How has working on a headquarters staff affected your career?

2014-01-29T13:26:56-05:00

I am currently assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division G3, prior to that I was assigned to the 1ABCT 2nd Infantry Division S3. Upon graduating the Battle Staff NCO course, I made it a point to request a position on a headquarters staff. While the work I have done has been rewarding, some of my peers have expressed the belief that working on a staff can ultimately be detrimental to further advancement and promotion. Any and all opinions are appreciated.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 2:04 PM

2014-01-29T14:04:06-05:00

SFC Stimpson, great question, I can see how some may want to avoid HQ staff, although in my own case it has been a positive and extremely helpful experience. I've learned a ton from my headquarters experiences, as there tends to be many talented folks on hand selected staffs; it also provides a different perspective, allows for a voice in what's happening, and allows senior leadership to see what you're capable of, mentor you, and help align future assignments; of course, there's often a certain "pain level" associated with HQ staff tours, although, IMHO once you have a successful HQ tour under your belt, it could be extremely helpful for organizational perspective, as well as for networking and future development. I hope this information is helpful, best of luck, and best wishes for continued success!

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 29 at 2014 2:24 PM

2014-01-29T14:24:06-05:00

SFC Stimpson, staff gives you another notch in your "assignment diversity belt" that selection board members are looking for. I served in a SQDN S3 Shop as a SFC after my PSG time was up and I am currently the S3 NCOIC for a MI Group. This staff assignment was after my 1SG time was up at my last unit and I PCSd. I think that the important thing to remember is to ensure that your are successfully completing your branch qualification positions (PSG, etc) while also seeking out those additional positions that show you can also succeed outside of your "comfort zone."

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 9:06 PM

2014-01-29T21:06:23-05:00

I spent a year working as a S3 NCOIC which makes me by far no expert what so ever. However, I really enjoyed the experience because it opened my eyes to planning and had numerous learning curves to adapt to. With that said, I was more than grateful to have done a year, made the MSG list, and moved out to a 1SG job elsewhere. Reading your post and seeing how you have already performed in operations and requested to return to operations, this time at the G3 level I have to concur with your peers. In my humble opinion you're not doing anything really new except what you were doing before, this time at a bigger level. The other problem persay working in a G3 versus say a staff at BN is what exactly in operations you are doing. As a S3 in BN you are responsible for much more than a SFC working in G3 where there are x amount of E7s and E8s assigned in all those positions that at a BN level are covered by a SGT or SSG. Again, I don't have your records or ERB in front of me to look over what you have done and need to meet your professional model but a CSM once said to me you do a job, you learn and master it, and you move on to something else new.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 12:15 PM

2014-01-30T12:15:06-05:00

SFC Stimpson

I have already served 4 years PSG time 2 of it deployed. I have some National Guard time so my time in service has not allowed me to compete for E-8 until last year and only 1% of the eligable E-7's were selected. I believe since i have filled all my Branch quailfing positions staff is what i have left. I will get to go back down to the line when i make 1SG then back to staff. I am currently at a BDE level and moving to DIV level in April. As stated by others move up or move out is what i was taught. Good luck.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2014 12:29 PM

2014-01-30T12:29:51-05:00

Working as a HQ as staff does not hinder your advancement. It actually enhances it. Think about it this way when you make SGM where is the first job position the Army is going to send you? Probably operations so seeing how a HQ works now will only help you later on down the road. I know too many SGMs that get promoted and get put into BDE operations and they fight a learning curve.

I honestly beleive in order to be successful at the higher levels you need to understand how everything works. That time working in the HQ will give you a awesome understanding of the inner workings of a Division and Division operations.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2014 10:56 PM

2014-05-23T22:56:15-04:00

I worked in BDE S2 as an E5. I was given a job slotted for an O3. I had to report to my CW3 [daily] to make sure I was doing the job I was given right. Part of my responsibilities with my job required me to sit in the G2 meeting as well. The first month and half, I was trying not to drown. Something about being the lowest ranking soldier in the room makes you grow up real quick. Once I understood what was required of me and how my job coincided with all MI soldiers training, I became quite efficient at what I was doing. I became evem more efficient when I utilized S3. The OPS SGM became my best friend.

Once I left BDE and went back down to company level, my understanding of training was multiplied ten fold. Working with four BN S2s and a MI Company, getting in front of the training schedule was the number one priority, not to mention sending soldiers on TDY to advance in career progression. Others can complain and say it hurts your career, but just listen to what MSG Stankovich said it'll help you when you're being looked at for E7,E8 & E9. I might be an E5 but working in staff only enhances your career because now you're looking the Army from a strategic viewpoint which will only enhance your understanding of how the tactical side should operate.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2015 7:50 AM

2015-04-26T07:50:19-04:00