As soon as I graduate from AIT as an 88M10, what can I expect when I get home to my NG unit? What are some things I should do/not do?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:50:44 -0400

Response by SGT Robert Cupp made Mar 22 at 2017 9:57 AM

SGT Robert Cupp — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:57:38 -0400

Don't just sit on your ass during drill. Try to learn something from the more experienced soldiers.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 10:14 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 10:14:01 -0400

If you haven't done so, I would recommend you contact your unit either before or as soon as you get home. They will best be able to answer this. Those of us here on RP could give all kinds of answers as to what your BTA activities can be, but those would just be guesses at best. As for your request of what to do/not do: Don't sit around wondering what is going on. Ask your NCOs for stuff to do. Find stuff to do. Learn everything you can.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 22 at 2017 10:14 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 10:14:41 -0400

After in-processing, perhaps some shadowing of an NCO or an experienced soldier. Depending on your home unit's mission and command expect to start driving (if you're lucky) or slavish adherence to admin and classes that occupy your entire weekend (if you're not lucky). Expect the first couple years to be a learning experience where you will learn your roll, and with luck, begin to develop leadership skills.

Response by SGT Robert Cupp made Mar 22 at 2017 10:17 AM

SGT Robert Cupp — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 10:17:57 -0400

Stay off of drugs, start doing your ssd1 and actually show up to drill to.

Response by LCpl Shane Couch made Mar 22 at 2017 12:54 PM

LCpl Shane Couch — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 12:54:54 -0400

As a driver you will/should have plenty of opportunities to be around many other, and sometimes interesting MOS's. Take those chances to participate in their training. You never know, you may have an opportunity to "play" with some pretty cool "shit". Don't be afraid to volunteer for everything. Yes, some of those duties may not be very glamorous, but everything pays off in the end.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2017 1:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 13:26:22 -0400

Don't be that "this is what they said in basic/AIT" private. We've all been to basic and AIT and know what they said. The fact of the matter is there's not one all encompassing way to do things. The last time I reclassed my unit told me "forget everything you learned here when you get to the school house" and the school house told me "not everything you learn here is the right way, it's the book way. your unit will show you the right way."

Also, continue to use customs and courtesies until the individual you're speaking to dismisses them.

Response by SFC George Smith made Mar 22 at 2017 8:46 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 20:46:30 -0400

a Lot of Motor Stables and truck driving...