As a 92Y, I am thrown from one supply room to the next, how do I distinguish myself so I may ensure that I can promote?

SFC Toby Reid — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 06:57:15 -0500

My last two PCS's I have gone to Infantry BCTs, which is fine but they only need Supply SGTs. Hanging out in the supply room is killing my career. How do I insure that I can stay valuable and marketable to the army.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 20 at 2013 7:12 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 07:12:09 -0500

SSG Reid - In general terms, look for positions of greater responsibility. Maybe talking to your 1SG or XO about any opnings in the BN/SQDN or even BDE S4? Sit down with your 1SG and talk to him about career progression. I would also get on your CMF webpage (HRC) and find a 92Y Career Map. This should help you focus on specifics with regards to benchmarks you should be looking to hit as you progress through the ranks. Good luck!!!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 6:45 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 18:45:18 -0500

SSG, I'm in the same boat as you. I have been in the supply room since 07. I've had one deployment to Iraq as a logistical advisor. Not sure how I can move up to BN/BDE/PBO. Need that to progress.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 4:17 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 16:17:23 -0500

I know your pain. Drop a Drill SGT or Recruiter packet. I'm Drill SGT School now. Also, try and get MRT, EOL, and SHARP under your belt. I'm the SQDN EOL and SQDN S4. I completed SHARP last December. The additional duties will should help a little too.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2014 6:22 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 18:22:26 -0500

Did you attend ALC yet? Try to set up connections and get in on the SGL game, volunteer for AIT PSG, try to get your career manager to place you as AIT instructor, or go recruiting/DS.

While higher level PBO assignments are great to distinguish yourself for SFC, try to look at the entirety of your career path to see what the board is looking for. Do you have access to the QM DA PAM 600-25 stored on Army G1 and (maybe) ACT?

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 3:43 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 15:43:26 -0400

Go to Drill sergeant School and earn a Degree!!! I made the list this year!!

Response by SFC Toby Reid made Apr 17 at 2014 2:54 AM

SFC Toby Reid — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 02:54:36 -0400

thank you for all your responses and advice, I am developing both a warrant and recruiter packets but can't drop them untill 6 months prior to redeployment. I am currently deployed to a FOB dirt and Rocks, Afghanistan where I am not afforded classes (MRT, EO, SHARP Rep) not for a lack of tryiing. Pletoon SGT position wont be open till we get back. I am available for any additional advice or inside track on career advancing slots opening up soon.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 22 at 2014 12:30 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Jun 2014 00:30:46 -0400

SFC Toby Reid , I agree with all the comments on here. Obviously, the first thing is to really know your job, and truly care for the unit. Not saying that to be condescending but sadly there are some horrible supply sergeants out there who don't care for their units. Second, work on a logistics related degree. I HIGHLY recommend going for a BA in Transportation and Logistics Management degree through American Military University. Classes are done online and you can knock them out at your leisure instead of waiting to physically go to a classroom. Third, Drill/Recruiter/AIT PSG are all great venues to hone your NCO skills. Unfortunately, we don't have much opportunity to LEAD a lot of Soldiers since we generally only have 1-3 NCOs/Soldiers unlike most other MOS's that have several. Fourth, get to ALC then SLC. Both are decent classes but more so in meeting and networking with fellow Yankees.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2014 10:56 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Jul 2014 10:56:44 -0400

As a Supply NCO with a little over 8 years experience, I would like to think that my work speaks for itself and sets me apart. We strive to support our Commander as his counsel on all things logistics and support our Soldiers with equipment they need to make the mission successful. How are your NCOER's and do they reflect the accomplishments you have made? Have you completed your NCOES schools and online correspondence that is current in the Logistic field?

Response by SFC Christian Morales made Jun 7 at 2015 6:51 PM

SFC Christian Morales — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 18:51:59 -0400

Education!

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 4:59 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 16:59:24 -0400

Recreate the wheel in the supply cages. An have a BN S4 NCOIC that has the correct logistics philosophy. (Meaning, we're here to take care of Joe's supply needs and to ensure the CDR understands your job fully) also, helped me, but my CO CDR instilled a weekly sync meeting where our CO UA, CO training NCO and the CO Supply NCO briefed to the CO CDR and 1SG what happen each week, what we were working the following week and what we need their support with if the BN/BDE weren't helping us. Also we had each section. Ua, s3 and s4 provide PowerPoint slides to show what was red and what was green in the CO.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 5:07 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Jul 2015 17:07:32 -0400

Get your Supply room straight and compete for the supply excellence award. Even if you don't win, the preparation alone will teach you so much. Be the standard for the entire Battalion or BDE. Get your civilian Ed and PME complete. There are also strategic broadening oppunttunities out there for NCO's. Check out the HRC milpers. Volunteer for WLC of ALC instructor duty. Volunteer for AIT platoon SGT's duty. Go through the SGT Audie Murphy board process. Volunteer for Drill SGT or recruitor duty. Apply to become a Warrant Officer. We are always looking for great NCO's who want to become SME's and true game changers for all Commands.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 9:45 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 21:45:00 -0400

The army is practically begging for warrants in your branch. They may even wave the post deployment time frame. Regardless, spit and polish that packet and submit it asap.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 3:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 15:29:10 -0400

Battle, you have to continue to shine. Just coming from the line we were DYING for competent Yankees. The company I left before I went over to my last company finally got a SSG, but well he left a lot to be desired. It was his SPC (later promoted to SGT) that made that room run and everyone knew it. The Supply room is critical. Eventually, you will need to move up to S4, but you got to make yourself stand out above the other Yankees in your BN to do that. Other than that, you are going to have to do Drill, Recruiter etc. Until then, make your NCOERS SHINE...an awesome Supply NCOIC gets noticed.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 4:12 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 16:12:29 -0400

As a Senior Supply Sergeant, best advice be a multitasked NCO, do not just focus on your primary MOS, volunteer for PLT SGT, EO, SHARP, MRT, UPL, Retention, Instruct during Sergeant time training basic Soldier skill to the company. In every supply room inspection I had scored commendable rating, in top of that I volunteer for every school my unit offered me. Challenge yourself to be the best you can be an opportunities will open.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2015 9:49 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 21:49:55 -0400

I would say get all the latest training, the trust and confidence of your commander, and that of your Battalion or Brigade S-4.

Make sure you get counseled quarterly as an NCO on the job you're doing to document and improve your work. Take creative criticism, but stay legal on the Army Supply System.

Try to find better ways to document what happen for the supply transactions through Microsoft Access and excel that can be read on PDF files to be accepted on PBUSE. Stay in contact with the god Warrant Officer at PBO.

V/r
SSG Foster

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 2:50 AM

MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 02:50:22 -0400

Compete for DA Level Supply Awards, Special Programs such as Training with the Industry.

Send your records prior to the board to the QM Proponent NCOIC/SGM.

Response by SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. made Jul 26 at 2015 3:11 PM

SGT(P) Harry Clyde Jr. — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 15:11:26 -0400

Cheif Tiaqunia hit the nail right on the head. I couldnt give any better advice.
I would add though, keep an eye, ear or inquire about S4 slots that are open or are about to open. Then try to slide in. Also check with your S4 and see if they can use you. In some units, mine for example, the NCOIC is not a 92y but is filling a staff position and could use an experienced 92 at his side.
There are also opportunities at the Training Centers i.e. NTC, JRTC. You could be an OC or work at the Group S4 which is a Brigade Level S4 with additional duty as Supply and Transport. As a SSG you could be an Assistant NCOIC (NCOIC is usually a MSG) and/ or Shop Forman where you basically run the day to day ops.
Also if not already, look into becoming airborne qualified. It opens more doors including working in SpecOps which in its self another door opener.
Like Chief said, dont let an opportunity pass, the more education, qualifications and inquiries you make the better.
I speak from experience when I say that a supply office will burn you out. A chance to do something different in Supply and Logistics can revive a weary supply guys soul.

Response by SFC Johnny Camacho made Jul 26 at 2015 8:34 PM

SFC Johnny Camacho — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 20:34:46 -0400

Through corespondent courses in logistics. Or you can do Advance Leadership Development through correspondence! Good luck! And Soldier On!

Response by SSG Charles McDermott made Jul 28 at 2015 4:24 PM

SSG Charles McDermott — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 16:24:50 -0400

Take college level classes on supply chain management
Program management and business management also get APIC certified along the way before your retire also get into warrant officer school
When you have all that plus take acquisition certifications for logistics program management on DOD DAU
ALSO THEhottest thing in DOD is get Sap training at a university level
If you do all that us get LEAN BLACKBELT Certified you might and I say this for a fact You might get an internship or a GS 7/9
Given JOB with DOD
WHAT EVER YOU DO MAKE IT TO YOUR RETIREMENT SO YOU HAVE A COUSHIN OUT HERE

Response by SFC Dominick Tarbania made Aug 20 at 2015 7:16 PM

SFC Dominick Tarbania — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 19:16:26 -0400

Apply for Warret School and go in as a 92 series. Apply for Logistics PBO. Another thought is to max out your schooling, (College) . This will look good on your promotion packet

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 8 at 2015 9:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 21:38:55 -0400

First of all holding that 92Y MOS is invaluable to the army. You need to start looking for an S-4 position that is the next viable step for you.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2017 10:33 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 22:33:11 -0400

SSG Toby Reid, I was in shoes once, best way to get out of the supply cage and into S4/PBO, is too pass all inspections (set the standard) assist other supply NCOs and or CPLs, whomever is running that units supply cage in you BN/BDE become the SME, get a Bachelor of Business Management Logistics /Transportation , be the GO TO for supply.
Best wishes

Response by 1SG Mitchell Smith made Jan 21 at 2020 7:19 AM

1SG Mitchell Smith — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 07:19:46 -0500

Sad to say but every Commander sits patiently lurking for a Great supply SGT-SFC ....they're call ass covers and without a good one someone will end up paying in the end. At some point you're going to have to step off the supply platform and venture out to STAND-OUT. Good luck!