What's One Thing That Makes or Breaks a Military Career? Share and Be Entered to Win!

Resilience is the key ingredient to flourish in and out of the military.

Toxic leadership destroys an organization

It all boils down to toxic, apathetic and spineless leaders. Even with all of the good times and experiences, leadership can ruin it all.

An Ensign with a pencil.

One thing that will put kibosh on one's military aspirations is feeling greater duty elsewhere. Am Native American, my family's firstborn. Tho I didn't learn about my Native heritage 'til after discharge, I wz raised believing that firstborn--regardless of gender--wz responsible for younger siblings when there is no parent.

When my mother, 5 yr widow, wz killed in traffic accident, leaving me to worry about 5 siblings--including youngest, critically injured in same accident. One wk into 10-day emergency leave, I asked for for indefinite leave of absence in order to secure siblings' welfare. Instead of explaining there wz no such thing but I qualified for hardship discharge, perhaps fearing loss of quota or loss of female recruit, recruiter suggested it wz in siblings' greater interest that I should return to duty. After 2-wk extended leave granted, returned to Basic Training & failed to catch up. Wz placed in nxt training platoon & failed to adapt, & wz placed on standby pending separation, which came without counsel, disclosure or fanfare. Not only did sense of family duty destroy military aspirations but also employment marketability.

Everything makes or breaks your career! If we are not fighting the enemy; then we fight amongst ourselves! Nuthin’s changed since 1975…

Family support and mental health

Involvement in a coup attempt or insurrection to stop the peaceful transfer of power is a real career stopper. Let's make sure we vacuum out all the January 6th traitors.

Responsiveness from your chain of command versus knowing you can’t trust those above you.

Leadership and trust on the superiors.