Maximizing Your Military Experience: The Power of Proactivity

Having spent years in the military, one piece of advice stands out as particularly valuable: 'Learn to touch type. It will make your staff work so much easier to complete!'

From a Telephone Cable Splicer to a Proactive Service Member

I served as a 2813 in the Marines, working as a Telephone Cable Splicer. The job title might sound straightforward, but it involved a lot more. I maintained telephone cables and splice cases across the base during my time at Camp Pendleton. However, since we only had budget for new projects for about six months of the year, the other six months were relatively lean in terms of tasks to accomplish.

Learning to Value Every Opportunity

One pivotal moment came when a civilian worker, a retired MSGT, nodded at me while we passed Marines mowing lawns along the road. He said, 'Keep yourself busy or that will be you next week.' These words resonated with me deeply and influenced my approach to my work.

Fueled by this advice, I chose to volunteer for additional tasks. Initially, I worked with the construction crew, performing strenuous unskilled jobs like stringing guy lines, burying cable, and planting poles. This was a significant change from my primary duties and brought a new level of excitement and challenge to my work.

Later, I expanded my skills by volunteering to work with the telephone installation crew. Here, I learned to pull subscriber lines, install and repair telephones, and work with key systems. I also had the opportunity to work in the inside plant, further diversifying my skills and experiences.

The Importance of Proactivity in the Military

The experience taught me that one does not need to seek out all volunteer opportunities; rather, it is important to be open to and proactive about taking on new challenges. This philosophy aligns with the Marines' values and has proven invaluable in both my military and post-military life.

Personal Experience and Service Impact

Thanks to this approach, I was able to leverage my diverse set of skills to make a significant impact in various areas. For example, my work on construction and telephone installation helped to save lives during emergencies and ensured the smooth operation of communication networks, as acknowledged by several of my superiors.

The advice to 'learn to touch type' was not just about improving efficiency in my staff work; it was a broader lesson in being proactive and seizing opportunities. By voluntarily taking on new tasks, I was able to expand my skills and become an asset to my unit.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my time in the military, the advice to be proactive and volunteer is a cornerstone of success. Embracing new challenges and seizing opportunities can open doors to growth and impact. So, while it's tempting to remain quiet and merely fulfill one's duties, staying proactive and open to new experiences can lead to a more fulfilling and impactful career, both in and out of the military.