Posted on Sep 10, 2014
WO1 Information Technology Specialist
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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?
Edited >1 y ago
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1SG Steven Stankovich
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Great question WO1 (Join to see). 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...
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WO1 Information Technology Specialist
WO1 (Join to see)
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I understand what you are saying 1SG Steven Stankovich but what I am saying is for instance in the 25B Career Map
: Skill level 1 should serve as IT Specialist, Lan Manager, or COMSEC
Clerk
:Skill Level 2 should serve SR Info Tech Specialist SR Lan Manager, SR COMSEC Clerk

Now lets jump to Skill level 4:
IA Staff NCO, COMSEC Custodian, INFO Sys Staff NCO

Each position at each skill level are very different jobs and these are just generic basic titles. If someone has never worked in an position at skill level 1 or 2 how can they be put in that position at 3,4 or 5 and expected to be effective?

I understand the fact that soldiers need to be proficient in there MOS but also able to take on broadening and nominative assignment outside of there MOS.
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1SG Steven Stankovich
1SG Steven Stankovich
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You bring up a good point WO1 (Join to see), and for that I offer you this. If as a 25B, or any other CMF25 MOS, you find yourself outside of your skillset, you OJT and get smart. Preferred method or not, but that is what you need to do to be effective. Mt Commo NCO on my BTT Team in Iraq was a satellite guy. He told me his concerns about his lack of knowledge on the "regular" commo equipment we were going to be using in Iraq. I told him no worries, you got a 90 day train-up period here at lovely Fort Riley to get smart on it. And he did. And he was one of best Commo NCOs that I have ever served with.
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WO1 Information Technology Specialist
WO1 (Join to see)
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I am tracking 1SG Steven Stankovich , thanks for your feedback and insight!
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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WO1 (Join to see) Great input and thank you for your question and involvement.
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COL Randall C.
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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).
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WO1 Information Technology Specialist
WO1 (Join to see)
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COL Randall C. Sir ,
I understand what you are saying but what I am wondering is for instance in the 25B Career Map
: Skill level 1 should serve as IT Specialist, Lan Manager, or COMSEC
Clerk
:Skill Level 2 should serve SR Info Tech Specialist SR Lan Manager, SR COMSEC Clerk

Now lets jump to Skill level 4:
IA Staff NCO, COMSEC Custodian, INFO Sys Staff NCO

Each position at each skill level are very different jobs and these are just generic basic titles. If someone has never worked in an position at skill level 1 or 2 how can they be put in that position at 3,4 or 5 and expected to be effective?

I understand the fact that soldiers need to be proficient in there MOS but also able to take on broadening and nominative assignment outside of there MOS.
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COL Randall C.
COL Randall C.
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WO1 (Join to see), you seem to be implying that the 40/50 level positions are just more skilled versions of the 10/20 level positions. Being a seasoned NCO, you know your job usually will be more about the management and leadership of those soldiers, not necessarily doing the job.

There will be those cases (maybe you're in one now) where those NCO positions are one-soldier shows who are supposed to be higher skilled versions of the 10/20s, but they are generally few. Assuming it is correctly coded, if they wanted a highly skilled SME to perform that function, they would put a WO (in a 25B situation, likely a 255A) there instead.

Having said that, you should try to move around to get a feel for different positions early on in your career for the reasons you mentioned as well as to feel out where your own particular niche is. As you've heard time and time again, YOU are your most effective career councilor.

The two hardest 'future counselings' I've ever had to do in the military is trying to make junior enlisted/officers understand that they need to be planning for future careers and finances NOW instead of waiting to 'see what happens'.
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SFC Military Police
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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.
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