Posted on Apr 22, 2016
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Let's look at the quality of a person and make it a little harder to join the military . I'd rather have 5 great then 10 alright Soldiers.
Posted in these groups: Advance Leadership Course
Platoon Sergeant
Fort Liberty
SSG
Air Assault School
Platoon Sergeant Fort Liberty SSG Air Assault School
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 31
As Army recruiters we see a lot of individuals coming and going from our office. I disagree with this statement after my own personal experience of joining and then again the experiences from getting individuals into the Army. Just because someone seems like a quality person, does not mean they will also make a good soldier.
I will use my personal experience of joining the Army as a prime example. My poor recruiter dealt with not only me getting in trouble with the law while at college, but me also leaving the DEP because my grandmother was dying and I wasn't ready to go to basic training. The day I re-joined one of my best friends died in the arms of his fiance, so for a couple of months I told the recruiter to kick rocks and I would be ready when it was time to leave. I wasn't and got sick when it was time to ship. After my ship date was pushed a week. After leaving for basic training and getting away from my hometown, I was able to grow as person and into a soldier. Since then I have grown as a leader and gained many accolades along the way. Coincidentally I ran into my recruiter at the Center Leader Course, turns out he is an instructor there and instead of punching me in the face (which is what I expected once I realized how big of a pain I truly was for him) he told me that he was proud of who I have become and hopes that I continue my path in the Army. Out of everyone he put in, I am the last soldier standing.
I will use my personal experience of joining the Army as a prime example. My poor recruiter dealt with not only me getting in trouble with the law while at college, but me also leaving the DEP because my grandmother was dying and I wasn't ready to go to basic training. The day I re-joined one of my best friends died in the arms of his fiance, so for a couple of months I told the recruiter to kick rocks and I would be ready when it was time to leave. I wasn't and got sick when it was time to ship. After my ship date was pushed a week. After leaving for basic training and getting away from my hometown, I was able to grow as person and into a soldier. Since then I have grown as a leader and gained many accolades along the way. Coincidentally I ran into my recruiter at the Center Leader Course, turns out he is an instructor there and instead of punching me in the face (which is what I expected once I realized how big of a pain I truly was for him) he told me that he was proud of who I have become and hopes that I continue my path in the Army. Out of everyone he put in, I am the last soldier standing.
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SSG Bethany Viglietta - I'm good if I was a recruiter I probably wouldn't make my numbers.
SFC Wade W.
SSG Kareem Jones - That has always, and always will be, the case for leaders. Substandard subordinates is where a leader will always have to spend your time and even if you have ten good soldiers there will always be one that still falls short. Guess where the bulk of your energy will be expended? On the substandard soldier. This is and always will be the lot of a leader who cares.
SSG (Join to see)
SSG Bethany Viglietta - You speak the truth and nothing but. I used to make comments like SSG Jones all the time until I got picked up for Recruiting.
SSG (Join to see)
I concurr
Some of the greatest soldiers didn't start that way. The very best NCOs I know take the mediocre and mentor them into often surprising results. That's where the backbone comes in.
I agree with CPT LaFlame and SSG Viglietta. It's an NCO's job to mentor Soldiers personally and professionally. The moment that stops, that's the moment you stop being an NCO. I can tell you right now that PFC Buie was a complete fool and very immature. It took an NCO outside of my direct leadership to take me under his wing. I am forever greatful to him for that.
It's I never give up on a Soldier, good, bad, or indifferent. It takes a lot of patience.
It's I never give up on a Soldier, good, bad, or indifferent. It takes a lot of patience.
1SG James Lampe
Well stated and an excellent example of (partly) what is expected of NCO's and what professional NCO's accomplish. additionally, it speaks volumes of your character to share your personal experience in an open forum such as this.
Well done!
Well done!
1SG (Join to see)
Thank you 1SG Lampe. Reading your reply is a confirmation of what I must continue to do. It's not always easy, but it's necessary!
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