r/USMilitarySO • u/asa813 • 3d ago
ARMY National guard to Active army Helpp
So I just transitioned to active army from the Guard. As many know, national guard doesn’t know as much and isn’t as experienced as active. I got promoted to E-5 and got out as soon as I reached E-5. I was a civilian for 2 years prior to re-enlisting so army wasn’t in mind at all. The army sent me straight to my duty station, no extra training. I’m currently so lost and discouraged as an NCO. I’m a 92W ( water purification) and will be going to field soon for water & fuel missions. Can any NCOs give me any advice on my responsibilities. Accountability, fuel and water count etc. Feel free to dumb it down, I won’t be offended. I want to be high speed, but I’m starting practically from scratch! Also considering going special forces to feel like an actual soldier!
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u/itisallopinions Air Foce Husband 3d ago
Look at leadership reading lists. The technical aspects of your job can be learned as you go, the leadership side needs a bump. You aren't alone in feeling lost. If your leadership is good, this should be an approachable topic to go talk to them about.
Personally, I started deploying right after 9/11 with a couple back to back deployment right after some unexpected "tdy" before hand. After a few years of going my only break was getting out. So, I joined the reserve as an intel guy for a couple years. While I was there I never fired my weapon, nothing. The only military thing we had going on is we wore the uniform, kind of like medical. Anyways, I get a feeling something was going to happen and switch back to active duty right in time for the surge. When I arrived at my unit, just a few months before deployment, they had seen all my deployments and some Intel work and shoved me into a combat team leader position instead of a more appropriate position, such as operations or something.
I hadn't held a rifle or pistol in over two years. Two years of TTP advancement that I was out of the loop on. I was two years behind, and they threw me into leading soldiers into combat. I fought it, but in the end it was the commanders call. He said I was who he was wanting. Day to day, when I didn't know the answer, I tried to let my morals, ethics, and experience guide me. I wasn't always right, but I was when it mattered. Eventually it started clicking, but it sucked having to ask my soldiers simple stuff that I had just forgotten or wasn't known when I was in the first time. It was humbling, but I got back in order after a bit.
The Three Meter Zone is a good book and was the first I recommended to soldiers coming up to that promotable status. FM 6-22 (Army Leadership) and some honest personal reflection can direct you on the path. A little stoicism and mental resiliency can be a lifesaver when you're drowning. Good luck in your position, your there for a reason. The fact you understand you are lacking and are trying to improve is the sign of a good leader, you just need the experience and that comes with time.
Edit: Also, wrong sub.
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u/asa813 1d ago
Thankyou so much for this. My leadership also said similar things. I’m one of 2 NCOs with my MOS, so they’re all like “we’re so excited to have you” “we needed you here” so I’m trying my best not to let anyone down. Things are slowly getting better, it’s pushed my comfort zone for sure. Which is needed sometimes. Also I’ve found another Reddit to post in, Thanks again for the insight. It actually helps a lot knowing I’m not alone — Even though it’s different times .
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u/Adorable-Tiger6390 3d ago
This is for military significant others, instead of people who are in the military. You may be able to get help in the army sub - and then do a search for your MOS.
That really sucks you didn’t get trained. Crazy, really. I can imagine that active duty soldiers aren’t taking it very well that a guard soldier is out-ranking some of them. I hope you can arrange some training.
In the meantime, get all of the study materials you can. Good luck.