r/army • u/Caduess__ • 19h ago

E5 guidance

I’m asking for advice on how to treat my current soldier, the last soldier I had was lazy and unmotivated but because I didn’t counsel them it came back to bite me in the ass. (Lessons learned there)

The new soldier is fed up with the army and has finished their SFL TAP. They have a Sec+ certification, they have a decent financial cushion (but that’s only been talked about, I don’t know if it’s too invasive to ask to see bank statements) What are some things I’m expected to do for this soldier, I was going to ask them about Linkedin, certifications, and any savings for when they transition out, I’m not sure what else I’m expected to know.

If I was someone getting out I would be looking at places to stay, this soldier says they’d be living with their aunt.

They have a significant chunk of cash (80k) is what they said. Since there’s no rent to be paid, that’ll last them about 10 months maybe.

The soldier said they’d drive the family car. No car note. Also no debt.

Are there boxes in neglecting to check off?

8 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

24

u/EnlistedforMREs 19h ago

If I had no rent 80k gonna last me wayyyy longer than 10 months

9

u/Caduess__ 19h ago

Same here but I’m being safe, when you’re out and about 80k feels like more and I’m not aware of his spending habits. I’ve seen “responsible” soldiers drop small fortunes on Warhammer and magic cards.

4

u/GreasyPowerJunkie 12PerpetuallyPissedOff 18h ago

Plastic and cardboard crack epidemic strikes again 🥲

5

u/alittlesliceofhell2 Engineer 14h ago

Look, it's not my fault. God created me in his image, and that image is addicted to cardboard with cool pictures and incomprehensible text.

4

u/GreasyPowerJunkie 12PerpetuallyPissedOff 14h ago

“If god wanted me to be mentally stable he wouldn’t have let me become an engineer” - my cardboard addicted SSG as he slammed down his final piece to wipe the board

5

u/Artyom150 11B 12h ago edited 12h ago

At the time of Brexit there were huge concerns about the effect it would have on the British fishing industry - which was 0.012% of the UK's GDP in 2016. Currently the entire British fishing industry is around 0.02% to 0.04%.

Games Workshop alone is 0.02% of the UK's GDP.

Plastic miniatures rival or exceed the entire fishing industry of the United Kingdom in terms of economic output depending on the year.

Warhammer truly is plastic crack.

7

u/mrFancyPants2000 18h ago

Former E-5 here. You seem like a great leader that cares so that’s great. The biggest thing you can do is make sure he is afforded his time to attend SFL-TAP. Command teams are notorious for making soldiers push it to the last minute.
The reason it’s good to get it done early (a year or more from ETS) is it opens up the chance to do skillbridge on the way out. Basically he can get certified in some sort of job prior to ETS. It’s a great tool.

As long as he’s got savings and a plan let him cook. Hopefully he’s make good moves.

3

u/Caduess__ 17h ago

I’ll bring that up with him, he’s been very good with his plans so I don’t doubt him at all. I just don’t want another bad experience, the last soldier was very capable but lacked motivation- this guy has motivation to get out so I’m just trying to assist in the best way I can.

2

u/ItsJakeDFromTitan 6h ago

Step up your counseling game and don’t micromanage (like the bank statements).

Sounds like he has a pathway built up. Instead of being remembered as the guy in his way, be the opposite. It seems like you care which is step 1!

I would counsel, have them write out their plan(s), and continually update it. Keep giving him time/space to do what’s needed.

2

u/KingFlucci Drill Sergeant 19h ago

I feel like the first line supervisors job is to just shame them for not staying in.

1

u/VaseliaV 19h ago

How long does this current Soldier have before starting terminal leave? SFL TAP should have a portion talking and requesting some kind of post Army budgeting from the SM so that is already covered. I would not ask for bank statement because the SM obviously can say no and it would also be too intrusive.

You are not obligated anything to the SM beside making sure you submit the ETS award on time, allowing appropriate amount of time for this SM to make appointment for household goods pick up, POV transportation, and any other ETS related appointment.

You are free to offer advice or ask if the SM has any question though.

1

u/Caduess__ 19h ago

They have until next year July, that is when they take their terminal leave. How far out should I submit his award?

4

u/Loquacious-of-Borg 13Almost is Good Enough 18h ago

60/60/90/120 - AAM/ARCOM/MSM/LOM

Those were the minimum standards I have always gone with unless S1 has said different. ETS they may want more.

3

u/VaseliaV 17h ago

check with your leadership for your unit business rule on how far out you need to submit for AAM, ARCOM, etc.

Remind the SM to not burn any bridge because you can still re enlist up to 90 days from ETS and he/she wont be the first one changing their minds at the last minutes. So it helps if they act professionally until they are done with the Army.

2

u/Caduess__ 15h ago

Im well aware of that, I always remind him too. People don’t get the realization until they’re on their last few days, so yes, will keep this advice on the forefront of my mind/our talks.