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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

pay attention to Map reading Courses' ! sf.

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.

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.