Posted on Jul 6, 2020
SPC Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
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I'm 28 years old and just enlisted in the National Guard. I've been feeling great since the moment I took my oath and feel a great sense of pride. I want to serve our country and that's the main reason I enlisted. I make good money as a leasing agent, but I want to serve and also challenge myself. I want to gain more experience and provide a better life for my son. These past couple days though I've had some negative thoughts that relate to my age and fear of not accomplishing my goals.

When I was in high school I took JROTC for 3 years. I considered joining active-duty Army at one point, but life took me somewhere else. I became a dad at 19 and had a long term relationship through a good bit of my late teens and 20's. This year I thought to myself, "If I'm going to serve, it has to be now." I'm 28 so it's a now or never type of thing for me. And I desperately want to serve this great nation. I know I'm not super old, and my age isn't stopping me from serving. But I can't help but feel a bit bummed out thinking I could have joined at a younger age. A part of me though feels good knowing that I can share this excitement with my 8 year old.

Another thought that has come to me is the fear of not achieving and becoming all that I can be. When I started my first job I was super energetic and interested in learning everything. I would constantly ask my supervisors if I could learn x and y positions and they'd put me there and I grew a lot. Over the years, however, I've lost that bravery to ask for a promotion or to learn something new. I don't know why I've put myself in this shell. I want to break out and reach for more, I just get nervous and shy. I've been leasing apartments for the past 7 years when I feel like I could have been asking for a promotion. I'm just scared that I'll carry this mentality into the military and that's not what I want.

How can I break away from this and actually become how I used to be and even better? I want to serve the United States to the best of my ability and want to reach for the stars. I want to get promoted. I want to advance and I don't want to get lost in the shuffle. Sometimes I remember that God called me for great things and that comforts me, but I can't help but get nervous and scared of failing. How can I overcome this fear of failing?
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Responses: 15
SFC Incheon Airport Jppc Ncoic
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If it doesn’t challenge you or have fear of anticipation of the unknown, it’s not for you. Everything you’re speaking on is natural. Life is about choices, you live, you learn, you exceed. Even if you don’t get something the first time, you pick yourself up, learn from the experience, improve the challenges and do it again....the only way to fail is to do nothing. Entering the military at an older age is actually a plus for you because you’re already mature which is going to make is easier for you to discipline yourself.

So I challenge you to embrace your fear, it’ll help motivate you to be the best you can be!! Good luck to you, I’m positive you’ll do great!!!
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SPC Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
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Thank you. Yeah, I’ve read that being older can help you. I’m looking forward to it, but those thoughts come to you sometimes. Thanks for the comforting and yes, I believe that you live and learn. I’ll try to keep this in mind.
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SFC Incheon Airport Jppc Ncoic
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Reading your story I’m positive you’re going to do great!!!!SPC (Join to see)
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LTC Jason Mackay
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Your first couple promotions are largely based on TIme in Service, and Time in Grade (TIS/TIG). You'll have plenty of time and opportunity to prove yourself. Promtotion to SGT E5 is going to be based on you, your performance, and your potential for future service. You are joining the Guard, so unless you compete to serve as an Active Guad Reserve (AGR) you are going to have to make your civilian career happen.

Just curious, why did you not pursue an AD enlistment?
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SPC Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
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Mostly because of my son. Some aspects of my life are settled such as civilian job and church, but it really boiled down to having an 8 year old. I didn’t want to leave him for long periods of time. The Guard seemed like a great way for me to serve while staying close to home. I was thinking if things go well, and once he grows up a bit more, I could try AD. Is that a possibility, to transfer to AD? And would I have to wait for my contract to end before making a change? Thanks for the response.
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MAJ Ken Landgren
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Work hard. Have a good attitude. Constantly strive to be better and learn new things.
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SPC Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
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Will do. Thank you.
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