How is the Regiment life for a young enlisted soldier with a family?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 22:12:30 -0500

I've been in the 82nd for almost two years and I'm 2 months out from hitting my SPC. I want to do more with my career and be a part of something more uptempo. Im an 11b and I've always been in good shape and well disciplined. I want to go the regiment route, but just don't want to walk into something blind folded. I did my research and this is what I want to do, I just want to know what's the life like w/o having your tab and having a family? Is it worth being treated like trash when you don't have a tab? I bring a lot to the table and I'm well trained at being an RTO since I've been here. Need some guidance from those who lived that life and those who know others that lived that life. Thank you

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 10:22 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 22:22:41 -0500

I don't have any experience in Regiment, but from what I hear from those who have been there is that it is an extremely rewarding place to be and most regret leaving.

All I can say to you is that if you want it, then go get it. Nothing in the Army is unobtainable if you want it bad enough. YOU are the single most driving point in the path of your career.

Good luck to you.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 19 at 2016 10:41 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 22:41:46 -0500

This might be a good topic for SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA to comment on...

Response by SFC Thomas Howes made Jan 20 at 2016 10:02 AM

SFC Thomas Howes — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 10:02:53 -0500

I say you should go for it you can get tab that is no problem will there be some back lash but you make it what you want I say get the tab it will not hurt and if you want more of an uptempo go SF they have a big time uptempo

Response by SGT Chris McDaniel made Jan 20 at 2016 3:09 PM

SGT Chris McDaniel — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 15:09:32 -0500

I never was treated like trash. Well... After I stopped being the new guy. Just do your job, show interest in leadership (even if it's just loading gear into a truck) and the rest will follow.

Young single grunts party a lot, in my experience. Older and married guys are welcome. Though that may not always win with the wife. You'll probably meet others in your position and find a place.

My experience on the line in the 101st was everyone can be accepted, work hard and carry your weight the rest will follow

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 20 at 2016 10:18 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 22:18:40 -0500

I never made fun of studs. In fact I cultivated them. Eventually it is YOU who decides your fate.

Response by CSM Michael Chavaree made Jan 21 at 2016 8:20 AM

CSM Michael Chavaree — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 08:20:47 -0500

Why not go to Ranger school now? You say you are physically fit, I was just out at 82nd PRC a week ago and they are looking for more folks to go through. If you have already been in for 2 years, by the time you get there without a Ranger tab you are behind your peers. Family life is tough, but possible, thats up to you guys.

Response by SSG Rey Flores made Jan 21 at 2016 3:38 PM

SSG Rey Flores — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:38:19 -0500

I been that route I could only suggest, be the best infantrymen you can be, develop leadership skills, Do not avoid responsibility. As far as the tab is concerned, your professionalism will show through your soldiering skills, not your tab or lack there of. This coming from a Drill Sergeant, you'll do just fine because you said the magic word, "discipline". As for the family aspect, being a father will help you be a soldier and vice versa.

Response by SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA made Jan 30 at 2016 6:56 PM

SPC Elijah J. Henry, MBA — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 18:56:26 -0500

Life as a Private (anyone without a Tab) in the Regiment sucks. But, that doesn't last forever. I believe it is worth it, and I certainly wouldn't trade places with anyone in a regular unit.

The Regiment is family-friendly, as much as possible. Many workdays are very long, but three- and four-day weekends are very common. Leave at the holidays is unlikely, but extra time off is likely. The FRG is great.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Nov 23 at 2020 10:59 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 22:59:40 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Did you achieve your goal? I just noticed that I was commenting on a 5 year old request. Just a side note - I spent most of my career in the 2nd Brigade (2/325th, 1/325th, and HHC Bde), and I spent time in C & CSC 2/508th when the 2/508th was in 1st Brigade.