As a new soldier in today's Army, what are some key things that a specialist should be focusing on to make the Army a life-long career?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 21:37:48 -0400

Also not only for career progression but with personal development as well? I am 25 and happily married with 2 wonderful kids.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2016 9:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 21:46:58 -0400

Take care of soldiers, learn your job and all you can about the regs. But most of all set a goals and always try to stay a step ahead of your peers.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2016 9:49 PM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 21:49:33 -0400

Keep that marriage healthy. Don't underestimate how much a turbulent home life can destroy a career.

Don't lose sleep over things you cannot change (command climate, toxic leadership). Take care of yourself and your army career because no one else in a uniform will and continue developing yourself for the right reasons (i.e not because it looks better on paper but because you've made achievable goals). Take care of your body with a sensible diet and maintain your physical fitness because lord knows the minute you're hurt, the army could care less about you. In their eyes, you're faking it, drink water and drive on.

Get that degree not because momma told you to but because it gives you flexibility. You can go officer if you tire of being enlisted. You can ETS and get a great start on a civilian job due to the combination of your degree and experience.

Good luck with your career and just know you're not the first to make it a career and you're not the last. You have resources aplenty, use em.

Response by SGT Jonathon Caldwell made Mar 14 at 2016 9:52 PM

SGT Jonathon Caldwell — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 21:52:18 -0400

http://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/military-career-success-tips.html

8 Tips To Ensure a Successful Military Career

10 tips to ensure you get the most from you time in the military.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 14 at 2016 10:09 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 22:09:52 -0400

Embrace the suck when it seeks to envelope you. Then, ignore everything not necessary for the survival of you and yours.

Stay straight, do a better job than your peers and work harder than they do w/o complaint.

Prepare yourself mentally, (schooling as required), and physically as required.

Learn to neglect your family and then mandate striving to make it up to them later!

Stand out!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2016 11:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Mar 2016 23:15:22 -0400

Soldier 2020 Concept and focus on STEP. Learn to be an effective LEADER. Hone your craft as you will be expected to be the SME this coincides with being a LEADER. Establish the high ground. This method establishes that you are trustworthy and responsible. Understand that troops above you and below you come from different cultures. This means learn to communicate effectively. Establish your own leadership style that empowers subordinates. This can be accomplished by mixing your "duffle" bag up with characteristics conducive to the good order and discipline of our military. Never forget where you started and focus on where you are headed withiut undermining your integrity!

Response by CPL Abraham Estell made Mar 15 at 2016 6:02 AM

CPL Abraham Estell — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 06:02:24 -0400

go to pnoc ,try out for soldier of the month ....

Response by SGT Jodi WittBailey made Mar 15 at 2016 6:15 AM

SGT Jodi WittBailey — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 06:15:01 -0400

Enroll in school. Community service with your unit and family. Volunteer to go to developmental courses both WLC pnoc or MOS specific coursework. Right time right uniform 10 min prior. Correspondence courses. Deploy if it is an option. Love your family!

Response by SSG Robert Spina made Mar 15 at 2016 7:41 AM

SSG Robert Spina — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 07:41:32 -0400

YOU NEED TO DECIDE IF A ARMY CAREER WILL BE BENITFITUAL FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IT TAKES ALOT OF SACRIFICE BY THE FAMILY AND I HAVE NOTHING BUT RESPECT FOR THE FAMILIES OF CAREER SERVICE MEMBERS ALSO ON THE FLIP SIDE THERE IS ALOT OF UPSIDE ON A MILITARY CAREER JOB SECURITY HEALTH BENEFITS PENSION TO NAME A FEW GOOD LUCK IN WHATEVER DECISION YOU MAKE

Response by CW5 Ivan Murdock made Mar 15 at 2016 7:44 AM

CW5 Ivan Murdock — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 07:44:20 -0400

Stay focused on your career as a professional - Continue civilian and military education and seek broadening assignments. As you progress you will have a more rounded breadth of knowledge to help soldiers. Remember to stay fit - if you can't run with your soldiers they will know, and no matter how smart you are they will recognize those basic soldier skills. Even as a SPC - help younger soldiers, that habit will pay you back tenfold as you progress in rank you will just have more soldiers to help as you pin on more stripes. Right place, right time and right uniform:)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 8:22 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 08:22:22 -0400

Focus on physical fitness.. The Army career is a narthon not a sprint. In order to stay in the race you need to protect yourself from ijury and illness. If you want to survive 20 years follow safety procedures and focus on keeping yourself physically and mentally tough.

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made Mar 15 at 2016 8:41 AM

SSG Buddy Kemper — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 08:41:11 -0400

Schools, schools& SCHOOLS!!! Max your PT and qualify expert with your Weapon. If your unit has different weapon systems, such and .50-cal, 240B or Mk 19 (even tho it's not your assigned weapon) get with the guys and gals who are the unit expert on those systems and learn those too....it may save your life and other lives down range. Take charge of training if folks are sitting around. Find 3 or 4 disciplines in basic soldiering skills (land nav., battle drills, field operations, etc.) and become an expert in those areas. Land nav& field time will (should) be a part of every school you do from where you are now up to ANCOC....battle drills will save your life. So be good at it for selfish reasons AND more importantly the good of your unit. Find the best squad leader in your unit and get in his/her pocket. Don't come out until YOU are an NCO. If your unit has Airborne or Air Assault slots VOLUNTEER for those schools. The confidence I gained there as a young guy carried me a long way over 26 years. Talk to guys and gals who have attended recently for the intel on schools you are chosen for. WORK HARD! Every day you serve your nation is a blessing for you. I took too much of my career for granted and it really didn't click for me for a long time. AND I echo SFC Private RallyPoint Member ....take care of your younger/newer troops. Take care of the screw ups too. I was a blooming idiot my first enlistment and my first Combat tour. But I had NCOs and Officers who didn't give up on me and encouraged me and took care of me. Be THAT guy. The one who takes care of other folks. You do those things and when your promotion time comes around you'll be way out ahead of your peers. Leadership is LOVE. Guys will work for you and respect your rank/position but if they don't sense something more than proficiency and ambition from you, they may hesitate when it's time to 'take that hill' and follow you into the fight. If they know you'll take one for them, they'll follow all the way...they will literally break themselves for you and the mission. As things start to click for you take on someone younger to mentor. Pass your blessings and knowledge onto the next generation of warriors. Some guys you will lead in the future are in 3rd grade right now. So work hard and take advantage of the opportunity. Sorry I've rambled. We old, broke-down Paratroops tend to ramble. Thank you for keeping me free and best wishes if all you do!!!

Response by MAJ Michael Pauling made Mar 15 at 2016 8:44 AM

MAJ Michael Pauling — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 08:44:11 -0400

Civilian Education start thinking Master's Degree or equivalent. The longer you put it off the harder it is to get it.

Response by SSG Joseph Trompeter made Mar 15 at 2016 8:58 AM

SSG Joseph Trompeter — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 08:58:02 -0400

First & foremost....educational goals. The Army Education Center can take you as far as you wish to go. Attend every school or training opportunity (EFMB, Air Assault etc.) to enhance promotion potential. I got promoted to E-5 & E-6 w/999 promotion points, so IT CAN BE DONE!!!

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Mar 15 at 2016 9:04 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 09:04:28 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member First, thank you for your service. Keep you great attitude. Do every job to the best of your ability. Take every opportunity to get an education, both military and civilian. Never stop learning. Take care of your self and your soldiers. Keep you marriage strong. Good luck, buddy... Our country needs people like you in the military.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 9:11 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 09:11:48 -0400

One of the biggest issues I have seen over the past ten years or so is a major decline in training the core competencies within any given MOS. When I joined 15 years ago members of my platoon were well versed in the core competencies, or, METL tasks as cavalry scouts (speaking of my MOS) and training consisted mostly of the collective tasks needed to support each of the BIG 5 METL tasks. Today, it's hard to find the time to train at the team, squad, and platoon level due to an increase in taskings. Most PSGs spend their days scrubbing the troops to task list trying to acquire able bodied men/women to complete the daily grind. With that, I stress to my Soldiers the importance of self educating. Sure, there are plenty of great schools that the Army offers but the reality, none will make you an expert. Dig into doctrinal manuals. Approach your leadership with questions you have on your job in order to make you more knowledgeable. Another thing, avoid the Soldiers that lack the drive to do the same. If your goal is career oriented than treat each day as such; there is no substitute. Stay competitive amongst your peers. Read APD 600-25 and locate your MOS and identify what functional training is desired by rank. Each MOS has its own professional development model that can be used as a guide to set you apart.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 9:35 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 09:35:36 -0400

Always....always put family first. It's easy to get caught up in work and maybe stay late working on something that can wait until the next day. I catch myself doing it sometimes. I always spend as much time together as you can. You never know when you will be on a 9 month deployment wishing you had.

Always seek out more responsibility. Ask for additional duties, take charge of PT, etc. Ask for any Army Schools that your unit will send you to. (WLC, Air Assault, Airborne, etc) If I'm an NCO and I have 3 Specialists that I have to choose from to send to the board, I'm going to choose the mature, responsible and motivated one.

Always try and have fun! You will find yourself in some crappy situations. Just remind yourself this is what you signed up for. And guess what....when you just sit back and complain it doesn't help any. It just makes you feel sorry for yourself and more miserable.

Response by SGT Ronald Mitchell made Mar 15 at 2016 9:52 AM

SGT Ronald Mitchell — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 09:52:36 -0400

Always remember, beyond family, your "TROOPS ALWAYS COME FIRST!" In the midst of all of that, you must not forget to care for yourself. A bad you, is no good for them. Hooah

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 10:04 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 10:04:41 -0400

Always do what you say you're going to do. Take advantage of training opportunities, including college classes using tuition assistance. Make an individual development plan (IDP) even if you're not sure you'll be able to meet the goals on it, or of what opportunities may present themselves. Think of your assignments, positions, and training as part of your future resume, and ensure it will look good! Then, make sure the rest of your "free" time is spent on your family.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 10:11 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 10:11:54 -0400

1. Take care of your family; include them in what you do and explain the "whys". Involve them in your career.
2. Take care of Soldiers; down, up, left and right; everyone needs help sometimes.
3. Learn to be a leader by finding mentors and reading.
4. Do the hooah schools now (airborne, ranger, etc.), becomes a lot harder on your body and timewise later on.
5. Get your education; a bachelor's degree at minimum, master's is better. This will pay off HUGE as your progress in rank or leave the Army. GI Bill and TA will pay for most of it.
6. Embrace the suck and enjoy the good times, remember to seek opportunity.
7. The hard jobs, done well, pay off later.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 10:17 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 10:17:15 -0400

Take care of your body. The demands put on Soldiers can erode your body over time. Don't overdo PT, take the time to recover after injuries and treat small injuries before they become chronic. Otherwise, you will be physically worn down after 20-30 years. This is especially true for anything involving knees and vertebrae. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint.

Take time to be with your family. Make sure that your leaves and passes line up with when your kids are off from school.

Sooner or later, you will work for a toxic leader. We all have. When that happens, remember that your tour in that position is limited, document everything and never take that home with you.

Response by SP5 Rod Cross made Mar 15 at 2016 10:29 AM

SP5 Rod Cross — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 10:29:59 -0400

I would add that is never to early to begin thinking about your post military career. The civilian sector offers many opportunities where members of the armed forces can make the seamless transition from soldier to civilian if the prepare themselves properly.

Define your passion and find out if that particular career is offered in the corporate world. If it is not, identify the transferable skills gained and find out which careers make the best fit.

Research is the key. You want to research the different careers and which companies offer them. Information is the key. You also want to make sure that your resume is up to par and in a format that civilian recruiters and hiring managers can understand. Most importantly, you want to practice those interviewing skills.

If you do all of those things, you should put yourself in a pretty good position to find a job rather quickly when your service has ended.

Best of luck to you in your military career and we appreciate your service.

Rod Cross
Talent Acquisition Advisor
Waste Management

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 10:42 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 10:42:11 -0400

Some key things a specialist should focus on to make the Army a life long career are: Know your specific MOS! Know it like your body, become one with it and excel in every way in your MOS. Be able to train that specialist behind you now that you are a SGT or SSG. Next, Military Education: Attend all your NCOES schools at the first opportunity. Demand them! Take every civilian education course you can also! These two areas are crucial to your success. A wife and two kids, happily married. Involve your family in your career. It's there career as well, so get them to that Strong Bonds event in your area, be a part of your Units Family Readiness Program. A lot of valuable information and resources there. Next, be prepared to move around to different Units, different cities and states(countries if you like to travel) You shouldn't stay in any one Unit longer than 5 years. it's called "Homesteading " and it stunts your growth as an NCO. Next and lastly for me to you, FiND YOUR MOTIVATION!!! Develop a strong level of Motivation for the Uniform you wear, be committed to the Army, committed to making it better for others. Don't just be here to collect a check. Be the best you can at everything in the Army. Develop a Positive Mental Attitude that you can and you will go as far as you can. I did!! The Army is one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. I never imagined being a 1SG, but I am and it's because I did all the things above that I'm telling you to do. And that's just from me! Lol.. wait until someone else chimes in. Good Luck and God Bless. I believe in you Soldier. You Can Do It!!

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 11:08 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 11:08:40 -0400

As an E4 myself I served 4 years active duty in the Marines and now I'm currently in the Guard, but one thing is certain is to focus on the good things and don't let the bad things get to you because in the Military you are always going to deal with good and bad. I myself have a finance and two wonderful boys and when things go bad i think about them and I'm back to normal. Be the best husband and father you can be because one it will make you feel happy, second your family will be happy, and third you will all depend on one another. In my opinion if i were thinking to make this a life-long career you have separate yourself from your peers, and by that I mean trying to excel in everything and try to do new things that will help your career out. Focus on goals that will help you add points and make you stand out from the average Soldier. Volunteer for almost everything so that your fellow peers can see that you are taking responsibility. One thing for certain is to not do all this things just to make yourself look good, do it because you really want to and because you want to become a better Soldier and a better Leader, this will motivate you to strive for the best. Just remember your family will be there supporting you and helping you and you will do the same for them, and you also have your Military family by your side to help you out. Remember, HUNT the GOOD stuff and not the BAD, because this will help you with your choices both in the Military and your family. Wish you the best of luck and I hope I helped you in some way.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 11:21 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 11:21:25 -0400

With professional development, use your Army Career Tracker. It's significantly underrated, and essentially spells out for you just about everything that you can do to set yourself up for success within your CMF. Too many Soldiers asking what they can do to further their careers, and completely ignoring the convenient map that is set up for them - either out of ignorance of its existance, or lack of understanding of its value. Especially with the complete restructuring that is going on presently, it's vital.

Also, don't wait until you're about to be boarded (or worse yet, have your "P" status) to do your correspondence courses. It really sucks to miss the promotion list by a few points that you could've had, had you just completed those courses. Further, and this may sound counterintuitive, but, volunteer for stuff. Make your name known within your unit for positive things and for being a go-getter. Then, when you push for that NCOES or for that special school such as Armorer or HAZMAT, you have a better chance of getting it over the guy who did nothing. When you do eventually have Soldiers to train and mentor, do everything within your power to train them to be better than you, and don't hold them back. The hallmark of a good leader is the success of his or her subordinates.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 11:27 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 11:27:15 -0400

Do your best each day. Continue to learn and grow. Good luck!

Response by MSG Carl Clark made Mar 15 at 2016 11:28 AM

MSG Carl Clark — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 11:28:57 -0400

Stay away from Alcohol!!! And any form of self medication. I have seen men much better than I get a wink from their peers that "drinking is what we do" just to have an incident cause them to lose their careers.

You have to read to lead.

Carry a notebook and take notes, show leaders you are listening. You will stand out.

"No" is a control measure used to deny you information, opportunity, and more. Challenge "no" tactfully, snoop around it, determine its source, verify its authenticity. Verify all things you are told.

Volunteer for as much as you can.

Exercise, Health and Life Balance ar important. Sick call is yours and not something you should avoid, especially if an other leader insinuates you should. Don't let the Army run you down. Pawn in the game are not victims of chance. Learn how to take care of yourself and you will then know how to take care and lead others.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Mar 15 at 2016 11:38 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 11:38:34 -0400

Be quiet. Seriously. Keep your mouth closed and listen with your ears and see with your eyes. In doing so, you'll be able to pick out traits in others that you'd want to emulate, and others that you won't. If you're there running your gums, you stand a good chance of missing something. Seek responsibility. Yes you could wait for your section SGT or your PSG to hand it out, but if you go to them and ask, even if you don't get it, they'll see that you want to progress. It does pay dividends later on. Famous words I never listened to: Don't volunteer for shit. I did it twice, and while I do not regret the choice, I had no idea of the cost in the end. If you want to volunteer, be as informed if not more informed on what it is, than the person who's asking for volunteers. Remember who and what you are. You can take that crap off, and you're STILL a Soldier. Don't get caught up in the 9-5 Soldier lies. It won't end well for you. If you haven't seen what I'm talking about, you will. Maintain yourself in good standing with the E4 Mafia. They'll help you when the time comes. Get out of Hood. Anyone can be Cav. Not everyone can be a BRO (yes some personal bias in that).

Response by MAJ Elvis Barksdale made Mar 15 at 2016 11:49 AM

MAJ Elvis Barksdale — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 11:49:23 -0400

Training, Training and Training. Learn how to do it, conduct it, and use it.

Response by CPT Kurk Harris made Mar 15 at 2016 12:18 PM

CPT Kurk Harris — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 12:18:02 -0400

Build yourself as a whole person. Take time to develop your fitness in all areas...professionally, educationally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. By doing so your internal/moral compass, and preparedness will point you in the right direction and open doors for you that might otherwise remain closed. My wake-up call came when I made the cutoff for SSG. I had not yet been to BNCOC. As a result, I had to wait 3 months before I was promoted. By pursuing educational opportunities, I was able to receive a commission. This allowed me a much higher pension and many more job opportunities after the military than would have been possible as an enlisted infantryman. By constantly maintaining my physical fitness, I set myself apart from my peers and was able to attend NCOES and officer professional courses with little or no notice...again setting myself apart from my peers. Maintaining my emotional fitness helped with resilience which allowed me to perform at a high level in deployed settings, and throughout a 25 year career. Spiritual fitness also contributed to my resiliency, and provided clarity in determining courses of action when the way forward seemed unclear. Don't fall into the trap of thinking that being a PT studd who is great at your job is enough. It is not. You will eventually fade into the background with the rest of the one-dimensional superstars. Thank you for your service and good luck.

Response by CW2 Carl Swanson made Mar 15 at 2016 12:24 PM

CW2 Carl Swanson — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 12:24:44 -0400

Pay close attention to your PEER group. Don't get involved with the trouble makers. Try and spend time with a good mentor who will get you around other squared away NCOs who can teach you how to do your job better as well as help you learn how to be a good leader.
Who you associate with is noticed by EVERYONE. Be the positive role model instead of the deadbeat whiner. Details get assigned to both types of troops. A positive attitude in a bad situation can really set you apart from others.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 12:24 PM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 12:24:55 -0400

Military education, physical fitness

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 12:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 12:37:23 -0400

My motto throughout my entire career, especially as junir enlisted, has been the following: find the jobs that everyone hates to do or slacks off on and do them. Do them so well that you become valuable and hard to replace. People will notice.

Response by SFC Derrick Graves made Mar 15 at 2016 1:13 PM

SFC Derrick Graves — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 13:13:07 -0400

In my opinion the key to longevity in today's Army is to stay out of an over strength MOS and seek a your in one of the following: recruiting, drill sergeant, or ROTC instructor. Either one of these assignments will enhance your promotion potential as well as keep off the QMP or other involuntary seperation type boards. During my twenty years I served in Infantry and recruiting duty. Which helped me to experience the comments I posted above and allowed me to have a successful Army career until retirement.

Response by SSG Don Maggart made Mar 15 at 2016 1:25 PM

SSG Don Maggart — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 13:25:43 -0400

First my congrats, Now get your head out of the phone and into the books manuals study guides when you have Mastered them teach others...Be the Leader...MilitantCrip

Response by SSG Lemuel Genovese made Mar 15 at 2016 1:33 PM

SSG Lemuel Genovese — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 13:33:39 -0400

1.) Take college level correspondence courses that interest you. They will give you a clearer picture of what keeps you motivated to learn more. American History, Sociology, Economics, US Government in particular.
2.) MOS Q - advanced online courses.
3.) NCO Development, research both online and NCO Army courses and schools.
4.) Learn one pay grade above your current rank for he rest of your career.
5.) If you haven't taken the Combat Life Saver Course do it soon ! It helps you better understand how to take care of injuries both combat and training to protect your fellow troops.
6.) Get serious about finding a genuine NCO mentor in your immediate chain of command that is willing to share their wisdom and experience to make you a better leader.
7.) When an Op Order is written out, STUDY it and memorize the format.
8.) Get your team involved in writing succinct, coherent and proactive AFTER ACTION REPORTS.
I cannot stress this one enough. Total team effort begins and ends with the AAR. The pros keep their FTX AAR's and CBT mission ones in a 3 ring binder to ensure the same mistakes are seldom if ever repeated.
9.) Stress diversity. Report sexual harassment. Take no prisoners when it comes to MST environments in your AO. If your chain of command allows MST to continue, develop ways to address that crisis
among your peers first before you do anything else.
10.) CROSS TRAIN all your squad mates to perform all the mission essential tasks to lighten the load.

SSG Lem Genovese / 1st AVN BDE 214th CAB HHC SVN 1971 & 209th Med CLR CO IARNG Desert Storm CMB 1991 - Retired.

Response by SFC James Valero made Mar 15 at 2016 1:41 PM

SFC James Valero — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 13:41:44 -0400

As a "Career" NCO (12 Years Active Duty + 2 for National Guard) I can only offer a word of caution. There is a percentage of personalities who believe that influence is the same a manipulation.
You may hear things like:
"Earn Respect, give respect blah blah blah"
"I don't have time for anything that's not a priority"
"I didn't see it, so it didn't happen"
AND MY FAVORITE:
"Stay in your lane"
Anyone using the above concepts as a approach to "Leadership" are technically NOT "Wrong" but they are not helping. The above remarks (while technically true) are relatively useless.
Here's my new leadership philosophy for 2016:
Is this the best I can do for: My chain of command? My family? & My Tax-payers? If I sign-off on pay-roll...that makes me the boss.
The Military is the Arm of the Government, and the Government is of the People

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 3:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 15:03:28 -0400

Lot's of good advice here... one thing I would add though, is that the Army is rarely a life-long career. I retired from the Army at 38, and I will most likely work an additional 30 years before I am really done with my career. Even if you do 30 years, your still looking at roughly 20 years assuming your not disabled or wealthy enough that you don't have to work.

As your moving through your military career, in the back of your mind consider the implications for a civilian career down the road. What job experience will get you hired in the civilian world, what schools will increasing your earnings potential. Where do you want to be at 55 and how are you going to get there?

Response by SFC Stanley Wood made Mar 15 at 2016 3:08 PM

SFC Stanley Wood — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 15:08:57 -0400

Education, both military and civilian, like others have said go for the masters. PT, weapons proficiency and be a leader mentor new soldiers. Always do the right thing even when no one is looking. Be honest and always keep your word.

Response by SFC Phillip Wiley made Mar 15 at 2016 3:11 PM

SFC Phillip Wiley — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 15:11:07 -0400

Don't fail your family,
Know your job,
Know the regulations,
Things you have control over take control of: Physical fitness, Marksmanship, Correspondence courses (do all in your field of expertise to stay current on changes, once completed work on ones that make you a better leader), schooling degree (have the ability to fall back or forward on however the case may present itself)
Don't think anyone has your career in the forethought of their mind more than you do. You must be the one that makes your career.
Do not talk yourself out of promotions or schooling saying there is a better time, The best time is when it presents itself take advantage of it.
No matter the situation you find yourself in stop breath and think of your answer/action and how it may negatively impact you.

Ultimately be leader in actions and the rank and career will come.

Response by SFC Donald York made Mar 15 at 2016 3:52 PM

SFC Donald York — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 15:52:21 -0400

Know good leaders from bad ones, follow their examples, and someday you will be one yourself. Adhere to the creed.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 15 at 2016 5:09 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 17:09:20 -0400

Make the most out of your intellectual and personal potential. Go to college and use your GI Bill. Build a strong family. Contribute to your community. You should focus on improving your weaknesses and utilize your strengths.

Give yourself a big fat goal that if you told others they may giggle, like being an army astronaut. It may sound crazy, but every step you take to it is one step closer without it. You may not be an astronaut, but if you got a masters in a STEMs degree working towards it then you're better for it.

You will see in doing this that promotions and awards will come and you will have a successful career.

Response by SGT John Garcia made Mar 15 at 2016 5:30 PM

SGT John Garcia — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 17:30:26 -0400

I agree with all who say keep the home life right. That being the prime reason things go wrong with most young soldiers. After that, what are your education goals? Do you have even a foggy idea of where you want too be in 5-7 years. Get educated go to college, even if that means getting General Education out of the way. You may not like the classes, but they are a necessary evil. Get that Math done, a lot of people will say focus on IT or History maybe English. But truth is the world runs on Math. I'm not gonna say be a particle physicist. But get that stuff that you know you don't like and jump into it, chance are there will be people just like you in class that feel the same and you can all help eachother succeed. The army isn't rocket science. It always seems like someone has the right answers, but right now what you are asking the right question and that is a positive start. Lay out your strengths and weaknesses, be brutal and honest ask your peers, wife and some leaders too. Then make that education plan and get in it.

Response by LTC Reginald Brown made Mar 15 at 2016 6:08 PM

LTC Reginald Brown — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 18:08:12 -0400

As a company commander, many said we can't reach perfection, so I defined perfection for myself and my unit and set that as a measurable and attainable goal - reaching those metrics was perfection. Most of the responses have already mentioned most of measurable tasks: high score/300 on APFT, expert rating assigned weapon systems, all GOs on unit evaluations both administrative and tactical, plus any other measurable tasks for your unit. Perform at the next higher rank, you are not just a specialist, you are are future sergeant, perform as one now; when you become a sergeant, you are a future staff sergeant, perform as one. Of course, handle the business at hand and then take it a step farther.

Response by MSG Robert Conrad made Mar 15 at 2016 11:00 PM

MSG Robert Conrad — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 23:00:05 -0400

Your health. All of it, not just your medical health, I mean all of it. Financial health, relationship health, and healthy anything else you need to be in balance in your life. Many careers are derailed by substance abuse, improper relationships, unsavory financial decisions are some oft bemoan common deal breakers. Being able to focus on being a good soldier at work is difficult enough without unneeded distractions. When you are at home, be at home, when you are at work, be at work. Best wishes to you, I sense you are going to have a great career.

Response by MSG David P. made Mar 15 at 2016 11:03 PM

MSG David P. — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 23:03:20 -0400

You asked an important question and you received many excellent responses. My response is this: treat your current assignment / assignment as the most important of your career - show it, talk it, believe it.
All the other advice is important, just remember this one too and you make superiors, peers, and subordinates proud to serve with you.

Response by SGT Lloyd Burge made Mar 16 at 2016 2:47 AM

SGT Lloyd Burge — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 02:47:41 -0400

I have been out for almost 28 years. things have changed so much that i am a poor source of advice

Response by SSG Kenneth Wickersham made Mar 16 at 2016 3:49 AM

SSG Kenneth Wickersham — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 03:49:28 -0400

Stay out of trouble, be goal oriented, look at career paths that could advance you in rank faster is drill Sgt or recruiter

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2016 6:54 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 06:54:26 -0400

One thing I would add is do not try and reinvent any wheels. You may be smarter than the Diamond or the Bird but lack the experience to see the larger picture. Do it by the book first, find a way to make things better, and then get your supervisor involved in that change process. You just may find that doing it the old way may actually be the best way as MANY smart soldiers have already come before us. Then again, you just may have that aha moment that revolutionizes your MOS.

Response by 1SG Walter London made Mar 16 at 2016 8:26 AM

1SG Walter London — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 08:26:12 -0400

The army has a path for you to be successful stay on that path maximize all opportunities. they don't however have that for a spouse don't neglect your spouses goals and there's plenty of assistance for them as well ie' education in today's society two jobs is better then one and is almost needed they will appreciate you even more knowing you care about there future endeavors.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2016 1:46 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 13:46:53 -0400

Become a specialist at your profession. At your level, it is about learning the processes that are required to make your job successful. At the next level it is about learning how to work externally from your job to leverage the assets to ensure that they are in place to make it successful. It all starts in the manuals and expands from there. Become an avid reader of techniques and processes and become an invaluable member of your organization.

Response by CPT Andrew Wright made Mar 16 at 2016 9:52 PM

CPT Andrew Wright — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 21:52:52 -0400

Weight and PT scores. Because you can be dumb as a rock but still be promoted as long as you are physically fit.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 16 at 2016 11:08 PM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 23:08:49 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I would offer... Remember it is not (ever) about you as a leader. Focus on modeling balance and making a difference everyday. Walk the walk, don't just talk the talk...

Response by SGM Vern Walker made Mar 17 at 2016 10:14 AM

SGM Vern Walker — Thu, 17 Mar 2016 10:14:08 -0400

As the major said; keep your family close--communicate-communicate- communicate! While active go to school to increase your civilian and military education! have you and your spouse draw up a plan to include your goals and the spouses! Stick to that plan! By the way, start saving at least 10% or more of your paycheck now, and as a suggestion TSB is a good way forward! In twenty years you would be surprised at how much your money grows!
Thanks
Dr. Walker

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Mar 18 at 2016 2:09 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Fri, 18 Mar 2016 14:09:49 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, I think this discussion is an excellent use of RallyPoint! There are some truly outstanding answers posted here. I have some answers of my own, and I apologize for anything redundant.

1) I personally would not recommend the Army as a life-long career, although I would recommend serving until you can retire. Be the person that others can depend upon. Always keep your promises, and complete good work that people will remember. A mark of excellence will take you far, both in and outside of the Army.

2) Everyone who has mentioned civilian education is exactly right. Get a degree, especially now while the time is a little more on your side. It disappears as you progress in rank and responsibility. Once you begin your transition process, whether tomorrow or 15/20/30 years from now, you will thank yourself for taking this advice. Never underestimate the value of completing a degree, because it is often a deciding factor for promotions within the Army and for hiring outside of the Army.

3) Keep your family first as often as possible. It is not easy to manage a schedule that contains irregular working hours, civilian education, military education, and family life. But you must. Neglecting your family could lead to the loss of your family. The support from home is extremely important in achieving your goals, especially for a deployed Soldier. Build an effective 'time management schedule' as soon as possible, and stick to it as much as possible. I have personally found that if I don't establish where my time will go, then I often cannot figure out where it went.

I hope this bit of information is as helpful as some of the others have posted. We're all in your corner! Best wishes in your endeavors!

Response by SPC Brandon Hamilton made Mar 22 at 2016 3:29 PM

SPC Brandon Hamilton — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 15:29:30 -0400

Earning US Army Tabs, Badges, and Medals(All Army Sports)=Bonus Incentives!

Response by SSG Milton S. made Mar 22 at 2016 7:39 PM

SSG Milton S. — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 19:39:17 -0400

Always MAKE time for your family and your happiness will follow; as for your career progression, always lead by example by going to monthly boards and your squad will follow your lead; this will look very good on your NCOER. Now, on to your personal development; I'm sure you know about the importance of eating right and hydrating along with physical training so I'll move on to school; continue your education and challenge your squad to do the same; always remember that your squad looks up to you for leadership, so mentor them; outside of all of that, continue leading from the front.

Response by LTC Ron Haynes made Mar 26 at 2016 10:13 AM

LTC Ron Haynes — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 10:13:27 -0400

Do your job well no matter what it is, stay out of trouble, educate yourself, and stay fit for duty.

Response by SPC Paul Davis made Mar 29 at 2016 10:49 AM

SPC Paul Davis — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 10:49:59 -0400

If you have a good NCO.ask to talk with them. Let them know your goal.if they are worth there salt theyll tell you what's needed and what you need to improve on.take care of your family.keep them informed. Also if you goto school you'll be gone for awhile. Make sure to prepare them for you being gone .
Study,study,study. Dont do like i did turn down( E-5)..

Response by SPC Brandon Hamilton made Apr 2 at 2016 4:23 PM

SPC Brandon Hamilton — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 16:23:56 -0400

Try to stay off of Profile, but keep a "Low-Profile".

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2016 1:45 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 May 2016 13:45:49 -0400

Job knowledge both above and below current position. Respect for superiors and colleagues, adherence to army policies.

Response by MAJ Michael Pauling made May 19 at 2016 2:44 PM

MAJ Michael Pauling — Thu, 19 May 2016 14:44:35 -0400

You need to draw a template for your career and quite honestly look beyond the Career, because nowadays there is no garuntee you will have a life long career. If you map out a Career Plan that will reasonably ensure the 20yr is met then stick with old Pension Formula. In either scenario, you need to get a College and/or Blue Collar Certifications in Civilan Demanding Fields or IT.