Career progressing opportunities for a SFC? What are some recommendations?

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:43:31 -0400

I have been in the Army for 14 years in July. I am a SFC with all of my Platoon Sergeant time. I have been deployed many times and I am currently serving in the 82nd ABN DIV. Looking for some suggestions for career progression possibilities. I am not looking to go to TRADOC, paid my dues there. Was hoping to get ROTC at Syracuse but the position isn't going to be available. I am currently deployed and should be able to PCS upon return.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 5:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:55:47 -0400

You could always look at recruiting. I know you said that you don't want to go to TRADOC, but Drill Sergeant is another really good way to set yourself apart. You could look at going to some schools too, like SHARP, EO, MRT, etc and seek a position with one of those duties.

Also, if you haven't done so already, start working on college. If you have, do more. I know for a fact that civilian education is playing a big role in getting promoted.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 10:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 22:44:10 -0400

SFC,
Did you ever consider an attache Carrer path ?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2014 3:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 04 May 2014 15:33:50 -0400

Read DA Pam 600-25 for ideas.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 9:46 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 21:46:12 -0400

If you can get a 1SG slot that would be your best bet! Hard to do getting to a new unit but it is possible. I was able to get two years rated time as a 1SG when I was still a SFC and got selected in my secondary zone for MSG.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 10:45 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 22:45:52 -0400

SFC EVANS

Several good ideas have already been posted. DA PAM 600-25 is always a good reference and special duty assignments, DS, AIT Platoon Sergeant, Instructor,etc are always helpful. Here's another option and one I wish I pursued at some point in my career I.G. duty. I had a mentor of mine CSM(R) Patterson who did that for awhile and he told me it was the most educational experience of his career. When he heard Troops talking about going to the I.G. his response was, "let me save you the trip". If your interested contact SFC Stephens at the DIV I.G. Office when you get back to Bragg, I helped get him that job before I left DIV. He can put you on the right track and it is definitely career enhancing. Good Luck.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2014 11:06 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 May 2014 23:06:37 -0400

I am in Aviation. I am not Airborne, Air Assault, Drill Sergeant, or Recruiter. I did however serve on three deployments, was a AIT Instructor, and SLC Instructor. I believe alot has to do do with your performance and how little FLUFF is in your NCOER's compared to Quantifiable bullets. Being reccomended for Battle Staff from your senior rater. Being #1 of BLANK SFC's he Senior Rates. Being in the top 5% of all SFC's he has served with in his Career (depending what rank your senior rater is). It is all about distingushing yourself from your peers. The late nights and dedication to duty. Striving to set yourself apart from your peers. Spend time making sure your ERB is always updated, accurate, and correct. Don't wait until you get the email that your eligeble to start.
This is just my opinion. Like I said I never went for the schools. I went where the Army told me to go and did what they asked. I did it to the best of my abilities and tried to be the best leader I could be. I got selected for SFC and MSG in the secondary zone. Again, this is just me.

Response by SGM Steven Richards made May 13 at 2014 11:56 PM

SGM Steven Richards — Tue, 13 May 2014 23:56:19 -0400

SFC Evans,
Would recommend you contact your PDNCO at branch to discuss your over all career and the available opportunities for you! I see a lot off great advice on here but you need to ensure your branch is willing to release you for those types of assignments, not all branches are the same and have different requirements. If you have not done so you need to take a look at the last MSG board AAR to see if your tracking along with those NCOs that were selected! Also keep in mind that ROTC and those mentioned In other posts are all considered TRADOC (TDA) assignments, you want a mix of assignments and without to much away from your MOS and the operational force! Good luck in your career and remember we are looking to retain the best of the best! Today's NCOs are going to find it much tougher to advance!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2014 12:05 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 May 2014 12:05:39 -0400

SGM Richards gave the cest advice, engage with your PDNCO. Each MOS looks for dirrent items in a Soldier's background. Nominative assignments (IG, EO, Recruiter, Drill, AIT Instructor, Attache, ROTC, AC/RC, etc...) are all enhancers to some degree. But where does the rubber meet the road for your MOS? That's is what your PDNCO is there to tell you. For 42A SFC, it's in the BDE S1. We should have 2-3 yrs as BDE S1 as well as 1-2 yrs in TDA broadening assignments.

Response by SGM Jeff Bullard made Sep 15 at 2015 3:33 PM

SGM Jeff Bullard — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 15:33:24 -0400

Some things that will help you progress would be Battle Staff and be rated as a Staff NCO. No matter if it's at BN, BDE or DIV level. Also taking advantage of EO, SHARP, MRT and serving in those positions as the Battalion Representative will show versatility.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 4:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 16:25:20 -0400

Go SOF....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 5:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 17:49:52 -0400

Why don't you try to become warrant officer. You have more than 5 yrs in MOS, you are qualified as long as you have a good NCOER as part of it too and at least have 120 GT score.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2015 12:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Sep 2015 12:54:00 -0400

I kind of feel like you SFC Evans, never been in trouble, clean record, EIB, CIB , BA degree, Drill Sergeant all my Squad Leader time, diverse in the infantry, light, air assault, recon and heavy. Have not been promoted and PT Stud!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2015 9:01 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 09:01:43 -0400

I had the opportunity to see the msg board score sheet and mostly depends on a taking the "hard" jobs PSG, acting 1sg, detachment sgt etc. Were favored more with points than working in your MOS especially at the 4O level.

Response by SSG James James made Jul 18 at 2018 11:26 PM

SSG James James — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 23:26:58 -0400

Ranger school