What tips or advice do you have for someone going to their first drill as a newly direct commissioned 1st LT in the Army Reserves?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 04:41:20 -0400

I am a 1st LT, newly commissioned through the direct commission route so I have little to zero training at this point. I was in the Marines more than 10 years ago on the enlisted side so I have experience in the military but not the army way of doing things. I will be at my first drill weekend for a medical backfill platoon as a critical care nurse. Any advice, tips, or funny stories would be greatly appreciated. I am beyond honored to have the opportunity to serve again.

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2019 6:02 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 06:02:44 -0400

As a mustang DCO, I can tell you always listen to your senior enlisted leaders and make sure your enlisted needs are being met. Many prior enlisted don't make the transition easy, so find mentors on the officer side. Always set the example, be a good listener, and know integrity is key. Volunteer for the hard duty. Remember that everything you go is communicating something - what are you communicating? Preparation is critical, so don't show up to any meeting without preparing - and never be late, ever. And, I've seen more than a few DCOs show up with their uniform effed up - have someone look you over beforehand so you don't unnecessarily take arrows on your first day. Good luck!

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Mar 29 at 2019 6:18 AM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 06:18:53 -0400

After the check in process you need to talk to whomever will be your reporting senior to get his/her opinion of your role. Are your immediate responsibilities going to be clinical? Is your unit in a preparatory situation where your responsibilities will be training and logistical or are you augmenting regular forces were you will be filling operational responsibilities? It's like an new job, you need to find out what your boss expects, then work with the other people in your section to move toward the boss's goals, getting guidance from all around you to establish where your section is relative to those goals. Is your particular billet more clinical or are you expected to function as a staff officer? I once worked with a former Medical Officer who confessed that his total responsibility in the service was being a surgeon and his military prowess was limited to knowing how to put his uniform on, which he finally mastered after a couple of months on the job.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Mar 29 at 2019 7:39 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 07:39:37 -0400

Just be sure you remember your Marine Enlisted Experience which will enhance your Army Reserve Officer Experience and as the Advertising of many years ago said ‘Be All That You Can Be’ in the US Army Reserve. And thank you for your Service!!! Hooah

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2019 8:03 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 08:03:11 -0400

Trust your NCO's, learn what the main mission is for the unit, get to know your troops, do the best you can for the mission, your unit and the troops.

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Mar 29 at 2019 8:20 AM

1LT Peter Duston — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 08:20:46 -0400

Just remember that you ARE and always will be a Marine!! Make a joke that they may see a candy ass LT bar on your shoulder but underneath, stand back! Beats the heart of a US Marine. I was commissioned a 1LT from enlisted and had to listen to Sh.. from my enlisted buddies. Good luck!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2019 9:42 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 09:42:29 -0400

Sir, as soon as you show up, find the biggest guy in the room, walk up to him, and then... Wait, no that's not the military. In all seriousness though, just realize this isn't active duty (and obviously not the Marine Corps either). A lot of guys coming from other branches and the active duty side might feel reservists are very different in terms of military bearing. I would say that highly depends on the unit itself, which varies even more from unit to unit in the Reserves and National Guard in my opinion. As long as you can deal with that, and continue to listen to your senior NCOs (and WARRANTS... If you have them), you will be fine.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Mar 29 at 2019 10:40 AM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 10:40:11 -0400

Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2019 10:54 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 10:54:06 -0400

Have you reached out to your commander? I'd call him or her immediately to get a good feel of what he or she expects from you. Then go in, formally introduce yourself to the commander, First Sergeant, and Platoon Sergeant.

Showing a basic courtesy like this really does go a long way in establishing yourself. When I commissioned, first thing I did was call my company commander for more information on the unit. Then I visited the AGR staff prior to drill for in-processing. They thought I was a newly-enlisted Private! Regardless, it made integrating into my new unit much smoother.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made Mar 29 at 2019 11:41 AM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 11:41:39 -0400

Be sure to always mention you did it another way in the Marines. Also reinforce that you were enlisted and know how everything works.

Response by 1st Lt Chris Neville made Mar 29 at 2019 12:00 PM

1st Lt Chris Neville — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 12:00:17 -0400

I have a question: How did you get newly commissioned as a 1st Lt? (Medical?). (How did you "skip" 2nd Lt? (Just curious)

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Mar 29 at 2019 12:32 PM

CW4 Craig Urban — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 12:32:22 -0400

Just say sir or mam. You will be fine.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2019 1:40 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 13:40:27 -0400

What duty station? Go to the S1 after formation and find out which platoon (probably ICU) you are in, get with the OIC and find who your battle or sponsor is - they will help you get squared away. Reserve is laid back and it will be what you make out of it. For me, I enjoyed the experience and comradarie around other soldiers that I transferred over to Regular Army. Congrats and good luck

Response by SSG Kasius McCall made Mar 29 at 2019 8:32 PM

SSG Kasius McCall — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 20:32:04 -0400

I'll give you the same advice I gave my wife, who was also a direct commission but on active duty,....... fake it till you make it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2019 10:33 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 22:33:14 -0400

I was direct commission years ago. My uncle, a WW2 vet, gave me a great piece of advice. Pick the brain of your squad leader as well as other officers in your plt. Your way ahead if the game on two points ... prior service AND realizing your the new guy. Best of luck LT, with your attitude you'll go far.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2019 3:25 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 03:25:53 -0400

Get DCC knocked out ASAP. It provides a basic foundation that people usually don't know to help you with, especially in regards to customs and courtesies.

I'm a DC 70B. The time before DCC was... Well, there's only so much a senior NCO can do for a totally green platoon leader, especially when your unit's low on NCOs to begin with.

Response by MAJ John Collins made Mar 30 at 2019 10:35 AM

MAJ John Collins — Sat, 30 Mar 2019 10:35:41 -0400

You understand the enlisted side, but coming from the Marines to a medical unit can be different.
Have a sit down with your rater and start a support form with your duties and goals. Know your rating chain.

Response by PO1 Richard Norton made May 14 at 2019 3:50 PM

PO1 Richard Norton — Tue, 14 May 2019 15:50:39 -0400

If you would like to make captain some day listen to our Sr NCOs. If you treat them with respect they will make you look good.

Response by 1SG David George made May 16 at 2019 6:24 PM

1SG David George — Thu, 16 May 2019 18:24:11 -0400

Take along at least one Silver Dollar for that first salute. Take several, you are the soldiers deserve it.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 17 at 2019 6:21 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Fri, 17 May 2019 06:21:42 -0400

I had a air force pa. A captain say I did not have gout. NATO air base gk. He was full.of shit. Went to work in k town after taking sick leave. The doc was a retired full bull. He says you have gout. That pa reverted back to his enlisted rank. E6. Always get a second opinion