What shouldn't be done if you want to succeed in the military?

MSG Floyd Williams — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 09:30:37 -0400

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Aug 19 at 2015 9:33 AM

MSG Floyd Williams — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 09:33:51 -0400

I will start:

Never take advantage of your peers.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Aug 19 at 2015 9:35 AM

SCPO David Lockwood — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 09:35:30 -0400

1. Shouldn't piss your boss off
2. Shouldn't know your job
3. Shouldn't take care of those you are in charge of
4. Shouldn't know the rules and regs of your particulr branch as well as DOD
Just to name a few!

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 11:05 AM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 11:05:11 -0400

Don't post anything on facebook. ever.

In all seriousness we do have to be careful about that, but I've seen some ridiculous posts that were severely detrimental to the individual's success later. There are a million dos and don'ts so I'll just stick with the one, be careful on social media.

Response by SCPO J Logue II made Aug 19 at 2015 1:10 PM

SCPO J Logue II — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 13:10:23 -0400

Don't do drugs
Be respectful to all, above and below you
Do more than just what is expected of you
Stay away from these with bad attitudes, they will drag you down
Have fun

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 2:49 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:49:03 -0400

You shouldn't put yourself first. Everything you do should be for the betterment of your unit and those around you. I think we forget this a lot in the military. It is all about your soldiers. If you make them look good then you will look good. It isn't about what you can do but what your soldiers can do. As a PL I can can't win a battle. As a platoon we can. I would avoid saying anything that starts with "I" when talking about anything to do with success. I would use a "We." If you fail then I would use an "I." I am responsible for everything my platoon does or fails to do. If my soldier failed then I failed to prepare him long before he failed. It is on me.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Aug 19 at 2015 2:51 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:51:57 -0400

Get a: DUI, piss hot, bad NCOER/OER, get court martialed.....

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 19 at 2015 3:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:56:58 -0400

Piss off an old man on the greens.

Response by Sgt Michael Diniz made Aug 19 at 2015 3:59 PM

Sgt Michael Diniz — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:59:53 -0400

don't get married

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 6:20 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 18:20:07 -0400

Show up to formation intoxicated!

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Sep 9 at 2016 3:39 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 15:39:13 -0400

Be at the right place, at the right time and in the right uniform. are keys to success.
Being that "guy" is a recipe for failure.

Response by SGT Rick Bell made Sep 11 at 2016 1:42 PM

SGT Rick Bell — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 13:42:07 -0400

Never be the one who is always late or the one who screwed up, AGAIN!!!

Response by PO2 Robert W. made Sep 12 at 2016 9:44 AM

PO2 Robert W. — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 09:44:28 -0400

The list of don'ts is so long and inclusive that it would be a bit easier to give a quick list of do's.
1. DO keep your eyes and ears open and mouth shut.
2. DO think of yourself as a small piece of a big machine, no more nor less important than any other piece.
3. DO be respectful to everyone all the time.
4. DO always seek ways to improve yourself.
5. DO remember moderation and balance in personal affairs.
6. DO always conduct yourself in public as if you are being video recorded.
7. DO become "that guy" everyone knows can be relied upon no matter what.
8. DO be honest in all interactions (if dishonesty is a must, just remain silent).

This is a hard learned list I would recommend to anyone beginning their journey.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Nov 17 at 2018 11:28 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Sat, 17 Nov 2018 11:28:04 -0500

Delete your facebook account. Plus, be so fit that PT is easy. I maxed every PT test I ever took. Received the German Sports medal the first time I took the test. Only one to pass.

Response by SFC Jonathan M. made Nov 18 at 2018 6:07 PM

SFC Jonathan M. — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 18:07:40 -0500

You should not let how others treat you determine how you treat others. Sometimes we must endure uncomfortable situations so that we can provide our experience to those who need it most. Trees with strong roots weather the storm. And for a tree to grow, the seed must first be buried in the dirt.