Posted on Mar 28, 2014
SFC Sr Incident Responder
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I am trying to determine what is a good next step in order to be leveled with my peers and competitive for the next level. I'm stuck at this assignment until Nov '15, I have been doing a lot of self development courses to try and keep myself current on my MOS but doctrine will only help so much without any concurrent hands on training. I tried to request schools and specialized training but no luck so far. How do you keep yourself competitive on your field if everything in your career from schools to assignments is at the mercy of someone else?
Posted in these groups: Train2 TrainingStar PromotionsCa2 Career Advice
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 7
SFC Platoon Sergeant
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When all else fails, work on college courses.  If you start earning a degree, there isn't much that leadership can do to stop that.  Sometimes we just get stuck in those positions where we are "indispensable" and don't have an opportunity for schools.  Just keep doing the best you can until it is your time to leave.

 

Since you work in the IT field, I would recommend also going for some civilian IT certifications in addition to a college degree.  If you can document that you have been working to improve yourself, and especially with something that directly improves job skills, then that should help a lot.

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SFC S1 Personnel Ncoic
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My recommendation is to manage and worry about what you can control.  You can continue to better yourself with civilian education and you can push yourself when you are able to attend NCOES.  There are many NCOs that see WLC, ALC, SLC as a break from their daily duties and do not take it seriously.  As we slim down the force, they won't be cutting the Honor Grads and NCOs with stellar NCOERs, rather they will be promoted.  

I would also recommend you have a candid discussion with your branch manager indicating that you would like an opportunity to further expand your career and knowledge base.  Talk to him/her about a nominative assignment.
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CPT Senior Battle Staff Analysy Oc/T   Team Air Officer
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When I was a private, my first squad leader told me to do anything to the absolute best of my ability.  If it was to clean the latrine, then brasso all the steel, etc...  So put 100% into your current job.  That being said, some mos's stagnate and upward progression is very hard.  Look to re-class or ID what will set u apart.  In the infantry, combatives level 3 or 4 helps, as well as college and 1, 1 on ncoer's.  I recommend talking to any SGM that came from your specialty.  They usually have all the answers to the test.
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