How can I help my career with a broadening assignment?

2019-04-23T00:25:25-04:00

Assignment, like drill sergeant. The problem is that the unit I’m with now is short staff sergeants so now I’m filling a SL position. Because of their MTOE. I’ve been told I’m hurting my career and my branch manager was not willing to help because I just arrived here. Should I just Be patient?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2019 12:26 AM

2019-04-23T00:26:34-04:00

***TRADOC**** (not tragic)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2019 12:40 AM

2019-04-23T00:40:30-04:00

Being stagnant in the same position for a long period of time may or may not hurt you. If you are already KD complete then yes, I would try to get something different. A broadening (drill, recruiters, ext..) is a good next logical move but if you just got to a place and branch is saying you don’t have enough time on station, it likely will not happen. A few things you could do in the mean time to help yourself stand out is college, attend some schools, and potentially work into a staff position relative to your MOS. While it’s not a broadening assignment it does look good getting rated time outside of your normal day to day MOS.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2019 4:12 AM

2019-04-23T04:12:22-04:00

First, you can't PCS again within a year.
While working at TRADOC isn't a broadening assignment, it is considered a more challenging assignment and is viewed more favorably than working as a SL in a BCT. You can submit for a broadening assignment at one year on station, but you are filling a demanding assignment already.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2019 8:50 AM

2019-04-23T08:50:54-04:00

Branch is correct, you won’t be able to move if you’re less than 12 months on station. Also you have to keep in mind unless you get selected for SFC, Recruiter or Drill Sergeant, you’ll be on station for 36 months. While assigned in your current position there are additional duties you can attend training for to help with your career (EOL, Victim Advocate/SHARP and MRT. Good luck to you....

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Apr 23 at 2019 11:12 AM

2019-04-23T11:12:28-04:00

Look at DA Pam 600-25, it will tell you what the Army considers as the appropriate career progression for assignments, positions, schools, ASI and SQI by MOS, by Grade. Also go on line and pull up the board AAR results for the most recent SFC board it will list what was generally considered favorable or less- favorable for broadening assignments and duty positions and the length of time considered as fully qualified for serving in those positions.

I see that you are an Engineer, contact the SGM at the Engineer Personnel Development Office (EPDO) here at Leonard Wood [login to see] then EXT 3-6137. They can tell you what positions are priority fills or shortages. Then call HRC and ask about filling one of those positions. You're not going anywhere for at least a year as the Army won't PCS you twice in the same year.

As an Engineer 12B, SSG serving in a Squad Leader Position, you are rite where you should be regardless if you served as SL previously as a SGT. That's where looking at the board AAR comments come in, to see how long you need to remain an SL to be competitive. Drill Sergeant and Recruiter have consistently been considered as favorable broadening assignments for Engineers by the boards.

Hope this helps.

Response by MSG Pedro Soto made Apr 23 at 2019 4:20 PM

2019-04-23T16:20:18-04:00

Most units, of course, don't want you to leave. Specially if they are short on personnel. What I would do is submit a volunteer request for DS school, you may not get picked up right away but at least your name is on the list. Believe me Recruting and DS will enhance your career in the long run. Just be patient, you will get pick up. I did both, with a a few years apart. Also, any school that comes up, sign up for it. Good luck. Thank for serving.