How do I get the assignment I really want?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Oct 2013 11:30:22 -0400

I am a SSG in the Active Army. I have worked in multiple duty positions and excelled in all of them. I am know in a position to look for my next duty assignment and would like to get stationed in Fort Sam Houston and retire in that area. Could someone help me out?

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2013 12:24 PM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 12:24:13 -0400

We all know that assignments are all about timing. Start working with your branch manager now to see it you can get stationed there and when the window could be open.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2013 9:05 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 27 Oct 2013 21:05:40 -0400

SSG Watson,I am a 68 CMF Soldier that had a extremely hard time getting special assignments. It went so far as the Branch NCOIC personally screening my records and telling me I was competitive for a special assignment. The timing never worked out. Fast forwad years later and many phone calls, I'm serving as an Instructor at Fort Sam. You really have to try your best to force your will. I got my career counselor and CSM involved. Anything helps. Now might be a little hard with the cut on PCS budget. Look into Instructing, AITPSG, WTB Squad Leader/PSG and BAMC (If you are 68CMF). Keep the faith brother.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2013 3:42 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 03:42:43 -0400

As has been already posted multiple times; it's about the timing. If you can substantiate your assignment's relativity to your personal career growth; you can make it happen. You need to convince your career counselor of this fact with hard evidence (NCOER's, counselings, letters of continuity, etc..). An endorsement from the 1SG / CSM is a plus. As far as the timing; before you come down on assignment you need to be in constant contact with your branch manager to establish a repertoire with him/her. Familiar "faces" are more easily recognisable, and sense you are currently not assignment / pending orders; you are fore "fluid" in this regard to placement. I would recommend contacting them 6-8 months minimum out from your projected PCS.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 18 at 2013 9:38 PM

SFC James Baber — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:38:43 -0500

Beg, borrow and steel, JK, a little levity to lighten the mood, actually the begging part is not that far off, I have in my past actually gone to HRC and met face to face with my branch manager. I did a little research before hand and found out her favorite flowers and some other tidbits I could do some sweet talking with and actually met with some very helpful assistance and got an assignment I had been trying for over ten years after that meeting. Of course they were all still in Alexandria at the time, not sure how that would work now with them all having moved to Knox, but it could still be worth a try, at the least you get to meet and learn who your branch manager is.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 18 at 2013 9:43 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 21:43:39 -0500

Buy the branch manager a coach bag. Works like a charm.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Dec 18 at 2013 10:11 PM

CPT Mike M. — Wed, 18 Dec 2013 22:11:41 -0500

I'd be willing to bet that all or most people are no more than two or three degrees of separation away from their branch manager so ask around, see if someone in your chain of command knows them and can recommend you for a position. That and use this site to find a unit you'd like to get into and if you can sell yourself to them, maybe they can make a by name request. At the end of the day it's all a long shot and you just have to be willing to accept the fact that the needs of the Army outweigh the desires of our own more often than not.