“All of the real heroes are not storybook combat fighters either. Every single man in this Army plays a vital role. Don’t ever let up. Don’t ever think that your job is unimportant. Every man has a job to do, and he must do it. Every man is a vital link in the great chain.”

General George S. Patton of the U.S. Army beautifully stated that every person, who is a part of the military, is crucial to accomplish the common goal of the armed forces, i.e., engage in combat when required and attain victory to protect the country and its people. Remember that you are still a valuable resource, even if you’re not part of the battlefront. That’s why it is essential to keep working on yourself every day to refine your skills. So, how can you get better while being a part of the military? Here’s what you can do.

1. Know your job –

The primary requirement to get better at something is to know the ins and outs of it.
So, know your job as a soldier/airman and work on it every single day to keep improving.

2. Visit the education center and join relevant classes –

Professional Military Education and civilian education can support you in self-improvement.
Counselors can help you identify which classes will best suit your needs.

3. Take College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests –

Approximately 50,000 military service members, their spouses, and civil service employees appear for CLEP tests every year. These tests can help you meet your educational goals while serving in the military.

4. Assist your fellow members when they need help –

Try not to be someone who does not care to support their fellow soldiers/airmen.
Working collaboratively and helping each other to reach a common goal is an essential trait you must have.

5. Get better at teamwork –

A soldier/airman is nothing without his team.
So, improve your teamwork skills by developing a team mentality, understanding your role, being flexible, and being good at communication.

6. Connect with other members –

Interact with soldiers/airmen who have qualities that set them apart from their fellow soldiers/airmen.
Talk to them and try to find out what has helped them get better at a particular thing. Write down the responses and start working on them, one at a time, to build on those qualities.

7. Conduct yourself like a military member –

Carry yourself like a soldier/airmen and let your confidence speak for you.
A soldier’s/airmen’s role is not a 9-5 job. So, try to be the best of yourself always.

8. Take care of yourself –

Don’t neglect your physical and mental fitness.
You need to be in the best of your health to serve your country.

9. Stay humble –

Even if you have achieved a lot as a soldier/airman, stay humble.
It will remind you that there’s still more to achieve in life.

Working continuously on yourself is the key to getting better in the military. All you need is the desire to do so.

What do you think?

References:
https://getlighthouse.com/blog/military-leader-quotes-manager-learn/
https://www.todaysmilitary.com/military-life/personal-growth
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-are-some-ways-to-better-yourself-as-a-soldier
https://clep.collegeboard.org/register-for-an-exam/military-how-to-register-under-dantes#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20nearly%2050%2C000%20military,waived%20if%20you%20are%20eligible.