How does it look working outside your MOS in a non-MTOE position?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 03:44:58 -0400

I took an open requisition through ASK to make an interpost transfer. Once I arrive to my new unit, I am pulled to work outside my MOS, as HQ Platoon SGT and orderly room NCOIC(of course neither are on the MTOE). While I do not mind working outside my MOS for a bit, I am always looking for my next assignment. I find out there is an opening in FT Stewart, in January 2015 and ask branch if I can have the assignment and send them the requisition number. I will have been at FT Bliss for over 3 years, and at my current unit for a year at the time of PCS. Branch tells me my unit strength is too low. I check the MTOE and to my suprise there is only 1 91B30 slot available for my current unit. I verify this information through S1 and retention. There are currently 3 91B3 in my unit, one is double slotted with a SFC and the other is holding a 91B20 slot. I explain this to my branch manager, and PDNCO. The other 91B30s are new to FT Bliss, only about 5 months on station. Of course, I never hear back from branch, although they read the emails they never respond. I do not know why it is so hard to get them to place you on assignment, I am sure if they were to show up and not have an MTOE position they would want to leave as well. Like I said, I do not mind my current position, as it provides an opportunity to expand my knowledge, but after a bit I need to get back into my MOS.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 4:45 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 04:45:48 -0400

All that matters is that your NCOER is good when the time comes. Paper promotion boards don't usually dig that deep to find out what the MTOE was of your unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 8:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 08:37:47 -0400

Working outside your MOS shows diversity along with teaches you different aspects of the Army. I have been give the chance to work in the S3 shop in HQ Company of a BSB and will be learning a lot even if its only for a short period of time. Just remember you are a Maintenance soldiers and when working outside of your MOS is good you still need to keep up with the ever ongoing changes that happen in the motor pool that way you are not left behind once you return to the motor pool.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 27 at 2014 8:44 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 08:44:16 -0400

Working outside your MOS is a good thing. It shows you're more than a one show pony. What really matters is how well you have performed outside your MOS. Success or failure in your assigned duties is just that, and will reflect as such.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 8:50 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 08:50:30 -0400

SSG Clark, as others have stated working outside your MOS is a good thing as long as you do well. HQ platoon sergeant is generally reserved for the senior SFC in the company. Are you being rated in a 40 slot? What kind of unit are you in? I have never seen an MTOE that didn't have a HQ platoon Sergeant slot. As long as your ERB have you slotted for the position and your NCOER match that position then you are good to go.

I have served outside my MOS as well. I am a 91M and served as an 11Z (Infantry company 1SG). I did well and got two awesome NCOERs from that position and made MSG on my first look.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 10:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 10:47:31 -0400

If I may ask, what does your ERB say your duty position is?

Response by SFC Benjamin Harrison made Mar 30 at 2014 1:24 AM

SFC Benjamin Harrison — Sun, 30 Mar 2014 01:24:33 -0400

Being assigned to a Faux but required position that is "outside of your MOS" is also called an MOS immaterial duty/assignment, just like Recruiters, Drill Sergeants, IG, and even full time Retention NCO's provides an NCO the opportunity to learn a new skill set, and in my personal experience, opened my eyes to how the Army actually functions having the capability to view first hand the full spectrum of operations that are conducted daily in order to keep the Army rolling along. Enjoy your stint away from the norm, perform the mission provided just as you would any other, and remember that the goal of every Soldier professionally should be to reach the highest rung in the ladder. So now I must ask, how many SGM's/CSM's have you seen turning a wrench or running a motor pool?

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2014 11:54 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 11:54:10 -0400

You should always look for a Key development (KD) assignment. if you are technically and tactically proficient and can be spared to work an MOS immaterial assignment it couldn't hrt, buit I wouldn't look to stay in that position too long either. You have to take care of your own career. be a team player, but if the assignment is not for you, I would look to other options when that time came. Worst thing to do is to have a bad attitude about it though, because that will effect you now and potentially in the future. Good luck!