job was crew chief on C-5 Galaxy's, C-141 Starlifter, and C-130 Hercules.

Response by SSG Stewart Ritchey made Apr 19 at 2022 7:43 PM

2022-04-19T19:43:08-04:00

Keep your big mouth shut and do what you're told.

Response by Sgt Robert Lombard made Apr 19 at 2022 8:17 PM

2022-04-19T20:17:15-04:00

Pay attention, and stay sober.

Response by SSgt Ricardo Lugo made Apr 19 at 2022 8:35 PM

2022-04-19T20:35:50-04:00

I am not a specialist in professional advise career field; but my humble advise to the new generation of warrior; is from a Gulf War Warrior Heart. We need to keep the Vision and Mission of National Security and global reach alive. The new generation of warrior of are nation; needs to stand firm and committed to the real reason; we are call to defend the principal of freedom and pursuit of happiness of are nation. This must be the heart and soul of a warrior of the great nation that God has giving us. If we continue to build new generation of warrior in magnifying these humble concepts; giving by God and the retired leaders; the Arm forces will transform into a contemporary elite total force; that could conquer space universe domination; under God. So God Help Us / In God We Trust / Everything is possible.

Response by PFC Frank Graves made Apr 19 at 2022 8:58 PM

2022-04-19T20:58:03-04:00

the most dangerous thing you will encounter is a "butter bar Lt" ( 2 nd lieutenant ) with a pen

Response by SGT Earle Hudson made Apr 19 at 2022 9:12 PM

2022-04-19T21:12:38-04:00

Listen to the older guys they have the most knowledge on what you are about to do,they might have a few secrets to make the job easier.

Response by MSG Olanda James made Apr 19 at 2022 10:19 PM

2022-04-19T22:19:52-04:00

1. Find a mentor
2. For the enlisted folk...set your goal for Sergeant Major (E-9) and attend all of the schools (Drill Sergeant, Recruiting, MOS, etc), and accept all of the jobs that will check the block. (This is where #1 and #3 will come in handy.)
3. Party less and focus on completing your Bachelor's degree by the time you pin on SFC (E-7). MANY should be able to complete a Master's degree in ~15 years, and definitely by 20.
4. Practice good fiscal fitness by avoiding high-interest credit cards, late payments, and predatory lenders.

Response by PO1 Don Uhrig made Apr 19 at 2022 10:20 PM

2022-04-19T22:20:20-04:00

Invest as much as you are comfortable with in the TSP. Of course have money to have fun, but the long term effects of investment will help provide a wonderful future - either after you initial tour, or a full career. INVEST.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Apr 19 at 2022 10:58 PM

2022-04-19T22:58:02-04:00

One: You will be getting a lot of advice from senior enlisted members. Read. Heed.
Two: Get to know these three people - your supervisor, the Senior Enlisted Advisor, the First Sergeant (First Shirt, or just "The Shirt")
Three: Officers - They're there because somebody has to be in charge. A 2nd Lt did the work to get a degree, then succeed at the training it takes to get a commission. While this does not confer godhood on this person, it does give people, who are senior to this person, some confidence that this person will be able to be the person who makes significant decisions correctly and in a timely manner. If there is anything you can do to help an Officer, then let your supervisor, the Senior Enlisted Advisor, or the First Sergeant know about it. There will also be senior officers (field grade, Major, Lt Colonel, Colonel). The senior grade officers depend on junior grade officers (LT's, Capt.) and senior NCO's to work with volunteers like you to get the mission done. You will be given some tough jobs to do. The officers appointed over you have your job, and the job of everybody else in your unit (over which the officer has charge) to do. And, they cannot do those jobs, personally; they have to rely on you do to it. So, when it comes to Officers, you should decide if you want to be a reliable person. If that is your decision, good on you! And I wish you the best.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Apr 20 at 2022 12:05 PM

2022-04-20T12:05:39-04:00

Get out and use the GI bill, get a good education in the productive area. If you want to return to the military, return as a officer.

Response by Sgt Lee Dutra made Apr 20 at 2022 1:39 PM

2022-04-20T13:39:37-04:00

Keep your ears open and your mouth shut.

Response by Sgt Lee Dutra made Apr 20 at 2022 1:40 PM

2022-04-20T13:40:36-04:00

Keep your ears open and your mouth shut.

Response by SR Kenneth Beck made Apr 20 at 2022 1:52 PM

2022-04-20T13:52:18-04:00

What’s your sole purpose in this Army?
To do what ever you tell me Drill Sergeant.
Forrest Gump

Response by SR Kenneth Beck made Apr 20 at 2022 1:55 PM

2022-04-20T13:55:34-04:00

Marching or fighting, the pays the same.

Response by SMSgt Anil Heendeniya made Apr 20 at 2022 7:14 PM

2022-04-20T19:14:17-04:00

Besides your military education and training, which you should work hard on, you should absolutely take advantage of every opportunity to use your college education benefits, and apply your free time to driving hard on your pursuit of college degrees and certifications. Take all the self-inventory tests you can find to decide where your interests are and where you'll need to focus your academics. Then charge into that pursuit with the gusto of a hound dog!

Your older self will thank you profusely for that prescient investment in yourself!

Response by SSG David Couleas made Apr 20 at 2022 10:57 PM

2022-04-20T22:57:25-04:00

Do not get out!! Stay in and retire. As long as you are in the right place, at the right time and in the right uniform you are G2G (good to go).

Response by PO3 James Franck made Apr 21 at 2022 11:24 AM

2022-04-21T11:24:11-04:00

Keep your head down and your powder dry!

Response by PO1 Vincent Cruz made Apr 21 at 2022 2:00 PM

2022-04-21T14:00:01-04:00

If it's a career you're looking to make, learn all that you can, avoid trouble, respect all others and finally enjoy career and yourself. Good luck.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 21 at 2022 2:25 PM

2022-04-21T14:25:02-04:00

- Have a great attitude.
- Be willing to learn more about your craft.
- Be a team player.
- Never compromise your values.
- Look at your good and bad leaders and learn what to do or what not to do.
- Work hard.
- Try to have some fun.
- Treat others like the way you want to be treated.

What is your MOS?

Response by TSgt George Rodriguez made Apr 21 at 2022 4:08 PM

2022-04-21T16:08:33-04:00

listen to your NCO's they have been there and done that. Learn to shoot straight and keep your butt down.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2022 4:16 PM

2022-04-21T16:16:57-04:00

You've gotten a lot of good information from other members already however one thing I can't stress enough is continue with your education. Regardless of if you plan on getting out or staying in it's a huge plus when going up for promotions or boards. It also opens the door to possibly commissioning in the future and makes you more competitive for literally anything you want to do.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Apr 21 at 2022 4:17 PM

2022-04-21T16:17:19-04:00

Strenuously avoid a lacsidaisical attitude; ask well thought out questions and maintain a gung-ho attitude about any/every job one is given. When being candid, avoid any appearance of sharp-shooting - NEVER try to make anyone look bad when commenting. If there's nothing positive to say, don't say it unless it's one-on-one, and then use tact and deiplomacy. Never, ever jump the chain of command except in cases of criminal activities, abuse or overt harrassment.
Don't look upon the Inspector General as a means to thwart supervision.

Response by MSG Jess Pinera made Apr 21 at 2022 7:47 PM

2022-04-21T19:47:53-04:00

Not all are being given the opportunity to serve. You have been so, congratulations. Getting in is one thing, staying in and actually making a difference is another. So, make the most out of this great opportunity. Like you said, aside from the conglomerate of semantic stuff and meeting or exceeding the standard requirements as per your enlistment contract, I will tell you this: provide an invaluable service. Wether it be to your squad, section, platoon, company...battalion..you know what I mean. Be efficient at your job, be the go to guy for providing solutions to problems. Not just professionally but also personally. In short, be part of the solution and not be the problem! See a problem, create a solution! Dont add to the problems already crippling the military. Be the help that the military needs in this coming generation. All will fall in it's place and it will all be worth it! Provide an invaluable service. Best to you!

Response by PO1 Mike Wallace made Jun 11 at 2022 6:04 PM

2022-06-11T18:04:36-04:00

Take advantage of every opportunity offered. I got to do some really cool things early on as a junior sailor that normally is reserved for more senior people. One of them led me to having a 27 year career with the FAA making far more money I could have ever imagined doing a job I absolutely loved.
My advice to young folks whether military or civilian, make yourself indespensible!

Response by COL Eric Burns made Jun 12 at 2022 8:01 AM

2022-06-12T08:01:18-04:00

Speak up if you want to be heard listen dont be afraid to ask a question of why ,the only stupid question is one you dont ask ,people misinform soldiers on a daily basis.