Assignment selection

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:30:56 -0400

Do you think for certain MOS's your positions held should build upon each other instead of randomly assigning you into different areas without having the proper background to fill the position?

I feel there should be a better system to take into account your past positions and skill level and slot your assignment based on it. Thoughts?

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Sep 10 at 2014 3:49 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 15:49:34 -0400

Great question WO1 Private RallyPoint Member. As you know, each MOS has a Career Map that outlines which assignments Soldiers should be looking for at each rank/grade and it also outlines the additional skill schools or broadening/nominative type assignments that also correspond with said rank/grade.

I believe that some MOSs, the more "technical ones" may have an argument for Soldiers to maintain positions/assignments in certain specialties to ensure that they maintain their proficiency as they progress through the ranks.

I would counter that though with the belief that Soldiers should also strive to not only remain technically and tactically proficiency within their MOS and skillset, they should also be looking to maintain diversity to ensure that they remain competitive. For example, 19Ds would move from light on trucks, to heavy on Bradley's, and then over to Stryker's, and then back again. This serves the purpose that they are interchangeable and can be assigned and succeed on a variety of platforms.

If you stove pipe yourself to what you are comfortable with, it is very difficult to grow and remain competitive. Just my thoughts...

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 10 at 2014 4:52 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 16:52:11 -0400

Absolutely... your next assignment should always be a step up from your previous (education, NCOES and Performance permitted of course). .

Response by COL Randall C. made Sep 10 at 2014 8:12 PM

COL Randall C. — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:12:48 -0400

1SG Steven Stankovich captured most of the comments I would make regarding operational assignments.

I would add that you also need to seek 'broadening' assignments and not camp out in operational assignments. These are the ones that don't deal with your job function, but expand your capabilities and make you a better soldiers (as in flexible, more experienced, diverse views, etc).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 6:53 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 06:53:20 -0400

Absolutely ! I spent 7 years as a squad leader in line units because as I was told " I was damn good at it".
I was discussing this with my students yesterday in reference to NCOER ratings. If you received a 1/1 Among the best rating in a position you have proven yourself above your peers and therefore should be reassigned to a more challenging position.
The NCO corp has never been very well as preparing its NCOs for future assignment. Look at the recent Army Times and the Scholarships and Fellowships offered. I believe only one was offered to NCOs and then only to E9, the rest were for officers.

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Sep 11 at 2014 5:20 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:20:34 -0400

Maybe Navy does it somewhat differently, but we do use our NEC/MOS as a way to detail and determine assignments to a certain extent. I came out of Electronics School as a Communications Tech when I went to my first ship. Even though Comms was my primary field, I also worked Radar because our shop needed a Tech for the Air Search Radar and no one knew anything about it. My LPO gave me the manuals and told me to study them and learn it, so I did. Thats the way we expand our knowledge in Navy - OJT.

When I ran ET Gangs, I was always cross training my Techs and making sure they knew much more than just the minimums of their jobs. As I progresses up the chain in pay, I also was detailed (assigned) less by NEC and more as either just an ET and later just as a Command Master Chief. Navy looks to assign by NEC for the lower Paygrades, but as you become more senior, you are expected to know all about your speciality and then all about being a Sailor.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2014 8:41 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Sep 2014 08:41:14 -0400

it hat was to happen, people like me would be stuck at AFN forever. Granted, i really like being overseas, but AFN to to much work and not enough time off. i people got stuck doing particular skills that stack based off your previous assignments, people would never leave their units, never travel beyond there current station, making army life boring and much less productive. getting the chance to "mix it up" a little increases your overall value.
now, if the army would only pay attention to what was on your ako wish list...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2015 6:25 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 18:25:12 -0400

great question Mr. Houston. I wish the enlisted side had more broadening assignments available to challenge Soldiers plus help them diversify their skills. As an Engineer I see 12As get a variety of opportunities ranging from Coprs of Engineers positions to Embassy duties. I think the Atmy is trying to move towards opening up more options for enlisted with credentialing programs but so far most are only available for Senior NCOs.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 30 at 2015 12:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 12:44:39 -0400

Your career manager should be working out the details. If it makes you feel better I started in machining and went to aviation, tanks, finance, DFAS, national disaster relief, corps budget. See if your branch manager will work with you in this endeavor.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2020 10:59 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 22:59:56 -0400

Well, I know for my branch, my manager actually looks at my records and places me based on what I need to do compared to what I have done