Posted on Nov 22, 2013
PVT Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
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Anything I could use to be able to go above and beyond?
Posted in these groups: Bmts Basic TrainingCollege advice Advice
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Responses: 341
SSG Kenneth Lanning
79
79
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No such thing as a "lowly" future Soldier-welcome to the Profession of Arms, brother.

DON'T keep your head down, DON'T second guess your decision to join, and DON'T just be part of the crowd. Keep your wits about you, follow orders as they're given, and trust in your fellow Soldiers and your leadership.
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SFC Richard Martin
SFC Richard Martin
>1 y
As a retired SFC I have to agree with the CSM......There is no such thing as "lowly" when it comes to Soldiers. Young and inexperienced yes, but never lowly. I will tell you like I told my daughter when she left for Basic Training. Lean forward in to leadership positions. Yes you may get the short end of the stick on something's BUT the only way to develop your leadership skills is to do it. If you make a mistake learn from it. Pay attention to the leadership styles around you and immolate the ones that you feel are most effective. Equally pay attention to the ones that you feel a least effective and file those things away as things to avoid. Mostly absorb as much information as possible from those who are appointed above you. This will help you to become a well rounded leader and mentor when it is your time to be a squad leader/team leader/platoon SGT/etc.
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2LT Paul Denhup
2LT Paul Denhup
>1 y
As you can see already on this thread the NCO is your key to success. Listen to them, ask them questions and learn from them. Additionally I would take a look at this link attached as it gives you an overview of the adventure you will embark upon: http://www.goarmy.com/soldier-life/becoming-a-soldier/basic-combat-training.html
Best of luck! Hooah!
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SGT Tom Rowan
SGT Tom Rowan
>1 y
I would also recommend you don't bring anything not on the list, you don't need to purchase all those little things vendors will try and sell you. Keep your head up high, pay attention, follow the instructions your given, do not read into them. Follow Me!
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MSG O'Connor Pat
MSG O'Connor Pat
>1 y
Congratulations on selecting Infantry! The Army is one big opportunity where you will get out what you put into it. My advice is don't feel sorry for yourself when things are tough; if things weren't tough, you would be disappointed in the end. Embrace the suck and you will come out the end of it a better man. Stay motivated future 11B, you are about to begin the best years of your life.
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SGT Human Resources Specialist
73
73
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Just came from BCT in AIT a few months ago
Advice
1.stay away from the trouble makers ,don't fall into the so called "clique".
2.Take a leadership position you will learn a lot ,treat everyone beside you equally and respect everyone
3.Drink water...

It's a lot more but honestly you really can't prepare for something's you just have to take it how it comes and make the best out of it.
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SFC Derahn Thornton
SFC Derahn Thornton
>1 y
Congrats young troop! Sharing knowledge makes you a leader in your own right!
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SSG Lloyd Becker BSBA-HCM, MBA
SSG Lloyd Becker BSBA-HCM, MBA
>1 y
You mean Jody is still around?????
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SPC Ct Pemberton
SPC Ct Pemberton
>1 y
Jody has always been around. He's a lifer.
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CPL Lloyd Roberts
CPL Lloyd Roberts
>1 y
Cpl. Lloyd Roberts .
Hey, my Jody turned out to be a Coast Guard guy. Bummer then but best thing in the long run. She was gone. It will all work out, Brother. Listen to every word from your instructors, do what they tell you with gusto. Be a get-er-done kind of guy. If you have to do it over, do it with enthusiasm. Keep a sense of humor. That said, it doesn't hurt if you know your congressman.
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CPT Company Commander
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I hope you enjoy your stay at the Fort Benning School for Wayward Boys, as it is lovingly referred to. I went to basic back in 2000 there. I have been there more than I can recall. As times goes on being Infantry stays the same.

1. Avoid the wanna-bes. If you see some kid that thinks he knows how the Army works you best be going the other way. You will see some that were some badass in JROTC or something to that effect. Or the guy that think he is going to be Delta Force. Avoid those guys. If you want to do anything great you got to put your time in. The infantry isn't a stepping stone for SF. Those that view it as such will never make it.

2. Do some reading. The Ranger handbook is great but that is not the only thing you should be reading. A lot of the basic FMs that touch on Drill and Ceremony, History, and other basics of the military will build you a good base. RallyPoint is also a good place.

3. Stay Hungry. The moment you think you know enough is the moment you are failing yourself. You should always strive to be your best as all you do. If it is cleaning your M4 or mopping the floor, don't half ass it.

4. DON'T CHASE SCHOOLS OR BADGES! Those are among the most worthless soldiers in the military. You should want to be a paratrooper instead just wanting wings. You should want to be a Ranger instead of being getting the Tab. I think you get the point. You will see some that want all the badges and shinny things that have no ambition of actually doing that.

My first duty station was Fort Bragg. I really enjoyed it. I was a scout there as an Airborne Infantryman. I learned a lot. I went on to do a lot more and then commission. If you don't end up in the unit you want off the bat you may get it next time. Everyone wants 82nd or 101st. There is nothing wrong with the 3rd ID or 1st ID. It is all what you make of it. I hope this helps you some. I have been 14 years now. Both in the Regular Army and National Guard. I greatly enjoy the infantry and find it very rewarding.
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SSG Melvin Nulph
SSG Melvin Nulph
>1 y
Sir, are you running for office? Lol you did a great job for an officer, must be prior unlisted or knew and listened to some outstanding soldiers. Hunter, take the words not only as positive advice but as a warning. "It's the truth".
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CPT Company Commander
CPT (Join to see)
>1 y
SSG Melvin Nulph I was a SSG before I commissioned. I have about 14 years in right now. I have been around the block a few times. i have always been infantry from being a PFC to being a 1LT.
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SSG Melvin Nulph
SSG Melvin Nulph
>1 y
You and those like you make the best officers sir, other than the help of my spell check changing words for me, I knew it. Thank you Sir for all you are doing for us. Keep up the good work.
Do you ever find yourself being an NCO instead of an officer? Or do you hold your NCO's to the job they are untrusted to do..
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CPT Company Commander
CPT (Join to see)
>1 y
SSG Melvin Nulph I had a few issues with that when I first commissioned. I saw some issues with some NCOs that I would have dealt with differently when I was an NCO. I had to pull back and set an environment to allow that NCO to grow instead of doing his job for him. I think I am a bit more refined than I was when I first started out. I will say that I have put a lot of trust in my NCOs but that is only because they have earned it.
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