Posted on Nov 4, 2018
SGT Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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I'm currently 3 years in the Army, 1 1/2 in the guard and the rest in Active duty (I crossed over). I'm a 68W with the intent of pursuing a commission as a Nurse or PA. I'm about to be an NCO soon and recently married. This is a very broad question, I know, but I more or less just want to hear how some of you with 8+ years experience managed to set up your life for success.
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COL Deputy G2
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I had just over 4 years active duty and about 3 years Guard when I applied for a G to G scholarship. I was married and my wife had a good job, active duty nurse (2LT). I had two years left to get my degree so I had a two year scholarship. Our first child was born the end of my jr year.
It wasn’t easy. Scholarship paid for school and I lost my e5 pay. We had to figure out how to get things done. I would go to school during the day and we would meet in the parking lot of the hospital at fort Sam and transfer baby duties. Sometimes I would drive home, sometimes I would go back to school and do my ROTC duties.
You do what you have to do to succeed and take care of your family. It’s a team sport. You and your partner have to visualize your goal and just keep working to it. 23 years later we are both 06, that little kid. She just graduated from West Point last summer and our other, a boy, is in college. She had him while I was at flight school.
You set a goal and keep moving towards it. Sometimes you have to adjust as you go along but just keep moving forward. Work together and make the big decisions together. Good luck.
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SGT Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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Thank you for your inspiring story sir
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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Enroll in college early. Keep taking one or two classes at a time. It's easy to hold a 3.8 GPA when you're only in one class. That GPA makes you more competitive for nursing or PA.
Always choose the challenging assignments. Take classes that are offered. Never neglect PT. Mentor juniors. Education, fitness, challenging assignments and mentoring - this is the formula for promotion and success in the Army.

These are the two most important pieces of advice I can give you:
1. ALWAYS treat your subordinates like family. See to their needs and treat them with respect while instilling discipline. As you get older you'll find that being a good leader makes you a better father, and being a good father makes you a better leader. "Treat your men as you would your own beloved sons. They will follow you into the deepest valley"- Sun Tzu. If you do this you will be greatly respected everywhere you go.

2. NEVER steal from your family to pay the Army. Don't take time away from your family to catch up on paperwork, or stay late, or work weekends you don't need to. There will always be work, you will always be behind. Learn to manage your time and resources better as opposed to taking time away from your family. If you do this, you will still have a family when you leave the Army, and you will make your family stronger.
Good luck.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
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The advice below is very good. I will add that you will need to find a way to include your spouse in this plan. You are married for a reason, you must be dedicated to the Army as well. It is a balance not to be taken for granted. Work hard, educate yourself, take care of your Soldiers, get and stay fit, show your grit and all will come together. Thank you for your service.
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