What can I be actively doing to help myself become a better soldier and future leader?

2019-04-03T11:52:48-04:00

Any advice and/or input into what are some key things as a junior enlisted soldier I can be doing in terms of self-improvement? I currently am still in AIT, training to be a MLT (68K). Roughly three months until I graduate. I have a lot of ambition and strive to be the best soldier I can be. I will just name a few things I actively do. I have completed SSD-1 (DLC equivalent), currently working on completing correspondence courses, lead student PRT as often as possible, volunteer at an animal shelter on the weekends. Also working towards maxing my PT score. (Currently a 271)

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2019 11:59 AM

2019-04-03T11:59:23-04:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Become a sponge. Learn from your NCOs. Don't be a suck-up, but do what you can to learn from the good ones. Take pride in what you do, and personal responsibility when you mess up. When others see this, they may ridicule you at first, but then they'll see that you are successful, they'll start emulating YOU.
Don't assume you know what you don't know, but become a resource in your job at your level. Stay dedicated and on top of your game. It will come to you, man!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 3 at 2019 12:09 PM

2019-04-03T12:09:30-04:00

Have a great attitude. Be reliable. Show that you want to learn. Listen and learn from the NCOs to include their leadership styles. Bad leaders are a good example not to replicate later in your career.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2019 12:33 PM

2019-04-03T12:33:47-04:00

Sometimes the worst leaders are the best ones to learn from. Learn what NOT to do. Α Co 68K Leads The Way!

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Apr 3 at 2019 1:37 PM

2019-04-03T13:37:18-04:00

Learn your MOS inside and out, learn your equipment, what is expected of you, and continue with what you're doing.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Apr 3 at 2019 1:51 PM

2019-04-03T13:51:30-04:00

Learn. Learn everything. Ask "Why?" (when appropriate). Learn when asking "why" is appropriate. Know your job inside and out. Know at least the outsides of the jobs around you. Watch your NCOs. They will give you a TON of great examples of the right thing to do. They will also give you a few really good examples of what NOT to do. Even the great ones. More importantly, watch what they do when they DO screw up.
To this day, I still use mannerisms and catch-phrases from some of the best NCOs I had when I was a young PFC and SPC, because they elicited specific responses.

All of ^that^ is in general, and applies from now until you leave the Army - and even into civilian life. Specifically, for your current situation, the absolute BEST thing you can do is study like hell in AIT. Strive to know EVERYTHING about your MOS. Do not be the asshole who prolongs / holds up class with questions that only you care about, but when possible ask your instructors or your AIT PSG for more in depth knowledge about particular topics. (Also, learn to identify which questions are for your benefit and which questions are for everyone's benefit, and don't be afraid to ask the latter questions in class). Also keep working on that PT, striving for 300. Don't forget to start looking at the ACFT and make sure you are ready for those requirements as the Army prepares to transition to that.

Good luck!

Response by SFC James William Bolt [ 40 Yards ] made Apr 3 at 2019 2:30 PM

2019-04-03T14:30:30-04:00

BE HONORABLE HONEST IN YOUR DEALING WITH OTHERS .NEVER LIE ABOUT WHAT YOU DID OR NOT DO LET IT BE A LEARNING TOOL YOU USE THOUGH YOUR TIME IN SERVICE . TAKE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTION .DO NOT GO ALONG TO GET ALONG WITH ACTION THAT IS NOT IN THE BEST INTREST OF YOUR UNIT . TAKE THE TIME TO KNOW THE HISTORY OF YOUR UNIT . KNOW THE SOP OF YOUR UNIT . LEARN ARMY REGULATION @ CHANGES THAT ARE MADE TO THEM SIGN 40 yards

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2019 6:35 PM

2019-04-03T18:35:18-04:00

PFC Perez, learning is your number one priority right now, but don't stop once you graduate. Lab school offers only minuscule amounts of knowledge, compared to what your future colleagues can teach you from experience.
The last thing I'll end with, is that once you put on an NCO rank, it's no longer just about you. A good leader has it in his heart to take care of his subordinates. Stay humble!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2019 12:05 PM

2019-04-04T12:05:17-04:00

Take notes. Remember the good things from your own leaders and mentors. Flag the things you don’t like and keep them foremost in your mind. Take what you have seen, heard, experienced, succeeded, and failed to develop your own leadership identity. Add some do-the-right-thing to your game and you’re top 10%, guaranteed...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2019 11:48 PM

2019-04-05T23:48:54-04:00

Remember when you're soldiers have stopped coming to you with your problems they won't trust you anymore. You're soldiers will thi k you're awesome until you make them do work that needs to be done. Even if you have to put on a fake smile to keep their morale up do it! You can always learn from the newest private you'll be surprised what you can learn from them if you keep an opened mind. Don't be afraid to discipline them when needed. Always learn the job of the position above you so you can set the example for others. No matter what rank you achieve you will get yelled at by somebody higher rank than you, be willing to admit your mistakes and drive on and learn from them it's not personal, same for your soldiers. Finally keep up your willingness to learn how to be a better leader, thank you for asking this question!