Am I over-exerting myself?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 03:05:03 -0400

I am new in the Army. I want to fast track myself, but I'm starting to worry that I may be trying to do too much. Next month I am going to the Soldier of the Month Board, participating in Fort Wainwright's Best Warrior Competition, and running in the post's Army Ten-Miler. Is it too much for someone of my skill level? What are some good pointers for someone who wants to do so much at once?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 4:21 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 04:21:51 -0400

My advice is its awesome that you want to fast track, but just make sure you don't overwhelm yourself in the process. Take in and learn as much as you can about your job and the Basic Army skills and everything else will fall into place, and best of luck as well! Your the type of Soldier that every NCO wants who is motivated from day 1 and wants to better themselves. My last duty station was Wainwright and I did the ten-miler as well...finishing that was one of my proudest moments, same with passing the promotion board and graduating BLC.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 6:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 06:32:52 -0400

When it comes to your current unit, they will love that you represent them so well, and will likely put you at the top of lists amongst your peers for consideration and selection to advanced schools, promotion, waivers etc. I once sponsored an E-5 to the E-6 board, and because he had successfully run the Battalion Remedial PT program, aced previous Soldier boards, and a few other things in the Bn; his E-6 board consisted of "Hey, I already know you are stellar. You're recommended, get out of here.", which took all of 2 minutes, and I was barely able to take my seat.

That being said, its always important to keep everything in perspective, and not allow the fast track to give you a false sense of accomplishment. Rank does not always indicate competence, and other Soldiers can tell when another was only fast tracked because they played the "game", and whether they are truly competent individuals, and the "game" was just an added bonus to their well-roundedness.

Be that PV2 who not only represents the unit well at events, but also performs exceptionally well at all aspects of your MOS and Soldier skills. That is how you fast track and make the largest positive impact in the Army.

That's just my opinion though.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 8:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 08:02:45 -0400

Maybe and maybe not. The army is not a sprint but a marathon. Don't try to do everything that you ever wanted to do in the army in one day. work toward your goals and take opportunities as they present themselves.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Apr 6 at 2017 8:09 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 08:09:34 -0400

There is no too much unless the sum of it all causes you to perform less then fully at any one task.
If training and running the Army 10 miler means your skipping out on work call formations, leaving your fellow SM to pick up the slack, yes its too much. If your getting up at 0300, running sprints, going to PT formation, working all day with your unit at your assigned tasks, taking a power nap at lunch after eating your planed diet noon meal, working all afternoon with your unit, changing after released for the day and getting in your distance run.. AND able to do it all again tomorrow ,,,then no not too much.,

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 9:06 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 09:06:32 -0400

Your motivation is admirable, but remember to pace yourself. Don't burn yourself out right out of the gate. Make sure to give yourself "me time" to decompress.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Apr 6 at 2017 9:13 AM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 09:13:52 -0400

Don't wear yourself down or burn yourself out.
That said, only you know how much motivation you have, and what your schedule is like. It sounds to me like you are highly motivated, and you can handle all this stuff you're planning on. Keep it up, and you'll go far.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 6 at 2017 9:26 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 09:26:20 -0400

Well being new in the Army has nothing to do with it. If you are physically capable of doing those events, then have at it. Besides, you ask if it's too much for someone of your skill level, but you don't actually say what your skill level is.

Hell, I don't even see how any of this qualifies as asking for "career advice". The only thing it seems you are suffering from is a lack of time management. You want to do too many things all at the same time. And if that's your only problem, first I would thank your lucky stars, and second, I'd consider investing in a calendar or date planner so you can keep track of all the things you're committed to.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 9:31 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 09:31:04 -0400

I had so many people tell me I was trying to hard and doing to much when I was junior enlisted. I think it all paid off. My nick name was Chilly Willy

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 9:54 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 09:54:37 -0400

I certainly applaud your enthusiasm and drive. I also certainly understand you want to stand yourself apart from your peers and move farther faster. But, be sure to pace yourself. Don't burn yourself out so early in the game. Do what you can, when you can, without having a mental and physical breakdown.

IMHO, if you are asking this question, deep down you may already know the answer.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Apr 6 at 2017 10:42 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 10:42:22 -0400

No,no,no. Do that stuff while your young. That is what youth is for. Once your 40 your body will take 2-3 times as long to recover from physical activity and then YES, you will need to slow down. You might want to try getting a slot in Ranger or Airborne school. See your 1SGT on how likely that is.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 6 at 2017 11:54 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 11:54:39 -0400

Well, you did have time to post on RP?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 12:07 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 12:07:45 -0400

It's great to be "hooah", but I would say the most important thing you can focus on is an education. This will help you in the short term AND the long term. It will also help you stand out. You're not going to be in the Army forever; an education will serve you after your military career. Always make time for education.

Response by CSM William DeWolf made Apr 6 at 2017 12:42 PM

CSM William DeWolf — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 12:42:29 -0400

Go for it PV2 Timmy Geremia, Jr.!

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2017 5:22 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Apr 2017 17:22:10 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I ah glad that you are Gung Ho. Pace yourself so you are not overwhelmed. Good luck.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2017 1:50 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Apr 2017 01:50:39 -0400

UPDATE: The best warrior competition is next week. Not next month. God I love last minute prep.