If I will be changing units, what should I expect? Is adjusting difficult?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 03:46:23 -0400

I may be changing my MOS to 35L within a year or two, and would most likely be changing commands due to the lack of slots in my current unit. I’ve been with the same command and unit for 4 years and feel “at home”. If I were to change commands, what should I expect and is adjusting difficult?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2019 3:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 03:56:19 -0400

When you Reclass, you will always move. If you stay your MOS, you'll eventually move as well. Every unit is different, has a different feel, culture and optempo. It's like asking someone what it's like to be in a different family - each one is unique. You'll only find out once you move.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 22 at 2019 10:04 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 10:04:44 -0400

The two BEST units in the Army are the one you are going to and the one you just came from.

Adjusting is exactly as difficult as you make it. If you insist on doing things the way your last unit did them, it will be difficult. If you choose to take that experience and learn and apply it when)where appropriate, but also choose to learn the way your new unit does things, you'll be fine.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2019 11:04 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 11:04:13 -0400

Different experiences help build our mental database for becoming better individuals and leaders. Mark the good that makes you feel comfortable and part of a team for reuse when you assume leadership roles (formal and informal). Mark the "bad" as what not to do or be. Mark them all as education and for use in developing yourself and others.
Routine is the enemy of growth.

Response by PO2 Karl Lehn made Mar 22 at 2019 1:53 PM

PO2 Karl Lehn — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 13:53:57 -0400

Truthfully it's good for you to move around regardless of your MOS change. The Army is having you step out of your comfort zone. You may not agree now or ever but that's really a good thing.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Mar 22 at 2019 3:16 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 15:16:38 -0400

Change is difficult and many people resist it; however, change is a big part of military life. One of my team used to say, "If you aren't changing, you're dead." I see you're a Reservist, so I assume your home, job, civilian friends, etc., won't change along with the changes to your military life. This should provide you a continuing familiar foundation on which to handle your change of specialty and unit.

Many ways to handle change. Best I found was to anticipate it, look forward to it, and embrace it when it comes. Here's some ideas.
-Research your new unit and learn about its history, mission, leadership, etc. Much of this information will be available on the unit's web page.
-Expect to be assigned a sponsor and work with the sponsor to facilitate your transfer
-Make a good first impression. Show up on time at the designated location for in-processing and in the correct uniform of the day.
-Treat everyone with courtesy and respect. You won't understand the unofficial power structure in the unit for several weeks or months. Assume everybody you meet can influence your future in the unit.
-Don't work too hard to prove yourself in the first days or weeks with the unit. Focus on your job and learning your place on your team or in your office. Your abilities will shine as they develop over time.
-Ask and listen. There are no dumb questions when nobody is shooting at you. Listen carefully to the answers. If you come across a local procedure, technique, tradition, that isn't in line with what they taught at your AIT, try it their way before you say "at AIT they taught us . . ." You can possibly make improvements later on. (This doesn't apply to unsafe actions or stupid behaviors. Do the right thing and do things right.)
-Enjoy the challenges and exploit the opportunities. Every assignment or unit has its good and bad points. Take on the challenges of environment, leadership, or mission with a positive attitude. Take every advantage of opportunities your new assignment might present including leadership, training, education, and recreation.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2019 11:58 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Mar 2019 11:58:02 -0400

If you ever started a new job (civil sector), that's a sample of what to expect. Except you can't walk out if you are unhappy.