I was an abused kid growing up. I graduated HS in three years in order to join the USAF to get away from that abuse. I was fortunate enough to get a TI that took me into his office one day and ask me what I’d be doing if I hadn’t joined the USAF. I told him most likely living under a bridge as I was homeless. Ssgt Hutchinson didn’t take pity on me or give me any special treatment, but I think he understood. I could see it in his reaction. He doesn’t know it, but the man made a man out of this 17 yr old and I’m forever grateful. I haven’t seen him or talked to him since Basic Training 1981-82 but if he sees this, I say thank you because you saved my life.
2 weeks ago | 75
My first machine gun section leader when I hit the fleet. Guy was an absolute freak. Lead by example, humble, extremely intelligent, PT stud, ranger tab sewn into the underside of his cami sleeve, NAM with combat V… Later went on to be a Marine Raider. This was the type of Marine that dudes wanted to be and women wanted to be with… Can’t thank him enough for making me strive to be the best at everything I do in my life.
2 weeks ago | 42
All the shitty NCOs who showed me what kind of leader I DIDN'T want to be
2 weeks ago | 32
This is a multi-faceted question for me. I had never met a Marine in my life (my family was Army) until I met my Marine recruiter. In that very real sense, he is why I decided to join the Corps. I knew others in the Marines, afterwards, who were incredible mentors. Semper Fi!
2 weeks ago (edited) | 4
I was fortunate to have several mentors but CMSgt Stephen Wyatt became my NCOIC as a MSgt. He taught me how to prepare for promotion, how to be a more effective communicator and leader, and he pushed me out of my comfort zone to make me better. His mantra was Take care of your troops. Let them take care of the mission, and the rest will take care of itself. Training, tools, and time--make sure your troops gain the Confidence of Competence and then trust them to get the job done right. Nudge them along here and there when you're needed but stay out of their way because Their Success Is Your Success Best boss I ever had.
2 weeks ago | 6
I’ve met officers from everywhere but the best of the best were all enlisted first. The humility you learn from being enlisted is a good life lesson.
2 weeks ago (edited) | 23
The Squared-Away NCO can guide both enlisted men and officers.
2 weeks ago | 24
I enlisted, the base commander gave a speech during one of our classes during basic. 1 thing he said stuck with me, enlisting is not a career, it a volunteer job of self sacrifice. 2nd thing, working at my first duty station a great NCO told me that the things I teach you today are important for you to learn and remember because you need to teach the next person otherwise that knowledge is lost. 2 great men
2 weeks ago | 6
Biggest W for me was this Specialist whose been in for 8 years and only reason he doesn't get promoted is because he couldn't get high PT scores. Sht I hated was that the problem was he was a huge dude like 6'7 and was wide. He wasn't fat but deff had some weight to carry and he could out ruck just about anybody. He was a beast of a mentor figure and was trusted with NCO responsibilities but not the rank. All because the stupid numbers on paper weren't high enough. It was the real realization to me that the military does NOT prioritize leadership skills and talents. Just how you look on paper.
2 weeks ago | 6
A few years back I found my senior drill on fb. He is Army retired as a Sgt Major and is doing ok for a man in his upper 70’s. We messaged back and forth and it was bittersweet. He had to know my story and the impact he had on my life. Great job DS Juarez
2 weeks ago | 5
NCO Sergeants at every level and their equivalents in other branches are the backbone of our armed forces. They get things done.
2 weeks ago | 4
My dad took my brother and I to see the Blue Angels perform at NAS Corpus Christi TX. We were absolutely amazed by the jets and the flying. Afterwards, we kids got to meet the pilots and I met Capt. Gil Ruud. I asked him how can I be a jet pilot. He said " Do well in school, be physically fit and be a great American". He then signed my paper program. My brother did join the Navy via USNA and became an F 18 driver and I went Air Force. I still have that signed program.
2 weeks ago | 24
SFC Fleming. He was the toughest, no nonsense but fair NCO I ever worked under. The lessons I learned from him I still apply everyday.
2 weeks ago | 2
A friend's Dad. He was a double amputy below both knees. He was a Marine Corps veteran from double deployment Vietnam. He became a bus driver in our town and I never saw him have a bad day. SEMPER FI FROM NM 🙏🙏
2 weeks ago | 4
I can't remember alot of people's names from when I served but I damn sure remember my senior drill sergeant
2 weeks ago | 7
I had a fantastic Motor Sergeant. He taught me what it was to be an NCO. He was one of the few good leaders i had in 20 years. Ive never met another NCO like him. He was rare indeed. I tried my best to make him proud. Thank You SFC Doug Barker.
2 weeks ago | 4
SSG Kent from Atlanta. You taught me everything that I knew about the Army and quite a bit about life. Thanks for being a great section chief and battle buddy.
2 weeks ago | 2
Plt Sgt, sfc Wagoner. The best man I've ever met. He really cared about his soilders.
2 weeks ago | 2
Thank you ladies and gentlemen for those who have served. The military interested me very much as a child but I never had the courage to join. I became an EMT Basic in my hometown instead. I would still make the same decision. Love the channel. God bless you all. From Flint Michigan USA.
1 week ago
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Jamesons Travels
The person who had the biggest impact on your military career was a:
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 626