How should I navigate and advance my career after transferring in from the Navy and picking up E-6?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 20:42:01 -0500

Transferred from the Navy as an E-5 and picked up E-6 after 18 months in the Army. I was a team leader but was sent on BMM to division ops and have not done my squad leader time. Trying to figure out the next move career wise as I want to be a better NCO and have a good look for the board. I just find myself in an odd spot.l with no one to really mentor me who has been in the same predicament. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 15 at 2019 9:18 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 21:18:12 -0500

Don’t sweat it! Been at division helps you understand the big picture and how every piece of it support it other. Learn and much as you can and after, no more than 2 years, required to move back at company level. The G3 SGM, if your performance is excellent, will be your best ally in sending you to your Squad.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2019 3:54 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 03:54:49 -0500

Ops is a great place to learn how the big Army works and while you are there you should try to get the Battle Staff course. Your experience there will pay off as a senior NCO. However, you still need to get back to the line and do your KD time to be competitive for the board, which you will be competing for in just a few short years.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Dec 16 at 2019 6:31 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 06:31:32 -0500

If you are on BMM, you are not in an authorized position. I agree that the experience will help you in your future, but BMM should not last an assignment length. You should be looking to get to back to your assigned position. Speak with the Ops SGM, I am sure he will agree. That 12-18 months should be the Max you work at Division. Thank you for your service.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 16 at 2019 1:33 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 13:33:23 -0500

I would answer you but I don't know what BMM is.

Response by SSG Sandra Sutherland made Dec 17 at 2019 5:17 AM

SSG Sandra Sutherland — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 05:17:45 -0500

Try to get recommended for the ANCOC (Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer's Course) and take some military correspondence courses outside of your own field. Show initiative for anything that is for your own advancement because promotions come a lot harder from here on out. Don't forget to get your DA photo. Some things have changed since I got out, but I don't thing those things will ever change. Good luck with your career. Mine was glorious!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2019 11:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 23:47:37 -0500

Firstly, get off of the BMM detail (talk to your CoC, cause you still belong to them, as well as the NCOIC for your detail) and get into a rated Key Development position (probably Squad Leader). New guidance from HRC should require you to be stabilized in a KD position for atleast 18 months, preferably 24 months.
Secondly, look up the career progression for Cav Scouts. I know the Infantry Branch has very detailed guidelines on what you should be doing at each grade, so I assume Cav should be the same.
Thirdly, look at the SFC board analysis once they publish it. See what skills/assignments, etc your peers had that allowed them to get picked up. You can start working towards that now, before you are eligible for the board.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2019 11:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 23:35:06 -0500

First, you need find out how long your detail will last and who will be your rater and senior rater for this period. Their verbiage regarding your performance is critical to your advancement. Second, Army Career Tracker should have a printable career map for your MOS and DA Pam 611-21 and 600-25 should have detailed information about duty positions, advanced schools, and other specifics about your career path. Third, utilize your time at division wisely by A. PERFORM PERFORM PERFORM!!! If you perform well and it is well articulated on your evaluation, then the BMM won’t hurt you. B. Division HQ’s are flooded with Senior NCO’s from all MOSs find a couple (even if they aren’t in your CMF) and pick there brains. You will be surprised at how much information is right at your fingertips.

Response by SSG Robert Peterson made Dec 21 at 2019 11:10 PM

SSG Robert Peterson — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 23:10:01 -0500

Get some wings!

Response by SSG Sandra Sutherland made Dec 22 at 2019 12:48 AM

SSG Sandra Sutherland — Sun, 22 Dec 2019 00:48:59 -0500

It always helps to express your career goals with your supervisor and/or your First Shirt (1SG). These two can offer advice or suggestions, they can also recommend you for other career advancement programs and/or positions. Squad leader isn't always necessary if you have the NCO Academy and ANCOC. Progression is primarily in your hands, but those around and above you, who have moved forward can help you a great deal.