Posted on Aug 16, 2015
SGT Robert Pennington
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I am a soldier who is still in IET AIT. Motivation is a large issue every day, despite my attempts to keep myself, and my battle buddies, highly motivated. Granted, I have come to realize that AIT is just something you just have to buckle down and get through, but a lot of us are in training for many months. Being here so long makes the leadership's "encouragement" to stay motivated push the majority of the unit to sheer apathy. Any advice I can pass along to my battle buddies that will make the daily life here more fulfilling?
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Responses: 10
SGT Ben Keen
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The struggle for motivation goes beyond AIT or even whatever time you spend in the military. That struggle is with us all daily for however long we are on this earth taking up oxygen. Sometimes you must find the motivation within, other times you can find it from external sources, either way you must look around your situation and figure out what exactly will it take to push yourself over the hump.
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SGT Supply Sergeant (S4)
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I would tell them those are the easiest days of their Army career.
I was in training for 68A and 68K and lost motivation after a few months. But looking at the big picture now, I wish I had buckled down and kept going.
I enjoy what I do now (92y) but hindsight being 20/20 I would've set myself much better had I continued in the medical field.
The regular Army ain't going nowhere. You guys need to enjoy that time y'all got in AIT
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SGT Writer
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There are outlets - chaplain, other Leaders you can better relate to, student Leadership that deserve the position, PT, comradery. Camradery is one of the biggest ones. Don't forget EO, SHARP, and Chain of Command all exist for a reason.
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SGT First Officer
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Outlets were going to be my answer. Good response Sgt Spratley...
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SGT Robert Pennington
SGT Robert Pennington
9 y
SGT, thank you for your response. I am thankful that our chaplains are very approachable in my unit, and I've spoken to them about motivation for my peers before as well.
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SGT Writer
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If I may, I recommend you ask your chaplain for a copy of "The Five Love Langauges." It's a great book that can apply to all types of relationships. If you love your job, its easier. Finding fun ways to learn your job will do a lot for you also.
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