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

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!

1. &nbsp;Commit yourself to excellence in all you do. &nbsp;Even failure to achieve true perfection leads to performance above the mean.<br><br>2. &nbsp;Don't crap where you eat. &nbsp;The profession is for professionals and your money, genitalia, and personal hang ups not part of being a professional. &nbsp;Also: &nbsp;Adultery is a crime so don't do it.<br><br>The sad thing is: &nbsp;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. &nbsp;Well, honorable retirement in which you are not being spoken poorly about after being forced to retire with a GOMR and relief for cause. &nbsp;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.

Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win !

Never volunteer. Ever.

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

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. 

Ensure your future: &nbsp;<div><br></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><br></div>

LIVE the Army Values!

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

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).