So much to learn about the Army its confusing me.....is this normal??

Question

I only ask because I want to be the best at what I do for my Army career. Once you get settled into your first duty station or whatever....do they help you to excel in your job and educate you on how to get to make rank and all of that? Im just worried that I won't get all the information I need off bat and I'll be left to fetch on my own.

FOR JAKE!! Oh plz as with anything new in life you are going to have questions.....your not expected to know everything right? Geez

Answer 1

Relax, just take things as they come your way. You are overanalyzing everything in the Army. Like a Drill Sergeant told us, "Everything in the Army is broken down to 3rd grade level so even a slow mofo like me can make it to E-6" Those were his exact words and he was right. But of course he wasnt dumb he was a Drill Sergeant, and an infantry man. I went in not knowing anything. I went to MEPS calling an E-7 "sir" and all that noobie stuff. Now I know alot more than I ever knew about the military.

Answer 2

After you finish Basic and AIT, you need to be ready to hit the ground running. Many units are to busy to help the FNG and most sponsors do not have much time. Strongly recommend you buy an NCO leadership guide book. It would be good if you also bought an Officers leadership guide book. There are many things to know and it will be up to you to learn them by reading the right books. Even as a private, you should know what NCOs and Officers are doing to build their careers. Each rank has a job and the faster you learn what it is, the better you will do. You never stop learning.

Answer 3

I think the military can be a little overwhelming to just about anybody.

The military wants you to succeed. But they will not hold your hand. You will have access to manuals, perhaps classes, and the benefit of advice from people who have been there and done that. But you will find no "extra credit" work, or "make-up" work, nor are there any tutors to give you special training. You can be the BEST YOU CAN BE at whatever you do... but you'll always find somebody better at something.

You can excel without being the "best." But the goal is laudable.

Answer 4

It is your immediate officers job that you have all the tools to suceed at your fingertips. If he does not do this he is not doing his job. Always ask questions when you do not understand or ask a fellow soldier.
It is much harder to advance in the Army if you do not learn easily, but it can be done. Dont give up. The Army not only expects you to learn protocol, combat training, specialty training and the like but they also expect you to get a full education. That is how you can advance. Higher rank means more authority and more pay.
You will have all the bookwork you need that tells you how to do your job and move up in rank. Use it.

Remember the Army slogan:
"Be all you can be, in the Army"
They want you to be your best as it helps the Army too.

Answer 5

You have to ask, because that's how you get answers!!

You are going to get the best training your new unit can give you. Nobody in your new unit wants a slacker, shammer, or a profile rider. They all want the best of the best, because that's how you complete your missions.

Your leadership will take a special interest in helping you succeed, because NCO's are rated on how well they train and lead their soldiers. Therefore, your performance is seen as a reflection of their leadership. If you perform well, and advance, your leaders will be seen as good, and effective leaders. Truthfully, 90% of them really are too. Just keep asking questions though! There is a saying in the Army: The most dangerous thing is an uninformed soldier........

There's plenty of truth to that statement too. Think about it!

Answer 6

When you get to your duty station you will be assigned to a team in a squad. Either your team leader or your squad leader if they are worth anything will teach you everything that you need to know. If you have a bad team and squad leader im afraid you are on your own unless you can find another NCO to help you out. A good NCO will take you under their wing and guide you along in your career.

Answer 7

They will tell you what they want you to do. Do it the way you're told, without argument. If you have a suggestion, do it privately and tactfully.

Study hard at all your schools. It'll be tempting to party, etc. but remember your goal (and that you're getting paid to learn this).

Pick role models. Watch. Ask questions. Avoid the temptation to slack on standards (some of your fellow personnel will let themselves go uniformwise, etc.).

READ REGULATIONS AND MANUALS. There is a lot of power in being able to find the answer yourself, and a lot of times those answers are in the book. If you know how to find it yourself, you're all set. If all you know is how to ask Sarge, what are you going to do when Sarge goes PCS...or when you become the sergeant yourself?

Good luck. Keep that ambition. Don't lose track of your goals. Stay safe, please.

A retired USAF MSgt

Answer 8

You will always have someone around to help you with your job and how to do a better job at it. It will probably be your senior NCO or an Officer. Everyone new to the army has alot of questions, even I still dont know everything.

Answer 9

Mostly once you are shown the basics of what to do after that your on your own most of the time. As far as promotions, you have to pretty much kiss *** after a certain rank in order to get promoted, especially in the reserves or national guard.

Answer 10

I know you might be lost, but it is up to you to ask questions. They look at you as being an adult and feel that you can make it on your own. Anything that you don't understand, I feel like they will be happy to answer for you. I have a brother in there and he is fine. He went in right after high school and his first sgt. helped him a great deal. Keep
your head up and good luck in everything you do. I hope this helps and makes you feel a little security.