What's the best advice you've ever gotten from someone in the military?

MG Peter Bosse — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 15:01:31 -0500

The best advice I ever received was to "take a knee". I had just been through a divorce, was struggling through CGSC, couldn't get enough shared custody time with my kids, was overwhelmed at work and was trying to find time for my monthly drill (BA). The guy I worked for, a LTC at the time and I was a Major, suggested that I RST and work on my CGSC instead of attending drill for the next three months. I was blown away by his compassion and caring during a time when I was juggling way too many balls in the air. This breathing room, as a result of taking a knee, allowed me to complete CGSC, get my life back on track and demonstrate resilience through taking positive actions. I owe that LTC big time for some of the best advice I've ever received!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2013 3:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 15:26:03 -0500

BG Bosse, great question. My best advice was given to me by a former Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant of mine (same guy). He has been a great mentor and knows I am a hard-charger and am a standard bearer. I contacted him for guidance on managing a new motor pool. The work ethic was horrible, ordering parts that haven't been verified by effective troubleshooting, no discipline at all, etc. I knew this place needed some straightening out, but didn't know where to start. He told me that "small victories win the battle", the battle was getting everyone on the same page and changing bad habits... We won each victory at a time, and feel confidently that we won the battle as a team. Small victories.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 8 at 2013 4:07 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 16:07:36 -0500

The best advice I ever received was, "It's not about you -- it's about your Soldiers." I received this advice when I was about to graduate from USMA. I was having a discussion with an O-6 that I looked up to, and he went on to tell me that if/when that moment comes when I look myself in the mirror and realize that I cannot continue to give 110% to my Soldiers as their leader, it is my professional duty to step aside and let another leader take my place. Your subordinates deserve the absolute best you have, and if the time comes when you can't do that anymore, you owe it to them to let another leader step up to the plate.

Response by CPT Laurie H. made Nov 8 at 2013 4:39 PM

CPT Laurie H. — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 16:39:50 -0500

Outstanding question (and great advice there, thank you for sharing sir).

The best advice that I've put to use is "admit when you don't something - at the right time, to the right person." As a 2LT who enlisted as an 09S, there is a never ending list of things I don't know, and my greatest tool so far is figuring out who to ask, how to ask, and when to ask. I've seen plenty of other inexperienced 2LTs not gain the respect of their Soldiers, and remain ineffective leaders, because they keep going on not understanding things with a 'fake it 'til you make it' attitude. After Platoon Leader, my primary job is to learn, and developing relationships with experienced NCOs who go out of their way to help and educate me as been invaluable.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 8 at 2013 8:29 PM

CMC Robert Young — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 20:29:52 -0500

I was hurdling through life by the seat of pants, and my dad (Capt. USA-Ret) told me that I needed to keep track of what I was doing; where I had been; and what opportunities were on the horizon. He offered that I could go further and achieve more if I simply planned my career instead just showing up for duty the next day. He was right because since I got myself squared away, I have accomplished almost everything on the "to do" list I started twenty years ago after that conversation. I wouldn't be where I am had it not been for him taking the time to make me focus.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2013 11:30 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 23:30:12 -0500

As a young SGT I was pulled aside by my squad leader after making a correction on one of my Soldiers while deployed in 2004-2005. I guess I was a bit more stern and inconsiderate with my words than I thought I was. He told me "I've always raised my Soldiers the way I raised my kids". When I asked him to explain that he basically said he raised his children to be successful, disciplined, trustworthy, and hard workers. He used that same practice, albeit a few adjustments to compensate for the different environment, with his Soldiers and saw many of them gain success. That has stuck with me ever since and I took up that practice early on as an NCO. It has paid dividends long term. Soldiers I "raised" from 2005-2011 have sought me out or found me to say thanks when they've gained a level of success or been promoted. It's an exhilerating feeling and makes me proud and humble.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2013 11:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 23:37:07 -0500

You are as strong as your weakest soldier..
It has never left me. I think about it with my up and coming soldiers. The only measure of who you are is how you guide and watch the success of those around you.
Some once told me "I may trip, I may fall. I will not quit, I will crawl" i also remember this it motivates me to keep pushing.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2013 8:16 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 08:16:42 -0500

No one cares more about your career then you do.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2013 8:30 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 08:30:29 -0500

When I was a new private in the Army, my SFC told me that every interaction with someone is a learning lesson for your future. Good or bad, it will help you to learn how to be or not be when you move up in the ranks. I have always passed that along to my Soldiers so that they don't learn to hate others that treat them wrong, but rather learn from them so they can become better leaders in the future.

Response by Col Bull Ternus made Nov 9 at 2013 8:59 AM

Col Bull Ternus — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 08:59:28 -0500

During Second Fallujah, I was talking with a Marine LtCol Battalion Commander outside a TOC during the ops pause. I saw in the distance a young Marine having what appeared to be a major hissy fit, and I teased the CO about how "I thought all Marines were more stoic than that". He just shrugged and said, "that Marine has had a bad day, which was the culmination of a bad week, which has been a part of a bad enlistment. He's had to learn the hard what that every Marine loves the Corps, but the Corps doesn't love every Marine. And that's true ultimately for every Marine".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2013 9:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 09:45:40 -0500

This is going to sound negative, so please don't be offended by my answer. But, the best advice I ever received from someone in the military was way back in the early 1990's. I was a PV2 or PFC and my team leader was CPL Stephenson. Well, as the Army was a new world to me and I was very impressionable CPL Stephenson was basically my mentor. One day he said to me, "Hurley, all I require from you is to be in the right place at the right time and in the right uniform." He then followed that up with, "If you can be in the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform, then you'll be pretty much good to go throughout your military career." I now find myself giving that same speech to my soldiers. I'm glad I got to grab that tag line from him and use it today as if it were mine.

I would also like to share one more piece of advice that, now currently retired, MSG Stephenson provided to me. He said, "Hurley, if you don't take care of yourself while you are in the military, nobody will." Now, with that piece of advice I agree and I don't agree. However, I see how it's becoming more and more a true statement then it was back in the 90's. See back in the 1990's I remember my NCO's taking care of me. They would lead me in the correct direction, give me the necessary tools to do the job, and they would ensure that I knew what I was doing before they turned me loose. However, I've been noticing a change in the overall leadership in the NCO Corp. I've noticed since the mid 2000's that NCO's have been acting less professional and more like privates and sometimes like little children. I've seen the Buck SGT and the Staff SGT being leaderless in the absents of orders, I've seen senior NCO's being outrageously single minded. But worst, I've seen todays leaders being more concerned about themselves than about these soldiers. Back in the day NCO's took pride in the troops, if they looked good it made their NCO look good. If they looked bad then it made the NCO look bad and that would start the tuning up process initiated by the NCO. I do contribute some of this to the NOCA/NCOES courses. I recall going through PLDC and how difficult and intense that school was. I recall that the 50% of us who graduated felt like we could rule the world and that there was nothing that could ever stop us. When you graduated from PLDC you knew you had accomplished something huge and difficult and only the ones who were right passed. Today, with what I understand about WLC, it seems like the backbone of the NCO Corp. has weakened and that today's SGT's and SSG's are nothing more than E-4's getting E-5&6 pay. I went through ALC almost 2 years ago and I know that the 1990's version of BNCOC wasn't as easy as the ALC I just took in California. I believe if our SPC's were still going though PLDC and that our E-6's and E-7's were still BNCOC and ANCOC that our NCO Corp. would be taking much better care of our troops.

I hope this wasn't to long of a tangent at answer your point. Also, for your E-5, 6, 7, etc... I know that there are still many great NCO's out there, you are probably one of them. Please don't think that I'm bashing all NCO's. However, I beg of you all to take care of your troops and to help correct those NCO's that you see who needs a correction as well.

Troops need help becoming leaders, help with promotions, with family issues, basic stresses and whatnot, the need good leaders to be role models, we need to be there for them so they can be there for us. The Mission comes first and to be ready for that mission your troops can't be preoccupied about there home life and garrison issues.

I appreciate this platform and I appreciate all you good leaders and admire all your great leaders.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2013 10:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 10:24:48 -0500

There's never time to do it right, but there's always time to do it over.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2013 11:05 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 11:05:30 -0500

Never start a question with, "Why does the Army ..."

Response by SFC Michael Reeves made Nov 9 at 2013 11:07 AM

SFC Michael Reeves — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 11:07:52 -0500

I had a First Sergeant at Fort McClellan, Alabama who was tough, yet compassionate. He was a Viet Nam vet, having had a couple helicopters shot out from under him - thus injuring his back. He had a large poster above his desk which read "Pay Attention To Detail", and a huge baseball bat next to his desk to accentuate that point... I always have remembered that wisdom, and, thank goodness didn't have to experience the bat to get my attention!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2013 11:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 23:57:07 -0500

To stay financially comfortable:

Live within the means of 1 rank less and 1 yearly pay wage less than what you actually receive. For Example: SSG/E-6 with 10 years. Each month only use what a SGT/E-5 with 8 years makes. SAVE/INVEST the difference, never worry about being strapped for cash when emergencies or big investments come your way.

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Nov 10 at 2013 12:12 AM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 00:12:47 -0500

The best advice I ever received was right after I received orders to my first unit while at MOS school. My chief instructor told me after I found out I was supposed to go to V1/7 was "Don't be afraid to be a Jarhead". He went on to explain that by telling me don't be afraid to experience all that you can and enjoy every moment even the worst moments because in a few years you won't remember the misery you'll just find a weird bit of humor in it all.

He followed it up by telling me a story of how when he was training in Korea the hot water pipe developed an ice blockage (some hot water if it can't melt ice). Well he and the Marines in his unit walked along the pipe with mallets tapping the pipe to find the chunk of ice that was causing the obstruction. When they found it about a quarter mile from their camp they determined it was too far and too cold to get hot water there to warm up the pipe. Well they decided to improve and use what they had so they took turns urinating on the pipe to warm up the pipe enough to loosen the ice to allow the hot water to flow and melt the ice. When they finally heard the water begin to flow after the ice loosened up they began jumping for joy.

Odd as it sounded he was right, there is a bit of joy that comes from the smallest of victories and having interesting stories to tell others that sound odd yet captivating to the uninitiated that never had the pleasure of serving this great country of ours.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2013 12:33 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 Nov 2013 00:33:49 -0500

To stay Financially comfortable:

Live within the means of 1 Rank less and 1 yearly pay wage less than what you actually are. For Example, if you are a SSG/E-6 with 10 years, only use what a SGT/E-5 with 8 years would earn. SAVE/INVEST the difference monthly. Never live paycheck to paycheck and do not feel overwhelmed when you have an emergency or want to make a big investment (House/Car).

Response by LTC Rob Hefner made Nov 11 at 2013 9:42 PM

LTC Rob Hefner — Mon, 11 Nov 2013 21:42:49 -0500

Sir, if you don't love me, how can you lead me?"

Soldiers come first.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Nov 12 at 2013 9:44 AM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 09:44:33 -0500

Sir, respectfully the best advice I ever received, was to push through and assess you as the individual. What is holding you back instead of projecting blame. This led me to work on
myself discipline, strive to understand the group dynamics, and listen to those that have served before you.

I would not have been able to transition to SSG, WO1, CW2, and O3 E in nine years without guidance. I had to know my audience, understand my mission, and recognize my limitations. I had to learn to align my passion with the purpose of the Unit. I have found that when the support and limitation are
implemented, I had to learn to maneuver and adjust to the Battle Rhythm.

Response by SGT Thomas Sullivan made Nov 12 at 2013 11:03 AM

SGT Thomas Sullivan — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 11:03:38 -0500

"You can't Fight the Army, you are fighting FOR the Army. Quit your bitching and get back to work!" - SSG of ours after me and a few soldiers complained about something pointless for the 15th time while on night shift.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 11:28 AM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 11:28:00 -0500

This is a great question, and hard to drill down to just one. Different advice becomes very useful depending on the situation. I've had great advice on discipline that becomes the best advice when needing to enforce standards. There are other more short term situations where different pieces of advice has been critical. Long term, I think some of the best advice I received from a commander was to use boxes. When you leave work, put that all in a box and don't worry about opening it again until you return. When you go home, open that box and live in it wholeheartedly. It's basically meant to keep everything in perspective.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 1:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 13:17:24 -0500

The best advice I got was from a fellow battle of mines. Due to a situation at work and my position I was no longer in charge of Soldiers and I felt "lost". She told me to use this time to focus on myself. Since I've been a LEADER my main focuses were always mission and Soldiers so I never went to many schools until those two things were squared away.

This helped me a lot because I literally put myself on the backburner with my career but that time with not having one of my two main responsibilities helped to open up a lot of time so I could refocus on myself. I've been able to complete more education and training to help myself progress further within m career.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 14 at 2013 9:46 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 21:46:59 -0500

NEVER VOLUNTEER!!! Jk...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2013 8:23 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 20:23:48 -0500

SIR,

The best advice I can say that I ever received is that regardless of what your rank may carry you should never forget the path that got you there. Every Soldier that will ever choose to follow you will do so blindly when they see that they will be able to be the same you one day.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Nov 23 at 2013 2:06 PM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:06:08 -0500

When I was a PVT my Uncle a COL at the Pentagon sat with me during Christmas Dinner in 1987, he said that regardless of rank, treat everyone as you wish to be treated, don't be scared of rank, everyone is human and puts there pants on one leg at time!

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jan 7 at 2014 12:14 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 00:14:12 -0500

When in charge, be in charge. There is a lot of meaning to that; more than the obvious.

Response by SFC Aaron Finley made Jan 7 at 2014 12:37 AM

SFC Aaron Finley — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 00:37:36 -0500

He told me to go to school because you won't be in the Army forever. Those words resulted in a Associates, a Bachelors, and a Certificate in Homeland security...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 1:47 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 01:47:28 -0500

Always keep chapstick in your pocket

Response by WO1(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2014 4:47 AM

WO1(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 04:47:46 -0500

Well I have two:

1. My mentor stated to me that, he believes 100% in mentoring. He doesn't think he would be where he is today, professionally and personally without his mentor so make sure I pass on the knowledge that he has given me.

2. To step out of my comfort zone, if not he would drag me out of it !!!

Response by SPC Brendan Kearns made Jan 13 at 2014 2:19 PM

SPC Brendan Kearns — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 14:19:58 -0500

if you got screwed over, at least be happy that the people after you wont be

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Jan 13 at 2014 2:42 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 14:42:18 -0500

1) Cover your own ass

2) Don't make this a career, this is not the organization for YOU!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2014 11:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 23:03:37 -0500

Secure your gear.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2014 11:30 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 23:30:32 -0500

Something strang'e happened the other day as I was looking at Air Force Weather Service history. A friend of mine a then SSgt Halbeisen actually helped write that history and I had always wondered if I would find out where he left to from Germany.

He used to show me medals and other items from WWII and was already quite a historian.

So it is no coincidence that he would give me advice that would benefit my career. He simply stated that never let a pilot talk you out of what's right. And I never did and on a few occasions managed to irritate planners. One Colonel said I was 'inflexible' and I said with all due respect that is not something I get paid for. Stating we forecast potential. I got the last laugh, my wind forecast was 35-49kts. About midnight, when we hit 88Kts. A microburst from a Thunderstorm plus a strong pressure gradient and resulting high winds were the basis.

So that advice saved me and Nick told me, never give in because the Investigators would hound me. My unit Commander Major Faas was happy the next day, saying I was the only one that figured it out.

It is funny how good advice if heeded, can save lives. All Around.

Response by SPC Robert Patrick made Jan 14 at 2014 3:57 PM

SPC Robert Patrick — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 15:57:57 -0500

Make the best of what the Military has to offer and enjoy it while it lasts

Response by SPC Robert Patrick made Jan 14 at 2014 3:58 PM

SPC Robert Patrick — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 15:58:54 -0500

Be sure to go to school and use Tuition assisstance

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2014 4:00 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 16:00:24 -0500

How about worst advice I ever received? It was "Never volunteer for anything." I quickly found out that it is almost always better to be in the front, and doing things on your own terms, then sitting in the back and not doing anything.

Response by 1SG Jacob Paddon made Jan 16 at 2014 8:14 PM

1SG Jacob Paddon — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:14:23 -0500

"Be at the right place, at the right time, in the right uniform all
while looking good and giving 100% for 100% of the time with an attitude deemed
necessary to complete the task"

When I got to my first unit in '99, Ft Drum, NY, as a PFC straight out of
AIT, my first line leader was previously an 82nd Airborne Soldier of the Year
that had passed a small yellow sticky to me that told me this is what you need
to Be, Know, and Do if you want to get promoted and be successful while here.

The first line above is pretty much the gist of what was on that sticky, but
here are the other target points that were right below that line:

DO: Military and Civilian Education ALWAYS

DO: max your APFT and weapons marksmanship

DO: as many correspondence courses as possible

DO: look good physically and mentally, first impressions are lasting
impressions in a competitive occupation

DO: learn everything about your job and your supervisors

Basically, I was told by him that it is human nature to be attracted to
attractive people. (I think he was very in to himself specifically on the
personal appearance but as a whole with his explanation he had a valid point,
considering his Fast Tracking his way through promotion.) In a job world that
has a very competitive promotion system this explanation was worth knowing.
This attraction he mentioned can be physical, educational (knowledge based) and
mentally/emotional (your attitude). Knowing this, if I strove to be successful
or at the least give the best that I could in these areas I would naturally
have more of a competitive edge. I worked my butt off as a young soldier in
schools, fitness, and while at work used initiative and made it a point to be a
part of every mission. Sadly, I couldn't fix ugly but I could fix an out of
shape appearance :-)

This I believe was the best advice I received from day 1
in the Army and has proved right ever since.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Jan 16 at 2014 8:20 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:20:38 -0500

don't ever hang around with people who have hair longer then yours.

Response by MSG William Cunningham made Jan 17 at 2014 8:59 PM

MSG William Cunningham — Fri, 17 Jan 2014 20:59:31 -0500

Don't discount someone's idea based on their rank. Just because you outrank someone doesn't necessarily mean you have more knowledge or better ideas.

TOPS- Take Other Peoples S#!t

Response by COL John Rosnow made Jan 18 at 2014 1:12 AM

COL John Rosnow — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 01:12:29 -0500

Always keep a copy of your documents, you never know when they will get lost and you will have to provide another copy. This is especially true of anything that may affect your pay.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2014 10:15 PM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 22:15:56 -0500

Don't let anyone tell you what you can't achieve. Unless they want to be proven wrong...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 2:54 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:54:59 -0500

"don't do anything that is going to embarrass you, your family, or the Army. If you have to say hey watch this, you probably shouldn't do it."-this was the only thing that my 1SG would say at safety briefs. As long as you follow those two sentences you should never find yourself in a situation that you shouldn't be able to handle.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 3:44 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 03:44:51 -0500

Know yourself, Know your people, Know your job.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 11:55 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 23:55:03 -0500

Dummy cords, if used correctly, will dummy-proof you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2014 3:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 15:38:00 -0500

No one cares about your career more than you do. So you need to take care of yourself.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 9:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:14:26 -0500

In order to take care of yourself, you must take care of your Soldiers. If they are squared away and trained properly, then you will be able to maximize your time to take care of yourself. Be proactive and not reactive. The last sentence is a quote we use all the time in MRT.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 7:19 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 19:19:32 -0500

Everyday you should learn something new that will help you kill bad guys.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 9:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 21:11:19 -0500

If you are injured then get yourself fixed. Once you get fixed. Stay at a slow pace till your body or mind is ready to rock and roll again. You may be a tuff son of a B. What good are you when the crap hits the fan and you are not 100% because you had too much pride.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 11:26 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 23:26:47 -0500

The best advice I've received that's most memorable right now is "Always be the one who is in control of your career. Never give someone the opportunity to control who you would be in the military". It wasn't something that a important person in my military career told me. But for some reason, it stuck with me.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2014 9:21 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 09:21:04 -0500

From my dad, also a vet, before I went to see a recruiter. He said "You'll be fine as long as you understand that everyone lying to you." Most useful advice I ever got.

Response by MG Peter Bosse made Feb 12 at 2014 11:03 AM

MG Peter Bosse — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 11:03:11 -0500

Absolutely great insights on advice from others in the military, thank you all.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2014 8:51 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 20:51:52 -0500

Best single session advice I got when I was a young 1LT:

Be competent - know your profession

Be confident - know your self

Communicate - keep everyone informed (boss, subordinates, peers)

Second great piece:

Don't expect, inspect.

Response by SSgt George Brown made Feb 12 at 2014 9:20 PM

SSgt George Brown — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 21:20:04 -0500

I am so glad that was offered to you. I am sure you have returned the gesture many times as well. The real thing is we are each human, and his gesture allowed you to know someone cared and THAT makes a real difference.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2014 9:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 21:48:10 -0500

" Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance" SSG DiMario 14E AIT Instructor 2010.

Response by COL Judy Roberson made Feb 13 at 2014 12:06 AM

COL Judy Roberson — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 00:06:29 -0500

The best advice I received was: Trust and Verify

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2014 6:00 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 18:00:19 -0500

I've accually have a couple bits of advice which has helped me:

1. "Do it right the first time so you do not have to do it again"

2. "Learn one thing about your profession everyday and your experience and knowledge will grow daily"

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 10:22 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 10:22:13 -0500

The best advice I ever received was to always admit when screwed up, admitting it and finding a solution to to it is part of being responsible. Don't allow those that you work for to take the blame I.e your troops when it was your decision in the first place. It will teach them that they do no not have to be responsible for their own actions. It just part of leading by example and mentoring those that you have for the time being so that when leadership comes their way they understand the responsibility that comes with it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2014 12:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:46:59 -0500

Some of the best advice I received was "Be passionate about your job and emotionless about the things you can not control".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 9:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 21:37:36 -0400

You are who you hang with. Choose your friends wisely.

Translated, if you hang out with the undisciplined Soldiers, you are trash generally. If you hang out around squared away Soldiers, you tend to be a better performer.

Response by SFC Anabel Cepero made Mar 12 at 2014 9:59 PM

SFC Anabel Cepero — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 21:59:13 -0400

Sir,

"Don't let Darth Vader win". I had a senior NCO who made my life hell and I was telling a MAJ about the situation. It was to the point that I questioned if I really wanted to stay in. After he listened to my situation he gave me some great advice and made the above statement. It made me laugh, but he was right. The way he explained it was that there will always be a villain everywhere you go, you just can't let him get to you and win.

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 23 at 2014 8:09 PM

SPC Michael Hunt — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 20:09:09 -0400

Eat the matches that come in the MRE's... the sulpher keeps ticks, fleas and chiggers off of you in the field.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2014 6:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 06:31:36 -0400

DONT GIVE ANYONE A REASON TO GET IN YOUR LANE. STAY IN YOUR LANE AND IF EVERYTHINGS GOOD THEN YOU WILL BE OK.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Apr 7 at 2014 7:21 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 07:21:59 -0400

The best advice I remember hearing was to stay positive - at the end of the day look back and find at least ONE positive thing, regardless of everything else that happened look at that one positive thing and realize you've made one more step in life to improve yourself. As long as you can find that one positive thing each night you're on a positive track & will continue (step by step) to improve. Then LTC now BG Dillard Thank you.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 4:38 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 04:38:12 -0400

Sir this truly is some great advise. "Take a Knee" in this case shows true Soldier care and that is what we are supposed to be about. Thank you for the background on the post.

Now mine would be "make a decision if need be make minor course corrections" This has held true for most of my career.

Response by SSG Jeffrey Spencer made Apr 16 at 2014 8:49 PM

SSG Jeffrey Spencer — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 20:49:52 -0400

I still remember my DI telling us "Expect the unexpected; and don't even expect that!" That was in 1977.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 12:42 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 00:42:24 -0400

"Knowledge is Not Power! Applied Knowledge is Power!" meaning that when you learn something new or have a better understanding of something. Then you need to share it with the people around you. You should never hold onto your knowledge and keep it to yourself, it only benefits you. As we all pass away at one point that knowledge dies with you and the amount you impact the world will determine on whether or not you shared that knowledge and wisdom with the ones around you.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2014 6:54 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 18:54:01 -0400

The best advice I had ever received while in the military came to me in 2012 when I was getting ready to deploy and had been through a recent divorce, which involved my three daughters. It came from my boss, a Colonel, and he said, "You have a lot on your plate. You need to maintain balance in your life no matter what. If you can't deploy, tell me now and I will get someone else. You didn't hear this from me, but this place is a machine. This was here before you and it will be here after you. Don't sacrifice your family for the mission unless it's truly life or death. In other words, if they are coming over the fence, then kiss your kids goodbye and grab your gear...it's what you signed up for, and frankly, it's what I expect from you and everyone else in this unit. You need to know that this deployment is not that. This is AEF and I have two other qualified guys that I can send. You need to have balance in your life. If you need to be with your family, you tell me now. If you deploy, I expect you be fully engaged. Our Airmen deserve to be well led. Now what's it going to be?, Jack Daniels or a Shirley Temple? No pressure. Love ya, man!"

He always said "Love ya, man!" when we were in the shit. Or, "Can you believe they pay us for this!?!?!"

Response by SPC Wayne Hamilton made May 22 at 2014 3:26 PM

SPC Wayne Hamilton — Thu, 22 May 2014 15:26:28 -0400

Off the top of my head, one of the best lessons i learned that permeates all facets of my life...

"attention to detail"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 8:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 May 2014 20:58:02 -0400

Every Soldier has a shelf life... give the Army everything you've got, and get the most that you can out of the Army!

This was basically to impress the need to use tuition assistance, the GI Bill, take leave when you can, and get as many schools in as possible. It later evolved to ensure that you network with others to make your future as bright as possible.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2014 3:40 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 03:40:38 -0400

"You are a direct reflection of your soldiers, their success is your success". And "No one respects a poor leader". A few things past NCOs have told me and it has stuck with me.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2014 9:00 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 21:00:23 -0400

Sir,

I just got the best advice from my old 1SG, who's now retired….he told me when I go to USASMA to play nice with everyone. I'm a demanding individual and have a personality like sandpaper so it's hard. I'm going to try and I'm also trying on RP.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 11:25 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 11:25:32 -0400

Semper Gumbi. Best advice for life really.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2014 4:39 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 16:39:55 -0400

The best advice I ever got was "stay humble". Success can have a negative affect if you handle it incorrectly. The moment you start to gloat and put yourself on a pedestal you lose site of what you really accomplished. No one wants to work with someone that thinks they're better than everyone else. I make it a point to remind my airmen of this not long after congratulating them for something.

Response by 1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2014 11:43 AM

1st Lt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 11:43:32 -0400

The best advise I have received was "don't do stupid" from Gen McDew. We are all trained to take a task/program and make it our own by trying to create this magnificent master piece. But if the task/program you were given does not benefit your organization or Air Force in any way then why continue to keep the program in existence?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2014 3:34 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 03:34:35 -0400

The best advice I ever got whas when I was a SPC. I was told that I needed to be my own career manager because nobody cared about my career as much as me. If I wanted something, I needed to actively pursue it. So far I've been in going on 11 years and I have picked every assignment/duty station that I've had.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 6:59 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 18:59:37 -0400

Memorize your SOP

Response by MAJ Jim Woods made Aug 4 at 2014 11:10 AM

MAJ Jim Woods — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 11:10:36 -0400

Nothing as dramatic as what BG Bosse went through but after OCS and reporting to my first assignment, my Bn. CO told me to "Shut Up and Listen to your NCO's before making decisions".

The hard times in my career were when I forgot his advice and tried to do it on my own. Of course being a Co-dependent Infantry Officer didn't help.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Nov 4 at 2014 4:03 PM

SSG Tim Everett — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 16:03:22 -0500

Keep your powder dry and stay frosty.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2014 4:25 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Dec 2014 16:25:24 -0500

Grow where you are planted.

Do the best where you are and trust that those above and around you will take care of everything else.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 9:36 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 21:36:42 -0500

Sir,

When I was a naive little 2nd LT stationed at Thule AB, Greenland, my Squadron Commander came into the Missile Warning Operations Center, kicked out my Crew Chief and Space Console Operator and sat in the left seat for some mentoring time. During the conversation, he pointed out. "You won't get it yet, but in your career, you'll find the Air Force makes the extraordinary an every day event." He went on to talk about how I need to savor it and not take it for granted.

Here I am, 22 years old, sitting in the Arctic Circle in a multi-million dollar space radar ops center and I can't help but think "What is he talking about being extraordinary? Is the old man off his rocker?"

How could I not see the irony? I blame it on being a 2LT.

It took me a couple years and some maturity, but, I realize how true those words are. I lived in the Arctic Circle. I was a Missileer responsible for Nuclear Weapons. I became an Intelligence Officer and traveled around the Middle East. I would have not met my wife if I'd never joined the Air Force.... The list goes on.

I now try to pass that wisdom on to the younger Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines that have worked for me since then. I hope they catch on quicker than I did.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2014 10:36 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 22:36:30 -0500

Sir,

Good question.

The best advice I've ever got is to subscribe to S1net.

this source of information will set you apart from the others. you will always know what's going on in the army, therefore one can become a SME about many day to day (and beyond) subjects.

Response by SGT Drue Rockwell made Dec 23 at 2014 11:27 AM

SGT Drue Rockwell — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 11:27:38 -0500

Never forget where you came from. Learn to trust your soldiers to make mistakes or succeed; you can't do it all for them.

Response by SGT William Howell made Dec 23 at 2014 11:56 AM

SGT William Howell — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 11:56:44 -0500

I was giving my guys a break and I was police calling by myself. My Top came over and asked me what I was doing. I told him I wanted my troops to see I was not above pulling a police call.

He then told me the best advice I ever got. He said, "Howell, it is important that they know you are able to do the same thing as the soldiers you lead, but a gaggle of PVTs not being gainfully productive will lead to PVTs getting in trouble." He was wise beyond his years!

Response by LTC Randy Readshaw made Dec 24 at 2014 5:50 PM

LTC Randy Readshaw — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 17:50:05 -0500

As a buck Private in OSUT at Fort Benning in 1983 SFC James Kwasniewski gave me one of the most important leadership lessons I ever received. He told me toward the end of the training cycle that he took one look at me getting off the bus and just knew I would be his first trainee discharge of the cycle. By mid-August he was recommending me to compete for honor grad. I asked him since he thought I was good enough to represent the platoon at the Honor Board why wasn't I ever put in a leadership position like squad leader or platoon guide. This is where the nugget of wisdom came...

He said some soldiers are more important leading from within the ranks rather than in front of them.

This really struck home with me and I tried to remember it in every assignment I had after that.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2014 3:38 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 15:38:14 -0500

I enlisted in the Marines in 1984 and my dad, who was retiring from the Air Force as a Colonel told me a few things that stuck:
1. Two ears, one mouth. Use them in that ratio.
2. Never accept a low level no, find the person who can say yes
3. Learn from your leaders, both good and bad. By the way, its much more important to pay attention to what the bad leaders do and fail to do for their people.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2014 3:47 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 15:47:37 -0500

Go to school, use every opportunity you can to better yourself. The Military is only one chapter in your life. What are you doing to prepare yourself for the next chapter in your life's book?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2014 4:01 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 16:01:29 -0500

Sir, the best advice I ever received was to "keep soldierin'!" And I soldiered on for 30 years before hanging up my uniform for good. I guess you could also describe it as "keepin' on keepin' on."

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 25 at 2014 10:38 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 22:38:09 -0500

MG Peter Bosse Sir, there have been so many. I was fortunate to have been influenced by great leaders and subordinates alike. Many, I am lucky enough to call friends.

That said, the best piece of advice I received was from a USMC LtCol who related I should return to the service and stay until retirement. We were contractors together in Monrovia, Liberia - West Africa conducting security missions at the US Embassy. When my two year contract was up, I did just that. He added the second greatest piece of advice ever. "Easy to be hard, hard to be smart."

Response by MAJ Sitz Randy made Dec 31 at 2014 12:07 PM

MAJ Sitz Randy — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 12:07:40 -0500

"No body is going to give you anything" "You want it...you earn it" Put in the time and sacrifices and you will get what you want.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2015 1:05 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 01:05:07 -0500

Best one I've ever gotten was from my instructor in the Armorers Course.
"Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution"
Ever since that day, that's what drives me every day.

Response by SMSgt Judy Hickman made Jan 1 at 2015 2:18 AM

SMSgt Judy Hickman — Thu, 01 Jan 2015 02:18:24 -0500

I was to told to stay flexible, Semper Gumby...Meaning don't be afraid to bend when it is necessary or the right thing to do. Don't get to set on rules or regulations, because they will probably change.

I believe in the military the only constant, is change.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 4 at 2015 8:18 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 20:18:19 -0500

MG Peter Bosse, this poem was recited to about forty officer candidates, in its entirety, by COL(ret) Alton R. Barnes, a living legend in the Alabama Army National Guard. I hope you've had the opportunity to meet him. These words have resonated with me for a lifetime. I like to think I have heeded them.

"The Guy in the Glass"
by Dale Wimbrow, c. 1934

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf*,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgment upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.

*money

1LT L S, CPT Private RallyPoint Member and SFC Mark Merino

Considering your hint to SPC Coye (mirror/reflective surface), CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member, I thought you might enjoy this. It's certainly helped me in my life.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 4 at 2015 10:24 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 22:24:51 -0500

When I first obtained a leadership position, I was told by my Platoon Sergeant, "Just remember you can't remember everything, that's the reason for manuals.

Response by PFC Jim Mills made Jan 4 at 2015 10:34 PM

PFC Jim Mills — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 22:34:53 -0500

I grew up military! My father was a missile tech on boomers for 21 years and the disapline i was tought transferd to my time spent in service and in my personal life and the words i will never forget are ! Pay attention to detail!!

Response by LTC Richard Wasserman made Jan 5 at 2015 11:51 AM

LTC Richard Wasserman — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 11:51:24 -0500

Keep a copy of my orders until I retire-------He should have said pay vouchers
They didn't start keeping electronic records till around 1995. Also, as a reserve/guard soldier------check and make sure the yearly retirement points add up to what you actually did. My didn't and I had to have them updated.

Response by LTC Richard Wasserman made Jan 5 at 2015 12:00 PM

LTC Richard Wasserman — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 12:00:22 -0500

General,

Not many officers out there that care enuff about their soldiers to do that. Most only care about themselves.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Jan 19 at 2015 2:13 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 14:13:58 -0500

Before I went to basic training, a retired Marine told me this. "Don't take it personally."

Best advice I ever received.

Response by MAJ James Hastings made Jan 20 at 2015 4:35 PM

MAJ James Hastings — Tue, 20 Jan 2015 16:35:40 -0500

"Get Down...!" Yep, that was the best advice - saved my life a time or two :-)

Response by Lt Col Kurtis Sutley made Jan 22 at 2015 10:27 PM

Lt Col Kurtis Sutley — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 22:27:42 -0500

Maintain control, analyze the situation and take proper action. Anything else is a waste of valuable time and in certain situations will probably get you killed.

Response by 1SG Stephen Ferris made Jan 22 at 2015 10:52 PM

1SG Stephen Ferris — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 22:52:21 -0500

Don't make yourself look good by making others look bad!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 2:58 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 02:58:55 -0500

Best advice I ever received was "give credit were credit is due". My first SGTMAJ told me that if you are going to be in charge of troops then you will have to discipline them. So never forget to give them credit if they deserve it. People who know they will be recognized for doing a good job tend to do a good job.

Response by PO3 Stephen Michael made Jan 23 at 2015 6:29 AM

PO3 Stephen Michael — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 06:29:46 -0500

My best advise was by way of example from a chaplain I served with: Doing the right thing will sometimes cost you, going with the flow will cost you a lot more.

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Jan 23 at 2015 7:07 AM

SFC Royce Williams — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 07:07:25 -0500

My first squad leader told me that 25 cents can save a marriage. Always call before you head home after field time. And one of my 1SG's taught me to "inspect what you expect". Has served me well throughout my career an afterwards.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 11:12 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 11:12:38 -0500

Best advice I ever received: Consider the situation and ask yourself one question; will it matter in five years? If not, let it go.

Response by Cpl Joe Granado made Jan 23 at 2015 12:42 PM

Cpl Joe Granado — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 12:42:41 -0500

One that I use to date was from my GySgt. "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 1:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 13:48:15 -0500

If it seems wrong...it's wrong

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2015 2:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:46:45 -0500

Always try to do your best in everything you can but at the same time, take care of your health first because without it, you are broke, go to sick call if you are hurt.

Response by PO3 Denny Krontz made Jan 23 at 2015 2:51 PM

PO3 Denny Krontz — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 14:51:51 -0500

When it comes to safety ALWAYS check twice.

Response by SSG Britt Miller made Jan 23 at 2015 6:08 PM

SSG Britt Miller — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 18:08:31 -0500

don't trust officers they will get you killed ........ advice from my father ww2 , Korea ( POW for 33 months ) , and Vietnam vet

Response by TSgt Enriquez Robert made Jan 23 at 2015 6:31 PM

TSgt Enriquez Robert — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 18:31:39 -0500

Best advice I ever recieved was to do something that has nothing to do with airplanes .So when you lose your job in the airlines cause you will .You will have a backup.Ironically thats exactly what happened.

Response by SMSgt Todd Wagendorf made Jan 23 at 2015 9:31 PM

SMSgt Todd Wagendorf — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 21:31:58 -0500

After retiring in 08, that puts me in the civilian world going on several years. Don't believe there would be enough here to explain just exactly how blessed I was to live in and with a brotherhood compared to out here. My favorite was "Get yourself squared away". To me that meant not only my self, but also family, finances, etc.. Miss it, miss it, miss it!

Response by Sgt Rich Gelfand made Jan 23 at 2015 10:40 PM

Sgt Rich Gelfand — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 22:40:35 -0500

Never Volunteer for Anything...

Response by SGT David Emme made Jan 24 at 2015 12:07 AM

SGT David Emme — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 00:07:01 -0500

Never give a bum a third chance.
A bad plan is better than no plan.
At 1700 at EOD formation on a Friday when we just got the word we were going to be there another hour or two our 1SG would tell us, "No one here got killed or wounded-no one is trying to mortar us, shoot at us, blow up IED's in our face-today is a very good day!"

Response by COL Joel Abramovitz made Jan 24 at 2015 7:53 AM

COL Joel Abramovitz — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 07:53:42 -0500

When I took my first command, my new next-higher told me:
1. You will not be able to successfully accomplish all you will be asked to do.
2. As a commander, you get to choose what you are going to fail at.
3. Where you choose to succeed, go at it 100%.

My boss at my last command told me: Stay on top of weird. He meant that before things go wrong, they get weird. Fix it then.

Wonderful responses, everyone! I do miss the Army.

Response by SPC Gretchen Etchison made Jan 24 at 2015 10:46 AM

SPC Gretchen Etchison — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 10:46:10 -0500

Home is wear you hang your hat. When going to a new duty station keep in mind it is what you make it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2015 11:11 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 11:11:01 -0500

1. Do not take it personal. It is their job to yell at you. It is not personal for them, so do not make it personal for you.

2. Take care of your Soldiers and they will take care of the mission.

3. If they are not yelling at you it means that you are doing ok, even if they do not say so.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2015 3:28 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 15:28:06 -0500

Become good friends with soldiers in personnel and in food service, make a copy of everything that you give someone, and reclass any chance you get. I had a great career thanks to that advice given to me by an E-9 about 25 years ago.

Response by SP5 Paul Riley made Jan 25 at 2015 11:26 AM

SP5 Paul Riley — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 11:26:01 -0500

Stop what your doing and breathe

Response by MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 4:30 PM

MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 16:30:58 -0500

I can't seem to pick a "best one." I have a few knowledge nuggets that I have been told (and I pass along to others) or that I have developed (and continue to pass along to others)

1. Always exceed the standard on a daily basis. That way if and when I have bad days, at the very least I still meet the standard.

2. Always make your own assessments of new Soldiers. They might have been dirtbags in their previous unit, but looking to better themselves with a fresh start.

3. Your career is in your hands and always work to achieve two ranks higher; not just the 25m target.

4. Soldiers don't always listen to what you say, but they ALWAYS watch what you do.

5. If you remotely question the morality of a decision you're about to make, break contact and regroup.

6 Lastly: continue to perform and plan as if you are going to stay in. Even if you are dead set on getting out, plan to stay in. You just never know if passing up an opportunity to get promoted or better yourself is going to bite you in the ass when your circumstances change and you must reenlist.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2015 6:56 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 18:56:56 -0500

The very best thing told to me, "If I can not take care of my own self, there is no way possible for me to offer quality leadership to others."

Response by CPO Alan Lawson made Jan 25 at 2015 8:40 PM

CPO Alan Lawson — Sun, 25 Jan 2015 20:40:30 -0500

Get mean as a junkyard dog. From my Marine brother. Heading to Afganistan

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 3:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 15:03:06 -0500

"The Army will not always be there for you....but your family will."

and...

"Hard times don't last. Hard people do!"

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 31 at 2015 3:24 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 15:24:15 -0500

This was at my second duty station. Our Program (Unit) MGySgt told us telling us a story.

"A Battalion SgtMaj sees a young PFC (E2) marching a Platoon, and thinks he is doing a good job. So he stops the Marine with the intent to praise him. After a quick interaction, the SgtMaj realizes the praise is falling on deaf ears, and asks 'What's wrong?'. The PFC responds 'A Private could do this.'"

The morale of the story was, never assume that it takes a certain rank to accomplish a specific task.

A lot of times we get into the habit of thinking we need a SNCO or an NCO to do X, when in actuality, we just need to get X done, and who actually does it is irrelevant to the task.

Response by Sgt Jay Jones made Jan 31 at 2015 7:53 PM

Sgt Jay Jones — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 19:53:49 -0500

It had to do with leadership and performance. I was told by a Lt.Col when I was a newly promoted Sergeant two things. 1) When it comes to being a leader, you cannot push a rope. Meaning if you want to lead, you have to get in front and pull! 2). Your performance is based on how you compare to others in your rank structure. Meaning if you were in the top 10 amongst all of the Corporals in your unit that is good. If you are promoted to Sergeant and you perform at the same level you did as a Corporal you may just be an average Sergeant. You have to continue to strive to improve yourself and do your very best at all times.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 31 at 2015 9:43 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 21:43:14 -0500

Sir, a really great piece of advice I was given was always have a NCO with you. Especially as a Junior Officer I can say that having the NCO with me has been a huge help. Not only was then NCO able to guide me in planning missions but I was also able to learn the why, which has helped develop me into a better officer and leader.

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made Feb 4 at 2015 5:42 PM

SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 17:42:19 -0500

As odd as this may seem, in 1979 at Fort Dix, NJ, one of my Drill Sergeant's (SSG Smith) said as we entered the mess hall, "Get all you want, eat all you get, take your time, you have 5 minutes!" That's a life lesson! I learned I get out of it what I put into it, so put all I have into it. And be quick about it because I'm not promised tomorrow.

Did I figure all of that out on the day he said it? Nope! I'm not even convinced he knew how I'd interpret it (seriously, we were outside in formation marching off to the days training less than 10 minutes after he uttered those life changing words).

But whenever opportunities arrived, I jumped on them like there was no tomorrow. I've been retired from active duty for almost 15 years and I still do!

Response by Sgt Rich Gelfand made Feb 4 at 2015 11:35 PM

Sgt Rich Gelfand — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 23:35:53 -0500

In BMTS, in the chow hall, "Don't go in the snake pit" (where the TI's ate).
Actually, this advice almost got me busted out of the Air Force before my tenure began.
We were warned, do not go into the "Snake Pit", you'll get chewed up, spit out and digested if you do.
Well one day, while quietly minding my own business in the chow hall, I was singled out by one of the "snakes" in the "pit". He said, Hey You, Airman, yeah you, *#!! head, get over here..., I marched to the entrance of the snake pit and stood at attention: He said, "Get your #!! in here. Standing at attention I yelled: Sir, Airman Gelfand reports as ordered, "I am not allowed in the snake pit, SIR!"
The TI went berserk, "What do you mean you're not allowed in the snake pit you (insert expletive here!!) Get your (expletive ) in here right NOW!!!!!
SIR, AIRMAN GELFAND REPORTS AS ORDERED, I AM NOT ALLOWED IN THE SNAKE PIT, SIR"
"WHY I OUGHT TO RIP YOUR HEAD OFF AND @!$! DOWN YOUR NECK, GET YOUR !@# IN HERE!"
"SIR, AIRMAN GELFAND REPORTS AS ORDERED, I AM NOT ALLOWED IN THE SNAKE PIT, SIR"
This challenge went on one more time...
Now, mind you, there was no written rule that I remember about us not being allowed in the "Snake Pit", but it was ingrained in my puny head that we weren't allowed.
And I was standing there challenging this TI in front of 200 people.
I don't know how I made it out of boot camp, but I did end up in front of the Squadron Commander for that one.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2015 9:52 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Apr 2015 09:52:47 -0400

Two things, that cannot steer you wrong:
1) Keep your priorities straight: Faith, Family, Job...if this order gets messed up, you are on a path for stress and hard times. Always keep your faith--it is your foundation and will always be there for you. You need to keep your family in mind--remember, when you retire or leave the service, your family will (unless you violate the priorities) still be there for the rest of your life.

2) Don't worry about rank or evaluations, TAKE CARE OF THE TROOPS! As long as it is legal, ethical, and moral, do all you can to take care of your soldiers! They are your resume. They are your credentials. They are your legacy. If you do all you can as a leader to take care of your soldiers, you can always sleep well at night, and will be humbled and proud of what they accomplish!

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 13 at 2015 6:51 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:51:43 -0400

Here's a few that served me well:
Never screw your people literally or figuratively

Three Bs will end your career: booze, broads, and bucks. (PC version: substance abuse, sexual harassment, and misappropriation of funds)

When the instructor starts learning, the student stops.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 13 at 2015 8:46 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 20:46:18 -0400

I was a Tank Platoon Leader and the company Movement Officer. I asked our S-4 repeatedly for movement information with no avail so I went to the Brigade S-4. That was a big mistake and was cussed at by the Battalion Commander for 10 minutes. He ended by putting his arm around my shoulders and thanking me for trying to do my job, I just went about it the wrong way. The experience made me more prudent of my decisions.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Apr 14 at 2015 2:24 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:24:10 -0400

The best advice I have ever received in the military was to make sure you personally check your records for completeness. Just like any records you might keep at home, insurance policies, registrations etc. When they are needed you want them to be right.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 2:31 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:31:03 -0400

Embrace the suck. I can take that saying into anything I do whether it's out in the field or back home in school or at work.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 14 at 2015 2:50 PM

SFC Stephen King — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:50:02 -0400

One of the best things I was told is determine what is important and what is urgent. I remember distinctively that I have choose my family over a PPT.

Also I live control the controlable. Understanding that I only have control over my thoughts.

Seperate things in A and B
A you can control
B you have no control over don't worry about it.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Apr 14 at 2015 2:55 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:55:25 -0400

Best advice I ever got was from a SFC that simply told me to "Talk it out".

I was feeling overwhelmed by a group of problems, and f-ing up by the numbers... which just created more problems. He just sat there and listened to them. By the time I got done I realized that they were solvable and insignificant if I prioritized them and hit them one at a time.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 19 at 2015 11:20 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 11:20:34 -0400

Sir were you at Ft Campbell around 2011?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2015 11:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Apr 2015 11:35:15 -0400

Nothing you do on a daily basis is worth being stressed out about.....if you are stressed out, take a breath, re-evaluate the situation, develop a new plan, and execute!!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 26 at 2015 11:43 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 26 Apr 2015 11:43:49 -0400

Use my Combat Arms skills to plan huge ceremonies or events like OIC of Ft Hood's Single Soldiers' Day and Veterans Day for the City of Indianapolis, with great emphasis on TLPs and OPORDs.

Response by CPT Alex Lamb made May 13 at 2015 7:35 PM

CPT Alex Lamb — Wed, 13 May 2015 19:35:14 -0400

"It's only ever temporary" in response to high levels of stress.

There's always a light at the end of the tunnel for your position. Whether it leads to another tunnel is entirely up to you.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made May 22 at 2015 8:23 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Fri, 22 May 2015 08:23:13 -0400

The best advise I ever received was to take care of myself because there is always someone to replace you.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made May 22 at 2015 8:42 AM

SSgt Charles Edwards — Fri, 22 May 2015 08:42:59 -0400

I thought my uncle who served in the Air Force and operated under the same AFSC as me would have given me good advice, but anything he ever said bordered on the line of be "more like him" or came across as some kind of dick measuring contest. Pardon my French. Needless to say, I went away from trying to be the kind of Airman he was and carved out my own path -- for better or worse.

In my opinion, the best advice I ever received from someone in the military came from my first supervisor. It was simple: don't stay in one place. Move around and see the world. After 10+ years of service, I was stationed at four different bases (deployed to a fifth), visited five countries and never remained in place longer than three and a half years. I have always passed along that advice to others because the military offers a way of seeing the world most can only dream about.

Response by MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht made Jul 19 at 2015 3:28 PM

MSgt Marvin Kinderknecht — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 15:28:43 -0400

As a young airman, I asked this Master Sargent if he would like some coffee. He called in the whole flight line and said I was buying. Cost me 1.10 (1954). He told me --NEVER BROWN NOSE a M/SGT AGAIN ---especially one with 28 years service. I recon I really was a young snot nose .

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Aug 1 at 2015 1:59 AM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 01:59:08 -0400

"Don't sweat the small stuff, but don't ignore them ether..."

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 13 at 2015 3:12 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 15:12:45 -0400

This is a general statement. Superiors should set the conditions for success for the subordinates.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Aug 24 at 2015 9:07 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 21:07:46 -0400

In 1984, my ROTC program got a new NCO instructor. He was a Vietnam Combat Infantryman and had served as an RI in Florida. We were out on an FTX and I heard the best piece of advise and probably the only thing that I clearly remember from all of my ROTC instructors. When I have followed this advice, it has paid off and when I have not adhered to it, I have suffered. That simple advice from this old NCO was this, "Never pass up an opportunity to use the latrine."

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 25 at 2015 2:29 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 14:29:28 -0400

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 2 at 2015 1:37 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 13:37:40 -0400

I chaptered 4 soldiers under less than honorable circumstances, but I pulled them aside and gave them pep talks, so they would leave the army still confident about the future.

Response by MG Stephen Hogan made Mar 24 at 2016 7:20 PM

MG Stephen Hogan — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:20:22 -0400

From my Dad. "The right thing, and the smart thing, are always the same thing."

Response by CPL Peter King made Sep 29 at 2018 12:20 AM

CPL Peter King — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 00:20:16 -0400

“Make a decision, if it’s wrong I will come down on you” “If you don’t I will come down on you with a fury”

Basically inaction costs more lives than the “wrong” action. This from the man that co-wrote “Armor” the guide for modern tank tactics.

Response by MSG James Devereaux made Sep 29 at 2018 12:40 AM

MSG James Devereaux — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 00:40:54 -0400

Murder who you want but don’t ever take a dime of the army’s money

Response by CSM Tony Blair made Aug 4 at 2021 2:59 PM

CSM Tony Blair — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 14:59:07 -0400

As a PFC, my 1SG told me,
“If you only remember one thing I thought you Blair,
Remember this,
“ take care of your men”
AATW!!!!