Soldiers, salors, marines, and airmen, have you considered what you do to make yourself retainable in today's military?

2013-12-15T14:21:18-05:00

Soldiers, salors, marines, and airmen, have you considered what you do to make yourself retainable in today's military?

Some things to think about, how involved are you when it comes to your unit? Do you participate in off duty functions? Do you support FRG, Fundraisers, voulunteer for additional duties, work above your current level of responsibility?

It's time to drink the kool aid and get in board if you want to remain in the armed services.

Comments/questions/ concerns?

Response by SFC Stephen Hester made Dec 15 at 2013 2:40 PM

2013-12-15T14:40:18-05:00

Being tactically and technically proficient should be the chief determinant of one's retainability on active duty (barring disciplinary actions, of course). Achieving that, service members must seek to set themselves apart from their peers because simply staying on active duty won't guarantee promotion. As a military career becomes increasingly competitive it's the little things that will add up to big things. Participating in unit functions, supporting the FRG, charity events and the like will help them stand out.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2014 11:43 AM

2014-06-07T11:43:21-04:00

SSG, I don't drink the kool-aid either. To be blunt, I am NOT a suck-up or kiss ass, and I do apologize for the verbage. I am here to do my job of serving and protecting MY country. Unfortunately, after nearly 23 years of service I am being forced out (RCP) because I am NOT a kool-aid drinker. Sorry, just doesn't fly with me. I have worked above my current pay-grade, multiple times yet still here I am. I have fellow NCOs who are in the same boat I am and they too get passed over. Yet we all see the same ones who DO drink the kool-aid, and suck up, not doing/knowing their jobs or whatever and they are the ones being promoted. Not fair? Damn right but like a friend of mine stated in another thread I will move on.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 8 at 2014 7:33 PM

2014-06-08T19:33:13-04:00

Do you know where "Drink the Kool-Aid" comes from? It is definitely something I would not encourage.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_the_Kool-Aid

Drinking the Kool-Aid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Drinking the Kool-Aid" is a figure of speech commonly used in North America that refers to a person or group holding an unquestioned belief, argument, or philosophy without critical examination. It could also refer to knowingly going along with a doomed or dangerous idea because of peer pressure. The phrase oftentimes carries a negative connotation when applied to an individual or group. It can also be used ironically or humorously to refer...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2014 7:37 PM

2014-06-08T19:37:51-04:00

I don't believe in drinking the Kool-Aid or bowing down to anybody, but I don't want to ask if you want fries with that either. The Army is a game and you better play it well and not let it play you. If you gotta fake the funk go to FRG meetings, hail and farewells, and pretend you like someone you don't then so be it. I got out and came back in to keep it 100 its hard out there in them streets and I would rather go to a mandatory fun day than be in the unemployment line. That's just me.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jun 8 at 2014 7:54 PM

2014-06-08T19:54:04-04:00

Of course! Who can resist Red Kool Aid? Are you crazy?