What is it like arriving to your first unit as a Guardsmen?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 20:41:27 -0400

I enlisted last month in the RIANG. When I get to my unit, should I let my leadership know that I want to be fully involved and volunteer for everything or should I lay low until I prove myself? If given the opportunity, What are some good courses for a young NG infantryman to attend?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 8:50 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 20:50:42 -0400

I'm a reservist but we have many of the same type of issues. Well when you check into your unit you will get an initial counseling on what your goals are you can lay it on out for your chain of command most likely your PSG and from there you can state your goals and your command will help you. Be vocal about what you want to do don't remain silent.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 8:54 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 20:54:08 -0400

As far as schooling there it depends were your stationed at my Reserve Infantry unit has access to active schools down here in Scholfield Barracks Hawaii so we got access to air assault pioneer and jungle warfare. You might get access to air assault seeing how that is one of the more common schools available. Just talk to your chain of command get a list of those schools you can attend just make sure you stay on top of your PT. Also you need to be patient sometimes because you gotta wait for available slots.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2017 9:52 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 21:52:18 -0400

It's less about when you check in straight out of OSUT/ RSP, and more about what you will be like in 6 months. Initially, you'll be motivated and the new guy. You'll be picked for the usual new guy details/ duties. How will settling back into school/ civilian life balance with your monthly commitment? Will you fall back into old routines or habits, get frustrated being a junior enlisted member of an Infantry Company and what comes along with it. You shouldn't have to say anything, your leadership has been doing this a long time and will be all over it. Good luck!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2017 3:17 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 03:17:38 -0400

Right place, right uniform, right time.

Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something. There's no such thing as a stupid question. Majority of the time everyone does have a question but doesn't speak up. You are responsible for your own knowledge in the end.

Know, live, and breath the skill lvl 1 book and all the battlw guides that you are able to touch. It may seem boring but it's very basic knowledge that the Army goes over continuously.

Volunteer for every task no matter how shity it sounds. If an NCO says he needs three, be there first to tell him he needs two.

PT your was off to get 300 and keep that going.

Know not only your job according to your rank but everyone else's as well. It will help you understand how the chain of command works and also will prepare you for the worst situation.

Know your entire platoon. Memorize their voices so you know who's who when it's dark.

Do the right thing at all times, even when you're alone.

Drink water.

Good luck. Hope your light infantry.

Response by SPC Casey Ashfield made Aug 7 at 2017 5:01 PM

SPC Casey Ashfield — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 17:01:45 -0400

Apply what you learned at Basic. Be early and in the right uniform. Customs, courtesies, military bearing. Get a watch, notepad, and pen if you haven't already to always have with you. And always remember you were taught how to do everything in Basic ONE way. Your unit will teach you more. Unless you are asked, don't share "In Basic we did this" stories. Everyone went before you. The only new information you would be sharing is how things are done differently. Be quiet and learn.

Response by SPC RIchard Andersen made Aug 7 at 2017 7:38 PM

SPC RIchard Andersen — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 19:38:26 -0400

I can't tell you how this guard was but if you volunteer for everything and are the first one right up front when a Sgt/lt/co etc need something done. Eventually they will see your face over n over while some shit bag never comes fast hoping to not get picked and you'll get sent away n the half ass running guy will be the one stuck outside packing or unpacking connex containers or some other shitty detail. At least that's how the infantry did it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2017 1:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 13:59:56 -0400

more power to you, by all means step up and do your best, why not ? what do you have to loose. they might see it as a good thing and push you thru training and you just might set up in ranks soon as possible.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2017 2:04 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Aug 2017 02:04:52 -0400

You'll do well to just follow your orders, and be a sponge. If you're a grunt, don't forget customs and courtesies. Find a good balance of volunteering and standing back. Don't look like a suck-up, but also show your worth.

Response by CPL Kevin Kumpe made Aug 14 at 2017 9:45 AM

CPL Kevin Kumpe — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 09:45:49 -0400

Your best bet is to try and prove yourself because you being with the guard you would want to become active guard duty member either working with the recruiter or with a commander as a pencil pusher.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2017 1:57 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 01:57:13 -0400

You have only one job for about the first year of service. Attend every drill and be early. Focus on learning your job. You should be assigned some sort of mentor, who may likely be your team leader. Listen to that person and keep a good attitude. Realize that as a Private, you will be given tasks that may seem beneath you. If you carry out those "shit" tasks like cleaning the latrines, mopping or vacuuming and sweeping the floor, and taking out the trash, with a sense of urgency and responsibility, not only will your peers notice, but so will your leaders.

If you were in my unit, there will be an initial counseling session with your Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant and Company Commander. Listen to what they have to say. That is an good time to talk about what your goals are and to get some sort of guidance on steps you need to take to get there.

Take any chance you get to improve yourself through military education, as well as taking advantage of the civilian education benefits you will get being in the Guard. If you want to advance into the NCO ranks, you will need to get that BS degree in something.

Response by CPL Ralph Moschler made Oct 4 at 2017 6:00 PM

CPL Ralph Moschler — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 18:00:30 -0400

All the train you can get will help

Response by SGT Larry Smith made Oct 13 at 2017 11:02 PM

SGT Larry Smith — Fri, 13 Oct 2017 23:02:53 -0400

Keep your attitude in check, listen and learn.