Any tips on making the transition from FORSCOM to TRADOC?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 07:24:27 -0400

I recently PCS'd from a FORSCOM unit to TRADOC as an instructor and the challenges were immediately evident. I would like to hear from SM's that have been in the same situation and their experiences, both positive and negative.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 7:29 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 07:29:28 -0400

TRADOC is definitely not FORSCOM. Just don't get involved with new Soldiers, learn the regulations and policies, most of all don't get lazy. If you need to finish a degree or civilian certifications, this is a good time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 7:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 07:30:41 -0400

Embrace the suck. Know that you are under he microscope even more. Consider it an office environment and obide by the rules of a gender friendly, private friendly, micro managed civilian job. Even as a Drill I feel out of the loop and I do Army things every day. You can stand out. When you do contribute it is usually on a greater level. I'm talking DA level. So attack the beast from the inside.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 22 at 2015 8:36 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 08:36:46 -0400

When I got to Quantico back in 1999, one of the biggest and first things I was told was "This is not the Fleet" which roughly translated was "Our mission is different, how you approach things will have to be adjusted accordingly."

Coming from a Grunt BN where the enlisted outnumber the Officers by several orders of magnitude to a base where the average rank is Major definitely forces you to adjust how you interact with those around you. Calm voice (intensity is ok, loudness unappreciated) and pulling people to a secluded corner before lighting them up. Keeping your head on a swivel for different reasons.

Response by SSG Keith Roberson made Jul 22 at 2015 9:33 AM

SSG Keith Roberson — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 09:33:03 -0400

Definitely a different mentality. I'm not going to say more "laid" back, but things such as physical training are conducted on your own most times, there are breaks between training cycles to spend with your family if you have one. Also, ample time to go and get that college degree you need for further advancement in your military career. Overall, not a bad experience, but just try and not stay too long.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 10:50 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 10:50:21 -0400

Well, battle, I can tell you this much. This is a broadening assignment and it's an experience that you will help you better appreciate FORSCOM. I've been in TRADOC since 2014 and it was challenging at first but I can guarantee you this much, change is inevitable.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 7:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:11:31 -0400

Battle, all I can say is watch your 4 points of contact. Doing the same type of job that you are about to do is hard. The students run the show, if they cry wolf, you will be in the spotlight for nothing. So please watch out

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 8:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 20:48:17 -0400

Battle you also need to start reading AR 350-6. It will help you on all the do's and don'ts.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 7:56 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 07:56:53 -0400

It is definitely a whole new world. It can be very rewarding and at times frustrating. Learn the regulations and follow them to the letter; you'll be fine. The experience will widen your Army aperture. Enjoy and good luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 1:38 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 13:38:17 -0400

it's a whole different animal. Both fulfilling and exhausting at the same time. I strongly suggest you read up on TRADOC 350-6. Learn what your right & left boundaries are and you won't go wrong. Always remember that what you're doing, no matter how monotonous and frustrating it is, will strongly impact the future of the force, & these kids' lives too. Good luck!

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Jul 23 at 2015 2:18 PM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 14:18:23 -0400

Just be an good NCO. Treat the future Soldiers with dignity and respect. If you're person of ethics and value, you'll have no problems with TRADOC. We were held to the standards of TRADOC REG 350-6, Google the current regulation and be familiar with the standards. Don't do the things it say can't. Knowledge is power. If you know the REG, you can continue to enforce the standard as every NCO should

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2015 8:48 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 20:48:10 -0400

Get ready for red tape and political correctness. The transition to becoming an instructor was hard on me at first but you learn to adapt and find true value in those types of assignments that will make you a more well rounded leader.

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made Jul 23 at 2015 8:50 PM

SFC Christopher Perry — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 20:50:36 -0400

Yes indeed, the world as you know it just got flipped on its head, retain you sense of humor or you will lose your mind.

Response by SSG Ike Phelan made Jul 24 at 2015 1:02 AM

SSG Ike Phelan — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 01:02:19 -0400

Well all I can say is make the TRADOC Bible (350-6) your new most read book. I found that knowing the rules that govern your behavior and the behavior of the soldiers to be a life saver more then once. VERY IMPORTANT do not let anyone quote any regulation other then this one (and even when they do say it came from 350-6 double check it yourself) You will find the punishment in TRADOC units to be less forgiving since you are dealing with what the Army still considers children (I am not joking you and the COC will meet the parents of your students at graduation name any other unit where that happens. You will find that the rules that apply to big army do not apply in TRADOC they have their own standards and rules separate from regular army units. I have seen more E-6 demoted to E-5 in TRADOC then any other command or unit I ever served in. Good Luck and if you follow the rules this has the potential to be the best years of your career even though you will hardly ever be home.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 11:00 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:00:48 -0400

Battle,
* Stay in shape
* respect the soldiers
* read the regulations
* finish a degree
* watch your 6 at all times

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 11:48 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 11:48:48 -0400

It's different, but attend the Cadre Training Course. And read all the TRADOC 350 series and 350 AR's and DA Pams. Are you in IMET or NCOA? Just asking because IMET regs OD/QM/TC have some differents from actual regs.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 18 at 2015 6:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Sep 2015 06:24:26 -0400

Hold on tight brother, your in a ride of a life time! Seriously man just prepare yourself with AR 350-6, AR 350-1 and any other TRADOC pans that are floating around. Be prepared to do things completely different then the line. Every thing in the TRADOC environment is "doctrine" based. This is depending on where you're going of course.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2015 11:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 11:53:41 -0500

350-6. Read it. Know it. Live it. Train to standard. You'll be fine. Like SSG Lawrence Johnson said "embrace the suck"