Alright, now that I have this up and running again, here we go. So I've spent the last few months in the real Navy, no longer at some bullshit training command. I've learned quite a few things since I've been here, too.
1.) Get all the qualifications you can, as quickly as you can. This shows upper chain of command that you're ready and willing to whatever they need you to do at a moment's notice. It also looks good on evaluations and brag sheets that you're forced to do. I've been at this command for less than six months and I'm very nearly qualified for a warfare pin, which isn't too bad. I also have a good chunk of the other qualifications I need to be a decent maintenance tech. Hopefully I'll get those knocked out before January is over.
2.) Learn to navigate politics. This place is more political than a presidential race! Seriously, President Obama and Governor Romney could have taken lessons here! While not all politics are bad, it's good to learn how to move and get what you want without beating it out of people. If you can learn the system, you can learn to reduce stress and still move upwards. Politics are really the backbone to it all, the best players get the best slots in the shop, so on and so forth. I HATE politics, but even I'm learning to make the best of it.
3.) The Advancement exams are NOT fixed! While I've only been through one personally, I already know this is not rigged. Here's where the politics end and the evaluations and raw test taking skills take over. If you're not a shitbag, you'll get a good evaluation, which gives you points. Get your education!! Bachelors and Assosicates degress are more points. Certain awards and certificates count as points, as does passing the previous exam. But the biggest contributing factor: STUDY YOUR ASS OFF! It's a massive test, on par with the most hideous college final exam you've ever taken. Let's put it this way, if at the end of your senior year in college, they asked you to take an exam over everything you learned during your time at the university, that's what it's like. It's not meant to be easy. And yes, I believe some of it is up to fate, and you'll make it when you're supposed to, if you're supposed to make it. But don't freak out, just read your profile sheet and move forward. Study where you failed, but don't forget about what you did well in, too.
4.) People suck. There will always be someone to tell you no, or to try and bring you down. Let the haters hate. You'll prove them wrong if you're determined enough. There's one person in particular here I absolutely cannot stand. Every time I see him I want to find a new way to prove I'm not a "waste of time." In time, I'll prove him wrong again and again. I just have to keep my nose clean, chin up and do whatever I need to do.
5.) Listen to someone who's done well and is seen as a "go-getter." If they did something right, chances are they won't lead you down the wrong path. Being cautious is good, but don't be completely distrustful. And listen to the advice of well respected First Classes, Chiefs (inclusive of Senior and Master Chiefs) and Officers, even if they aren't the same rate as you. They have their collar devices for a reason, and it isn't because they sat around on their backside doing nothing.
6.) Support people newer than you. You were once the newbie that nobody liked, never forget that. Help them with qualifications, bureaucracy, and generally fitting in. No, you're not going to like everyone you work with, but don't make them feel like they don't belong, either. I managed to put aside my severe distaste for a particular person enough to make sure she'd checked in properly, and I still have polite passing conversation with her, just to keep the peace. Plus, by the time you're an "old salt" at one command, that might mean it's now your turn to go somewhere else and be the "FNG."
Well, right now that's all I have. I suppose I should get back to studying for this terrifying murder board. I really hate boards. :-( And one last note, these are indeed my opinions and observations. If I offend you, I apologize. If you don't like what I have to say, then just don't read it. Have a great night!
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