Posted on Apr 3, 2019
What can I be actively doing to help myself become a better soldier and future leader?
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Any advice and/or input into what are some key things as a junior enlisted soldier I can be doing in terms of self-improvement? I currently am still in AIT, training to be a MLT (68K). Roughly three months until I graduate. I have a lot of ambition and strive to be the best soldier I can be. I will just name a few things I actively do. I have completed SSD-1 (DLC equivalent), currently working on completing correspondence courses, lead student PRT as often as possible, volunteer at an animal shelter on the weekends. Also working towards maxing my PT score. (Currently a 271)
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Junior Enlisted
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68K: Medical Laboratory Specialist
Career Advice
Junior Enlisted Promotions PFC 68K: Medical Laboratory Specialist Career Advice
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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Sometimes the worst leaders are the best ones to learn from. Learn what NOT to do. Α Co 68K Leads The Way!
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SGT (Join to see)
You are right i have learned more from the guys who were terrible because i looked at them and went i dont want people to think of me like that
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SSG (Join to see) Become a sponge. Learn from your NCOs. Don't be a suck-up, but do what you can to learn from the good ones. Take pride in what you do, and personal responsibility when you mess up. When others see this, they may ridicule you at first, but then they'll see that you are successful, they'll start emulating YOU.
Don't assume you know what you don't know, but become a resource in your job at your level. Stay dedicated and on top of your game. It will come to you, man!
Don't assume you know what you don't know, but become a resource in your job at your level. Stay dedicated and on top of your game. It will come to you, man!
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Learn. Learn everything. Ask "Why?" (when appropriate). Learn when asking "why" is appropriate. Know your job inside and out. Know at least the outsides of the jobs around you. Watch your NCOs. They will give you a TON of great examples of the right thing to do. They will also give you a few really good examples of what NOT to do. Even the great ones. More importantly, watch what they do when they DO screw up.
To this day, I still use mannerisms and catch-phrases from some of the best NCOs I had when I was a young PFC and SPC, because they elicited specific responses.
All of ^that^ is in general, and applies from now until you leave the Army - and even into civilian life. Specifically, for your current situation, the absolute BEST thing you can do is study like hell in AIT. Strive to know EVERYTHING about your MOS. Do not be the asshole who prolongs / holds up class with questions that only you care about, but when possible ask your instructors or your AIT PSG for more in depth knowledge about particular topics. (Also, learn to identify which questions are for your benefit and which questions are for everyone's benefit, and don't be afraid to ask the latter questions in class). Also keep working on that PT, striving for 300. Don't forget to start looking at the ACFT and make sure you are ready for those requirements as the Army prepares to transition to that.
Good luck!
To this day, I still use mannerisms and catch-phrases from some of the best NCOs I had when I was a young PFC and SPC, because they elicited specific responses.
All of ^that^ is in general, and applies from now until you leave the Army - and even into civilian life. Specifically, for your current situation, the absolute BEST thing you can do is study like hell in AIT. Strive to know EVERYTHING about your MOS. Do not be the asshole who prolongs / holds up class with questions that only you care about, but when possible ask your instructors or your AIT PSG for more in depth knowledge about particular topics. (Also, learn to identify which questions are for your benefit and which questions are for everyone's benefit, and don't be afraid to ask the latter questions in class). Also keep working on that PT, striving for 300. Don't forget to start looking at the ACFT and make sure you are ready for those requirements as the Army prepares to transition to that.
Good luck!
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