Advice/Tips for First Unit?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 08:34:48 -0400

So I am going to the 173rd and was wondering if any superiors here have any tips or advice and what they expect from a private such as myself or what they expect from privates from their unit so I know what actions need to be taken so I can carry out whatever needs to be carried

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 8:38 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 08:38:31 -0400

Keep an open mind. Don't go in with an " I know it all" attitude. Be eager to learn. Be respectful and most of be yourself. a person who isn't true to themselves cant truly be committed to anything else.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 9:13 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 09:13:41 -0400

The herd is a great unit, all Sky Soldiers are effective combat machines. We are proud of the 173rd, and wgat it represents. Don't be cocky, but have pride, don't act like you are the most Knowledgeable soldier in the US Army arsenal, you are not. Listed, mantain your military bearing at all times. Pt is a must! As a paratrooper you are expected to run faster and further, carry more weight, and be more prepared. I hope you enjoy your time in Italy and the unit. Sky Soldiers, ATW.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Oct 11 at 2018 9:36 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 09:36:11 -0400

wake up each morning humble and ready to work hard. do the best you can. learn from your mistakes. stay away from the "too cool group" in the unit (every unit has one) that cuts corners on regs and discipline -- the world catches up with them eventually, and hanging out with them is a path you don't want to be on.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 10:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 10:26:50 -0400

Stay away from the smoker or chew and dip crowd. Take whatever courses they offer. I knew a soldier in my civil Affairs unit who went from PFC to Sergeant in a very short time because he volunteered for everything. Find a good Mentor. Know your unit history. Learn all your soldiers skills so you can be ready to be in front of a board. If they have a soldier of the Year competition, do your best and try to compete. I had a sergeant in my section in civil Affairs who went to become second-place of Sergeant of civil affairs for the whole country. He ended up going to Ranger school and later became a warrant officer flying helicopters. He was high speed! Congratulations for being part of the 173rd airborne!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 11 at 2018 10:36 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 10:36:58 -0400

The Term "superiors " Has a place in military verbiage, but those senior to you in rank are not superior to you as a Soldier....
As a retired Senior NCO, this is what I would tell my son as he was getting ready to report to his first duty station.

Ears and eyes wide open, mouth shut unless responding to a question, or asking for information/ clarification AFTER making sure you listened well, considered the issue and discovered you do not understand or have enough info.
Attempt to accomplish every task assigned or implied as best as you can, be it clean the latrine or clean the barrel of the platoon 50 cal or put on a tourniquet to a platoon member who lost a hand in a freak accident.
Bad news does not get better with age, tell on yourself before its found out. You are expected to make mistakes, its part of integration and learning. So trying to hide them or deflecting does not go over well.
No task is complete until you have gone back to the tasker and reported in..
Never say no, figure out what needs to happen to say yes and respond with that. It works for everything, from "SGT, I can do that, but we have no push brooms and would have to sweep the motor pool with just a small hand whisk broom in the closet."
to "Sgt I can do that, but we would need to turn our selfs in for stealing those parts from that other companies company motor pool"

Response by CW3 Michael Bodnar made Oct 11 at 2018 11:10 AM

CW3 Michael Bodnar — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 11:10:40 -0400

You need to ask yourself the following questions: what kind of Soldier do I want to be? What are your goals from the military? What do you expect to get out your service? Decide what you want to accomplish and find those Soldiers who want the same thing. Surround yourself with successful people and you will be successful. Take whatever training you can (offered and sought out) PT regularly (outside of the normal routine the unit does), take college courses and earn your degree. Most of all, enjoy what they offer you and make the most of your time in.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 11 at 2018 11:38 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 11:38:11 -0400

It looks like you're a very junior IT guy. Show up on time, ready to work and learn every day. Listen to your NCOs, do what they ask, say, or direct; however, don't be afraid to ask questions. As far as being new at the unit, do your best to understand the mission and support it every day. Do every item on your in-processing checklist without complaint. Reject all the crap your peers or "old hands" tell you until you verify it yourself with reality. On the other hand, they didn't teach you everything you need to know to do your job in technical training, so pay attention to people who have been at this for a while. They may have the best way to get things done.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 11 at 2018 11:54 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 11:54:25 -0400

Work hard, complete tasks, have a good attitude, and have initiative.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Oct 11 at 2018 12:24 PM

SSG Brian G. — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 12:24:22 -0400

Command looks at and for a variety of things. They want go-getters, but are leery of those that are TOO eager, too pumped up. They want soldiers that are enthused to be doing what they are doing but at that same time are not trying to blow smoke up their six. Be on time. If you are there just on time you are late, be early. Be crisp, clean and lean. Lead or at least show a propensity for it. Ask questions but make the questions you ask those of quality. Be a good sport, a team player rather than a loner. You are going to be watched by everyone from the commander on down to your section mates. Learn and do things by the numbers at first, and only once you have learned it, then cut out the needless steps.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 1:08 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 13:08:03 -0400

Good advice here. I'd add, there are thousands of wineries and vintners in Italy and many of those are in Vicenza. There is no need to sample them all the first month of your tour :)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 2:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 14:18:56 -0400

Your best. You do your best at all times, gave respect for all, show you have the mental toughness to work through any difficulty and not get flustered... and you will do good in any job. :) Take care, relax, and have a good time.

Response by SSG Tom Pike made Oct 11 at 2018 3:12 PM

SSG Tom Pike — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 15:12:47 -0400

Do what you are told to do, do it to the best of your ability. Be where you are supposed to be before you are supposed to be there (hurry up and wait). Be in the proper uniform when you get there. Take any opportunity for training. Don't be "That Guy" that gets the whole unit called in for making the blotter, getting a DUI, ect.... Don't let your buddy be that guy either.

Response by SrA John Monette made Oct 11 at 2018 9:17 PM

SrA John Monette — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 21:17:43 -0400

the same advice that carries over from Basic. keep your mouth shut. learn, learn, learn.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Oct 11 at 2018 10:12 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 22:12:36 -0400

Show up at the right place, the time and in the right uniform ready to do your job. Take the cotton out of both ears and place it in your mouth.

Response by MAJ Steve Warnerski made Jan 29 at 2022 11:02 AM

MAJ Steve Warnerski — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 11:02:58 -0500

Be where you are supposed to be at the specified time, minus 10 minutes, in the proper uniform / specified equipment, with a good attitude, even if you're attitude sorta sucks at the moment. Keep your mouth shut and your ears open. Maintain each piece of equipment in the proper manner. On weekends - get OUT and SEE EUROPE; the trains are a lot cheaper than a car.