Did self-doubt of your own abilities hold you back in the military?

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 10:56:55 -0500

Did you doubt what you were capable of in the military, physically or mentally? Why? Did it hold you back? Did others doubt you? How did you overcome it?

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 16 at 2016 11:17 AM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 11:17:20 -0500

thats a good point...

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Nov 16 at 2016 11:37 AM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 11:37:04 -0500

One of my favorite authors, Frederick Marryat, helped me understand the source of my own fears and self-doubt so that I could overcome them. Marryat was a contemporary of Charles Dickens. He went to sea as a midshipman in the British Navy and served with Lord Cochran, England's most famous fighting frigate captain, the one who served as a model for Hornblower and Jack Aubrey, fictional naval heroes. Marryat rose to captain his own frigate in that age of iron men on wooden ships and fought in some 52 naval engagements, standing on an open deck in full view of sharpshooters firing from the tall rigging of enemy ships. Thus, when he retired to write his own series of naval adventures, you could smell the gunsmoke and blood on the pages of his books. In one book, his hero, a captain, discusses a young midshipman who appears to be somewhat "shy". In those days, "shy" was synonymous with cowardice. Marryat went on to observe that shyness seemed to be a sign of intelligence and imagination, and that such qualities helped the man overcome his shyness once exposed to the horrors of battle which could never be as bad as anything they imagined. I trusted that Marryat knew whereof he spoke.

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made Nov 16 at 2016 1:44 PM

Maj Marty Hogan — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 13:44:16 -0500

Interesting question CPT Aaron Kletzing. I don't think I ever thought of it that way- I always felt my upbringing which was just a kid from Iowa and the way I viewed myself limited me to where I thought I belonged. I will keep this short- the bottom line was being a single parent, putting myself through college working full time, and achieving success in my studies turned a lot around for me. I grew confidence that I could do more- always have your doubters, but usually those are people that wished they could do what you were doing. I quit my full time reserve technician gig after 16 years and moved home. You can see in my profile what I did and when. End of the story- a 27 year crusty MSGT earned a commission because of hard work and dedication and have my 3rd different career while serving. Advice to others- work hard, do what you are good at, and always be ready for the next step. You are your own limitation.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2016 2:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 14:28:50 -0500

I think I've kind of reached the cross- road now. I deploy early next fall and I will only have three months left and I will have 8 years in and can bounce and owe nothing. I think as a reservist I have sometimes felt held back in my civilian career because I am so involved with military stuff. I wouldn't say I doubt my ability to continue both careers, but I have questioned if it's what I really want to do and continue to sacrifice other things! I am happy I took company command early and in May will be two years so that was pretty much my only military I had when I commissioned and I've had a great support system military and non military :)

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Nov 16 at 2016 3:32 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 16 Nov 2016 15:32:51 -0500

I did. People didn't believe I could be a Marine so I carried that chip on my shoulder. Sometimes I've felt I wasn't good enough for the Marine Corps. I used to believe my Drill Instructors were just a phone call away ready and waiting to rip my rank off my collar and kick me out for not being good enough. It might have held me back a little. Maybe I didn't take as many risks. The way that I overcame it was by watching the NCOs around me. I was picking and choosing which NCOs I wanted to emulate and which ones I wanted to avoid. Every year I tried to progress a little bit more so that I never stagnated, I was always improving. That way when I pinned on my NCO rank, I could be the NCO that my Junior Marines could emulate.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 7:49 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 07:49:07 -0500

At first, yes because it was overwhelming. Everyone was there to do a job and wanted to be the best at it. Usually I like to be the one who completes the task and able to go about my business. I realized after C School that it's not the case anymore. It's about detail, perseverance and delivery. When I got to my first command I just did what I was asked, no extra whistles or bells or being extra early to take care of things. I did what was needed to be done and I was rewarded on several occasions. Sometimes, if you just actually do your job and not try to make the spotlight on yourself, you'll end up with the spotlight without any effort to move it. What you do is what makes that spotlight shine bright on you.