5 Tips for Success for Soldiers in the Army

[@jonw1958]

1. Stay good to the basics 2. Don't let the fear of failure paralyze you 3. Be annoying about what you want 4. Never pass-up an opportunity 5. Never settle

[@lorenceotile201]

& pretend to have good motivation

[@frankcaprino6372]

I was an Infantry captain for ten years. I'd like to add two tips based on my experience: 1) Every job counts, whether you like the job or not; 2) People skills are very important. As an Army officer, you'll be assigned to a lot of jobs that you won't like. You'll be evaluated on your performance in every job whether you liked the job or not. All your evaluations will be considered for promotions and assignments- not just the evaluations for the jobs you liked., It's important to do well in every job, not just the jobs you like. The Army is very much a "people business". Some officers are naturally task oriented. Other officers are naturally people oriented. Interestingly, the officers with better people skills advanced further in the Army than the task-oriented officers.

[@traestorm]

Not just the army. Anyone pursuing anything, military or civilian can benefit from this advice.

[@josuel7309]

"Never decrease your goals, sometimes you just need to increase your effort." Love it.

[@Blackcloud_Garage]

Great info. I would add "Don't be afraid to ask questions". I was Selected for Warrant Officer Flight Training "street to seat" . After flight school I showed up to my unit and was given responsibility for equipment, additional duties and even enlisted solders. I was an officer but I didn't know hardly anything. I had to ask a ton of questions and got help from a lot of peers and NCO's. Ask questions.

[@GrittySoldier]

Excellent advice thanks brother!

[@Staticjumper]

Outstanding advice young captain! In reference to your points, Sir: Point 1 - "1 up, 2 down". Know the job of your supervisor and two levels down with your subordinates. Be prepared to replace any of them. Point 2 - "Paralysis by analysis" Don't think yourself out of a decision. Know what you want and don't be afraid to try. If you haven't failed, you haven't tried. Point 3 - Annoy your branch manager, too. Let him / her know, well in advance of PCS, of what you want. My branch manager was a student of mine at ANCOC and could tell story after story of troops who lost opportunities because the branch manager would have loved to give them their dream assignment but didn't know what they wanted. Point 4 - (the big one!) - Be the "go-to" soldier in your unit. Help your boss be better at their job. Volunteer to help out and above all else .. be ready! I skipped the entire OML for NCO leadership courses not once but twice because other soldiers weren't ready but even as the junior soldier in the unit, my chain of command tapped me for the schools at which I "exceeded course standards". Point 5 - "Homesteading" is a career killer. As soon as you find yourself getting comfortable in a job, its time to move on. There is always another challenge! Pursue it! Point 6 - (My 2 cents). Especially as a junior enlisted soldier, don't be held back by your peers. Many soldiers are "one and done" troops who only want to complete their enlistment and get out. It was not unusual for me to be razed by my fellow soldiers for taking college at night or volunteering for details or pursuing new challenges when they had no such ambitions. Most of them got out and many have regretted it while I was selected for E-8 and serving as a frocked 1SG with less than 16 years time in service. 1SG, USA (RET) AATW!

[@GrittySoldier]

Thanks 1SG!

[@curingthenaivete1642]

"Be Annoying with What you want" This is my favorite piece of advice because it resonates with where I'm at right now in life. I'm currently a reserve soldier going through the process of transferring to active duty. Having to consistently check on the status of my paperwork to get what I want has helped me become braver & less of a doormat. Thank you for making this video, sir! stay gritty

[@GrittySoldier]

Keep it up. No one cares more about your career than YOU!

[@ironteacup2569]

It’s like you are one guy needing something… unless you are the number one person reminding them you will blend in with all the other requests for said leaders time. There are soft skills in relation to all this but that another bag of worms

[@GrittySoldier]

@@ironteacup2569 👆👆👆

[@tonyflores8341]

I'm on the same boat, NG to Active. I'm waiting on an age waiver. I'm a 38 year old Specialist, I joined at almost 35. Good luck.

[@curingthenaivete1642]

@@tonyflores8341 My request got approved a couple days ago. I'll be leaving in about a month!

[@stephenreese5921]

Great motivational video. I never gave up in my career field. I became a GS-13 before I retired. Bought a house in California, and made a ton of money selling it. Now I’m buying as many shares of Tesla as I can. Keep trying. Never give up. Never Surender. Be the very best that you can be!

[@summerspinecenter]

This is advice that is relevant in any worldly context. I’m a civilian and you just inspired me to get ahead in my own profession. Thank you

[@GrittySoldier]

Good! I’m glad to be of help brother!

[@zacharyweiss3488]

“Some selections” *Looks at SOCOM patch, ranger scroll, and delta force patch*

[@aleanexis]

Great info Sir. "Overcome doubt and fear" and "Never pass an opportunity". When I had my fist opportunity for WOCS/OCS, I was afraid of failure and scared of leaving my comfort zone in the unit. Now as a junior Warrant, I see how I was just holding back my potential. No more of that now..

[@Be_lov3d_son]

Thank you for the advice! Also, special shoutout from SPC Leal. He's now a medic in my battalion, the 961st. He said you would remember him. I'm really glad he recommended your channel to me. Keep up the good work!

[@GrittySoldier]

Hell yeah I just talked to Abel a few days ago! 👍 He was my medic for a while at Bliss, awesome dude, great medic. Very skilled and knowledgeable. I’m also glad he told you about the channel! 😉

[@saladinmohammad1157]

I'm a United States Marine. Its my belief that starting in bootcamp US ARMY training is all an assessment and selection process. But what they are assessing is not what you're currently doing, but what you did to prepare for what you are currently doing. You didn't fail the run because it's your first day of training. You failed because you didn't prepare for your first day of training. And it applies to everything you'll ever do as a Soldier while you serve.

[@Gundyadventures]

Even though I am a 49yo civilian, I really appreciate your videos. The motivation and tips and tricks are great. You can employ these helpful hints to everyday life also. Super motivating and helpful. Thank you for your service.

[@guyring8912]

Old Grunt here, and your 100% right! I regret not going to Ranger school & I've been out for 28 years. Army was one of the highlights of my life and still miss it.

[@RosteeveBellier]

Do better sir. No offense.

[@dusty265]

Here is how it was way back when, you never wanted to be annoying, but you HAD to be persistent with a sense of humility, one trick that served me well was as a EM I was always ready for a Solider board, and as a NCO I stayed ready for the boards even when I was not going, had a time when the NCO that was selected for NCO of the quarter pissed hot, I walked into 1st Sergeants office and simply said I am ready to fill the slot, hit the board and made NCO of the quarter, pro tip, when you can do that for your Senior leadership it goes along way for you!

[@andrewreid4980]

I just want to say thank you!. I've been going back and forth regarding Ranger school and I finally made up my mind after watching this video I'll be putting my fear aside and start preparing for next year RAS. My PL just got his Tab and told me I should and you video just confirmed that I should.

[@GrittySoldier]

You got this brother! 💪

[@An_Enraged_Pig]

Just do it and prepare. Don't worry too much, you'll be fine

[@SirMysticRob]

Thanks much for the advice! Shipping out in 2 weeks and glad to have all the tips I can find, especially since I'm going in old (31) and want to progress quickly.

[@jordanmcneely95]

Just some standard Aurelian advice; Expect the worst, and nothing is due to you. Everything good that comes your way is amplified exponentially with that baseline.

[@luckywaygroup9519]

Well said sir. Been toying with the idea of attending air assault school but scared of not successfully making it thru so I keep pushing it back. Funny thing is I persevered while trying to commission as that was all I wanted to do when I enlisted; I went from being kicked out (without prejudice) the first time I started the ocs journey in 2017, but with GOD on my side & encouragement from my spouse, I went back in 2020 & finally earned that commission. I am advanced in age so I fear my body might not be able to handle that air assault stress, I will just go do it & forget about the fear. Thanks a lot sir. #Armystrong, #Hooah!

[@goarmybeatnavy841]

Same with Ranger School brother, just gotta commit, the "pressure" of that ATTRS class date definitely helped motivate me for prepping. Keep at it!

[@kelb3079]

I ship out for basic in November, and your channel has been a blessing in getting ready. Thank you, sir 🇺🇸

[@GrittySoldier]

Good luck!

[@Sumkuang]

Thank you sir for the great advices. I have waisted my first two years in the army shit-bagging and just going with the flow, now I’m ready to set some short term and long term goals. Be hungry for success 💪

[@tsxkidstanced8798]

Great advice! Thank you for sharing your knowledge. My best part's of the video are the close up's of your face when your emphasizing the key point in the advice your explaining. Definitely a funny/serious moment.

[@sarahszabo4323]

This was gold. Thanks for the insight.

[@brandonmbih9117]

Thanks for your dedication to others progress

[@benchmade12]

Where were you and KZbin 20 years ago. I definitely would have enlisted knowing what I know now!!!

[@ryan215553]

I’ve been for 3 1/2 years and just got my E5 and about to go on my first combat deployment! 👍

[@GrittySoldier]

Stay safe!

[@RosteeveBellier]

They’re still deploying in the Army? Where are you deploying to?

[@_kelley7640]

Good Life advice wish I had leadership like you when I was in navy trying to get med waiver to swap branches

[@itsmehim]

Prior Air Force here (yes laugh), in the process of re enlisting and work on getting into the Regiment. Personally the Air Force was a great experience however I felt like I didn’t get what I wanted out of it. I’m extremely excited to have all these opportunities for schools I never even thought would be possible.

[@tericlem6015]

I recently retired last year of 24 years, 19D. I agree 100% with all five, but you mentioned being competitive. It's hard to get an explanation from HRC/branch managers/talent managers, or whatever they keep calling themselves today as to why damn good NCOs keep getting passed up for promotions? When your NCOs come to you for advice, but HRC tends to do what they want and seems to undermind the very career path each branch puts out. I had a SSG, 11B, never done anything wrong, good NCOERs, 4 deployments, countless schools, and even completed his Doctorate. Still couldn't make 7? As everyone knows it's hard to complete a degree in a combat arms specialty. So he just retired a SSG and is doing well, but he wanted to stay Army. Of course his situation is not the only one. There are hundreds of others in the ranks going through the headaches of trying to understand the reasons why some get promoted with very little, some get promoted knowing they are F#$kups, knowing they are alcoholics, do not have the right temperament, and the rest get passed up although they follow their recommended career paths, DAMN SHAME! I truly believe this so called talent management thing going on at HRC, isn't really living up to what it's supposed to be doing 🤔. I've always been a believer that there should be some kind of character board or character evaluation for every NCO before their promotion packets get sent to HRC, so the board members will see a YES or NO for getting promoted. NCOERS are different and when you are limited on what you can write, they really don't explain character, just their overall performance over the year.

[@Calmurself194]

Great video! Currently trying to get a option-40 11x contract and your tip on keep pushing for what you want helped greatly.

[@MartinOrkuma]

Thank you for the tip of been annoying about what you want!

[@jc5604]

Man... do I wish this advice was given to me a loooooong time ago. I have such a similar aviator story. Self-selection is the most certain way to failure than any other factor. Took too long for me to figure that out.

[@simpleman4196]

Glad I have found your channel I got out of the army in 2015 and I'm currently thinking of reenlisting I was a combat engineer in the 82nd airborne but now I would like to try army aviation as a warrant officer trying to figure out things I need to do and first get back in shape be a large step going from civilian life back to military life for me and my family but I miss it.

[@RosteeveBellier]

Why’d u get out?

[@ironteacup2569]

Good stuff. I see you on rally point too. I’m pushing hard to be much better at PT. I am super driven to just be a beast in time

[@GrittySoldier]

💪 💪 💪

[@cowetareserve]

You’re literally one of the best KZbin channels there are for tips and advice. I love you buddy and if the Russia/Ukraine situation draws you guys away, just know you’ll be in my thoughts until I make it myself one day. I appreciate the friendship during this period of finding who I am as a person. That’s where true happiness comes from and thanks to people like you I had a chance to finally see that!

[@goarmybeatnavy841]

We ain't fighting there brother, at the moment, just supporting our NATO partners

[@cowetareserve]

@@goarmybeatnavy841 thankfully! I hope for the slowest downfall ever if it happens; if not I’ll just be glad you all are safe for now! As a foreigner who owes America for his families success; I’m greatly indebted to all of you guys! Thanks again dudes!

[@RosteeveBellier]

Thanks for ur kind words and I also feel the same abt this channel

[@danp4725]

Amazing content man!!!! Hits the soul. You're an inspiration.

[@tightright7561]

Excellent advice regardless of where you are in life!

[@Echevaria229]

Best channel sir 💪🏽💪🏽

[@javi-hy8vv]

great info sir!

[@matthewfurnari-omara2079]

Thanks so much for your work on these videos. I'm working on enlisting at an older age and I have found them to be extremely motivating and informative as I work through the paperwork and various stages of waiting.

[@GrittySoldier]

No problem man I’m glad they help!!

[@nicholasboucher3911]

Thank you Sir 🇺🇸💯

[@mikemole6701]

can you talk about what makes a good officer

[@MrGrenade121]

Yep, this

[@GrittySoldier]

I’m planning on making a video of how to be a good PL soon, that and career advice for junior officers. 👍

[@maeJoyBwithU-ux3fn]

great wisdom here! i appreciate your service & the shared information...

[@GrittySoldier]

👍 💪

[@albertitos859]

Don’t listen to salty soldiers around you and or leaders. When I was first applying for the Green to Gold program there was this one specific SSG who told me “not to even try because it’s so hard to get accepted and being an Officer sucks”. I stayed true to myself and stayed on course which allowed me to be accepted to the program. I’m currently a sophomore at Colorado State University and in ROTC but I’m not done yet, there is still work to be done. Stay true to yourself and definitely take Gritty Soldier’s advice.

[@GrittySoldier]

👍

[@RosteeveBellier]

There’s so many haters and shit bags lol all they do is project their insecurities onto high speed soldiers like urself

[@HumbleDishwasher]

All your videos are badass. Keep it up!

[@GrittySoldier]

🙏 💪 🤘

[@TheeFiFi]

Damn good advice. Notes taken.

[@GrittySoldier]

👍

[@benjaminhurlburt3085]

Thank You For This Video!

[@GrittySoldier]

👍

[@ShriekingCrows-bp3vh]

Can you do a video on older soldiers while doing push-ups have issues such as your elbow popping noise which can cause pain and how to prevent it.

[@choco2mango1]

Great advice, spot on as always!

[@genghisgalahad8465]

Great concise direct specific on-point tips for the Army/the military and for self-actualization/self-improvement applicable to so many goals in life in general!

[@chrisfarrell9131]

How do I get in touch with RASP recruiters? Do I have to go through my unit? Can my Commander say n o? Do I have to go to rasp 1 and 2? How long is each? What does the water portion consist of exactly?

[@brunolopez1176]

Were you wearing eyepro when you got shrapnel in your eye? Love your videos

[@GrittySoldier]

That was the first question the doc asked my at KAF and honest to God I don’t remember. Sometimes I would take them them off for infil because of the dust, and it would get caught in the lenses, we had just landed on the X when everything popped of so I may not have put them back on. I honestly don’t remember… 🤷‍♂️

[@EmbracingTheSpectrum]

Great Video. Any tips for OCS?

[@GrittySoldier]

I have a few buddies who’ve gone through OCS, maybe I can get an interview done with them.

[@EmbracingTheSpectrum]

@@GrittySoldier that will be great. I’m going to OCS next January.

[@Waterboy5152]

Really want to join army reserves. My wife is behind me. I have a full-time good job but always wanted to say I served my country. We have a kid on the way

[@lilrog0909]

Warrant Officer Here in the Army Reserves. I value all these things. I wish I stayed active but hey I married a doctor who is also in the reserves so its all good. My weakness was running. I surrounded myself with runners so i have no choice to run. I run 6-9 miles every other day. My civilian job is Liuetenant within federal law enforcement agency.

[@whoismitchconnor120]

How long after enlisted can I sign up for special schooling etc?

[@rhatguy3565]

How far do you think Calisthenics only will get you? I have an interest in attending RASP, and being a part of the 75th. Gyms are packed where I'm at, and I have little equipment. Can high rep calisthenics get me far? Along with running and rucking? I was thinking of throwing in loaded carries if I save up enough for a sandbag and kettlebells

[@GrittySoldier]

You would be just as good if not even better off. You’ll want to incorporate weight into your calisthenics routine, but it doesn’t need to be a lot to be effective. Using bags, KB, plates, etc to supplement Main exercises like air squats, lunges, overhead press, and so on will get you to where you need to be. Your focus really should be rucking and muscular endurance (high rep) rather than brute strength.

[@rhatguy3565]

@@GrittySoldier Thank you, I appreciate the info, the videos, and you taking the time to comment 👍 I'm new here. Do you sell merch? Would love to send some support

[@GrittySoldier]

No problem brother! And yeah, our website is: grittysoldier.com/ Lots of good stuff there! 👍

[@TheElvenKeys]

Now I wanna become a Warrant Officer so I can become a pilot without going to college.

[@nickmarinus9049]

My parents don´t support me going for paracommando any tips to convince them?

[@943qwwerr]

Hey have you ever had prior service guys come back as an 11b with no experience? I was a medic and was with sappers so not real familiar with grunt stuff. Oh yeah and I’m already an e5, is that like a guarantee I’m going straight to an S shop?

[@GrittySoldier]

Naw you’d probably be more likely to go straight to the line since you have general army experience

[@tonyflores8341]

Great video sir. I'm a 38 year old Specialist, waiting on my age waiver to be able to switch NG to AD. I wasn't able to join until almost 35. I'm really looking forward to the switch for me an my family. I really want to make it the best years of my life. Any advice you can send my way would be greatly appreciated.

[@GrittySoldier]

Stay tuned brother I use this channel to push all sort of advice! 🤘

[@taniasanchez1383]

Currently in AIT watching this bc i feel like I’m doing shit with my career 😭I want to succeed

[@GrittySoldier]

You just started! Don’t worry opportunity will come, be ready to seize it when it does.

[@markcollins2666]

All good tips, but the best was for last: DON'T EVER SETTLE. This is a volunteer force, people come and go, but it is a meritocracy, do the right things, consistently, yeah, you'll get ahead But DO NOT settle. Be the first to put in for schools, badger the fuck out of your education NCO. Listen to the man.

[@luisverorios999]

Need some advice sir, I have an wocs date for next July, but I am also committed to sfas date next month . What would you do?

[@GrittySoldier]

You have a school date in ATRRS for both? Someone must have missed that when they slotted you 😂 Honestly man, if you want to be SF, try for SF. But you really have to want it. Remember, being successful at SFAS doesnt earn you a green beret, you’ll s till have to make it through the SFQC. And even after that, you’ll be required to prove you worth for the rest of you career. Earning the beret is only the beginning. Same rule applies to all SOF MOSs. You really have to want to do the job to be successful. If you’re looking for a more traditional career path, go to WOCS. Either option is a good one, you just have to decide what you ACTUALLY think you would enjoy doing. Once you figure that out, put everything into that goal.

[@luisverorios999]

@@GrittySoldier i have atrrs for wocs and i am classed for sfas. I really want to tryout for SF.

[@GrittySoldier]

@@luisverorios999 if you REALLY WANT IT, I say chase it.

[@NedWasHere94]

Tip #6: win a badass ranger pack

[@benr.9628]

I think we have the same ceiling fan 😎

[@GrittySoldier]

😎

[@heatherwright9097]

28y F, 15T, BCT LWOOD 20211005. Military Goals (so far) : BCT AIT 160TH SOAR AIRBORNE SCHOOL Current goal list to work towards crew chief 💪💪

[@GrittySoldier]

Get after it!

[@heatherwright9097]

Definitely willing to put in the work! Mother of 5, wife of a 12yr Army (Combat Disabled) Veteran, daughter of a 20yr Retired Marine. Dedication is in my blood.

[@RosteeveBellier]

Airborne is gonna mess ur knees up. Good luck tho.

[@Waterboy5152]

I also have a 4 year degree

[@heatherwright9097]

So in other words ... Consistently be unforgettable. ✓

[@GrittySoldier]

Exactly 😉

[@lukaspedroza9102]

I want a pack sir! I hope I win!!

[@Bob-dx3jh]

This was informative thank You for posting.