Posted on Nov 8, 2013
MG Peter Bosse
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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!
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SMSgt Security Forces Manager
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Go to school, use every opportunity you can to better yourself. The Military is only one chapter in your life. What are you doing to prepare yourself for the next chapter in your life's book?
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I enlisted in the Marines in 1984 and my dad, who was retiring from the Air Force as a Colonel told me a few things that stuck:
1. Two ears, one mouth. Use them in that ratio.
2. Never accept a low level no, find the person who can say yes
3. Learn from your leaders, both good and bad. By the way, its much more important to pay attention to what the bad leaders do and fail to do for their people.
SSG Laureano Pabon
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don't ever hang around with people who have hair longer then yours.
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CW3 Michael Danberry
CW3 Michael Danberry
12 y
There are 2 great units in the Army... The one you are going to, and the one you just left.
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SSG Robert Burns
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When in charge, be in charge.  There is a lot of meaning to that; more than the obvious.
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SSG Aircraft Powerplant Repairer
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SIR,

 

The best advice I can say that I ever received is that regardless of what your rank may carry you should never forget the path that got you there. Every Soldier that will ever choose to follow you will do so blindly when they see that they will be able to be the same you one day.

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SSG Medical Logistics Specialist
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The best advice I got was from a fellow battle of mines.   Due to a situation at work and my position I was no longer in charge of Soldiers and I felt "lost".  She told me to use this time to focus on myself.  Since I've been a LEADER my main focuses were always mission and Soldiers so I never went to many schools until those two things were squared away.  

This helped me a lot because I literally put myself on the backburner with my career but that time with not having one of my two main responsibilities helped to open up a lot of time so I could refocus on myself.  I've been able to complete more education and training to help myself progress further within m career.
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SGT Thomas Sullivan
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"You can't Fight the Army, you are fighting FOR the Army. Quit your bitching and get back to work!" - SSG of ours after me and a few soldiers complained about something pointless for the 15th time while on night shift.
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
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Sir, respectfully the best advice I ever received, was to push through and assess you as the individual. What is holding you back instead of projecting blame. This led me to work on
myself discipline, strive to understand the group dynamics, and listen to those that have served before you.


I would not have been able to transition to SSG, WO1, CW2, and O3 E in nine years without guidance. I had to know my audience, understand my mission, and recognize my limitations. I had to learn to align my passion with the purpose of the Unit. I have found that when the support and limitation are
implemented, I had to learn to maneuver and adjust to the Battle Rhythm.

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LTC Rob Hefner
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Sir, if you don't love me, how can you lead me?"
Soldiers come first. 
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CH (CPT) Heather Davis
CH (CPT) Heather Davis
11 y
Sir, Absolutely!!
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SFC Human Intelligence Collector
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To stay Financially comfortable:

 

Live within the means of 1 Rank less and 1 yearly pay wage less than what you actually are.  For Example, if you are a SSG/E-6 with 10 years, only use what a SGT/E-5 with 8 years would earn.  SAVE/INVEST the difference monthly.  Never live paycheck to paycheck and do not feel overwhelmed when you have an emergency or want to make a big investment (House/Car).

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SSgt George Brown
SSgt George Brown
12 y
You should have an emergency fund that is 3-6 months of your monthly pay, and a savings account of at least $1000.  It is a good feeling to be able to pay for an engine out of that fund and know that you will not be overextended.
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