How long can you be in a position before it is considered career stagnation?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 10:36:31 -0400

I have been in the same position for 3 years now. I have
accomplished many things during this time to include civilian ed, military ed
and schools, technical certifications, boards and have taking on taskings from
the company level all the way up to installation. The issue I am having is if I
stay in this position my NCOER will be no different than anything else I have
done in the past 3 years. I want to continue to be competitive for the E7 board
and don’t know if I should continue to stay in the same position or should I ask
to me moved. If I ask to be moved though I will be put in a position that is
most likely not in my career path i.e. orderly room or something to that
affect. I would like to hear from my peers and seniors on this issue, I see it
as a growing problem especially in TRADOC.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 11:05 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 11:05:37 -0400

SSG Plato,

I'm not a SME on the Signals branch, but I would suggest to anyone to move on to a new assignment after 3 years. You won't be able to develop as many new skills after being in a position for 3 years. Personally, I would look for a more generic military leadership position than an instructor. The promotion board will be looking to ensure you have a versitile background before promoting you to E7. Take your expertise you have learned in the last 3 years and bring it to a new unit to make them better.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 23 at 2014 11:05 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 11:05:52 -0400

If your choices are staying in your field, or working outside your field, I would recommend staying where you are. We used to call this 'homesteading', and it USED to be a death nail, but not so much anymore. The services are all trying to save dollars now and PCS moves are expensive.

It may be advisable to put a call into your branch manager and see if there are any assignments coming up that would benefit you.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 9:44 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 09:44:37 -0500

After 3-4 I would try and move on. Especially as a 25B, there are alot of good assignments out there for us. Especially Nominative/Special Assignments.