Posted on Nov 8, 2013
What's the best advice you've ever gotten from someone in the military?
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The best advice I ever received was to "take a knee". I had just been through a divorce, was struggling through CGSC, couldn't get enough shared custody time with my kids, was overwhelmed at work and was trying to find time for my monthly drill (BA). The guy I worked for, a LTC at the time and I was a Major, suggested that I RST and work on my CGSC instead of attending drill for the next three months. I was blown away by his compassion and caring during a time when I was juggling way too many balls in the air. This breathing room, as a result of taking a knee, allowed me to complete CGSC, get my life back on track and demonstrate resilience through taking positive actions. I owe that LTC big time for some of the best advice I've ever received!
Army
NCOs
Officers
Mentorship
Advice
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 142
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Eat the matches that come in the MRE's... the sulpher keeps ticks, fleas and chiggers off of you in the field.
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Sir,
"Don't let Darth Vader win". I had a senior NCO who made my life hell and I was telling a MAJ about the situation. It was to the point that I questioned if I really wanted to stay in. After he listened to my situation he gave me some great advice and made the above statement. It made me laugh, but he was right. The way he explained it was that there will always be a villain everywhere you go, you just can't let him get to you and win.
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SGT (Join to see)
"Everything comes to an end" My dad (former military) told me that while I was in Basic. I also kept that in mind during my deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Sometimes it really sucked but remembering that it will end and the suck isn't permanent kept me going.
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You are who you hang with. Choose your friends wisely.
Translated, if you hang out with the undisciplined Soldiers, you are trash generally. If you hang out around squared away Soldiers, you tend to be a better performer.
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Some of the best advice I received was "Be passionate about your job and emotionless about the things you can not control".
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I've accually have a couple bits of advice which has helped me:
1. "Do it right the first time so you do not have to do it again"
2. "Learn one thing about your profession everyday and your experience and knowledge will grow daily"
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" Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance" SSG DiMario 14E AIT Instructor 2010.
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I am so glad that was offered to you. I am sure you have returned the gesture many times as well. The real thing is we are each human, and his gesture allowed you to know someone cared and THAT makes a real difference.
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Absolutely great insights on advice from others in the military, thank you all.
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From my dad, also a vet, before I went to see a recruiter. He said "You'll be fine as long as you understand that everyone lying to you." Most useful advice I ever got.
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MG Peter Bosse
CPT Geary, with all due respect to you and your father: I prefer President Reagan's old adage, "trust, but verify."
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The best advice I've received that's most memorable right now is "Always be the one who is in control of your career. Never give someone the opportunity to control who you would be in the military". It wasn't something that a important person in my military career told me. But for some reason, it stuck with me.
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