Topic: Advice For FNGs

[17thRecceSgt]

176.  Timings.  Meet them.  ALWAYS.  That usually means being 15 minutes early.  Make it a habit. 

[2 Cdo]

177. Why run if you can walk, why stand when you can sit, why sit when you can lay down. When in doubt rack out!

[Michael O'Leary]

178.  Keep things in perspective; after a week in the field you may be worried about how soon you can get back to the shack to change and head out to the strip club for the first time this week.  Your Section Commander may have missed another parent teacher interview, your Section 2IC might have missed seeing his daughter take her first steps.  Until you understand what's happening around you, don't think your personal life is so important it overshadows the lives of those around you.

[Shamrock]

179.  Know that old guy wearing the faded old QL2 8401 t-shirt with a tri-service badge, a skull, some snakes and a lame saying on it? Think of that when you're recommend a course tattoo.

180. If your rifle is ever father than fingertip length away, it's too far away.

181.  Slings are handy but are no substitute for your hands.  See above.

182.  If you've ever failed PWT 1 think about getting more range time than the yearly qualification shoot.  This doesn't require an accompanying bit of humor because, really, we're all laughing at the thought of someone failing PWT 1.

183.  That $600 you're thinking of spending on an anti-tank knife is probably better spent on a fantastic pair of boots and a fresh pair of running shoes.  If your running shoes are more than a year old, replace them.

184.  If you think it's a booby trap, it's a booby trap.  If you've thought of booby trapping it, it's booby trapped.  If that dirt pile wasn't there last time you came through, it's a booby trap.   That pile of wires looks suspiciosus?  It's a booby trap.  Anything that you think would look cool at home is booby trapped.

185.  Your own stupidity may not kill you, it could kill your buddy.

186.  Overseas, keep your comments to your self.  Sometimes, people won't admit they speak English (or French), and when you start talking like Archie Bunker, they get angry.

187.  Find out who Archie Bunker was.

188.  "Good enough" isn't.

189.  Be professional at all times, in our out of uniform.  Like it or not, 24/7 you are a representative of the CF.  Your stupidity will reflect on more than just yourself, it reflects on the entire Forces.

190.  Decorum marks the soldier, not the kit.  Google "Cosmotactical."

191.  If you are the only one who is right, you are wrong.

192.  Volunteering or being first isn't always bad.  Being last is.

193.  If you think you're looking cool doing something, you're either not looking cool or not doing it correctly.
     (a) Visit http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca/common/combatcamera/Default.asp.  Find the ones who are looking cool and seperate them from the guys who are doing their jobs.  Guess which group warrants emulation.

194.  Never listen to "them."

195.  40 isn't old.  Remember that when you're 30, still living in the PMQ's or SQ's and your only equity is a crotch rocket and a 200" TV.

[Scott]

196. You are too young to have war stories. You did not lead a battle while in Cadets. You are not anything but a recruit. Learn to live with the preceding and embrace it, this will be the only time in your career when you'll be the FNG, from now on you'll be expected to learn, to remember, to teach, to help, etc. Like Mom said, do not grow up too fast.

197. Speak in even tones, don't scream at anyone, it confuses people, gets them excited and makes them want to punch you. You will not look very professional jumping around like a baboon or with busted teeth.

198. Do not hog the phone, there are other people who may wish to call home and there are never enough phones for all. Be the guy who everyone remembers for pulling their weight and always lending a hand to someone who needs it.

199. Your buddies girlfriend just told him she fornicated with the entire athletic department at a very large University, he wants to talk. So talk to him but do not become his crutch. You are not a psychologist, you certainly are not his psychologist and maybe this is something, if it's that serious, that the Staff should know about. Re-read 123b

199a. If your buddy is talking about hurting himself you had better remember that he has access to weapons. It is not a blade if you save someones life or get them help that they really need.

200. Make your loved ones proud, write to them while you are away, this will make them feel better about you being gone.

200a. If your mother is still around and is a decent woman then you had better write to her!

200b. Girls, write to Dad, he's off his rocker with worry and pride.

[Marauder]

202. It's gonna suck sometimes. No way around it.

203. Carrying the 203 isn't punishment, it's the section cmdr's way of letting you know he trusts you to know to use that bad boy.

204. Yes, the MCPL/SGT/WO/SarMajor *is* a flaming prick. And there ain't crap you can do about it, so stop pointing out the obvious, Captain Obvious.

205. Don't be the bad example that your leadership uses as a teaching point to the rest of the section/platoon.

206. Don't be light, don't be late, and don't be last.

207. Finish ugly if you have to, but finish.

208. Never forget that one perfect patrol you get, when you have boss weather, a clear beautiful night, you get five uninterrupted hours of rack before heading out, and you get ahold of your favourite IMP to munch on before stepping off with three of you best buds. Burn into your memory the feeling of sneakin' and peekin', the rush of finishing your cloverleaf with that dimwit spare part on the objective thinking you got lost on the way because he never saw you or your boys putting eyes on. Remember that feeling of overwhelming competance and joy in your job. It will sustain you when you're told to sweep the hangar for the fifth ******* time that day because there is nothing else to do, or bring your spotless weapon back to CQ for the third and nowwhere near final time because he's having a shitty day and taking it out on you and your fellow shut up die rank criminals.

210. If you have no clue what to do, follow the example of the nearest senior CPL.
       210a. Unless he's still a Corpral (with two CDs) against his will.

211. Be there for buddy, don't frig buddy, help buddy when he needs it, kick buddy in the *** when he needs it. Avoid, castigate, and disown buddy that won't do the same for you.

212. Your loyalty to the Regiment outweighs your personal loathing of the shitpumps that sometimes wind up wearing your capbadge. Protect all who wear your capbadge as if protecting your own brother/sister.
      212a Unless that person wearing your capbadge is knowingly/willingly doing something that will disgrace or harm the Regiment. Then it's your personal responsibility to stomp that crapweasel.

213. Section cmdrs can't make you a smarter private, but they can and will make you a stronger private. Don't frig with them.

[EX_RCAC_011]

214.find people higher to emulate and pick their traits apart develop yourself with everything they do that you like.

215.no matter how many hours you sit and ***** about something it will never change.Maybe you have the answer no one thought of respectfully speak up.

216.Until a Cpl Tell's you to call him mike ,George ,or sweetie don't.Just cause one cpl with no friends is your buddy doesn't mean the crusty guy in the corner is on a first name basis.


217. The hook trooper who drops by your room the first day you arrive at the shacks should be avoided like disease.He's there to tell you all about his grand 7 months at the regiment, and most likely he has one friend and that's now you.

[Shadow]

218.  Call your wife/husband at the same rate as your peers.  If they are calling once a day and you are calling once every two weeks, your spouse is talking to the other spouses and will know right away.  S/he will make your tour overseas a living hell as well as those in your administrative chain of command when she calls the rear party freaking out.  Make an agreement before you leave as to how often you will be able to talk/email/write.

219.  The Sigs guys are your friends.  Do not piss them off or abuse the services they provide, or you won't be calling home to anybody.

220.  Do not give your significant other the CSN access # to the overseas camp you are on.  Things go a little sour when there is a female switchboard operator and someones wife is on the line demanding to know who the operator is and where her husband is. (uhh...WHO?)

221. (My most important one) Do not take life too seriously, try to make the best of every situation.  You probably did not join the military because you thought you would hate it.  Take things with a grain of salt, and love what you do.  Optimism is contagious, spread the love.  If you approach things in a fun and positive way, then it makes those around you worry less about the fact they are away from their families, and focus more on the task at hand.

[BYT Driver]

Gotta say that this is a great string, wish some of us were around when I jioned up.  But, then again, some things are better learned thru experience than instruction.


222.  Proper Planning Prevents Piss-poor Performance.  Plan, plan and plan some more. If you think you're going to need it on tour or in the bush, pack it!  It's better to have that item and not need it, than to need it and not have it.  First Rule of the Field--Any Idiot  can be uncomfortable.

223.  Before you go away on tour, IF you and your significant other are having problems of any sort; let the social worker know during your DAG interview.  Any small problem will get HUGE ten fold while you're away.  Remember, nowadays, your significant other mostly has the last word about your departure. Never go away angry at each other, never fight on the phone and always let them know how much they mean to you.
     223b.  Significant other--Always let your other know how much they mean to you and how proud you are of them.  Never bring up bad stuff on the phone (rembember: charlie is listening )

224.  You will never be "irreplaceable".  Nor will you know everything about your job.
      224b.  If you didn't learn something today, it's been a wasted day.

225.  That honking big tome of a novel you are reading at home (that you think the guys will make fun of you for) makes a great companion on the long plane ride.  Besides, when you're done with it, you can give it to the camp library.  If your sig. other has read it, then it can give you a subject of discussion besides "well, same ****, different day here honey."

226.  Mind/puzzle games are great for long periods of monotony.  Not only do they help pass the time, but they help improve your problem solving skills that will come in handy later in your career.
      end for now.   

[probum non poenitet]

231. Look after your knees. You will miss them when they are gone. Same goes for hips, backs, and ankles.

232. Cool tattoos are forever. Stupid tattoos are also forever. Tattoos you cannot cover will be there for every job interview, every first date, every meet the in-laws, and every meet the teacher night for the rest of your life. Tattoos you can cover will be there for every second date, or third date at the outside.

233. Talk to the grey haired fellows in the Legion, the ones with all the medals. They appreciate it. You will too. Listen more than you talk. Many lessons still matter 60 years later. Normandy was tougher than Battle School.

234. Odds are pretty good that someone in your platoon is predisposed to alcoholism. Bear that in mind if you go out drinking every weekend. Know the signs and watch for them. Help your friend, don't make it worse. NEVER force someone to drink who doesn't want to. It's not weakness, it's a disease.

235. It doesn't matter if you release tomorrow and live to be 100. A part of you will always be a soldier. The way you start your career will set the tone for the rest of your life. Do it right.

236. Stretch.

[Scott]

237. Just because you have no way to spend money for long times during course doesn't mean you have to go blow 400 bucks on booze in one sitting. Read 234 a few more times, please.

238. There are people who think soldiers are arseholes, you can do nothing about this except to act as though you wish to change that opinion, not reinforce it for them.

239. No, you may not beat the anti-war protesters. Yes, they have the right to do what they are doing. Yes, you defend that right. Yes, you can tell them that (If in the position to) No, you may not tell them with vulgarity. Read 238 again.

Add on to 233 - Yes you are the serving soldier now and everyone knows how tough you are, but perhaps you should be the one buying the beers when those chats are happening, those men have really earned it, maybe, some day, you will have as well.

[Haggis]

240.  During post ex and post op drills, nobody is done until the CQ/SQ says so.

241.  Listen.  Lots and often.

242.  Expand your professional knowledge.  Seek out those who you can learn from.

243.  Learn to fight.  Learn how to fight, with and without weapons.  More importantly, learn when to fight.

244.  Never drop or throw anything that could keep you alive (rifle, helmet, ballistic plates, compass, water bottle, etc. etc.)

[Scott]

247a. When you say, "It won't happen again, [rank]." You had better make damn sure that it does not happen again, ever. Do not be afraid to make mistakes, you will. Learn from them and soldier on. Do not repeat mistakes you should have already learned from.

[SeaKingTacco]

Most of this is aimed at Officers:

254.  The troops eat first. Always. 
255.  You will always remember your first Platoon/Troop Warrant.  He has lots of good advice for you.  Learn to follow it.  By the way- even if you get bad advice and follow it, you, not him, are responsible.
256.  You are responsible for everything, good or bad, that happens in your troop or platoon from the second you take command.  You cannot ever delegate that responsibility. You should, however, delegate authority whenever appropriate.  It teaches trust.
257.  Mission. Men. Self.  Note that you are always last.  That's why you get paid the big bucks.
258.  Praise in public, discipline in private.
259.  Never raise your voice.  That is what your NCO's are paid to do.  You yelling just makes you look like a tool.
260.  Never dispense discipline when angry.  Ever.
261.  You will work late and come in early.  Get used to it.
262.  You are paid to make tough decisions under extreme pressure.  Do what you are paid to do.  Remember, a mediocre, but violently executed plan now is better than the perfect plan 10 minutes too late.
263.  If you don't know what to do, do something!  Chances are, once you get moving, you will figure it out. 
264.  By all means have a beer with your troops, on occasion (Your Warrant will let you know how often is reasonable).  Do more listening than talking.  Don't get loaded.
265.  Promote the welfare and the accomplishments of your troops, always.
266.  Your job is to motivate and train your troops to win battles.  You are not their buddy.  It is not a popularity contest. You are not there to entertain them.  If you slack off on them in peacetime, you will just get them killed in wartime.
267.  Ultimately- you are in charge and have the final say.  If things go great- wonderful.  Praise your troops.  If things go massively, disasterously wrong, EVEN IF YOU HAD NOTHING PERSONALLY TO DO WITH IT, you WILL accept all of the responsibility and blame no one, even if it means the end of your career.  That is why you get paid the big bucks and have a nice Mess, with leather chairs and table clothes.

for what it's worth...

[BYT Driver]

knock off the bullshit

para, is this advice or are you telling us to keep on track here?

270.  If a buddy/friend tells you something in confidence over beers or drinks or coffee at work, and it's not something that will hurt or harm another person, or illegal, immoral or fattening;  keep it to yourself and be a good buddy/friend who knows how to keep his/her mouth shut. That's how rumours and bad reps start.


271. If you hear a rumour, do not pass it on!  If you're the nosey type, find out the Truth behind it.  If it's about a buddy/friend, let them know what's going on and find out the truth behind it.  Your friend should respect you more for bringing it to thier attention and not passing it around.  If your friend is having a problem, help them out with advice or seek professional help, or just be the shoulder to cry on.  Trust me, it all helps and no one is an island.   

[xo31@711ret]

...a leader knows he still has more to learn (no matter what the rank), an idiot thinks he knows everything...

...Anyone young commander given a position of authority who arrogantly ignores the advice of his NCO is a fool, for he jeopardices the mission and lives of his command...

...Every leader should seriously take counsel and advice of all his NCOs for they have knowledge & experience, yet the final decision/responsibilty is his/hers to make....

...do not give an order for which you yourself would not be willing to partake...

OFG (old f***guy)

711was031  just retired

[Michael O'Leary]

OK folks, this thread has started to drift from it's original (serious) intent.  It's locked.  That will give paracowboy an opportunity to clean it up (don't whine if a post of yours disappears) and then new additions can be submitted through him, or he may open it up to a new round of entries.