Posted on Mar 5, 2015
CW3 Network Architect
27.5K
86
44
6
6
0
I'm a TPU Reservist CW2 255A (Signal). This April is my first look for CW3, to be promoted next year if I make it. I've already decided that if I don't make it (I find out in July) that I'll put in a packet for retirement.

Mentioning that makes many want to convince me to stay.

They tell me it's a numbers game, and IF I get passed over this April, that's no indicator that I'd get passed over next April.

I have all COM OERs, except for my last one which was an ACOM from the rater only. The senior rater was made to be someone from the unit's higher HQs in Indianapolis who doesn't know me and never met me.

I have a Master's degree and two Bachelor's degrees, but no current industry certifications.

The selection rate in 2014 for SC TPU CW2s was 85%. That could be taken one of two ways....either they have a dire need for CW3s in my field, or they've got enough now, and the next selection rate will be a lot lower.

So...I'm throwing the question open to RallyPoint: If I get passed over in my first look, should I stay in for my 2nd look, or should I retire right away?

NOTE: If I do stay after getting passed over once, and I get passed over twice, I will HAVE to retire anyway...I won't get a choice. USARC brought back the 'two strikes and you're out' rule for Warrant Officers.

UPDATE AS OF 1 DECEMBER 2018 - Obviously, I made it. Thank you everyone for your input. My next promotion I've already decided is my last, whether I make it or not. I don't have to worry about it for another three years or so.
Posted in these groups: Retirement logo RetirementStar Promotions
Edited >1 y ago
Avatar feed
See Results
Responses: 19
Lt Col Jim Coe
4
4
0
Understand the anxiety of waiting for promotion board results (BTDT), but it is important to be both patient and to plan for all options. Work as though you expect to be promoted.

I don't know all the rules for reserve component personnel, but am very familiar with the "two-strikes and you're out" policy. Consider these factors:
-Will your family support your decision either way?
-Is your current civilian employment compatible with your Reserve duty? (If you don't have a civilian job, are job prospects in your area of expertise good?)
-Are you still able to perform well in your selected specialty--physically, mentally, spiritually?
-Do you enjoy the reserve job?
-Does your current commander or supervisor support you?
If yes to all five points, then sticking out for a second look is probably a good idea.
(4)
Comment
(0)
CW3 Network Architect
CW3 (Join to see)
9 y
1-3 are definitely yes. I'm new to this unit, and we have a new commander, so I have to take a wait-and-see attitude. The next few months will see whether or not our unit climate improves or worsens... I'm hopeful, because I'm hearing the right things from this commander...
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
4
4
0
Do you still enjoy it? Do you think it's time for you to move onto the next phase in your life?

Look at it outside the "up or out" mindset. Let's say you were a CW5 right now, with no possibility for further advancement, what would your course of action be?
(4)
Comment
(0)
CW3 Network Architect
CW3 (Join to see)
9 y
I'm in a new (to me) unit and not yet fully integrated into the unit mission. I'm reserving judgement until I have enough information to make an informed judgement.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
9 y
Fair enough. I'd lean towards "stay" then. As you get more integrated, your feelings will either change one way or the other. As you haven't swayed into the "time fore me to go" category, it doesn't hurt for you to stay. You can still do good.

When I got out, I left because of a conscious choice. It was time to move on. There wasn't any regret in the decision. If that makes sense. Sure, I would have liked to have stayed in, but it was an choice.

When you approach retirement, make sure that it's on your terms. Don't regret it.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
CW2 Eric Scott
2
2
0
First you go home and take your pants off and watch the History Channel.

Then you go back and look at why you got passed over and if you can change it next time.

If yes > do it

If no > bye
(2)
Comment
(0)
1LT Nick Kidwell
1LT Nick Kidwell
9 y
So...is the pantslessness directly related to his thought process here?

Personally, I tend to think better when I am fully dressed.
(3)
Reply
(0)
CW2 Eric Scott
CW2 Eric Scott
9 y
I think the pantlessness helps. It did me. Don't do it at work or it will work against you.
(2)
Reply
(0)
1LT Nick Kidwell
1LT Nick Kidwell
9 y
I see.

Well, I decided I was going to leave service before I deployed, deployed on a DetOps mission and rocked it, came back the next year to testify in a courts-martial, and THEN left service. My pants were on the whole time.

Perhaps pantslessness would have expedited the process?
(1)
Reply
(0)
CW2 Eric Scott
CW2 Eric Scott
9 y
It normally does. It also drives off in-laws.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close