Posted on Mar 24, 2018
How do I get more control of my assignments process?
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It's been really hard to control my fate in the Army. Granted, I have lucked out on good assignments but what is the best thing to do to get a good assignment post command. I really want to go ROTC or some place to slow down and spend time with my family, but I have heard horror stories with HRC picking 25A CPTs with good marks on OERs for 40+ months of KD time in an S6 assignment. Suggestions?
Assignments
Special Assignments
25A: Signal Officer
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 8
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I don't know what works but I know what doesn't work.
Taking an assignment now you don't want so you can get what you want later doesn't work.
Good Luck
Taking an assignment now you don't want so you can get what you want later doesn't work.
Good Luck
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CPT Mann,
During my time in the Army here are a few things that can help you out. The assignment process is a process with people behind it to make it happen.
Arm yourself with knowledge about the process. DA PAM 600–3 tells you what you should be doing for career progression, KD, developmental positions and so on.
Get to know the person that is part of the process. Communicate with your branch manager. Every 6 month I would send an e-mail with where I am at, what I am doing, and where I'd like to go (3 units or 3 locations). At least one phone call per year to get the branch manager's honest assessment. This helps with expectation management.
A TS/SCI clearance opens doors for special assignments. This is how I ended up with an 18-month embassy duty in Cairo.
Open mind. The assignment to Cairo I listed as my #12 and I did not want. Being a diplomatic officer turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life personally & professionally.
Know the process, get to know the branch manager, upgrade your clearance or skill for special jobs, be open-minded.
Good luck.
During my time in the Army here are a few things that can help you out. The assignment process is a process with people behind it to make it happen.
Arm yourself with knowledge about the process. DA PAM 600–3 tells you what you should be doing for career progression, KD, developmental positions and so on.
Get to know the person that is part of the process. Communicate with your branch manager. Every 6 month I would send an e-mail with where I am at, what I am doing, and where I'd like to go (3 units or 3 locations). At least one phone call per year to get the branch manager's honest assessment. This helps with expectation management.
A TS/SCI clearance opens doors for special assignments. This is how I ended up with an 18-month embassy duty in Cairo.
Open mind. The assignment to Cairo I listed as my #12 and I did not want. Being a diplomatic officer turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life personally & professionally.
Know the process, get to know the branch manager, upgrade your clearance or skill for special jobs, be open-minded.
Good luck.
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MAJ Javier G.
As I've learned in the civilian world, you are your best HR person. What has been previously stated is very good advice. I would add to include getting to know senior signal officers inside and outside your command. Sell your qualities and your interest. If they are comfortable with you and what you can do, see if there is an opening that might be a fit and work an on-post transition with another officer. I did that on my first assignment at Ft. Huachuca. I was assigned as an Environmental Test Officer with the Electronics Proving Ground. A fellow lieutenant was assigned as a Platoon Leader with a signal company. 18 months in, we swapped assignments.
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Try to make personal contact with your branch manager at the HRC and tell him what assignments you would like.
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If you are in your PCS window after command, you probably won't have to worry about the S-6 position. ROTC was my top choice as well, but it is not necessarily a take a knee assignment. The new AIM2 assignment system will let you know what unit is interested in you once you have made your preferences. You will also be able to see how in demand every choice is, and ROTC is always highly sought after. I had an ROTC dept express interest, so I contacted the PMS and recruiting officer, talked to my branch manager, sent my ORB, etc. Still didn't get it.
I will say my preference list had very few S-6 jobs on it, since you will be a senior CPT and probably KD complete they will be looking to fill USAREC and overseas hardship billets. There is also the possibility of OC/T at JRTC/NTC/Germany or SGL at BOLC and SCCC. You can also look for CGs Aide positions or TWI.
I will say my preference list had very few S-6 jobs on it, since you will be a senior CPT and probably KD complete they will be looking to fill USAREC and overseas hardship billets. There is also the possibility of OC/T at JRTC/NTC/Germany or SGL at BOLC and SCCC. You can also look for CGs Aide positions or TWI.
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LTC (Join to see)
"If you are in your PCS window after command, you probably won't have to worry about the S-6 position"
Or, you could do 2 years as an S6, then two consecutive commands for two years each. Ask me why I'd say that...
Just be cautious about the belief that it doesn't - or even rarely - happens. Remember the priority needs are those that must and will be filled. With SFAB requirements and the dearth of BN/BCT/DFAB S6's, it is a definite possibility.
Or, you could do 2 years as an S6, then two consecutive commands for two years each. Ask me why I'd say that...
Just be cautious about the belief that it doesn't - or even rarely - happens. Remember the priority needs are those that must and will be filled. With SFAB requirements and the dearth of BN/BCT/DFAB S6's, it is a definite possibility.
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I was assigned to an ROTC detachment after my S6 time. It wasn't difficult at all - Signal Branch sends out a list of assignments and has officers list them 1 through 20 IIRC, then they select the one you are best suited for/best for the needs of the Army.
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Look around, ask around find out what you want to do. What’s your goal. What do you think you can offer Great Skills? Very few slots for a Sigo in Great Skills. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.
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I always meet people in the Army that take an "alternate" path than the conventional path. Can anyone refer me to a good opportunity? Kind of like the Great Skill Division. Also, any tips on network, command by name requests etc?
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