Does your unit have a structured Sponsorship program? Comments or concerns?

2014-07-15T12:58:21-04:00

I've seen quite a few incoming Soldiers PCS to a new unit, and have no sponsor greet them and/or introduce them to the unit and community. This may not be a huge problem for more experienced Soldiers, but it's detrimental (IMO) to junior enlisted arriving at their first duty station. From what I've seen/heard, many units do not actively participate in the Total Army Sponsorship Program (TASP) or just have very few interested and motivated Soldiers willing to volunteer themselves for the job. I'm looking for any suggestions on how to make this program more successful for everyone involved.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 1:00 PM

2014-07-15T13:00:17-04:00

We do here in CASCOM Fort Lee, and we did in Germany when I was with 172d BDE

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2014 4:54 PM

2014-07-15T16:54:58-04:00

The biggest thing for sponsorship is contact!!! The last unit I went to had no clue I was coming until I finally tracked them down about a month out. Even as a SFC I found it disconcerting to not really have contact with my new unit. I wanted time to read up on anything I should know in advance and have a good idea of where I might want to live. Fortunately I had a friend who lived on Ft.Belvoir and was willing to help.
I'm getting ready to PCS again and am 90days out, the orders have been published for months. I'm going somewhere I don't know anyone, even in the area and I hope my unit will throw out a lifeline but I've tracked folks down before and can do it again.
When I've had life lines during PCSing it has made the transition all the easier!!!

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jul 24 at 2014 8:23 AM

2014-07-24T08:23:56-04:00

My first unit I did not have a sponsor. I had no idea what I was doing and just went with the flow of things. My second unit yes. My sponsor was outstanding answered so many questions for me. It was a breeze coming into my current unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 10:25 AM

2016-05-25T10:25:27-04:00

http://www.actnow.army.mil is a great website as well all know. The Sponsorship Programs at the Unit Level can and eventually will be more effective. Once units realize that a servicemember can't recieve orders until they get section 3 filled out on a DA 5434 by the incoming unit, I think the ignorance and complacency will die off. Its a team work thing, not a blue falcon thing.