How do you talk to your branch manager into getting the assignments you want?

Well it all depends on what you want. Every move is made based on strengths at the gaining location as well as the losing location. Like someone said below, definitely ensure you are requesting the move for career progression or at least make it sound like you are. If you want to be extra prepared make friends with someone in your S1 shop that has EDAS access and have them pull up requisitions, pay close attention to the ones that are coded REQPRTY A/B/C/D/E those are cycle requisitions. The ones coded N1 or N2 or 06 are optional and not priority so technically not ‘must fill’. Timing is also important, Unless you’re MOS is critically short you won’t move until you have at least 36 months on station, the only exceptions are critically short MOS, recruiting, drill sergeant. 4 out of the 5 cycles begin on the odd months so that’s when the must fill assignments are sent to the assignment managers the only one that is different is the last cycle which is an even month to allow for Christmas break. Knowledge is power.

Nothing you say will increase the chance you get what you want. There is no magic phrase, no powerful combination of words, pleading, or bargaining that can change what the branch manager is authorized to do. What they are eligible to offer is based on when you can move and what they need to fill at that time.

Blackmail, Random bouquets of Roses, Alcoholic gifts, tickets to Hamilton, I don't know. Just speculation based off seemingly the only things I haven't done. Nothing else has worked. Good luck.

No but in all seriousness, CALL (No email), just be an easy person to talk to, and talk to them as if you want them to like you. Ask how their day is going, be overly respectful, and use tone inflections to sound like someone they would want to hook up.

Call up instead of email. Express your desires and goals. If you’re nice about it and the slot is avalible he or she will be willing to help, that’s what they are there for.

When I was an E5, I called them and just asked about availability around my PCS and told them my preferences and worked with them.

The best thing you can do is the best job possible. I have had a policy of not sending problems to others. I am always proud to move performers as they also represent me. If you have informal discussions with the manager, finding an opportune time to subtly mention your interests will help should an opening occur. You are planting a seed through this process. It is always best if the manager thinks it's his idea. Prior to that opening, you may have the opportunity for something else which is equally good and in the right direction.

Be careful of what you ask for, you just may get it.

For Engineers contact the Engineer Personnel Development Office (EPDO) at Fort Leonard Wood [login to see] then ext 3- 4036, and find out what slots are open, where, and if there are any units listed as priority fills. This will help you guide the conversation when talking to the branch manager and help them, help you, go where or close to where you would like to go. I imagine the other fields would have a similar office.
You can sometimes do a little horse trading and ensure your preferred location by volunteering to go overseas or on deployment with your preferred location as a follow on assignment.

You need to be specific as to why you want to go somewhere. Not I want to go, but why it's in the best interest of the army.and your professional development. Then there needs to a billet for you to go to.

Very carefully, but just tell them what you want. Use Sales skills from there. Good Luck.