Posted on Nov 30, 2013
What is the one piece of advice you give junior enlisted/officers who want to make the military a career?
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Military Career
Enlisted
Officers
Career Advice
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 39
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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.
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COL Vincent Stoneking
MSgt O'Brien,
Brief but wise. It's amazing what results you can get by doing just a little more than required/the other guy. Which reminds me.... Time to get on the treadmill!
Brief but wise. It's amazing what results you can get by doing just a little more than required/the other guy. Which reminds me.... Time to get on the treadmill!
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SFC (Join to see)
My best piece of advice to junior Soldiers is one phrase, "Roger Sergeant" and then drive on. So many times I see Soldiers take things personally that really don't matter. Just say got it and move on! You don't have to agree, you don't have to take it to heart, but, if it's an order and it's lawful, just do it and remember no matter what you are doing; raking leave, sweeping sand in Afghanistan, or actually doing your job, you are getting paid the same, you are receiving your benefits, and you are breathing. So, today was a good day!
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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.
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CMSgt Mark Schubert
I mostly agree with your response, but wanted to issue a word of advice on your statement, "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."
I say this because I went through most (about 90%) of my military career without good immediate supervisors and had to do a lot on my own. When I became an NCO, I made it my mission to ensure that nobody perceived me as a poor supervisor who cared more about himself than those he was serving. Many supervisors do not think of serving those placed under their care and expect to be served by those he/she is supervising.
I do agree that one should "expect" good leadership - not necessarily "trust" that it will happen. Maybe trust, but verify, would be OK to say!
I say this because I went through most (about 90%) of my military career without good immediate supervisors and had to do a lot on my own. When I became an NCO, I made it my mission to ensure that nobody perceived me as a poor supervisor who cared more about himself than those he was serving. Many supervisors do not think of serving those placed under their care and expect to be served by those he/she is supervising.
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SMSgt (Join to see)
Chief, my comments about others taking care of you was because so many have gotten wrapped up about job titles and making sure you have a particular job title. The point was just to do your job really well.
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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$$hole and do your damn job. Mission First, People Always.
2. Go to school (Gives you the most options, E-9, W5, 0-10)
3. Don't blindly accept a leader’s orders. Execute them first, then question. Its about the war not the battle. You’ve got to question leaders on occasion.
4. It there is something you think you can't do (pilot, ranger, diver, etc) try it and find out for sure.
5. Don't be an a$$hole and do your damn job. Mission First, People Always.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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SSG Mike Angelo
Maturity and personal leadership styles are developed with failure over time. Some of the greatest leaders I have known learned from their failures and continue to seek the hard and difficult jobs.
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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.
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.
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CW2 (Join to see)
I preach this to my soldiers all the time. The 3 R's: right place, right uniform, right place. if you do those things and execute the mission when it is given to you, then you will have a pretty good career. But if you can't PT and you can't respect the rank, you will definitely struggle along the way.
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