Do you have any career advice for a 350F warrant officer candidate?

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Nov 2016 14:40:18 -0500

I am a 350F (all source intelligence technician) WOC and going to school in April. I received an email from the MI branch manager asking us to give him our preferences for duty station.
My burning question is what is better for my career. Going to a FORSCOM BCT? or an MI BDE?

Response by CW2 Matthew Kerr made Nov 20 at 2016 11:47 AM

CW2 Matthew Kerr — Sun, 20 Nov 2016 11:47:25 -0500

The question from the branch manager is really a courtesy...you most certainly will be assigned based on needs of the Army/priority fill for contingency ops. That said, the concept is to vary from your past/current experience (I.e if at a strat assignment (INSCOM) ideally branch manager will put you in a FORSCOM.) My #1 advice--prepare yourself mentally/emotionally to be VERY challenged. The learning curve for a W01--new unit, new role and responsibilities, being part of a Commander's Staff are vastly different from expectations of a 35F10/20

Response by CW5 Donna Smith made Nov 22 at 2016 2:50 PM

CW5 Donna Smith — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 14:50:24 -0500

Taking that step into the WO realm is a new adventure. What do you want from your career as a WO? The assignment manager will assign you where there is a need, but also will want to hear from you to see how you see yourself and where you fit in. Take the tough assignments up front. The tough assignments will allow yourself to step into being a 350F and you are going to have a better understanding of your role as an All-Source Tech in the greater scheme of things. I agree, no is a time to step out of the NCO responsibilities and roles and see yourself as a WO.

When you get to WOCS, remind yourself that you are the best of the best. Being a MI WO was one of the best times of my life and I know you'll have a wonderful and successful career. Stay strong!!

Response by CW5 David Koch made Nov 22 at 2016 7:58 PM

CW5 David Koch — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 19:58:10 -0500

Go to a Forscom BCT first getting a true operational background in a combat brigade then go to a MI Brigade. Best of luck. CW5 D.L. Koch,Ret.

Response by CW4 David Rocco made Jul 27 at 2017 9:20 PM

CW4 David Rocco — Thu, 27 Jul 2017 21:20:11 -0400

At this point in your career, it makes no difference.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2017 8:53 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 20:53:21 -0400

FORSCOM BCT