Posted on Mar 19, 2014
SGT Senior Warrior Liaison
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So I was voluntold to go to an interview to be a "2 Star" CSM's Driver. That happens tomorrow. My question is; is this something i should go for? I'm not fond of decreasing my level of responsibility just for the oppourtunity to make a couple of connections that i may never get the oppourtunity to use. Or is this something that can give me the "Edge" we all so desperately need in todays trimmed down Army?
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SFC Signals Intelligence Analyst
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Aside from the potential networking and professional development, think of it this way: Your command identified YOU as an outstanding representation of your unit. That is a HUGE honor. Do you think they select lazy, unprofessional Soldiers to serve as drivers for leadership of that (or any) echelon? I would go to the interview without question, just to echo back to your command that they were right to identify you as one of the best of the best.
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SGT Senior Warrior Liaison
SGT (Join to see)
10 y
<p><p>SFC,</p><p><br></p></p><p>I certainly don't doubt that I was selected above my peers, Im a little big headed in that way. I was just concerned about how it would impact me on paper, since that's the way I see promotions and selections for those "good" assignments becoming. Thank you for your input though, I didn't really think about the meaning of being the driver of someone of that level.</p>
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SSG Section Ncoic
SSG (Join to see)
7 y
I'm in the same boat with you Sarge. I think for the most part, if you look at it from a positive POV, you have the leader who could really "positively influence" your professional development as an NCO. Yes being took off the line to quote-unquote, be CSM's RTO is a responsibility few want or like. But at the very least, I see it as opportunity to prove those doubters up in your unit, you can handle that level of responsibility. At the end of the day, you know if you can handle it and I think you should seize that opportunity and go for it. I am lol. I mean, would I love to lead Soldiers on the line, Absolutely. But this is an opportunity and what happens when you impress the CSM? That's a connection I want in my kit bag lol. Never know, the very job everybody claims to be the worse, could be the very job that gets you to the next level. It's not always what you know, but who you know. Good luck Sgt.!
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GySgt (Other / Not listed)
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Edited 10 y ago
Shoot to be the MG's driver, if that means being the SGM's driver first then so be it. &nbsp;You can gain a lot of understanding and experience being around leadership at that level. &nbsp;Being a communicator once for General Mattis and then General Austin the current CENTCOM Commander, provided me exposure to a whole other world, it's pretty amazing what is done strategically at that level.
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SGT Senior Warrior Liaison
SGT (Join to see)
10 y

SSgt,


Thank you for providing some actual experience on the subject. I only know people who have been BN level drivers and they typically hated it. I would like to see how the Army functions at that level. I usually just see it from the bottom so we typically we assume there is only a bunch of "good idea fairies" running around DC.

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SGM Matthew Quick
SGM Matthew Quick
10 y
Awesome example, SSgt Fair!
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SGM Matthew Quick
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Being a general's driver does not decrease responsibility, it increases it.<br><br>If performed well, your career can get to another level.<br><br>Personal Note: I was assigned as the Executive Administrative Assistant for Fort Knox's Garrison Commander and had the opportunity (a few times) to drive him on post and to nearby cities...just the personal communication and interaction I had with this colonel really helped me in my career and it's one of my most memorable assignments. &nbsp;I grew up a lot quicker with that assignment than hanging out with a squad/platoon of Soldiers.
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SGT Senior Warrior Liaison
SGT (Join to see)
10 y

MSG,


Thank you for the response, I definitely hear what you are saying. When I was speaking about responsibility I was referring to my current job. At the moment I am the Hospital Liaison for an average of 300 Wounded Warriors. I absolutely love what I do and couldn't wish for anything else. I get all the perks of looking after Soldiers that might otherwise get lost in the system, all the while showing what I'm capable of as autonomous NCO since I function pretty much independently. Thanks again for your input since you are able to share some practical experience, Ill take your advice under consideration since both you and SSgt Quick seem to have solid points about being to learn something I otherwise would not have the opportunity to.

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