Try coming into the Military as an adult. I was 27 when I signed my enlistment paperwork. I had held several middle management positions in various jobs. This prior work experience has both hindered and helped my military career. Funny how that works.

As a civilian I learned to speak my mind and question my bosses intentions. Those of you that have served can see how this can be a problem. My leadership loves me because I do things like show initative, take charge in certain situations, and report anything that needs to be reported (be it negative or not, sometimes your boss is just out of the loop) to whoever needs to know. Basic civilian stuff, at least when you are in management.

At the same time they hate me as I will contradict an E-7 if I have to. I usually will not, but if their orders are not in the best interest of my troops, as their squad leader I feel it is my responsibility to look out for my men, and work with my E-7 to come to some sort of agreement.

Here's the story. My E-7 wanted me to write a non-promotion counseling for someone whom he considered to be a substandard soldier. The problem is, my E-7 doesn't work with the Soldier in question and was not in a position to evaluate his performance. I politely told him that I thought the soldier in question would make an excellent NCO and thrives when responsibility and duty are thrust upon him. Pressure makes him reach his potential. Shortly after I told my E-7 this, I was relieved of my position as squad leader for insubordination. No disciplinary action or anything, he just thought that I was not ready to lead. Which is funny, as I thought looking out for your soldiers and questioning your superiors were good characteristics to find in a leader.

Thanks for reading my rant too. And like I said, don't wait to long to join the Military or it becomes both easier and harder all at the same time.