What is the one piece of advice you give junior enlisted/officers who want to make the military a career?

2013-11-30T23:24:14-05:00

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 30 at 2013 11:26 PM

2013-11-30T23:26:39-05:00

LIVE the Army Values!

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Nov 30 at 2013 11:38 PM

2013-11-30T23:38:42-05:00

Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win !

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 12:38 AM

2014-01-25T00:38:55-05:00

To the junior enlisted, be a sponge: you have two ears and one mouth, listen twice as much as you talk. Put your damn cell phone away at work. Think about what you are doing before you do it. If you have a question, ASK IT.

To the new LT's: sir just sign this and pay attention, if you dont know, ask a young buck SGT.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 25 at 2014 8:21 AM

2014-01-25T08:21:21-05:00

It's tough to find just one piece of advice SSG Whittington, there are so many things out there that can help.  I would have to go with "never make a decision based off the first spot report."  Time and time again, first reports, especially about potential bad news or issues, are not complete and can initially paint a picture that may be inaccurate.  Have the tactical patience to let the situation develop, gather all the available information, and then make an informed decision. And...don't sweat the small stuff.And...try not to make any decision while angry.  And...only worry about the things that you can affect, your echelon of reality.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 25 at 2014 8:41 AM

2014-01-25T08:41:02-05:00

Your success will be dictated by your ability to engage the system on its terms. There is not a way to swim upstream and accomplish what you want to do. You can help yourself in this process by finding a solid mentor.

Response by CPT Linzie Brim made Jan 25 at 2014 10:49 AM

2014-01-25T10:49:05-05:00

Go for it! Get as much military education as you can. Later in your career you find it will all be useful. Get civilian degrees as well. Masters degree is the bar. Officer or enlisted. If you know what you want to specialize in and nothing else... consider being a warrant officer. As a CW5 you will be working with generals. Something to consider.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 10:02 PM

2014-01-25T22:02:06-05:00

Ensure your future:  <div> </div><div>(1) get an education recognized by the civilian world</div><div>(2) put away a financial nest egg to cover your retirement / other exit</div><div>(3) save as much as you can for future expenses in a tax protected retirement fund</div><div> </div>

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2014 5:43 PM

2014-01-31T17:43:20-05:00

1.  Commit yourself to excellence in all you do.  Even failure to achieve true perfection leads to performance above the mean. 2.  Don't crap where you eat.  The profession is for professionals and your money, genitalia, and personal hang ups not part of being a professional.  Also:  Adultery is a crime so don't do it. The sad thing is:  A lot of people do number one and fail to make a career because number two is the one that is actually required to survive until retirement.  Well, honorable retirement in which you are not being spoken poorly about after being forced to retire with a GOMR and relief for cause.  I personally don't care if you make Audie Murphy look like a shammer if you got forced out for violating #2, I still don't like you.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Mar 10 at 2014 11:08 AM

2014-03-10T11:08:04-04:00

Be the best you can be at your current rank and don't worry about the next. Those who focus on achieving a higher rank will not remain effective in their current position. Don't try to be something you are not, but if you are the best in your current position, you will surely receive your reward from Him.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 10:27 PM

2014-03-12T22:27:16-04:00

Always do what is right no matter how hard it may be.  A lot of people will get in your way and try to get you to take the easy way out but at the end of the day, knowing you did what was right is a rewarding feeling.  Always take care of your soldiers!

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Mar 13 at 2014 3:07 AM

2014-03-13T03:07:20-04:00

Know yourself and your limits.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2014 10:23 AM

2014-04-01T10:23:45-04:00

When you decide to "join", meaning accept the core values, the expectations of you service and commit yourself what directive tell you to do, everything is easier. After that educate yourself on everything you can, from you job to career progression. Do not worry about job titles, simply do the job you have to the best of your ability and trust that the people around you will recognize and take care of you. Lastly, never wait for someone to tell you something, go find answers and opportunities.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 1 at 2014 10:57 AM

2014-04-01T10:57:12-04:00

Take care of your Soldiers; KNOW your job; train your asses off; take care of your families; continue to learn!

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 12:02 AM

2014-04-03T00:02:37-04:00

Keep your nose clean do a little bit extra and you will go far!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 3:44 AM

2014-04-03T03:44:40-04:00

Never volunteer. Ever.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 4:33 AM

2014-04-03T04:33:08-04:00

Understand that on no certain terms will you be able to please everyone. You will always be doing the job in a way that will be at odds with someone.

Understand that you can learn as much from bad leaders as you can from good ones. Bad leaders teach you what NOT to do.

Taking care of Soldiers does not mean that you shouldn't take care of yourself and your family as well. Soldier first, but practice work/life balance.

It is easier for the one to adjust to the collective that the collective adjusting to the one. Don't be the odd man out just for the sake of standing on your principles. Do what is best for the collective good. You're in a team now. No "I" in team.

Your career is in your hands. You must not expect anyone to hand you anything, that includes your career progression. Take charge of your own development as much as you can and ALWAYS strive to be better than others give you credit for.

Don't let anyone tell you that you're not ready. No one is ever ready. No one takes a new role or new rank and is a rockstar. New SGTs are usually terrible, as are LT's. This is not a stab at them, just an indication of learning and growing as leaders.

Be receptive, learn, and grow.

Leave your pride and your feelings at the door. Make no mistake, This is a business. Killing and protecting are our business. There's precious little time for mending hurt feelings.

Get a college degree. For gods sakes... It's free and has never hurt anyone.

Having Soldiers is not the same as having indentured servants.

Pray.

If you ever have to wonder if, when given the choice, you Soldiers would choose not to follow you in a hail of gunfire to take a hill... You are no longer an effective leader.

Lastly, don't get so caught up in your bottom line that your forget about the people who GET YOU TO THAT BOTTOM LINE. If you forget about the Soldiers that do the hard work for you... You have failed them as a leader.

Have fun. Be smart. Eyes and ears open more than your mouth is. If you have to die in combat, die well, and take as many down as you can along the way.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 4:43 AM

2014-04-03T04:43:53-04:00

I hope you dance.

But seriously, the best advice I can offer is:

Take charge of your career, come to work everyday like you're interviewing to keep it. If you can't be motivated for real, at least fake it and don't let it drag down your team.

Trust your superiors to do right by you in regards to Evaluations/Awards, but always keep your own running version...it'll pay off.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Apr 8 at 2014 11:00 AM

2014-04-08T11:00:26-04:00

I can't give you one so I am going to tell you what I tell my Troops:

1. Get yourself educated! College is the best way to guide your career towards longevity and promotions. It certainly isn't the only thing you need but it's a damn good start. The military is paying for your school. Take advantage of that. You will get out one day whether it is in 1 year or 20 and that education will help you out a lot.

2. If you have a shitty leader and you hate your job, don't quit. Bad leaders tank an assignment really easily. Learn from them. Take the qualities that make them a bad leader and remember to never do them. You will have amazing leaders throughout your career. Learn from them what they do well and emulate. Take the good from the good and leave the bad from the bad.

3. Never settle for "this is how we have always done it" statements. Just because it has always been done a specific way doesn't mean that you can't find a better way. Better still, it doesn't mean that your subordinates can't find a better way. As a leader, you need to encourage your Soldiers to excel and one of the best ways is to listen to them before going one way on something. They are smart and insightful, don't discount their abilities. They work hard and make you look good. Oh, and one more thing on that, NEVER take someones work and make it your own. If your PVT makes a suggestion that the boss loves, do not take credit for it. Make sure their efforts are known by all. People who do that sort of thing are the most toxic leaders of all and most Troops would attrit out of the military for that sort of thing.

4. Don't be afraid to speak up and voice your opinion. Even if you are the junior ranking Soldier in the room, your opinion does matter. Encourage this in your Troops as well.

5. Never bitch about something without coming up with an alternative to get it done easier/faster. Offer solutions to problems, not just complaints.

6. If you don't know, ask. You don't know everything. Nobody does. It is your responsibility to find out information and the best place to do that is amongst your peers. If you didn't understand something you were supposed to do, don't wait around for several days and then ask. Ask as soon as you can. It's far better to say, "Sir/Ma'am, SGT, etc, I would like to clarify what you asked me to do before I get started on it." Or simply ask some follow-up questions. The last thing you want to say to your leader is, "I didn't get it done."

7. Be flexible. Things change all the time. Adapt and overcome. If you have to work the weekend because the mission demands it, you have to adjust. It's your job. It's what being a member of the Armed Forces is. Find a way to adapt and cope.

8. If you have a problem, ask for help. Don't bottle anything up inside. Tell your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, friend, chaplain, your leaders, and/or Behavioral Health. We are all members of a team. If you need help, you will get it.

That's pretty much what I counsel my troops on. Sorry, I couldn't just give you one thing. There simply isn't a single piece of advice I would give to a Troop who wanted to make the Military their career.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 11:13 AM

2014-04-08T11:13:16-04:00

1. Remember this quote: "If it comes down to a choice between trying to be a good Soldier and trying to be a good human being - try to be a good human being." (Once An Eagle) Because a good person will always be a good Solider. A good Soldier isn't necessarily going to be a good person.

2. To err is human. Don't be afraid of failure! It is okay to fail and everybody will at one point or another. The trick is to learn from it and never fail at the same thing twice.

3. Learn and read everything you can! You can learn something from everyone. Listen to those who have been there before. Expand your knowledge by reading as much as possible - be it manuals and ARs, or philosophy, history, business, etc. You don't know what you don't know, so read always and ask a ton of questions. A good leader never stops learning.

4. Have fun!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 9 at 2014 8:26 AM

2014-04-09T08:26:11-04:00

1) Don't be afraid to make decisions. AS A LEADER YOU ARE PAID TO MAKE DECISIONS based off the information you have at the time you can affect something, not based off the information you wish you had. You will never have perfect information, and if somehow you do; the time will have long past for that decision to affect anything. If you are too scared to make decisions for fear of being wrong or getting yelled at then you are nothing more than a figure head.  2) Master the art of your tasking/orders technique. Know when to explain the "why" behind something, and when to basically say shut up and execute. There is a time and a place for both, and the most effective leaders know when that time and place is.  3) Pick your battles. Know which battles are worth digging in your heels and fighting. If you fight every battle that you slightly disagree with you will become tired, bitter, frustrated, and everyone will tune you out.  4) Manage the talent of others. The best leaders may not be the smartest, the fastest, the strongest, or the most technologically savy; but they excel at surrounding themselves with people who are experts in their field and tapping into their talents to make the organization successful. No leader is successful alone.  5) Know when/how to delegate. Anyone can stay at work till 1900 every night if they want to appear hard working. The more tasks you take on, the less you will be able to focus on each one; everything can not be a priority. HAVE YOUR PRIORITIES AND STICK TO THEM, delegate the rest to your very capable subordinates and supervise, and you'll often be shocked at the results. It is very easy to work hard, but it is very hard to work smart.    6) Supervision is NOT micromanagement! Leaders do not simply give guidance and not supervise or require reports. Leaders at all levels are still responsible for supervision, backbriefs, visiting training, going on missions with subordinates, etc. Planning is collaboration with subordinates, peers, and superiors that results in sufficient detail to support subordinate decision making without providing so much that it directly prescribes how subordinates must execute the mission.  7) Balance; have it in everything you do. This is a long one, but it is probably the one I'm most passionate about. Lots of people cringe when they find out their boss is a single guy or a geobachelor, because very often these people lack balance in their lives, and whether they may mean it to or not, their personal "super gung-ho work, work, work" attitude inevitably trickles down and affects culture of the organization  If you are not married or have a family, remember that a siginificant portion of your organization does, and they have doctors appointments, soccer games, proms, plays, talent shows that they want to be at.   If you are married/have a family, remember that your time in the army will be fleeting but from this point out your family will be there and your children’s childhoods will also be fleeting. Just being there will do more for family than any other activity. This means to always take advantage of those times when you can sit down at the family table for dinner, and to help with homework, baths, and bedtime stories. Those are critical times in raising a family. Kids have a simple but vital need: to be with their mothers and fathers. No special activities or accessories are required; just being and talking with your kids and your spouse. There will be plenty of deployments or training missions that prevent you from doing these simple but valuable things. Being a soldier is a profession, being a father or mother, husband or wife, is life and you better be damn good at both. We have to invest in career and family simultaneously, as neither will wait for the other to be completed.      <div style="mso-element: frame; mso-element-frame-width: 540.3pt; mso-element-frame-height: 132.3pt; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-wrap: auto; mso-element-anchor-vertical: page; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: page; mso-element-left: 36.2pt; mso-element-top: 559.35pt; mso-height-rule: exactly;">

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Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Apr 10 at 2014 12:18 PM

2014-04-10T12:18:26-04:00

The Army, like other branches of the military is a system. Once you get to know it, it becomes easier to live with throughout your career, should you choose.

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made May 5 at 2014 10:14 AM

2014-05-05T10:14:29-04:00

Learn by Listening. Use the 80/20 rule. Listen 80% of the time and talk 20% of the time for the first year. Recognize that everyone who has been there longer than you knows more. Even if you don't think so. Ego and puffiness has no place in a Newbie. That should go for not just new E5/01's but anyone reporting to a new unit. All of us have been Newbies. Exercise good leadership and listen (80/20 Rule).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2014 3:44 PM

2014-05-05T15:44:36-04:00

Look the part, know the job and DO THE JOB.

Most people can appear to look the part and for the most part know the job. But dont actually do the job. Thats the biggest thing I see.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 8:13 PM

2014-05-06T20:13:09-04:00

I would tell them that they WILL meet some garbage leaders. You can still learn from them, you just have to keep your mind open. What you can learn is how to NOT be. Do not become that bad leader and stay away from that mentality "I went through worse", it's not good leadership.

Pay attention to your guys and identify their needs, they are the ones who get things done- without them, you're nothing. You have to have them respect you. Don't have them do dumb, unnecessary stuff and if your leader wants them to do the unnecessary stuff, you have to stand up to him/her and let them know how you feel; not only must you influence your soldiers, but you must influence your leaders as well. It's just as important.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 7:49 AM

2014-05-07T07:49:10-04:00

SSG Whittington, there is no one piece of advice I would give but, here is some advice specifically for Enlisted Troops. Find an MOS you like and if you’re in an MOS you like you need to understand how the promotion track works. You need to know what your MOS converts to within your CMF and at what levels it converts, some convert at E7, some at E8, and some at E9. If you’re in a Low Density MOS such as 91E Allied Trades, 91F Small Arms / Artillery Repair or 92L Petroleum Lab Specialist (I’m a Logistician so I’m using Logistics MOS’s as an example but there are Low Density MOSs in each CMF). Then you need to learn the Army Math and see where and how you fit in, you can find this information in DA PAM 600-25. Army Math also includes MTOE available positions and this will also dictate the chances of you being able to hold key developmental positions. Once you understand this you will have a better understanding of your chances of making it into the Senior Enlisted Levels and being able to have a career that will see you through to retirement. I’ve seen many Low Density MOS’s reach their RCP and I’ve seen some of them exit via QSP mainly because slots aren’t available for them to get promoted. Best advice I can give you if you fit into this category is see if your MOS converts to a Warrant Officer Position you can find that information out here: http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/prerequ/WO120A.shtml

U.S. Army Recruiting Command's Warrant Officer Recruiting Information Site

Response by SGT Curtis Earl made Jun 3 at 2014 11:49 AM

2014-06-03T11:49:17-04:00

Lemme tell you what my 1SG told me during in-process at my first duty station:

1. be where you're supposed to be 15 minutes prior to when you're supposed to be there
2. be in the right uniform when you get there
3. make sure you qualify on your weapon
4. Take PT seriously
5. Always respect the rank.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 9 at 2014 8:26 AM

2014-06-09T08:26:30-04:00

Identify strong NCOs in your unit and heed their advice. They have been doing the job for a minute.
Identify successful officers and observe their leadership styles. Then develop your own-each will be different. You will not be able to simply "copy" a style because that may not be who you are. Your individuality, coupled with consistency and the ability to make sound decisions and stick with them will steer you toward success.
Remember that the most important asset that you have is the troops and their loyalty. If they believe in your ability, they will ensure your success.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2014 12:35 PM

2014-06-11T12:35:28-04:00

The military can suck, some times. The military can blow goats, other times.

Just remember - no matter how bad it gets - it can ALWAYS get worse!! Enjoy the time you have when you have it, and enjoy even the BAD times... and remember them fondly when you think it's at its worst... and then remember that it can even get worse than that.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jun 12 at 2014 3:23 PM

2014-06-12T15:23:39-04:00

Learn to stay in your lane first before crossing over to a different or parallel lane.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 12 at 2014 6:10 PM

2014-06-12T18:10:39-04:00

Stay in as long as you are still enjoying what you do in the Army. When you stop enjoying being in uniform it's time to go.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Sep 7 at 2014 1:09 PM

2014-09-07T13:09:36-04:00

I give this advice to those GIVING advice: Make sure YOUR facts are straight. I now of a case were a SNCO was given factually inaccurate advice in reference to an upcoming promotion and will not get promoted because of it. Whatever you do, make sure YOUR advice is factually on-the-money. If you don't know it for a fact, don't parade it as gospel.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 8 at 2014 11:20 AM

2014-09-08T11:20:20-04:00

Never discount advice, regardless of who it comes from. Don't treat it as gospel, but evaluate what is said and decide for yourself. Get into school and get a bachelors at a minimum. It will at least make becoming an Officer an option, at worst, you will be in a position of strength for the senior enlisted ranks. If you are a junior officer, get your masters on your own dime. Don't limit your possibilities by committing to another 6 years out of obligation. A decision made of your own accord will have more appeal. Never make your career on the backs of others. Lead by example. One team, one fight.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2014 2:01 AM

2014-09-17T02:01:34-04:00

1. PT (Be the Example)
2. Go to school (Gives you the most options, E-9, W5, 0-10)
3. Don't blindly accept a leader’s orders. Execute them first, then question. Its about the war not the battle. You’ve got to question leaders on occasion.
4. It there is something you think you can't do (pilot, ranger, diver, etc) try it and find out for sure.
5. Don't be an a$$hole and do your damn job. Mission First, People Always.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 2 at 2018 9:21 AM

2018-04-02T09:21:34-04:00

Get a degree and continue to make your Soldiers better then you are. Don't hide any of your knowledge, the more you teach the more you will learn.

Response by SFC David Xanten made Jul 7 at 2018 5:14 PM

2018-07-07T17:14:59-04:00

First nd something you like doing and then do it the best you can. That should get you to or near the top of your field. Then is will be fun.

Response by Pvt Rip Masters made Aug 6 at 2018 7:28 AM

2018-08-06T07:28:25-04:00

pay attention to Map reading Courses' ! sf.

Response by CPT John DeCarlis made Nov 19 at 2019 5:09 PM

2019-11-19T17:09:58-05:00

Listen to your first Sergeant l, pick his brain every chance you get, read military books, like (Duffer’s Drift), read history of past military leaders. After ascertaining the facts don’t be afraid to take the initiative, be bold in your decisions. Take care of your men.

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Oct 13 at 2020 4:27 PM

2020-10-13T16:27:14-04:00

Do it. I can not begin to tell you how many prior service members have lamented the fact that they did not make the military career. Once you decide to go career, do it with gusto. Go all in and commit to doing your best not just tick off the years until retirement.

Response by CPT Carolyn Andrews made Nov 9 at 2020 10:30 AM

2020-11-09T10:30:50-05:00

GO FOR IT
We need soldiers who want to stay in. These soldiers are like wine. The longer it is set the better the wine taste.
The longer the Soldier stay in the knowledge grows both MOS, REGULATIONS, & SOLDIERING.
Keep up with continuing your Soldering and learning.
Make the Military Proud