How do I get recognize in a unit basically hard to progress?

2015-09-01T20:06:14-04:00

Im a PFC who has been in over a year and 8 months. im very hungry to get to the next level and it's very hard to in a support unit. The guys there as far as joes are not motivating enough, my first line doesn't do monthly couselings so i never know where i stand as far as improvement. I just want to know how am i to progress and be noticed if no one is willing to help. i really want to progress and become a leader, really learn how to become a great leader. i want to be able to take on responsibilities at the next level. i really need advice.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 8:21 PM

2015-09-01T20:21:13-04:00

You need to talk to your team leader or squad leader first. Ask them for a monthly counseling that is your right as a soldier. If they fail to do there job take it to your platoon sgt. If that doesn't work request to speak to the 1 sg open door policy. It shouldn't have to go that far but if it does I am sure they will take care of it. Keep a note pad and pen with you at all times. Write down what you do everyday at work that way you have a history for yourself good practice when you become a NCO and your doing your NCOERs. Good luck to you wish we had more guys like you that cared. Ask to go to WLC or air assault or any schools and don't stop asking and push your PT to the fullest it will always pay off and volunteer for even the shittiest jobs that no one else wants.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 8:30 PM

2015-09-01T20:30:03-04:00

To start your NCO should be doing in his job, that's his fault not yours that you haven't received counseling. Second I tell my soldiers time and time again, a good soldier will always be noticed for his effort and his ability to perform so if you continue to strive for excellence everyday you will eventually get moved to that next level, keep your head on straight and work hard. Good luck

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Sep 1 at 2015 8:30 PM

2015-09-01T20:30:27-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I would bring that up with the Chain of Command and NCO support channel first addressing the problem. Then I would get your command to engage promptly. The 1SG can make it happen!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 8:56 PM

2015-09-01T20:56:26-04:00

It's always great to see a young soldier on rally point! This shows much more than your profile. Seeking the passage to uplift the warfighter can at times be. difficult.. Yes indeed go to your chain of command, many will tell you.. So how if your first line (team leader or SqD. Leader aren't approachable. Go to a different squad for example 3rd SqD and ask that SqD leader to pick you up in the ranks. Since you seek to be seen in the unit, even SqD leaders want to be seen for there leadership skills and they need joes to support them in there effort.. I hope I made sense.. Secondly don't give up for its what makes soldiers like you army strong even thou we hear this slogan many times but it's true you are indeed strong minded.. Good luck

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-09-01T20:58:49-04:00

As everyone has ready mentioned, talk to your first line leader and let him/her know your goals and request more guidance. But remember this, if they are not impressing you as a leader, do you really want their mentor ship? You can choose your mentor! They do not have to be in your coc or in your unit. It does help though.
We all learn what to do or not to do from each other. Always seek out advice and find what you are looking for. Never settle.
Read leaders books and watch others. Don't be afraid to lead as needed and ask for more responsibilities.
Best wishes!

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-09-01T22:31:20-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, everyone that has responded has already given you superior advice. I would just add that if you feel strongly about your current situation, then I would use the open door policy to explain your grievances. In the mean time, continue to give 100% at everything, keep your nose clean on and off duty. Volunteer for special duties, ask to go the Soldier of the month board, enroll in college, ask to go operational schools like hazmat certifications, UMO schools, ammo handling schools, environmental schools, field sanitation and combat life saver schools. Always seek ways to improve yourself. As sad as it may seem, don't rely on anyone to make you better and remember to not judge the entire Army based off of your current leadership or unit.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 1 at 2015 10:53 PM

2015-09-01T22:53:48-04:00

You have a right to regular counseling. I would request that from your first line supervisor NCO. That's a great place to start and also shows focus.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-09-02T09:29:33-04:00

Everyone here gave you the answer of going and asking for your counseling. I disagree. You're not asking how to get counseled, you're asking how to progress. If your first line was sharp enough to tell you how to progress, they would have been sharp enough to have been counseling you. In fact, all that is likely to happen is that you will receive a cut and paste 4856 from the Internet every month. Sometimes we forget we were once privates, too.
I suggest you seek out mentorship outside your team or squad. Find a leader that you like or inspires you to do better. It may be another team leader,or squad leader, or just one of the Senior specialists. Find a few of them. Watch them. Do what they do. Take the good parts you learned and copy them. Then read about leaders you admire. The greatest leaders have always read the biographies of the leaders who came before them
them. While you're at it, start working on college, one class at a time. You're always working on making the rank two ahead of you. That way you won't stagnate at one rank waiting on points or behind your peers who have a degree.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 12:30 AM

2015-09-04T00:30:32-04:00

Mentors don't always have to be your first line. If they did I would probably be a PFC after 13 years. Seek someone you respect and admire and ask them to mentor you. By no means use it as a way to circumvent your CoC but you have to take control of your own career. And by all means take note of the things your leaders are not doing and break the cycle when you become that leader! Good luck