Advice for becoming a TAC officer

CPT Brandon Christensen — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 14:54:30 -0400

I am thinking of taking some time off from Logistics and doing a term and being a TAC officer.

I enjoy mentoring and teaching NCOs, junior enlisted and even senior officers in line units about logistics and I feel being a TAC offier for a couple years would be beneficial for me and for the Army.

But unsure if that would be a wise move for me as I am trying to find a CPT slot to get promoted and further my career. And then I feel I may get behind on the logistic world and when I re-enter it as either a CDR or even on BN staff, I will be behind the curve for awhile until I am up to speed.

Thoughts? Advice?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 4:52 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 04:52:30 -0400

You need to make CPT and then go do your company command first. NCOs train NCOs and enlisted soldiers. Officers only train officers of lower rank. Ergo your population is going to be 2LTs and you will have to answer questions on rating LTs...and I'm guessing you haven't rated any officers yet.

Go find a CPT job to get promoted and then do your staff time until you can find a company command. Then after command and you are branch qualified you can look at being an instructor.

Response by COL Dan O'Rourke made Apr 8 at 2014 9:55 PM

COL Dan O'Rourke — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 21:55:22 -0400

I spent 6 years at OCS as TAC, SR TAC, then Co Cdr. I consider these as undoubtedly the best years of my career. I enjoyed the independence and ability to shape the candidates. I now teach CGSC and frequently run into my former candidates (I have 4 in the current class). The only thing I would caution against is "homesteading" (I.e. Staying in one position too long). The army is rolling out an instructor badge (initially to NCOs, officers will follow) as an emphasis on the importance of the duty. I think it's a good way to network as well.