Army Sponsorship Program - Should I contact somebody to get a sponsor?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 18:02:18 -0400

I am due to PCS in just 24 days. I haven't received a sponsor to this point. I've considered just letting it go and taking what I know I'll need. At the same point the Army has put this program in place and I feel the need to contact someone and receive a sponsor. Thoughts?

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Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2015 6:10 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 Apr 2015 18:10:03 -0400

Sponsorship is a long misunderstood thing. The onus is on the individual PCS'ing to make contact, not the gaining unit. Depending on where you are going, a Battalion MIGHT have you on their gains roster, but I can tell you as a former Squadron Commander, that only about 60% of our gains actually show up on the front door with their bags. Everyone else gets diverted at the Corps or the Division level (2 filters that can mess up an assignment process). If your gaining unit is a "replacement center," then you don't technically have a gaining unit. Best bet is to do what officers do...we always have sponsors. Contact the unit. Call the staff duty desk and request to speak with the S1 NCOIC. Leave your number if he isn't available. If you don't hear back in a week, call back and ask to speak with the CSM. Introduce yourself as an inbound NCO who is looking to seek a sponsor and are looking forward to serving in the new unit. Learn something about the history and lineage of the unit first if you are going to speak with the CSM. Sponsorship is TRULY initiated by the guy PCS'ing. Make the effort and it will happen. If you wait on the Army system, it will fail you.

Response by 1SG Russell S. made Feb 9 at 2024 8:51 AM

1SG Russell S. — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 08:51:51 -0500

I would. Sometimes we need reminders and depending on what the gaining unit is doing things could be confusing there. Anything to help you not show up and be “that guy”.