How can I as a new soldier coming from AIT make a good transition from a training environment to my first duty station?

LTC Jason Mackay - I hear what you're saying. However, she will one day get orders (PCS/Sep) and will leave, never to return. So if the unit allows the pigeon-holing of a resource, that is bad on them. And it happens in the Air Force as well, sadly.

Not knowing what her MOS entails, I would hope that she will learn more than just the DECON apparatus. I know there are detection kits/sensors, I presume MOPP gear falls into her MOS as well. No reason she can't become the SME on all of it. It will take time and a commitment.

TSgt (Join to see) - she is a utility equipment repairer that will be assigned in a heavy junk shop in a field maintenance company that supports on either an area support basis or a specific Brigade combat team for engineer equipment, generators, utility equipment, and AC/HVAC. What I meant with the Decon apparatus (a small engine item that is like a pressure washer) was that she could take care of her unit's decon apparatus to help the NBC NCO out. That particular piece of equipment gets repaired at the field maint level by her in that shop. It usually goes neglected and unused until an inspection, a no notice alert, or similar 'ah crap we have to use it' event. So she could give it love and attention as a side job so it doesn't have to get evacuated to her shop.

MOPP gear doesn't fall into her MOS, nor the chemical agent monitors, nor the radiac meters beyond employing them as a general soldier. Repair and assessment of these items falls on the NBC NCO for MOPP gear; communications-electronics for the CAM and radiac; any thing beyond that goes to TMDE.

I understand what you mean about learning everything about her job. Equipment density wise, she won't likely see everything that her MOS repairs in her first duty station. You can be extremely useful to a unit if you are willing and able to handle additional duties, especially those that put you on official appointment orders.

LTC Jason Mackay - With knowledge, comes clarity. Thank you.

Jason,
I do believe you gave the PFC the best advice that if followed will be her recipe for success! I was kind of curious though what her plan would had been being new to the Army. Best of Luck!
You had much better direct advice and much better that mine!

Thank you Sargent

SPC (Join to see) - And learn how to spell 'sergeant.' But yours is a good question. Many years ago as a buck private I transferred from a Signal school in Fort Gordon to Fort Leavenworth's Garrison company. As I had turned 21 on my PCS day (22 July 1960) I had a few beers on the train from Augusta to Fort Leavenworth and by the time I arrived there, I was a bit tipsy. Making matters worse, no one was at the railroad station (after-duty hours) so I telephoned the MPs, told them I was there, and that I was unable to find transportation to get to the garrison.

Two smartly dressed MPs came in driving a '57 Chevrolet military sedan and happily took me to the garrison. They were good fellows. The CQ showed me where to grab my bed linen and escorted me to the barracks to which I stayed for two years.

Although I pulled KP every time I looked around, I found Fort Leavenworth to be a great assignment and opportunities to explore. The First Sergeant soon learned that I was a musician and actor at heart and supplied me with monthly new Soldier's Music Books. Besides Honor Guard duties and my own communications duties, I stayed busy with the theater and teaching guitar to dependants. Within six months I was promoted to PFC and before I left for Korea in 1962 I had sewn on the Specialist rank (SPC for modern-day Army.)

Looking back, my time at Fort Leavenworth (outside the prison gates) was most memorable for me. And that's how you should go about it; look for opportunities to express yourself and ways to contribute to your unit. You will do well, Mary.