Posted on Aug 21, 2020
1LT Chaplain Candidate
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I enlisted out of high school to get that sweet GI Bill money. I really enjoyed the academic world and was excited about the prospect of fulfilling various positions that have more of a teacher flavor than the typical staff or leadership positions I am destined for. What sort of have positions have you held or been made aware of that take on that role?

For example, officers can apply to teach at Westpoint right after their command time. There are a few opportunities to enter ROTC units at different levels as well. And, there is the Goodpaster Scholars program which prepares officers as strategic planners.
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Responses: 5
CSM Arthur La Rue
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Sir, I’m a retired CSM fulfilling my dream to teach in K-12 education. However, my teaching career started with the first set of stripes I pinned. Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, Drill Sergeant, First Sergeant, Operations, and on up to NCO Academy Commandant. My point is as a 2LT, I’d imagine your immediate focus should be learning your role as an Army Officer. I wonder if you’ll have the time to serve two masters, and the Army is a jealous mistress. She demands focus, loyalty, and commitment. Give her- her due. Trust me, I’m a better public school teacher because of my background as a trainer of warriors. Focus on that Army “ thing” right now. Learn the “craft” one soldier at a time. Hookah?
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MAJ Ken Landgren
MAJ Ken Landgren
>1 y
You are absolutely right sir. You are on the money. My family was full of teachers, but I did not want to go that route. I realized during my career that one of my most important functions was being a teacher. I taught what kind of culture I wanted. I taught what kind of values must be imbued. I taught subordinate leaders taking care of soldiers. I taught being technically and tactically proficient. I taught having empathy and compassion. I taught having fun in the army. I taught how to build up morale. Maybe, just maybe, I taught soldiers and NCOs positive life lessons.
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1LT Peter Duston
1LT Peter Duston
>1 y
Like you, I was a better teacher both ways as a military instructor and as a school/college teacher. As a public school sub, I would throw in a few basic training instructions like: "Are you motivate? Are you dedicated? Are you ready to learn? etc. you know the script. Their answer, of course was a "repeat after me". They got a kick out of it and I had their attention for the period.
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CSM Arthur La Rue
CSM Arthur La Rue
>1 y
Funny. That was an autocorrect from Hooaah. You do know hooaah I pray? PFC Francis Lee]
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
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All of the strategic stuff, assignments to military academies, and military schools comes later. Keep up your education, those assignments though come following very successful commands and outstanding reports. You cannot rest on your academic prowess.
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CPT Staff Officer
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>1 y
Exactly, the MILPER's are out there. There were recently new ones with professorship positions. Essentially the professor candidate needs to be LTC/MAJ(P) and either a PhD currently or within reach (a year or so time left) of completing it.

Continue to be a solider as the CSM says as it pertains to being documented on your OERs, and then continue to pursue academic advancement. Then when you hold a PhD and are Field Grade you'll just have to see what pops up in terms of openings and hope it mirrors your expertise.
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Lt Col Jim Coe
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Volunteer to be instructor at a military school house. Go to your Service instructor course. Teach at school house for a couple of years then move into the management side of the business by getting assignment to TRADOC. Get graduate degree in education and go to CGSCin residence. Do really well. Apply for instructor job at USMA or CGSC.
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