Advice for a new Soldier going to his first unit?

2013-11-09T23:43:00-05:00

I'm about to go to my first unit after being in training for over two years, what advice would you give to a new Soldier going to his first unit, to make a positive impression on the leadership?  Or any "what I wish I would've known/done" type advice?  Thanks<br>

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Nov 9 at 2013 11:56 PM

2013-11-09T23:56:42-05:00

I spent the first week or so in my first unit being quiet and observing and learning. It's much easier to see how business is conducted than to jump in and go based off what you experienced in school. With this being your first unit, they'll expect you to have the knowledge but not he experience so you'll do a lot of learning, don't be afraid to ask questions. It's better to ask a question than to screw up and have everyone assume you don't know what you're doing. Also go in with a positive attitude even if at first it may feel overwhelming, everyone was the new guy at some point, things can only get better and it will get easier.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2013 8:54 AM

2013-11-10T08:54:47-05:00

1) Show up ready to crush a PT test. A high PT school will be a great first impression.

2) Try to get to a Soldier of the Month board and kill it.

3) Don't show up asking for a promotion to SGT despite having met the 18 month minimum. Show up seeking out responsibility and demonstrate your potential. Try your best to be a "fire and forget" soldier. The rank will come.

4) Don't lose your language skills. Just because you are out of the school house doesn't mean you are done studying.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2013 9:32 AM

2013-11-10T09:32:21-05:00

To be honest with you, if you are wanting to make a positive impression on the leadership, keep your nose clean, don't be "that guy" who has to be picked up on the weekends at the MP station all the time. Don't act like you know it all, even as a SFC, I don't know it all, be willing to look up the answers, or ask your supervisors where you can find it, don't have them feed you the answers. This shows that you have the initiative to learn. Talk to your Section Chiefs and ask them their honest opinion on the assignment, and how they would make it different, and try and implement it. Learn your job one up, meaning learn your NCO's job as much as you can. Some NCO's don't like to teach their Soldiers everything they know, because they don't want to be "one upped", but when they want to go on leave, and cant, because no one else can do it, it comes back to bite them. Don't hang with the wrong crowd, look around, and see who does what, or who says everything negative about everything.. That's just the first day.. lol, no seriously, take what you want and run with it.. I am sure you will do fine. And good luck.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2014 1:49 PM

2014-02-16T13:49:27-05:00

Shut your mouth and open your eyes and ears. Look and Listen to the soldiers around you. Get a feel for the climate of the unit. Seek out increased responsibilities and leadership opportunities. Integrate into the unit versus trying to force your way into being accepted.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 4:19 PM

2014-03-23T16:19:43-04:00

Don't go there thinking that some of the privates don't know what they're doing. Remember, your next step in rank is Sergeant. It is your responsibility to earn their respect, you don't just get it walking in there as a SPC. As for the leadership, make sure that you train your soldiers in the manner in which the regulations state. Your image is made by the soldiers under your supervision. Your leadership will do their jobs, and in doing so, they will see your progression to becoming a leader in your soldiers' actions. Your job is to prepare yourself and your soldiers to do the nations will, anywhere, anytime. Don't ever forget that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 7:45 AM

2014-03-25T07:45:10-04:00

Don't spend all your time playing D&D.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Jan 20 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-01-20T13:55:49-05:00

Listen to those who know.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-01-20T13:57:15-05:00

Show up no later than 15 minutes to the first formation. You're better off showing up too early and knowing who you fall in under than showing up two minutes early and being clueless.

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Jan 20 at 2015 2:05 PM

2015-01-20T14:05:03-05:00

Remember what you learned in basic. Be respectful but not a kiss ass. Leaders can't stand a kiss ass and neither do your peers. Do your job well and ask questions. You will run into haters. Other privates and specialists who feel they have been wronged and that the army sucks. Don't fall into that trap. Once you start that downward spiral it's hard to recover.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2016 2:58 PM

2016-06-13T14:58:00-04:00

Don't be stupid.
Use of sound-mind judgement
use common sense.
If a soldier needs help, provide support to them as much as you can.
If you don't know an answer, find out what it is.

Or if you want me to sum it up..........LIVE BY YOUR CORE VALUES.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2017 1:10 PM

2017-04-17T13:10:28-04:00

I'm late to this party but I would like to reiterate some of the good advice already listed.

Learn About Your Unit
I think any new soldier in the Army should first learn about their unit, its history, the go-to people when you need something, its chain of command, and its standard operating procedures (SOPs). It's really important to research everything about your unit inside and out, including the personalities of your unit. Understand the unit tempo and its expectations, this will help you avoid any unnecessary counseling sessions. It's also critical to learn the "pecking order", who is first in line for promotions and schools. Lastly, find out who are the bad apples and the good apples and learn from both of them.

Learn About the Army
Next step would be to start learning about every nuance about the Army and major events in American history. Familiarize yourself with basic/common UCMJ infractions, educational benefits/opportunities and learn about career progression (not just for your MOS but other career paths too -just in case you hate it) . Read biographies on past soldiers, this will help motivate and inspire you. Do your best to understand how the Army works and see the big picture. Memorize the Soldiers Creed, Warrior Ethos, your general orders, and the 7 Army Core Values. Revisit your BCT training book and maintain basic soldiering skills, just in case you have to do an annual FP (Field Problem) or FTX (Field Training Exercise). Familiarize yourself with Army documentation and the all different Army forms. Also, learn where to find information from Army references like 670-1, or Army books like FM 7-8 (Infantry bible). This will help you develop a habit referencing regulations and increase your credibility.

Learn About Yourself
Army life is tough but so is life in general. You will have to do some deep soul searching periodically. Learning is a lifetime endeavor and so is learning about yourself. Ask yourself from time to time, "why are you here?", "what do you want out of this?", "where is this heading?", "what can I do improve myself and those around me?". Always think ahead and find ways to get ahead. Most importantly you will need a thick skin to make it in the Army. Also remember that no one is going to baby you, it is up to you to take care of yourself professionally and physically.

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I have so many regrets and missed out on so many opportunities while I was in the Army. I hope whoever reads this learns from my mistakes. The Army is a great career. I really wish I could go back in time and redo everything. It really is what you make of it.