Posted on Jul 22, 2015
MSG Depot Ncoic
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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.
Posted in these groups: TRADOCImage Instructor/Writer
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SSG Infantryman
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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.
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1SG Senior Electronic Maintenance Chief
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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.
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SSG Robert Webster
SSG Robert Webster
10 y
This is excellent advice. Especially about the degree or certification completion.
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SFC Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
SFC (Join to see)
10 y
Ssg Shawn foster I am not tradoc but I on Gordon too. I totally agree. It is a different ball game. When we get to fort Gordon we get some of the same briefs about this being tradoc and about the new Soldiers.
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SFC Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
SFC (Join to see)
10 y
Also I went from being in europe to forcecom on fort Gordon and it was a big change. (35th Sig brigade) now I am in Inscom and but still same rules just different generals.
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CW2 Armament Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer
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Battle,
* Stay in shape
* respect the soldiers
* read the regulations
* finish a degree
* watch your 6 at all times
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MSG Depot Ncoic
MSG (Join to see)
10 y
SSG Mills, you're right on all points!
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SSG Platoon Trainer
SSG (Join to see)
10 y
I'm taken this with me!
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Any tips on making the transition from FORSCOM to TRADOC?
SFC Instructor/Writer
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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
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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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.
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CW4 Brigade Maintenance Technician
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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.
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SFC Senior Instructor/Writer
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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.
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SSG Ike Phelan
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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.
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SFC Christopher Perry
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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.
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SFC Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
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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!
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