As a NG officer, can I select a functional area (FA) and still follow the “Command Path”?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 23:51:59 -0400

I’ve been very ambitious in my military career. You may be able to tell by my posts that I have a passion for mentoring and leading Soldiers. I also have an affinity for strategy and desire to become a 59A (strategist). If I commit to becoming a proficient strategist, does that mean I have to give up my dreams of BN/BDE command? Is it possible to follow both paths?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 12:04 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 00:04:43 -0400

You can be a 59A and go in and out of your commands at the points in your career. Your staff time can be dedicated to 59A then go to Bn command, out to staff and then back to BDE command. There aren't many 59A billets in the Guard. And a majority of those in59A billets are not qualified. The G5 at ARNG coupe of years ago had ZERO 59As. They just recently began to develop the program by sending people to BSAP.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 12:17 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 00:17:02 -0400

Thanks for that sir. I’m in the process of trying to get a slot for Pre-BSAP and eventually BSAP. I guess one fear I have is “out of sight, out of mind”. Such is the nature of the NG.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 1:16 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 13:16:23 -0400

In the Guard, all things are possible.