Hello, hello, hello—welcome back!
New week, new blog—this is blog number 14, and today we’re getting into something that can truly change the game for your military career: Tips to Help You Succeed in the Military.
Whether you’re just stepping into basic training or you’re a few years into your service, success in the military is all about mindset, effort, and consistency. The more successful you are, the better your career will be—and with that success comes greater opportunities, more responsibility, and stronger leadership roles.
Every branch of the military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard—offers incredible opportunities to those who earn them. But nothing is just handed to you. You have to be willing to grind, to show up when it counts, and to prove that you deserve a seat at the table.
The truth is, it’s not about being perfect—it’s about doing just a little more than what’s expected. Show up early. Stay a little later. Volunteer here and there. Stay sharp. Help the team. Be the person others can count on. That’s how you stand out.
In today’s blog, I’m going to break down some things that will help you get ahead and stay ahead. Because success in the military doesn’t just happen—it’s earned.
Let’s get into it.
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Tuition Assistance.
Tuition Assistance, or TA, is an education program available to active-duty service members in all branches—Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and even the Space Force. Its purpose is simple: to help you continue your education while serving.
Here’s how it works:
- You get up to $4,500 per fiscal year (October 1st to September 30th) to pay for college courses, certifications, or vocational training.
- TA usually covers 100% of your tuition costs, up to $250 per semester hour.
- It applies to courses taken at accredited institutions, either online or in person.
- Most importantly: TA is separate from your GI Bill. This means you can earn a degree while still on active duty without touching your GI Bill benefits, which can be used later.
Education is leverage. The more education you have, the more competitive you are for promotions, commissioning programs, and even civilian opportunities after service. It shows initiative, discipline, and long-term thinking—qualities that leaders and boards look for.
Using TA is one of the smartest moves you can make during your military career. It’s free money on the table—and it’s designed to help you grow.
Don’t wait until your last year in—start early and stay consistent. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself down the road.
I personally completed my entire Bachelor’s degree using Tuition Assistance. It took me a little longer than the traditional route, but the payoff was huge—I didn’t spend a single dime out of my own pocket.
By using TA to earn your degree while serving, you immediately set yourself apart from your peers. It shows initiative, time management, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. In a competitive environment like the military.
Free base services.
Each military base offers a wide range of FREE services that are designed to help you save money, improve your quality of life, and open doors to new opportunities—both personally and professionally.
These aren’t just basic amenities—they’re resources that many people on base don’t even realize they have access to. Here are just a few examples of what’s usually available:
- Education Centers: Will help you with your education goals.
- Financial Readiness Programs: Free help with budgeting, debt management, taxes, and planning for retirement or major purchases.
- Transition Assistance Programs (TAP): Guidance for ETSing, VA benefits, resume building, and preparing for civilian life.
- Legal Assistance: Basic legal services like reviewing leases, wills, powers of attorney, and more—all at no cost.
- Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR): Affordable (or free) access to gyms, outdoor equipment rentals, events, discounted tickets, and trips.
- On-Base Job and Volunteer Opportunities: Great for building your resume, earning extra income, or gaining leadership experience.
By using these services, you’re not only saving money—you’re investing in yourself. When you’re brand new to the military, let’s be real—you’re not making a lot of money. That’s why these on-base services are more valuable than ever during your early years of service. And the best part? They’re completely free.
Free is always a win, especially when you’re trying to get on your feet financially and professionally. One of the most underrated resources is MWR. It’s not just about discounted movie tickets or gym access—MWR opens the door to a ton of opportunities that can help you grow your network and stay active.
Getting involved through MWR can give you a boost. When it comes time for awards, evaluations, or promotions, those extra efforts—especially when they involve giving back or showing leadership—can really set you apart.
Go up for Awards (monthly, quarterly and annual)
Let’s talk about awards—and why they matter so much in the military.
Awards are official recognition for the hard work, dedication, and impact you’ve made over a specific period of time. Whether you want or not, chances are you’ll go above and beyond at some point. You’ll lead people, work Air show, help your team succeed, or take on extra responsibilities. So when that happens, why not make sure it gets recognized?
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with asking your supervisor, “Hey, could you put me up for an award?” If you’ve earned it, speak up. Awards give your career a massive boost—awards carry weight on annual performance reports, evaluations, and promotion boards. They show that you’re a high performer, a team player, and someone who consistently adds value to the mission.
Not to mention, most awards come as physical trophy—something you can proudly display at home or in your office. It’s a reminder of the time, effort, and sacrifices you’ve made.
When I first joined the military, no one told me how important awards were. I had to figure it out over time. And trust me, once you win your first one, it’s one of the greatest feelings—not because you’re bragging, but because it confirms that your hard work mattered and was seen.
So take pride in what you do, and when you put in that extra effort, don’t be afraid to make sure it counts.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I truly hope it brought you value.
These are the kinds of things not enough people talk about in the military—resources, opportunities, and strategies that can make a huge difference in your career. I wish this kind of information was more widely shared, because the truth is, many service members never hear about it until it’s too late.
Too often, people get discouraged when their hard work goes unrecognized. And let’s be honest—that’s not on them. Recognition, mentorship, and guidance should be a part of every unit’s culture. But when it’s not, you have to take your career into your own hands.
So take what you’ve learned here and use it to your advantage. Be proactive. Ask questions. Put yourself out there. Take control of your future and build the career you deserve. Success doesn’t just come to those who wait—it comes to those who work smart, stay consistent, and never stop pushing forward.
Stay locked in—and I’ll see you in the next blog.
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If you ever have questions, want to share your own experience, or just feel like connecting, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can send me an email or book a one-on-one session through the “Contact Me” page—I’m always here to help however I can.
Coming up next Thursday: I want to talk a little about “My experience at MacDill AFB Boat Patrol.”
If you found this post helpful, please consider sharing it with others who might benefit. Your support means everything—every read, comment, and share helps me keep this going, and I truly appreciate you being part of this growing community.
Thank you for being on this journey with me. I couldn’t do it without you.
Very Respectfully,
Vlad Kalinin