What Leadership Experiences, Extra-Curricular Activities, Or Community Activities Have Best Served You In Your Military Career?

2015-07-29T14:45:17-04:00

When you were growing up, or before you made the decision to either enlist or pursue a commission, what activities we you involved in that have served you well in your career? Perhaps you were very athletic, and the personal dedication to mastering individual skills combined with commitment to a team is what has carried over for you. Maybe you were involved with other activities, like me. I was involved with 4H at a very young age, showing dairy cattle and a few other projects at the county fair. In high school, I was active in FFA and the speech team. My experiences taught me leadership and honed my public speaking skills. What were yours?

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 2:46 PM

2015-07-29T14:46:16-04:00

Resident PME schools and the brotherhood developed with my peers while attending.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-07-29T15:11:44-04:00

I would like to turn this around sir, if you don't mind. Given that my active duty was short, I have found that skills I learned in my short time in service have helped me in leadership & extra-curricular activities.

I was able to translate leadership skills that I was picking up from my NCOs into being a civilian police officer and field training officer. I was able to get a youth group started. All of these accomplishments I can trace back to leadership & determination I developed while serving.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 29 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-07-29T15:27:54-04:00

Taking debate class (with an emphasis on extemporaneous speech) definitely helped, as did high school JROTC. Taking all those writing courses seems to have helped when it comes to awards, counseling and NCOER's as well.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 3:47 PM

2015-07-29T15:47:21-04:00

Achieving Eagle Scout provided a myriad of opportunities that aided me in my military career. Leadership, team building, public speaking, sensitivity to other races, religions, creeds, etc. (not politics, lol) were key components that built a solid foundation prior to entering military service.
Also, being involved in a variety of sports in junior high & high school aided me in knowing what to focus on to be successful on my annual APFT as well as remaining physically resilient.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-07-29T16:32:12-04:00

Scouting by far. The President serves as honorary President under a Federal Charter since the role was adopted by Teddy Roosevelt. The Army serves as Executive Agent for Jamboree and other support; SACEUR and CINCPAC once had specific agreements for manpower, logistics, and support for military dependents/youth activities overseas. Nearly every SecA and many SecDefs during my tenure were Eagle Scouts; many other senior people in fed are too. While that doesn't and shouldn't advance a career per se, it does give one opportunities to excel in military and civilian communities. It also allowed entry at a higher rank for enlisted soldiers. Support in FedGov remained high until potential conflicts in policies regarding gay people arose. Now those issues should be resolved.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-07-29T20:58:04-04:00

I was in 4-H competitive in riding horses, veterinary sciences, and photography, I was the individual in my chapter who submitted articles to newspapers. I was also an active participant in promoting 4-H through developing displays and setting them up public attractions/events. I was active in the FFA competing in public speaking, judging cattle and poultry, and competing in animal husbandry sciences. I played softball and ran track. I learned that I could rely on myself and to be responsible organized and timely.

Response by Jacob Casaus made Jul 30 at 2015 12:48 AM

2015-07-30T00:48:11-04:00

I probably shouldn't be saying anything because I obviously have not done what you men and woman have done but my dad would tell me how he was in Afghanistan and how he lead his tank crew into battle. It is so cool to think that. He never told me anything else but still cool

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 30 at 2015 4:18 PM

2015-07-30T16:18:04-04:00

I have done a lot. I was involved with 4 - H growing and that has helped develop my work ethic. In high school I served on a committee that selected the design for a grade school and learned a lot about working with people in groups to solve problems and come up with ideas. I also was an officer on my high school youth board again public speaking and responsibility. I was a founding member of a missionary group for my church and took my first trip out of the country with them and learned critical skills with regard to relationship building with others from another country. I helped coach a couple baseball teams where I learned leadership and how to develop strategy. I also help build the family home where I learned countless skills. ..
I have done a lot. ..........

I have been fortunate in my life with all the opportunity that has come my way. I have made it a point in my life to try and learn the most out of every thing I do. So far it has served me well and I find myself applying the lessons I have learned on a daily basis. If you keep your mind open you can always learn things that will help you in the future.