Posted on Jun 19, 2015
Why do so many folks advise new service members "Don't get noticed"?
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This is something I don't understand. I've always thought that the only times I don't want to get noticed are when I'm doing bad. If I'm actually doing things right, or at least staying motivated while everything is going wrong, it's good to be seen.
Military Career
Civilian Career
Basic Trainee
Leadership Development
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
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My recommendation or advice to you and all soldiers going into Basic Training or experiencing this type of jargon is what my Dad told me before I left in 1975 for the military. "Son you don't listen to me now, but take this with you. Keep your mouth shut when it needs to be shut and pay attention - stand-up and make sure your heard when the time is right and you are right!"
Great advice. It was the only time I listened to my father. By the way I listen to him more now then I ever did - because I'm my Father's Father now!
The key to your comment above, for me anyway, is doing what you do right and great when people are watching and have that same attitude and military bearing when they aren't! You don't need to "show boat" to be a rock star!
Get that Gold Star 1LT William Clardy
Great advice. It was the only time I listened to my father. By the way I listen to him more now then I ever did - because I'm my Father's Father now!
The key to your comment above, for me anyway, is doing what you do right and great when people are watching and have that same attitude and military bearing when they aren't! You don't need to "show boat" to be a rock star!
Get that Gold Star 1LT William Clardy
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1LT William Clardy
Excellent advice from your Dad, COL Mikel J. Burroughs, and pretty close to the essence of what I tell the guys who work for me.
But I've already gotten my gold stars, so these days I tend tend to showboat for educational and entertainment purposes, trying to inspire my junior guys to add polish and character to the work they do.
But I've already gotten my gold stars, so these days I tend tend to showboat for educational and entertainment purposes, trying to inspire my junior guys to add polish and character to the work they do.
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Like the "Telephone game" the message has been subtly changed over time.
It's not really "Don't get noticed," it's "Don't draw (try to) attention to yourself."
There is nothing wrong with being noticed or recognized for your skills or achievements. There "can" be something wrong with actively seeking to be recognized for it. The old "Your actions should speak for themselves."
I had a Sgt whose motto was "Attitude and Effort." Later I worked with a Maj and we jointly adopted a "Although you will be acknowledged for your efforts, you will be rewarded for your results." They are two sides of the same coin, neither of which falls under the don't get noticed ideal, but they aren't counter drawing attention to yourself (per above).
It's not really "Don't get noticed," it's "Don't draw (try to) attention to yourself."
There is nothing wrong with being noticed or recognized for your skills or achievements. There "can" be something wrong with actively seeking to be recognized for it. The old "Your actions should speak for themselves."
I had a Sgt whose motto was "Attitude and Effort." Later I worked with a Maj and we jointly adopted a "Although you will be acknowledged for your efforts, you will be rewarded for your results." They are two sides of the same coin, neither of which falls under the don't get noticed ideal, but they aren't counter drawing attention to yourself (per above).
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1LT William Clardy
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS, I think you pegged it with the difference between "don't get noticed" and "don't draw attention to yourself".
I also like your sergeant's motto -- two key ingredients for making it through the day intact.
I also like your sergeant's motto -- two key ingredients for making it through the day intact.
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LTC Paul Labrador
I'd say it's a combo of "don't draw unnecessary/negative attention to yourself" and "don't throw your buddies under the bus." The military is a team sport, and as such requires a degree of solidarity amongst members. If people are in it for themselves or do things that hurts the team, that is what people don't like.
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I was told the same thing going through basic, I didn't take the advice however and i ended up getting SOC and got promoted leaving basic. I volunteered for everything and stayed positive, it went noticed, i have used that philosophy ever since and it's kept me on the good side of the ones with more rank than I.
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SGT John W Lugo
Most may think or comment, he's a ass kisser or teachers pet,but keeping your own outcome of what you plan on getting out of the military is a positive attitude. Never feel anything less than proud for wanting to get ahead of your career and rank structure.
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