Suggested development for ROTC cadets

12-27-05 | FierceKulak

[dk/coro]

Thank goodness I had a First Class Boatswain aboard my first destroyer (at Pearl) who took me under his wing and essentially saved my professional life -- providing the "guidance" required to help an NROTC nugget get his sea legs.

I had the honor of meeting this marvelous shipmate again, almost 16 years later, when he was a W-4 and Ship's Boatswain aboard a magnificent looking Fleet Ammunition Ship.

I had my first aviation command at the time -- and we had one glorious reunion. Regrettably, I lost this dear shipmate and friend several years ago.

This thread brought back many happy (and funny) memories.
Thank you so very much.

[Muleteam1]

I was only an AF NCO for a single tour of duty many years ago but I grew from a boy to a man during that four years. The Service can be much like education; what you get out of it is proportionate to what you put into it. Best of luck and God bless you for your desire to serve.

Muleteam1

[TXBSAFH]

Study urban warfare

[Emmet Fitzhume]

Listen to your NCOs, but beware that not all of them are good people. Case in point is that my first Platoon SGT was a lying POS who was ultimately relieved by the CO for nearly killing 4 soldiers during a training exercise. Beware of dirtbag NCOs, as they do exist.

Learn to trust your intuition as well as the people you work with. Don't think that just because everyone is doing it means that it is morally right. Listen to your conscience as well as your peers.

Beware of West Point lifers. They can be some of the most manipulative, two faced people you will ever encounter. But not ALL of them are opportunists. Again, trust your judgment.

Find out what kind of CO you will be dealing with. Company COs can either make or break your PLT leader time. If you are working for a POS, then your life is going to be hell. If you have a great commander, then that can also make a distinct difference.

Beware of NCOs, Soldiers and Officers who cheat to get ahead. Trust me, I saw plenty of them during my tour in Europe. Stay away from them if you can.

Everyone hates 2LTs. The only people that ever seemed to like talking to us were civilian females. Otherwise, forget a fair shake on anything in the military at that rank.

Get tabs, schools and as much training as possible. While this will not instantly guarantee your respect among those you work with, it will help educate your mind and prepare you for the hard work ahead.

Good luck, and God Bless.

[roughman]

What a typical jarhead thing to say.

[jz638]

yeah, my dad served in the 48th PT division in Nam. Got a purple heart for getting shot while doing pushups in the rain. My cousin was lucky, he was assigned to the 382nd “wearing his class A uniform” Battalion. He had a shine on his shoes that could down a plane. Billy Joe though, he lost his life to a flow chart in the 2nd briefing corps. If only we had powerpoint back then…

Don’t listen to these people talking about military training. You’re in college for Pete’s sake, freaking act like it for a while and goof off when you can. If you’re going to be a career man, this is your last chance ever to act irresponsibly without serious repercussion. You will get your Army training in the Army, don’t rush it.

[FierceKulak]

Thanks for the input. I guess I already qualify as an idiot, I just got my airborne wings.

[military cop]

Not if you're a Mustang.

RLTW.

[The Game Hen]

I'm a middle aged female and with the exception of my husband, every male in my very extended family is an Army/Air Force/Navy/Marine officer.

Let me just add:
Choose your wife very carefully. She must be as healthy physically, mentally and spiritually as possible. Much will be expected of her. Appreciate her and treat her well.

[clee1]

I guess you don't know the old saying about jump school:

The first weeks separates the men from the boys; the second week separates the men fromm the fools; and the third week... the fools jump out of perfectly functional aircraft.