How do I get assigned to a unit for PL Time as a 70B Reserve Officer?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 May 2018 12:21:57 -0400

I recently direct commissioned from enlisted service to a 70B and was assigned by HRC to an OC/T unit in an O3 / 67A OC/T PL position. Upon arrival for in-processing, I was notified that the unit wasn’t authorized O1s and there was no platoon to lead even (understandably). With PL time being integral to advancement and the AOC being so overstrength, does anyone have tips or advice on how to find a home for that coveted PL time? I’ve been scouring UMRs and hounding retention, but seem to be striking out.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 11 at 2018 3:29 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 11 May 2018 15:29:59 -0400

Talk to your rater. Health care is a different animal.

Response by CPT Enrique M. made May 11 at 2018 3:54 PM

CPT Enrique M. — Fri, 11 May 2018 15:54:59 -0400

I'll put it this way. I haven't been a PL but i am a section OIC which still carries a lot of responsibilities. As others have mentioned its all about your OER and interactions with other officers. If possible take as much time as you can at seeing where there is a deficiency in leadership ( ie they need a OER OIC for example, or someone to take care of PT) And volunteer to said positions.

As much as PL is coveted per say I don't think its the only determiner that makes you a good officer. or future great commander. If soldiers around ( both Jr to you and Senior to you) and you show them that you are their go to "high speed soldier" and in the eyes of the enlisted as the go to officer. You have done great for yourself and the eyes of others. And you will be tapped to do other things.

I know a lot of commanders that were not PL not because they didn't want it , but simply there was no opportunity for it. So if your plan is to become a commander I wouldn't be terribly concerned , as long as you have a great OER and great support from those senior to you. Believe me they will want to put you in higher responsibility roles instead of a PL. And they will have possibly greater responsibilities and span of control over it.

good luck LT! you will do good

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 1:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 13:15:24 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Ok...I can tell you in my development as an officer, I was always mentored and counseled that the "ideal" development would be to spend 1/2 your time in a staff job, and the other 1/2 as PL. That did not happen for me....my path was altered by the powers to be and I really had no say. During OBC, I had orders for the Medical Platoon in one of the BNs 2nd ACR...needless to say I was excited since I was a Med PLT PSG prior, my first job would have been a snap. Then another unit on Fort Polk gets deployment orders, I was pulled from the 2nd ACR and sent to the Field Hospital as an Assist OPNS/INTEL. I was livid but took it in stride, while deployed my boss told me that when we got back I was going to the Ground Ambulance Company as a PL....well guess what, that didn't happen either....my boss and nearly all the deployed staff PCS'd and the new XO had different plans for me and two other 2LTs....after spending nearly 18 months as an OPNs Officer, the XO moved the three of us into the jobs that he felt we would excel in...One as Assist S1, the HHC XO, and Assist S4/PBO...I ended up as the PBO, I wasn't a big fan of logistics and just didn't have the passion for it (I was one of those DC'd 70Ds and should be in S6), but I kept at it...the S4 at the time was very difficult to work for and/or just didn't like me for whatever reason. Anyway....after another 18 months or so in S4...I called my branch manager at HRC and basically begged and pleaded for a 70D slot. He found one for me and off I went...So I didn't work in my AOC at all for the first 3 years....6 months after PCSing...I was promoted to CPT....So It really doesn't matter what jobs you get...you just need to do a good job in it and make the best of it....The Army Medical Department understands that especially in the LT years (needs of the unit vs your own). The PLT Time is not as critical in the AMEDD as it is in the Combat & Combat Service Branches. Company Commander time is more critical than PLT Time is and for some AOCs (like mine 70D) you don't even need it, however; it will make your Promotion Packet stronger vs. someone who doesn't have it. I know of plenty of MAJORS that did not have a 05A slot BUT did have OIC time in a clinic or staff section. Now in the Regular Army, you don't even have to declare an AOC until your 8th year....you can continue in 05A or 70B slots until then...in reality, you could end up in a 70H, 70K, 70E position etc. ACC (Army Competitive Category) they don't get their Functional Area until MAJOR (normally 10 years), AMMED Officers, JAG Officers, and Chaplains start in their functional areas immediately. Hope this helps...I can't really talk intelligently about how AR or NG manage their personnel, I just know that their requirements can be significantly different.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2018 2:23 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 May 2018 14:23:59 -0400

LT, what you’re looking for should not be a hard task. There is a lot that isn’t being taught about military careers for officers starting out. I started out in the National Guard (72D) but filled a little r if 70B slots. I have recently switched to the USAR because the promotion slots are more readily available beyond O-4. With that being said you could look for a combat arms unit with medical assets which have medical PL positions. Deployments with Combat Arms Task Forces are always good. With these deployments it also helps with operational and possible joint forces experience which will help top off your credentials in your later career. Do not neglect your military education officer basic and advanced, ILE, etc. The bottom line is that those slots are there. You just have to know where to look. Every officer has a Branch Manager at HRC. Make a call to them and let them know of your goals. And let them help find those slots.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2018 11:27 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 May 2018 11:27:35 -0400

If this is a reserve unit. Act the S1 to help you find a unit. Once you find a unit you will do a daily 4651 and a transfer packet

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2021 9:23 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 09:23:04 -0500

Honestly reach out directly to the Army Reserve MACOMS. Ask around. We are in dire need of PLs across the board. Get contact info for company and battalion commanders in units that interest you and hit them up directly. Good luck LT!