Posted on Sep 27, 2016
I have a documented speech impediment in my records. I am on orders to the AIT Platoon SGT Course. Could they turn me away once I arrive?
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My immediate supervisor (MSG) suggests that I don't attend. However, my BN CSM recommends that I shouldn't take myself out, he told me that if it's really an issue, to let them send me back and that it will not reflect negatively on my 1059. I spoke to the Chief Instructor of the course and he recommends that I do not attend because I have to be able to clearly pitch the modules and that my speech impediment (stutter) may prevent me from doing so. I don't always stutter, but when I do, it's really bad. I am also serving as Platoon Sergeant now of a maintenance platoon and do not have an issue with carrying out my duties. My only concern is the course itself, not the duties of platoon sergeant once I get to AIT. Should I attend the course anyway or get with branch to delete my assignment now?
Platoon Sergeant
AIT Platoon Sergeant
AIT Platoon Sergeant Course
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 13
You do not have a personal choice to not attend. In 2013 Failure to show up at an ATRRS course like that (DS, AIT PSG or recruiter) was cause for the Div G3 SGM once a month to have a video conference with the Army G3, SMA and a host of others, doing a by name explanation why "my" SM did not attend the so ordered course.
You must be officially dropped from the course if you do not wish to attend.
As that is not likely to happen on short notice unless a host of folks get on board quickly..., plan on going, If you show and are dropped from the course for medical reasons that will be looked at in a much better light then failure to show... so make the plans to attend, do everything as if your going, orders process, DTS, GTC, travel, dog sitter, POV storage plans..as if yoru leaving 24 hours prior to your report date....its easy to rescind orders and cancel the rest, its VERY hard to get it all done last minute...
If you're BN, then BDE, then Div CSM agree, its better you not attend, because it is setting you and the unit up for a faile... its an easy fix for the Div CSM.. it's a phone call followed up by an email with some supporting documentation. I did it many times on behalf of one of our BDE CSM's or the Div CSM at fort Hood.
You must be officially dropped from the course if you do not wish to attend.
As that is not likely to happen on short notice unless a host of folks get on board quickly..., plan on going, If you show and are dropped from the course for medical reasons that will be looked at in a much better light then failure to show... so make the plans to attend, do everything as if your going, orders process, DTS, GTC, travel, dog sitter, POV storage plans..as if yoru leaving 24 hours prior to your report date....its easy to rescind orders and cancel the rest, its VERY hard to get it all done last minute...
If you're BN, then BDE, then Div CSM agree, its better you not attend, because it is setting you and the unit up for a faile... its an easy fix for the Div CSM.. it's a phone call followed up by an email with some supporting documentation. I did it many times on behalf of one of our BDE CSM's or the Div CSM at fort Hood.
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SFC (Join to see)
Thx SGM for your answer. I wasn't planning on not attending while I'm still enrolled. The Chief Instructor at the school house told me it takes a 4187 to the Drill SGT Branch and proper documentation of my speech impediment to be removed.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SFC (Join to see) - Yes that is how you would go about it, though your commander. That's the email and follow up documentation I spoke of.. The other, the phone call is what CAN be done when the SM has left it to the last minute to address. It was common for the BN or BDE's to bring me those issues when the SM was to report to school that friday, and it was 16:00
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SFC (Join to see)
My report date is not until January, so I have some time if I'm getting the assignment deleted. However, the route I want to go is actually completing the course and reporting in April as a Platoon SGT.
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Believe in yourself. Excel where you can the most and you can do it. Don't give into the anxiety of failure. Best of luck.
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SFC (Join to see)
Thank you very much. The issue lies in the course itself where I am required to pitch modules clearly. The duties of AIT Platoon SGT once I get there, I am certain I can carry out. Currently I am serving as the Motor Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant (Additional Duty) and do not have any issues ensuring the mission gets accomplished. Thanks again.
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I would advise that you put your best foot forward and give it a shot. If they decide to drop you because of your speech, it should be an admin drop and not an academic or disciplinary one. However, what surprises me is that there isn't a prescreening process for this course and position that would screen you out if speech and ability to clearly communicate is necessary. DS and Recruiter are two courses and positions that have this criteria, and a strict prescreening process. NCO's that do not fit the criteria in the prescreen are not selected, therefore face no adverse actions for not attending. Doesn't mean you cannot perform as an NCO in your MOS, it just means you do not meet the requirements for this billet / special duty assignment. If I were you, I would find out if your speech impediment is a disqualifier for the course/position per regulation. If it is, then ensure your documented condition is properly presented to the school. If it is not, then go forth with your best effort and let the chips fall where they may. Good Luck
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC Fullerton, I did not complete the prescreening packet as of yet. But in the commanders interview, it does mention that it is not waiverable. The reason why I brought up the question is because I would like to attend the course, not the other way around. I've looked on the Fort Jackson webpage and know the prerequisites; however I still want to attend. What I would hate to have happen is I show up to the course and a few days later I get sent back.
As far as my NCO Support Channel, they have been helpful. As to the conflicting advice, my guess is they were brought up in the Army differently and there perspective as to career progression is differs. I appreciate the advice from both of you.
As far as my NCO Support Channel, they have been helpful. As to the conflicting advice, my guess is they were brought up in the Army differently and there perspective as to career progression is differs. I appreciate the advice from both of you.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SFC (Join to see) - There is no gray area... documented speech impediment is a straight up disqualifier.. If you show and fail its going to be on you for failing to disclose you did not meet the qualifications to attend in the first place.
If you are told by your Cofc to show and tell the schoolhouse at inprocessing you have a disqualifying speech impediment, and the schoolhouse AND the commandant approves you to stay.......and THEN you fail to complete the course, Id say that would not be a negatively on a 1059.
Bottom line, You are aware you're not qualified by your own admission.. not an if, or maybe, but by policy..black and white.. if you go anyway without clear, open announcement and a written acknowledgment and exception from the School commandant or a G3 senior officer/ NCO i would consider that fraud, waste and abuse of TDY funds.
Consider all issues and options, tread carefully, err on the side of over informing all to consider the concern...
If you are told by your Cofc to show and tell the schoolhouse at inprocessing you have a disqualifying speech impediment, and the schoolhouse AND the commandant approves you to stay.......and THEN you fail to complete the course, Id say that would not be a negatively on a 1059.
Bottom line, You are aware you're not qualified by your own admission.. not an if, or maybe, but by policy..black and white.. if you go anyway without clear, open announcement and a written acknowledgment and exception from the School commandant or a G3 senior officer/ NCO i would consider that fraud, waste and abuse of TDY funds.
Consider all issues and options, tread carefully, err on the side of over informing all to consider the concern...
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SFC J Fullerton
SFC (Join to see) - I respect your motivation and desire for career progression, and not wanting to step away from a challenge. You should just ensure that you properly complete the prescreening, include the medical documentation, and submit prior to the report date for the school. Being forthright is just as honorable as your desire to attend the course. If it is up front, and the school house approves your attendance anyway, then you have the opportunity to earn your way through and graduate. To answer your original question- Yes they can turn you away. But how that is done is up to you. You may be held accountable for concealing a disqualification and dropped from the course immediately. Or, you are accepted anyway and later dropped, if your speech problem prevents you from meeting the course standards. But to best CYA, make sure your prescreen and documentation is properly submitted first. As the SGM said, schoolhouse drops do not go unnoticed, and somebody will answer for it if you are sent home.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SFC J Fullerton - "I respect your motivation and desire for career progression, and not wanting to step away from a challenge. You should just ensure that you properly complete the prescreening, include the medical documentation, and submit prior to the report date for the school. Being forthright is just as honorable as your desire to attend the course. If it is up front, and the school house approves your attendance anyway, then you have the opportunity to earn your way through and graduate"
That in a nut shell is all that needs said or done to make this right,,,,, Well put SFC Fullerton
That in a nut shell is all that needs said or done to make this right,,,,, Well put SFC Fullerton
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