Dear Black Girl, Before You Join The Military, Read This.

1. Never Be The Dumbest Person In The Room.

• Being the most unassuming person in the room can make many people feel too comfortable. That is not why you're there. The dumber you are, the less of a threat you'll be to others. Stay dangerous.

  
  

  2. Stay Humble, But Remain Confident.

• Often, we sacrifice our confidence to remain humble, assuming we can't be both, to make others feel comfortable around us. You can absolutely be both. Establish a healthy balance and stand in your power. There will be insecure leaders who will perceive your confidence as a threat and will find ways to undermine you. Some examples include unsolicited mentorship and forced guidance, where individuals want to hold your hand through every task. Some leaders will attempt to take you under their wing when you don't need their help or ask for their assistance. Forced mentorship diminishes confidence. Ironically, you'll look at most of these people and will discover that they're no better of a Soldier than you are. You are more than potential. You're the whole package, and that's scary for most because the only potential you'll possess is the opportunity to surpass them in your career, thanks to your dedication and genuine drive. People want to see you dwell, just not better than them. If you're already a chill and humble person, then you'll know where the forced mentorship is steaming from, and you'll instinctively know how to address it. Speak up when you need to tactfully and send them on their way. Now, don't be alarmed, the number of good people in the Military far outweighs the number of bad. 

  
  

  3. Always do the right thing when no one's looking.

• Please keep in mind that no matter what your peers do wrong and get away with, you will not be able to do the same. So please don't do it. Do not cut corners for anyone on the job, do not do any favors that go against policies, regulations, or standards of operation, and always cross your t's and dot your i's. Don't do anything for yourself or for anyone else that'll jeopardize your career. Because when you or the individuals you're doing wrong for get caught, you are the first person they're going to throw under the bus. People of our kind are the easiest scapegoats because no one will ever question the severity of the consequences due to our ancestors' history of enslavement and mistreatment. Unfortunately, some people falsely believe we're not deserving of a room to make mistakes, a comfortable life, and luxuries. Hardship, labor, and incompetence are just about all most people see in us.

  
  

4. Don't give anyone the satisfaction of ever having something to hold over your head against you.

• Contrary to popular belief, you do have room and space to make mistakes and correct them without consequences. Making mistakes intentionally is what will ultimately end your career.

  
  

And last but not least, be guided by your ancestors. Our culture has a rich history of being protected and guided by our ancestors, hence why we're still here, thriving, and cultivating today. We don't walk in fear because we know we are safe with our family and loved ones who are now in the spiritual realm, looking after us. They protect us from the "politics" in the world of society and amongst the ranks in the military service. They also seek justice for us when politics goes wrong. Acknowledge your ancestors. Call on them for justice against unjust politics because they will deliver the rath for you in karmic ways you could never imagine. Always know that you'll never have to live in fear or walk in fear because your ancestors will guide you throughout your entire military career and for the rest of your life.

Joining the Military in 2014 was the best decision I've ever made. This career has taught me to be a better person and become a better leader. It has provided my family and me with financial and medical stability, as well as a healthy structure, for over a decade.

Here's my story: I struggled to find a job after graduating from College in 2013, and when I did find a job in my career field, I absolutely hated it. It also didn't pay much while living in the expensive city of Chicago. I joined the US Army Reserves as a Logistics Supply Specialist for two years to earn some extra money, and then I decided I loved it and could see myself doing this full-time. I then joined the Active Guard Reserve (AGR) program in 2016. I've been excelling in the program ever since.

The Military will take care of you, as long as you take care of the Military. Please be aware that there is a chance of deployment overseas. As the old saying goes, when Uncle Sam calls, you must answer and be ready to go. However, avoid watching too many war movies and instead conduct your own research before taking the oath. In basic training, there are the best drill sergeants in your organization waiting to train you on how to protect yourself if necessary.

Furthermore, your recruiter can assist you as best as possible in finding a career that you'll feel comfortable working in if ever deployed. While they can't make promises, they are usually successful in finding the best job for you to join the service according to your ASVAB scores. Study hard, and excel on the test so you'll have better options.

If you're still in College and a Military ROTC program is near you or at your institution, consider becoming an officer. Go through the training while an undergraduate; if your branch requires an ASVAB test before graduating from ROTC, such as the Air Force, do well. Sidenote: The Army ROTC doesn't require you to take the ASVAB exam.

My family was afraid that joining the Military would harden my exterior and make me tough and rugged, as far as my personality. Eleven years later, and I have not changed. I'm still soft as a button, goofy as a Disney Channel character, and as positive and bubbly-spirited as I've always been my entire life before joining. You don't have to be rough and hardcore to join or lead. But also, apply it when needed. Don't let anyone walk all over you either. And when you do use it, remove the insinuation of the angry Black women stereotype from your head and do what you have to do to earn your respect. Stereotypes are gaslighting and are implied to silence those who are treated unjustly. If anything, be the stereotype so people will know not to mess with you again.

With this post, I hope I've inspired more women who look like me to join the service.

Soulja Girl over and out.

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