What's one thing you know today about military family and/or military service life you wish you'd learned 5, 10, or 15 years ago?

2020-07-01T12:47:04-04:00

Mid-to Senior grade officers, because I'm trying to gather a dozen or so topics to give the youngest of JMO's coming up behind us that aren't typically discussed early on in wardrooms during our careers,

especially if we don't come from a military family where such matters are probably taught early and often as it relates to how the system works.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 1 at 2020 1:23 PM

2020-07-01T13:23:03-04:00

I know that you want information from mid level and above officers sir, but remember sir NCO's also can be good sources of information. I wish that I had been prepared while I was in when it came to paperwork needed before we had to travel out of state for training or deployment, all in all I wouldn't trade my experience in the military for anything else, it was the best 24 years of my life.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 4:19 PM

2020-07-01T16:19:57-04:00

At any level, Sir. One thing I wish I had done as a single-sailor and bachelor living off-post, wish I had been available to establish a connection with families living in government housing to show them the military community of service-members is there for the spouses and children as well. Whether it was through volunteering at the childcare center, the school on base, or participating in community events set up by the spouses for the family members, specially the children! The base Fire Dept participates in safety education at base schools and at the base housing communities because its customary, so why not others

Response by MSgt Don VandeBogert made Jul 1 at 2020 7:00 PM

2020-07-01T19:00:21-04:00

Well sir, it appears your getting some good intel from the NCO side first. Speaks volumes about NCO pride.

I'll add to what Sgt Groth stated. Teach young officers how to seek out, lean on, and learn from the SNCO/NCOs in their respective AORs. That was, or at least seemed, rare in my younger days but when I became a SNCO I always did my best to keep my officers out of trouble. I've had to correct many a poorly informed decision based on a lack of knowledge...but that's what SNCOs do. Professionally of course.

V/R
Bogie

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2020 10:57 PM

2020-07-01T22:57:13-04:00

Much appreciative for the NCO's weighing in. Not trying to exclude that expertise, but also not an expert from your angle. Didn't expect such attention or quick responses, so thanks much for the engagement!!!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 2 at 2020 1:50 PM

2020-07-02T13:50:13-04:00

As an officer you might have various jobs, missions, tasks, and additional duties like Movement Officer. I planned the III Corps year 2000 Single Soldiers' Day and Veterans Day activities for Indianapolis one year.