If you had a chance to speak with cadets and/or midshipmen before they commissioned, what wisdom, advice, and lessons would you offer them?

Your Senior NCOs know more than you do. When they are speaking, LISTEN. The very best Generals and Admirals began as Lieutenants and Ensigns. And when they were Lieutenants and Ensigns, the listened to their NCOs and learned from them.

Your mid-career Officers know more than you do. When they are speaking, LISTEN. But use your grey matter, too. Do *not* be a "yes-man." Push back, when necessary, especially if the plan is unnecessarily dangerous or risky, or if you just have a smarter way of doing things. Don't be insubordinate, but don't be a push-over, either.

Your flag Officers know so much more than you that they don't even realize how little you know. When they are speaking, ASK QUESTIONS. If you don't understand, it is OK. It is far better if everyone thinks you are dumb for asking a question than if everyone KNOWS you are dumb because you botched a mission. Most senior Officers (and NCOs) *want* to train junior Officers; they *want* to help you learn and grow. But sometimes they don't even realize that there is a knowledge / experience / learning gap that has to be bridged.

I’ve been commissioned for a little over a year after 8 years as an enlisted soldier. A few tips from my short commissioned career:

1) You aren’t God’s gift to your military service because you were enlisted. There is always room to grow.

2) Be confident in what you know. This isn’t your first military rodeo. You know what right looks like. Don’t let people try to convince you otherwise.

3) Look out for your Joes. All officers hear this (and the majority try to do it) but it’s different when you’ve walked in their shoes. Be the officer you always wanted.

4)Lead through your NCOs and give them room to handle NCO business. A lot of things can be handled at the SL/PSG level (E5-E7).

5) Listen to your COMPETENT NCOs. The vast majority of NCOs are great at what they do but don’t fall into the trap of thinking all NCOs know best. There are few who get in those positions when they really shouldn’t be there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if something doesn’t sound right or to call BS if you know it isn’t right.

For prior enlisted officers, I would recommend that they be humble and realize their enlisted time doesn't make them gods. I saw far too many arrogant priors who sucked as officers.

For non-prior officers in technical roles (like I was), find your technical expert mid-level NCOs. Partner up with them and learn everything you can. Search out their bosses and let them know you want to learn from their subordinates. Being third generation military (father and grandfather were Army enlisted and warrants) helped me understand that. So many of my peers didn't get it.