True Wallabies, but I'm afraid that our man here might end up joining the officer cadre a little too late compared to his peers. It's good to get some experience in the enlisted ranks but it's also important that he doesn't become an officer too late. I'd imagine it'll take him about four or five years before he just about makes squad leader and then it'll take another four to make platoon sergeant at best. I'm assuming he doesn't have a University degree yet so that means he'll be nearing his thirties before he makes 2nd Lieutenant.

In our army officers don't need university educations. If he joined at 17 he could make section commander by the time he was 21 then he would get 2-3 years in the battalion until they tried to send him to a training establishment so he would put in his officer application after about 2 years of being a corporal, 12 months at RMC Duntroon and comes out with 2 pips. A full LT at 24-25 with 7-8 years experience. Now that would be a good army.

That would... too bad it doesn't work that way in many other places including the US.
The world's got its own system and we have to follow suit.

Originally Posted by the_13th_redneck

That would... too bad it doesn't work that way in many other places including the US.
The world's got its own system and we have to follow suit.

I have been blessed with a PL who was a Ranger in his former E life. Best PL, correction officer I have met to date.

Originally Posted by Redcell

Thanks guys, this helped alot
there should be a kudos system here

(psst...milibucks work just as well)

Originally Posted by Sukio

(psst...milibucks work just as well)

how do I do that?

Originally Posted by Spartacus

I have been blessed with a PL who was a Ranger in his former E life. Best PL, correction officer I have met to date.

Just saying, if he waited until he was like Staff Sergeant while as Enlisted, going officer would have been harder for him as a career choice.

Originally Posted by the_13th_redneck

Just saying, if he waited until he was like Staff Sergeant while as Enlisted, going officer would have been harder for him as a career choice.

Agreed. He did it though. He was an E7 like a month before his commission. It has to be hard for him going from large and in charge to new guy on the bottom rung, but he does his job and he does it well.

It all depends on you. I'm an ex officer and have seen some superbly talented soldiers, who in my opinion, would've made great officers / leaders, but the didn't want the responsibility. I lay no claims to being the next Alexander, but for me it is all about the desire to lead and do the best for your men & women. I don't think that coming through the ranks is a handicap or a bonus - I've dealt with quite a few GOPWO's (grossly over promoted Warrant Officers) in my time as well, they tended to be resistant to change, opportunity and normally quoted regulations to support inaction.

Ir is the man not the paper that defines leadership, which is what an officer provides - if you think that you've got the gumption, go for it, but be prepared it isn't easy living - fun, rewarding but also heartbreaking.

Best of luck to you my friend.

Originally Posted by Spartacus

Agreed. He did it though. He was an E7 like a month before his commission. It has to be hard for him going from large and in charge to new guy on the bottom rung, but he does his job and he does it well.

Yeah, more power to him, but it's not necessarily what I'd recommend.