Assignment to the Pentagon?

2014-05-09T09:02:56-04:00

If you had the opportunity, would you apply for/accept an assignment in the Pentagon?

With the Army opening more assignments to align with the Broadening Opportunity Program, you may have additional career-enhancing assignments within our Nation's Capitol (or just across the river from).

Response by SSG Robert Burns made May 9 at 2014 9:07 AM

2014-05-09T09:07:27-04:00

Is there something that states what positions there are available and the qualifications?

Response by SFC Cornelius Walsh made May 9 at 2014 9:41 AM

2014-05-09T09:41:57-04:00

I'd love that opportunity. And I'm curious to see if they'll make the assignments and qualifications visible as well.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 9:46 AM

2014-05-09T09:46:24-04:00

Never back away from a challenge. I would just have to be more politically correct.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 9:47 AM

2014-05-09T09:47:49-04:00

In a heart beat. My friend just got chosen to be stationed there as an MP, some type of security job that switches between all the services every few years, now its the army's turn.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 10:04 AM

2014-05-09T10:04:44-04:00

Being in the DC area now, no way - simply because of the commute. Getting to the Pentagon is a nightmare.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 10:26 AM

2014-05-09T10:26:59-04:00

This is how I would imagine it would be like...

Response by 1SG Alan Bailey made May 9 at 2014 10:27 AM

2014-05-09T10:27:11-04:00

I think it would be a great experiance, and something different.

Response by SSG Dave Powell made May 9 at 2014 10:32 AM

2014-05-09T10:32:27-04:00

My nephew, a SGT in the Marine Corp is assigned to the Pentagon. I went to Bethesda to see one of my Soldiers in the Hospital and stopped in to see my nephew and received an escorted tour by him. The atmosphere is charged with Service members of all Ranks and Branches moving constantly. I think it would be a tremendous opportunity and definately a challenge. The only downfall for the area I see is commuting around which is easy to navigate but very slow moving on the highways and biways.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made May 9 at 2014 10:33 AM

2014-05-09T10:33:02-04:00

Could never handle that Traffic!!!!!

Response by LTC Larry Morris made May 9 at 2014 10:43 AM

2014-05-09T10:43:09-04:00

I accepted the challenge as a reserve retiree recall. I was involved in several very challenging and rewarding projects but the politics within the building made it hard to not bang my head against the wall at times. Crazy as it sounds I enjoyed working in the purple environment because there was less politics to deal with and more fix task at hand. Working as a Green suiter within the Green environment it got dicey when the conversation involved force structure or money, not so in the purple world. I also agree with one comment on trying to get to the 5 sided crazy palace, pain in the butt, but that is DC. :-)

Response by SGT Sarah Maxwell made May 9 at 2014 11:51 AM

2014-05-09T11:51:29-04:00

I'm always interested in broadening assignments. Plus it would give me more opportunities to widen my network.

Response by MSG Martin C. made May 9 at 2014 12:17 PM

2014-05-09T12:17:31-04:00

After Drill Sergeant Duty all I was offered was Korea. I did not shy away from deployment or assignments but it was not the right time for me an my family at the time; the opportunity presented itself here in DC working at WhiteHouse Communications Agency I can honestly say it has being worth it. Learning the joint environment and working this side of the isle has being eye opening.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 1:12 PM

2014-05-09T13:12:30-04:00

Id love to work in DC. Living in DC... not so much.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 1:21 PM

2014-05-09T13:21:45-04:00

In the National Capital Region now...its an interesting monster...go public transport- biggest lesson I learned!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 1:55 PM

2014-05-09T13:55:23-04:00

Been there, done that and would go back......I guess.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 1:56 PM

2014-05-09T13:56:40-04:00

I'd love it!!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 9 at 2014 2:33 PM

2014-05-09T14:33:41-04:00

Been there, Done that but Damn, I also remember the "Challenges". Had folks working for me and above me that were Bloody Geniuses. Constantly working hard not to come off as the Village Idiot. Having to wear a Dress Uniform everyday but working in charge of an Installation Team for WWMCCS/ARPANET/MILNET. Having Several Chains of Command. Wearing Multiple Hats, Master at Arms for Chief of Staff, Aide de Camp for 621, NWP Custodian, CMS Sub Custodian, Urinalysis Coordinator for 621 and NARDAC. Interior Decorator for Astronauts and Motor Pool Chief.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 2:40 PM

2014-05-09T14:40:40-04:00

Not sure if I could handle the traffic. But I feel that it would be a great broadening assignment. Not that I'd be offered a job in DC, I'm pretty sure they have no use for a construction equipment operator.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 2:47 PM

2014-05-09T14:47:51-04:00

I am actually on orders for the Pentagon, not sure what the Job is but I’ll take the challenge.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 3:06 PM

2014-05-09T15:06:50-04:00

Would love to work there, but not drive, for sure. Went there TDY once, and someone in the unit had the bright idea of giving me and the rest of the guys that went with me a 15 person conversion van as a rental to get us from the hotel to the class. The hotel was a few blocks from the Mall, and the class was on Anacostia. The first day quickly made us realize that we needed to get real friendly with the public transportation system...which actually, I think, is top notch.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 9 at 2014 3:24 PM

2014-05-09T15:24:27-04:00

Yes, I think this would be a positive professional challenge. I've heard a lot of horror stories from mid-career Officers about how they were treated by flag Officers at the Pentagon, but overall I would do it if I had the chance.

Response by LTC Dwayne Morton made May 9 at 2014 5:03 PM

2014-05-09T17:03:27-04:00

A few years ago I did accept the challenge and must say it was professionally and personally rewarding in spite of the traffic and congestion, etc. It was quite interesting to see the BIG ARMY and DoD at work.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made May 9 at 2014 5:18 PM

2014-05-09T17:18:56-04:00

Wrong question in the wrong sequence. The first question is not "should a Soldier apply for / accept an assignment in the Pentagon". The first question is "what are my personal and professional goals?". The second question is "what are the best jobs and locations which help me to accomplish my personal and professional goals?". The third question, based upon answers to the first two questions is "should I apply for / accept an assignment in the Pentagon. If a Soldier does not want the Pentagon and is assigned there anyway (a very real possibility) then my advice is to "grow where you are planted".

Response by CMC Robert Young made May 9 at 2014 7:09 PM

2014-05-09T19:09:55-04:00

Everybody I have ever met from any service who has completed a tour in the DC area has enjoyed the challenge and the experience.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 8:04 PM

2014-05-09T20:04:52-04:00

I've been thinking about this for a while. As a Multimedia Illustrator it would be a great opportunity to work in the Army Graphics Section in the Pentagon.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 9:36 PM

2014-05-09T21:36:28-04:00

I hope to be there on my next assignment

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made May 9 at 2014 11:11 PM

2014-05-09T23:11:06-04:00

I served two tours in the DC area (one in the Pentagon and one on Fort Myer) and each time was an awesome experience.

Because of traffic, I wouldn't recommend living south of Springfield/Belvoir...I spent SO much time in traffic; thank god for Sirius!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 11:33 PM

2014-05-09T23:33:06-04:00

I think that would be a once in a lifetime experience. I wouldn't pass it up, that's for sure.

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made May 10 at 2014 11:24 AM

2014-05-10T11:24:57-04:00

The opportunity to see how "big Army" operates would be great. I am under no illusion that it would be hard work and very long hours. But I do believe the long term pay off would be good for a persons career.

Response by MAJ Mark Murray, MBA, MA made May 10 at 2014 11:34 AM

2014-05-10T11:34:42-04:00

Spent about 5 years (2002-2007) in the DC area. No regrets and a great assignment to take the family all over the DC area. Much to see and experience. Lived in Columbia, MD and commuted to Arlington (Crystal City). I was two Metro stops away from the Pentagon. For convenience, I used the Pentagon's dental and medical facilities and my family used Fort Meade.

The hours and pace in the DC were pretty fast paced and "street smarts" was definitely a skill set required for making the Metro commute. Got more sleep and relaxation during my assignments to AFG (2006, and more recently 2011-2014).

Response by SFC Brian Mann made May 10 at 2014 11:55 AM

2014-05-10T11:55:49-04:00

DIA in DC was a great assignment. I lived in a new townhome on base I had more time to spend with my family due to making my own hours at work. Not to mention the many places you can go around the area and explore.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 2:00 PM

2014-05-10T14:00:58-04:00

I worked there for a year and I loved it. The traffic sucked, but everything else about the job was excellent. Ultimately as I get closer to the end of my career I would love to get assigned in the NCR again. There are a ton of job opportunities for Retired leaders there. If anyone has any questions about working in the NCR, feel free to contact me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 2:51 PM

2014-05-10T14:51:24-04:00

Sign me up, I want the challenge and Id love to see how Big Army works

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 3:20 PM

2014-05-10T15:20:04-04:00

I'm on a restricted tour now and am looking for an assignment with a Feb-Apr 2015 report date. While my family is asking for Europe or Hawaii, they support wherever the Army sends us. Lately, I've felt like I'm ready for the challenge of working at HQDA or some other agency in the DC area. I think my skill set would be well suited for that environment.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 5:13 PM

2014-05-10T17:13:36-04:00

I think it would be fun

Response by SGT Leigh Barton made May 10 at 2014 11:23 PM

2014-05-10T23:23:10-04:00

There's no such thing as a bad assignment, only people without the perspectives necessary to make them worthwhile. Even Hell might be a cool place to serve Iced Tea.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 11 at 2014 2:15 AM

2014-05-11T02:15:15-04:00

Yah, traffic here can be pretty fierce. The area, however, is worth it. So much to see and do, most of which is free or at nominal cost.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 2:21 AM

2014-05-11T02:21:08-04:00

In a heartbeat. I already had the opportunity to work in the nations capital and really enjoyed it and would look forward to another assignment there.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 10:19 AM

2014-05-11T10:19:55-04:00

I would love to work in such an environment.

Response by Col Terry Brooks made May 11 at 2014 11:16 AM

2014-05-11T11:16:29-04:00

The Pentagon for me was one of the most challenging yet educational assignments for me -- good luck with your decision.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 11:59 AM

2014-05-11T11:59:54-04:00

DC is not ready for me. I have a habit of speaking common sense. I would much rather work where the 'rubber meets the road' and get the mission done; than have to worry about if I used the right font on the power point.

I can't stand politics.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 4:50 PM

2014-05-11T16:50:25-04:00

Currently work in DC, not a fan of traffic. I moved to the country for a reason

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 6:42 PM

2014-05-11T18:42:18-04:00

I would not request it, but if I were to be selected for it I would be happy to serve in that capacity.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made May 12 at 2014 8:52 AM

2014-05-12T08:52:08-04:00

I'd go in a heartbeat, though I suspect my MOS would be fairly useless there...

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made May 12 at 2014 1:10 PM

2014-05-12T13:10:10-04:00

I asked if there was any possibility of getting in there before I left Korea. I'd love to get some of that action.

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made May 12 at 2014 1:14 PM

2014-05-12T13:14:00-04:00

I hate traffic and family life is important to me. I've successfully avoided DC.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 1:14 PM

2014-05-12T13:14:12-04:00

I think it would be a great opportunity at a higher level in my career to serve in DC at this level. Right now I'm where I belong though, developing my skills and helping the Army where I can.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 12 at 2014 1:32 PM

2014-05-12T13:32:23-04:00

I was assigned to Ft. Myer, VA for four years, so I know what the DC area is like. Plenty of pros and cons to the area (traffic being the biggest con) but I defiantly would have accepted an assignment to the Pentagon if it had been offered.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 2:14 PM

2014-05-12T14:14:16-04:00

I accepted a job here at the Pentagon about a year ago. It has been a pretty good experience for me. You get to see the Army in a different light!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2014 2:20 PM

2014-05-12T14:20:33-04:00

As an Intelligence Professional, my focus is on providing the best intelligence support to our MFE personnel. At the pentagon I would be removed from that and focused on some sort of policy or intelligence program of record. I have no desire to become a GO so I will do my best to avoid the pentagon and focus on becoming a G2/J2.

Response by SSgt James Stanley made May 12 at 2014 10:46 PM

2014-05-12T22:46:44-04:00

Although there were people from Security Service assigned to NSA at the Pentagon, I was not. I'm not sure I was fortunate or unfortunate. I'm sure I would have enjoyed the assignment, but not a fan of DC.

Response by LTC Stewart Stephenson made May 13 at 2014 2:11 PM

2014-05-13T14:11:19-04:00

Currently working in the Pentagon and on my second (nonconsecutive) tour in the National Capitol Region. The hours can be long, but that has been the case in every assignment. The traffic can be brutal, but the mass transit system is well-developed, so it's easy to adjust. I'm definitely not a city guy, but both assignments have been extremely rewarding and well worth the few frustrations.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2014 11:01 PM

2014-05-16T23:01:55-04:00

If given the chance to work at the Pentagon, I would definitely take it.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Jun 28 at 2014 4:06 PM

2014-06-28T16:06:28-04:00

Only if I were the Sec of Def. or Sec of Army would I then think about it.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2014 2:34 PM

2014-09-10T14:34:50-04:00

Absolutely if I had the chance to go back I would. My assignment in The Pentagon was one of the best I have had.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 6:48 AM

2014-09-11T06:48:20-04:00

I would take the position if offered to me but very unlikely that it would be. As you stated the Army doesn't take into account a service members desires for assignment. I have argued this with our regimental CSM who continually emphasizes diversity in assignments yet admits that we have little control over where we are assigned. It's kind of hard to diversify if they won't let you.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 2:50 PM

2014-11-07T14:50:27-05:00

Having worked there as a civilian for almost six years, SGM Matthew Quick, I highly recommend an assignment at the Pentagon. Even though I had 30 years of active duty behind me when I went there, I learned a ton about the Army and DoD by working at that level.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2014 5:52 PM

2014-11-07T17:52:59-05:00

From my personal perspective, a Pentagon assignment would help with my goal of broader work experience, particularly from a higher-level perspective. I just like to know how things work, at all levels.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2014 11:32 AM

2014-12-18T11:32:11-05:00

I am sure I am going to end up there some day! Potentially post battalion command!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 3:26 PM

2014-12-19T15:26:24-05:00

Being assigned to the Pentagon as a CPT was an amazing experience. Yes, the days can be long, very long, and can take awhile to get to work when there's an accident on 95, but well worth it. I walked out of my assignment with an understanding of how the Army operates at the strategic level. I would go back again.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 3:28 PM

2014-12-19T15:28:31-05:00

No taste for city life. And DC has way too many people.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 23 at 2015 12:23 PM

2015-05-23T12:23:57-04:00

DC Is nothing more than a bag of mixed nuts with the majority of the ones that you really cannot stand.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 23 at 2015 9:38 PM

2015-05-23T21:38:40-04:00

Where do I sign up?

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 29 at 2015 9:35 AM

2015-05-29T09:35:07-04:00

Anybody still got an active POC there? I need a change of scenery and figure PNT would be an appropriate place to punch out.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-07-27T10:13:22-04:00

In the NCR now to work at the Penyagon within the Joint Staff. In my case, I was nominated and accepted to the position I will be filling in the J3.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 7:05 AM

2015-11-23T07:05:14-05:00

That would be a great opportunity to make important contacts for a future outside of the military.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2016 3:11 PM

2016-01-24T15:11:28-05:00

I was there from Nov 2011 to Nov 2012, too political for me but those Senior NCOs or Officers that likes the assignment is looking for a Retirement Career as a Civilian after the end of their military career that was not my cup of tea, but I made a few friends along the way.

Response by SFC Marcus Belt made May 11 at 2016 3:05 PM

2016-05-11T15:05:55-04:00

Not just no but hell no. They shoot their wounded and eat their young.

Response by COL Jeff Morris made May 26 at 2016 12:09 PM

2016-05-26T12:09:18-04:00

It depends what you want and where you are in your career. At the company grade (O1 to O3 and E1 to E7), I would only recommend it if as a part of a special developmental program with defined follow-on opportunities. At the senior levels, if it is not a nominative position, then I would likewise avoid it. I spent two tours there on ARSTAFF and the sad fact is that like any large organization, there are many roles that are just necessary to make the organization function. For example, we had two SFC that basically opened and closed the office and greeted visitors. Yes, they did some other work, but their real purpose was to receive visitors and keep the wrong people out of the way. We needed two because the office was open so long each day. I did what I could to help them grow, but if I had sat their promotion boards, then I would have much rather seen time as platoon sergeant, senior drill, or even battalion staff. There are exceptions, but in general no one below the grades of E-9 or O-5 are going to be allowed into the meetings where the decisions are made about running the DoD or Service. So it goes back to understanding where you are in your career and where you want to go. For example, I never sat on a CSM selection board, but I would suspect that staff time in the building is not a prerequisite for success and so therefore that tour could have been better used.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 1 at 2016 2:39 PM

2016-12-01T14:39:45-05:00

I was there from 2012 to 2013 and couldn't find a place large enough to hold all my household items for a 1BR apartment that I had in Newport News, VA had to place everything in storage and live at an Extended Stay in Fairfax, VA just to be close enough to the Pentagon. AM Traffic wasn't to bad but that afternoon traffic took me almost 2 hours or more to travel 33 miles to my location in Fairfax, VA.

Work hours are very long and demanding, so be ready to work some of the personal are good people to know and network with others have that me, myself, and I syndrome thus no bonding nor protection as they are seeking retirement and then getting a civilian job at the Pentagon so watch out.

The assignment looks good on Military BIO and the Top Secret/SCI Clearance is good for any civil service job door opener outside of the Pentagon, so it has it pros and cons like any other assignment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2017 9:58 PM

2017-01-25T21:58:21-05:00

I have been trying to find out how to put myself in position to get an assignment there. Does anyone have any pointers on how to do this because my branch was NO help.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 26 at 2018 1:05 PM

2018-05-26T13:05:56-04:00

If possible I would have accepted it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 12:59 PM

2018-05-31T12:59:36-04:00

I would accept the assignment if given the opportunity. I think it would be a great opportunity to learn from senior leaders as well as share some of the TTPs I've learned throughout my career. I think it would be a great learning experience where I might have the opportunity to have a solid impact.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made May 31 at 2018 1:10 PM

2018-05-31T13:10:10-04:00

Pick me!