AIT Platoon Sergeant vs Instructor

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 21:44:07 -0400

I was offered the opportunity to be an AIT instructor or an AIT Platoon Sergeant. I am trying to find out which one would be more beneficial as far as promotion goes.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 30 at 2015 9:48 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 21:48:37 -0400

SSG Roderick Hayes, I always wish I had done more time as an instructor. Thinking on your feet with motivated students will sharpen your mind and your wit. Teaching is a great way to become a real expert so you can counter the sharpshooters found in every class.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 30 at 2015 9:49 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 21:49:39 -0400

It really depends on what you do with the job.....all things equal (similar evaluations), if I were on the board, I'd select the leadership position (Platoon Sergeant) before the instructor position.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2015 10:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 22:13:18 -0400

I think that both are great opportunities, either of which I am looking forward to later on in my career.
In my opinion, they offer different things.
CSM Hayden made a great point about becoming an expert in your field by becoming an instructor. You can learn so much from teaching and I have found that I have honed many of my skills through having to teach those to others, both in a formal and informal setting.
Depending on your MOS, the PSG role can also be an incredible opportunity, because it will provide an opportunity to manage a larger number of young/new Soldiers. Unfortunately, many of the MOS' in the Army do not provide the opportunity for a senior NCO to manage a large number of Soldiers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 3:14 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 15:14:47 -0400

I recently was selected to become an AIT PLT SGT. I believe that as far as promotion goes, PLT SGT would be the way to go. AIT PLT SGT falls into the same category as Recruiter and DS, it's a position of trust, and it broadens your horizons with regards to leadership potential...
BUT if you want to be more hands on with the soldiers, and really focus on your MOS specific tasks then an Instructor is the way to go.

Good Luck!