Every day, the Navy is changing and evolving. Some might say that being in the Navy is a waste of time and civilian life is better; maybe for some it is. But if you want to get the most out of your first 5 years, or make it your career for 20 years or beyond, here are eight ways (in no particular order) to be successful in today’s Navy:
1. Remember why you joined. There are many reasons why people swear in and join the Navy. They want to provide a better life for themselves and their families. They want to be a part of something bigger; to be a hero or have the chance to serve this beautiful country. Or they want to see the world and earn a college degree. Whatever the reasons behind your decision to join, keep them close to you. Do not lose sight of them.
2. Keep in mind that where you are right now is only temporary. Whether you are an E-1 or an E-5, know that you will not always be. One day, you will be placed in a leadership position, whether as a lead petty officer (LPO) or assistant lead petty officer (ALPO) of your space, or even a leadership position in a command group or function. But before you get there, you have to start at the bottom. You have to follow before you can lead. And that takes time, especially if you are just starting out.
So do not get stuck on feeling that you are limited and treated a certain way because of your rank. Yes, you do have to have military bearing and be respectful to those who outrank you. However, you have more power than you know. You have a voice. Use it. Think about what kind of leader you want to become. The best examples are those in your command. And I do not mean just your chief, your LPO, or ALPO. There are sailors of all ranks who are doing amazing jobs making your command a better place to work. Do not be afraid to talk to them and ask what they do to stay motivated and successful.
Also, take the time to work on becoming qualified and attend the training that pertains to your rate and job. Work hard, even if you feel no one is watching or appreciating you. Start getting involved in the command whether it is volunteer work, joining an association, or stepping up and taking a collateral duty. Trust me when I say that if you put in 100 percent, it will pay off in the long run.
3. Set your goals, believe that you can achieve them, and then do it. What do you want to achieve in the Navy? Make rank? Put in an officer package for the Seaman-to-Admiral-21 (STA-21) Program or Officer Candidate School (OCS)? Pass the physical readiness test with an excellent? Get your pins? Make sure your goals are always visible to you. A great way to do this is to make a vision board (even if it’s just on a piece of paper or a file on your computer screen) and put it in your workspace and inside your rack. If you are not that creative, invest in a journal or a planner and work on accomplishing your goals daily.
Do not be afraid to have a mentor. I would recommend one of each paygrade that you are striving for. Pick their brains and listen to their guidance. They were once in your shoes and will steer you in the right direction.
4. Gain knowledge. Going to training and studying might seem like a drag, but there is no greater accomplishment than hearing your name announced among those who advanced to the next rank. Strive to be the “go-to” expert in your workspace and excel. Not only will you be more knowledgeable, but people will start to notice, and you will have a reputation for being reliable and credible. Getting your pins and getting qualified might be challenging and tiring at times, but the things that are not easy to achieve are the things worth fighting for. So get to it. Great sources for in-rate knowledge and career opportunities are the Navy Personnel Command website and the My Navy portal.
5. Earn college degrees and certificates. One of the best benefits the Navy offers is education. When you are in a command for a certain amount of time, you will be able to use tuition assistance to take college courses. This is great because you will not have to worry about applying for student loans. You also will have access to CLEP—a program to help you earn college credit for what you already know—for free at some colleges because you are in the military. The Navy takes care of that! Earning a college degree or certificate (especially from a USMAPs civilian apprenticeship program) not only gives you an edge on advancement, but it also will open doors should you choose to go the officer route or separate from service and get a career as a civilian.
6. Take care of your mind, body, and soul. Navy life, at times, is not easy. In fact, there will be hard times and changes that you’ll have to face that often are unplanned. Maybe it’s a breakup or the death of a loved one or a friend. Or maybe you’re struggling in your workspace. Whatever problems you are facing, take some time to take care of yourself. There is no shame in seeking out a therapist or a chaplain. Do not worry about it affecting your career. You cannot help others if you do not first help yourself. Each workday, take a break and breathe, especially if work is chaotic. If you haven’t already, find a spiritual outlet, even if you are not religious.
Also, make sure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet. Yes, those curly fries with the bacon cheeseburger taste great. It is okay to have it once a week. But make sure you strive to eat healthy throughout the week. Do not fall into those fad diets. They might work for a short period and you may lose weight. However, in the long term, you will gain back that weight you lost and sometimes twice as much. Another effective thing to do is to plan a few monthly workout/healthy goals, such as losing one pound a week, drinking eight glasses of water a day, working out four days a week, or working out with other shipmates at the end of the workday. Take care of your body the right and safe way. Make an appointment with your nutritionist or your fit boss to set you up for success.
7. Use your skills and talents to stand out and get involved with your command. There might come a time when you feel that you have to give up your creative outlets that you enjoyed before joining the Navy. You know—writing, singing, drawing, acting, cooking, etc. Guess what? You do not have to. You can use your creativity and get involved in command associations such as the Junior Enlisted Association, the Coalition of Sailors against Destructive Decisions, the Second Class Association, and MWR/USO. You can even create your own association, such as a writer’s or an artist group. If you do not want to go that route, use your creativity for trainings (in a professional manner, of course) or in command events such as fundraisers and talent shows. For example, if you like acting, you can write skits and scripts for trainings to make them more interesting and memorable.
8. Do not be afraid to apply for special programs. Thinking about putting in an officer package for STA-21, limited duty officer, or OCS? What’s holding you back? Do your research on the requirements and what best fits your interests and talk to your educational services officer today. I also would recommend seeking out an officer mentor who is prior enlisted and can walk you through the steps and give you great tips.
When it comes to the Navy, there are many opportunities for sailors of all ranks to become successful leaders. The shape your path takes is up to you. Stay positive, be patient, and never give up on yourself, no matter what!