What kind of advice would younger soldiers seek from 'seasoned' members?

CPT Richard Riley — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 07:08:54 -0500

Is there a subject or issue that relatively new service members run into that seasoned members can resolve easily. Having this advice would pave the way for quicker, simpler, resolution & make your time in service less troublesome?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2013 9:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 09:48:03 -0500

Sir, I would tell them to READ and understand everything they're signing up for. So many arrive at the duty station and say "the Recruiter said", or "I heard it works like this". On deployment with a NG unit, the young kid straight out of high school said to me "I didn't sign up for this". If they just take the time to learn about this wonderful Team they're joining that they may be homebased assignments, MUTAS, overseas assignments and deployments, then they may be able to take the good and the bad a bit more prepared and make a smoother transition, IMO.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 5 at 2013 2:44 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 14:44:59 -0500

What it takes to get promoted to YOUR level or promoted in general.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2013 5:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 17:31:08 -0500

I have been in the Army for 2 years, and the advice I want most was asked by MSG Quick. How do you determine a 'quality' service member?
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I need that advice for multiple reasons: 1) To be the best soldier and (future) leader I can be, 2) to remain competitive with my peers, 3) to ensure that I do everything possible to be retained by the Army during the drawdown, and 4) to help my battle buddies do all of the above.
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So far, of the 16 comments on MSG Quick's question, 7 leaders answered the question. I am thankful for those 7 leaders who took the time to reply, but I wish the topic were as popular as military quotes and PT belts.

Response by CDR Soraya Villacis made Aug 6 at 2014 3:40 PM

CDR Soraya Villacis — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 15:40:38 -0400

Like a crusty Master Chief once told me. Keep your ears open and your mouth closed.