Hey there,
I’m really glad you’re here.
I created this website and blog to help you get as much real, honest information about the military as possible. Here, I share my personal stories from my time in service, along with tips, advice, and the kind of knowledge I wish someone had given me before I joined. If you don’t know who I am yet, feel free to check out the About Me page to see where all this experience comes from.
I believe blogs are one of the best ways to pass on valuable info — I can pack a lot of insight into one post, and you can take what you need at your own pace. It means a lot to be able to share all this with you. When I was first going into the military, there really wasn’t much information out there. I had to figure things out as I went, day by day. That’s why I’m doing this now — so you don’t have to do it alone.
Today, I’m bringing you Part 2 of my “Tips to Succeed in the Military” series.
If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, go back and check it Out Here. These tips have been incredibly helpful throughout my career. I used them constantly, and they helped me grow, earn opportunities, and stay on the right path.
Use these tips wisely — and trust me, you’ll go far.
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Stay Humble, Stay Hungry
It’s not easy, I know — but try your best. Humility in the military and in life is everything. It’s a trait that keeps you grounded when you’re winning and keeps you motivated when you’re not. I’ve seen too many people give up after one failure, or worse, let a single success convince them they’ve made it. Neither mindset will take you far.
From my own experience, I’ve heard more “no’s” than “yes’,” and each “no” taught me something valuable. Every “yes” I earned felt like gold because I worked hard to achieve it. That struggle — the grind, the setbacks, the effort to try again — that’s what builds character and creates warriors who can endure.
One thing I’ve come to learn is this: there’s almost always another way. In the military, there isn’t just one path to success. If a certain job, school, or opportunity doesn’t work out the first time, that doesn’t mean it’s over. You might have to look from a different angle, find another route, or earn it in a different way — but it’s still possible.
Stay hungry for improvement. Stay humble in your achievements. Never think you’ve made it, because that’s when you stop growing. And don’t ever let failure define you — let it refine you. The ones who make it are the ones who keep pushing, keep learning, and stay committed to the process no matter how long it takes.
If you’re not getting the results you want, ask yourself: “What can I do differently?” There are mentors, programs, lateral moves, certifications, and schools that most people don’t even know about. Be curious. Be resourceful. Talk to people who’ve done what you want to do, and then carve your own way forward.
Branch Out and Network
Just like in life, branching out and building a solid network is incredibly important in the military. You might be wondering, why does networking matter so much in the service? My answer is simple: because you never know when you’ll need a connection in another department, unit, or even a completely different career field.
The military is big, but it’s also a small world once you’re in it. Word gets around, reputations follow, and connections can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Knowing the right people can help you dramatically — whether it’s getting a heads-up about a hard-to-get school slot, getting a favor when your paperwork hits a wall, or even getting insight into switching jobs or retraining into a different career field.
Some opportunities aren’t publicly posted. Some programs are only known to those already in certain circles. And sometimes, just knowing someone who can vouch for your character or work ethic can be the difference between “maybe” and “you’re in.”
Networking doesn’t mean being fake or trying to impress people. It just means making genuine connections, treating people with respect, and being someone that others remember in a good way. The more people you know — and the more people who know they can count on you — the further you’ll go.
Whether it’s fellow junior troops, NCOs, officers, or civilians, don’t be afraid to reach out, ask questions, or offer help. Every connection is a piece of the puzzle that can lead to something greater.
Stay in Shape
You might be surprised, but your PT (Physical Training) test is very important in the military — more than most people realize. It’s not just a fitness test; it’s part of how you’re evaluated as a servicemember. Each branch has its own version of the PT test. For example, the Air Force has one of the easier standards (check here), yet people still fail it — and there’s no excuse for that.
Staying in shape is 100% your own responsibility. No one else can do it for you. It’s not just about passing the test once a year — it’s about maintaining the discipline to stay ready year-round. A good PT score reflects your commitment, and a bad one can hold you back in more ways than you’d think.
Your PT record is tied to nearly everything: annual reviews, award packages, promotions, re-enlistments, and applying for special duties or career opportunities. Almost every time you apply for something, they’ll ask for a copy of your PT scores from the beginning of your career— and if you’ve been slacking, they’ll know.
The good news? This is one of the easiest things to control. You don’t have to be a bodybuilder or run a marathon, but you do need to take care of your body. Eat right, stay active, and make fitness part of your routine — not just something you cram for once a year. I always tried to aim at 95% or higher, its easy if you stay in shape year around.
You don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest — but you do have to be consistent. That’s what really counts.
Thank you for tuning in and reading my 16th Blog. Time flies quickly and I am very happy to be sharing this information with you. Again, I hope you find it useful and thank you for reading.
Stay Connected
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If you ever have questions, want to share your own story, or just feel like connecting, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email me directly or schedule a one-on-one session through the Contact Me page. I’m here to help however I can.
Next Thursday, I’ll be sharing “Tips to succeed in the military part 3/3.” If today’s post helped you, please consider passing it along to someone else who might benefit from it. Whether you read, comment, or share — your support means a lot. It helps this blog grow and reach more people, and I’m truly grateful to have you along for the ride.
Thanks for being here and being part of this journey.
Very Respectfully,
Vlad Kalinin