Posted on Feb 9, 2016
Is a MI Unit a good place to start your military career in a Support MOS?
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When I got my orders back in AIT, everybody told me that being in a MI unit is being "in the spot". Almost 2 years after, everybody here tells me that is not the right place for a First Duty Station. I've enjoy myself here and have learned a lot being the only JE 92Y in the whole BN.
Is a MI Unit a good place to start your military career in a Support MOS?
Is a MI Unit a good place to start your military career in a Support MOS?
Posted in these groups: 
Intelligence
Support
92Y: Unit Supply Specialist
42A: Human Resources Specialist
INSCOM
Intelligence Support 92Y: Unit Supply Specialist 42A: Human Resources Specialist INSCOM
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 9
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Different types of units "insulate" you in different ways. You learn different skillsets. This also happens at different ranks.
Every unit is going to give you something. You just might not realize what it is until 5 units later. You'll pick up supervisory skills in units with lots of folks. You'll pick up self-reliance skills in units without other folks. You'll pick up tact in places with higher average ranks. The trick is figuring out what that unit is going to give you in the long run, and maximizing it.
Every unit is going to give you something. You just might not realize what it is until 5 units later. You'll pick up supervisory skills in units with lots of folks. You'll pick up self-reliance skills in units without other folks. You'll pick up tact in places with higher average ranks. The trick is figuring out what that unit is going to give you in the long run, and maximizing it.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS I guess I'm writing the "Self-Reliance" chapter on my military book here, there are not that many Yankees around. I've learned a lot here, when you get so many responsibilities in such a low rank as PV2, you have no other options than to look all the answers and pray they don't change the questions. I've had a good time here, but I feel I need something else in order to grow, not just professionally but personally too.
Side serious/joking question: do you have a book by your side whenever you are responding a question? Do you quarterly qualify on hitting nails on the head? I've never seen you posting an off topic response. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your always on point answers. I really appreciate that kind of leadership out of the ranks.
Side serious/joking question: do you have a book by your side whenever you are responding a question? Do you quarterly qualify on hitting nails on the head? I've never seen you posting an off topic response. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your always on point answers. I really appreciate that kind of leadership out of the ranks.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
SGT(P) (Join to see) I was lucky. I had lots of great leaders, and mentors. I learned a lot. My first unit was a Grunt BN, and my second unit was a Staff Unit at TECOM (what you guys would call TRADOC I believe).
We had junior Marines at my second unit, and the argument was that "it wasn't a good first unit for them." I've always taken the Devil's advocates stance of "Why?" They're going to get to use their MOS MORE. They aren't going to deal with all the BS from out in the "Fleet" (Operational Forces) like mowing lawns or painting rocks. "It builds character/discipline/blah/blah/blah" has always been a poor argument for me. I want my Marines Technically proficient, and you're not going to get that doing "working parties."
I understood the argument that they would learn more about the "Real Marine Corps" out in the Fleet... but the Real Marine Corps kinda sucks (at times) if you aren't a Cpl+. It's great to have that common bond of suckage, but I don't think just because I went through it others have to. If you stick around long enough, you're going to end up sharing the suck. It doesn't matter if you're a Lance cooley or a Gunny we all eventually do field or ship time.
We had junior Marines at my second unit, and the argument was that "it wasn't a good first unit for them." I've always taken the Devil's advocates stance of "Why?" They're going to get to use their MOS MORE. They aren't going to deal with all the BS from out in the "Fleet" (Operational Forces) like mowing lawns or painting rocks. "It builds character/discipline/blah/blah/blah" has always been a poor argument for me. I want my Marines Technically proficient, and you're not going to get that doing "working parties."
I understood the argument that they would learn more about the "Real Marine Corps" out in the Fleet... but the Real Marine Corps kinda sucks (at times) if you aren't a Cpl+. It's great to have that common bond of suckage, but I don't think just because I went through it others have to. If you stick around long enough, you're going to end up sharing the suck. It doesn't matter if you're a Lance cooley or a Gunny we all eventually do field or ship time.
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It is as good a place as any. You will be managing a similar supply room no matter what type of unit you are in.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
LTC (Join to see) not necessarily, this BN has a consolidated Supply Room, no Supply SGT. Everything is ran by S4, Supply Room, Soldiers Issue Files, Arms Room, CSDP, RMO, GPC program, everything supply related is ran by us and I'm the only JE Soldier in the whole BN, not to say BDE because I don't know about the other BN. I don't think every Unit is ran this way...
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SFC (Join to see)
YES MI is probably a better place then perhaps some other units, since MI has become a more visible entity in the global war on terror, and your opportunity for a higher security classification could be in play, along with other tours/missions or job functions etc..But ultimately what you make of it.
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I'm currently a 42A serving in an MI BN in Germany. Though I am not a 35-series, I've still had ample opportunities to further my career here, wether it be from no less than six awards ranging from AAMs and COAs to BDE and BN coins, to getting to step outside my MOS and serve as a role player in BN VALEXes to train and certify MI professionals in their duties. It is all dependent on how you approach it. Make it your own.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) I bet it feels nice!
Side question: how do you like Germany? Further than your Unit, how is the enviroment and the ambient you feel there? Is it a good a good option to ask for reenlistment?
You can answer either here or here: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-s-the-future-of-the-army-mos-speaking?urlhash=1289912&cid=630438&utm_campaign=activity&utm_content=notifications&utm_medium=unpaid&utm_source=email
Side question: how do you like Germany? Further than your Unit, how is the enviroment and the ambient you feel there? Is it a good a good option to ask for reenlistment?
You can answer either here or here: https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-s-the-future-of-the-army-mos-speaking?urlhash=1289912&cid=630438&utm_campaign=activity&utm_content=notifications&utm_medium=unpaid&utm_source=email
What's the future of the Army, MOS speaking? | RallyPoint
My reenlistment window opens in March, I would like to get advice on what are the better options available. I have a GREAT Retention NCO, but I would like to have more opinions from outside. What would you advice to do to a 1st term Junior Enlisted?
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SPC (Join to see)
Not a bad place. Definitely depends where you end up. I've seen well-appointed posts and those without anything to their names save a small food court and meager PX. Though I never seem to have time to travel myself, many colleagues have been able to see Europe rather easily. Once again, it is what you make of it.
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I've heard "This is a horrible [insert type] unit for first termers" at about 4/5 duty stations.
Every unit has its own challenges and benefits. I started out in the Army in an Infantry OSUT TRADOC unit. I was the only junior enlisted in the 18 man company. I missed out on some Army life but learned to be self motivated and autonomous, something my peers lacked. It really is what you make it, no matter where you go. That doesn't mean you'll like it though.
Every unit has its own challenges and benefits. I started out in the Army in an Infantry OSUT TRADOC unit. I was the only junior enlisted in the 18 man company. I missed out on some Army life but learned to be self motivated and autonomous, something my peers lacked. It really is what you make it, no matter where you go. That doesn't mean you'll like it though.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) I think that the fact of me being the only Supply clerk in the whole BN and the Armorer, will help me be better prepared whenever I PCS to a Unit with more Yankees. I guess it will feel nice having some support.
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SSG (Join to see)
Being an outcast, you'll need to rely heavily on yourself. If you do it right, you'll be better equipped and more knowledgeable than your peers at your next unit. But it takes a lot of self dedication and tons of reading to stay ahead of the knowledge curve. When I did it, I didn't have a wonderful internet network to research like there is today.
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Suspended Profile
I firmly believe that all Soldiers should serve in a combat line unit for their first assignment. It sets the tone for a successful career. This is coming from a 35-series NCO.
SGT(P) (Join to see)
SFC Rose Shutts have you feel some "envy" from support SM for getting promoted "faster" than regular MOS? I've heard a lot "these MI guys" whenever someone makes SSG or SFC in shorter time than others.
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Suspended Profile
SGT(P) (Join to see), yes, I've heard that before, but I've never seen it as more than sour grapes. Every current service member chose their MOS and actively decided to serve. They had their opportunities, and I've taken mine too. I know I've earned my stripes.
You must be doing something right. You feeling a lot of hate?
I'll also say that
You must be doing something right. You feeling a lot of hate?
I'll also say that
SGT(P) (Join to see)
SFC Rose Shutts I just heard that from people with more than 10 years TIS and are stuck as SGTs or SSG with 15 years.
I'm conscious of my decisions and how they impact my career. There's no one to blame beside me on my career progression.
I'm conscious of my decisions and how they impact my career. There's no one to blame beside me on my career progression.
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Conventional wisdom is that you should go to a line unit or as close as possible during your first assignment. There's a few reasons for it. First, you see what your job does for the combat arms and how your branch fits in the bigger picture. Second, you see the best and worst of the army all in the same place, probably at the same time, from the individual soldier up to the big army. Third, you gain an appreciation for other assignments in the army. regret being assigned to a boring unit? Remember that time you spent July on rotation at fort Irwin (death valley), it'll pass.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) sometimes things here get overwhelming, when S4 runs everything Supply related in the BN with just 4 people, OIC, NCOIC, Clerk (me) and a civilian, there's a lot to do.
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SPC (Join to see)
Oh, you're in the s4. Getting assigned to a battalion level position as a junior enlisted is an interesting learning experience. You're right, it's a lot to do and it never ends.
I always considered headquarters the "performers of tasks" while the line units were the "doers of deeds." A deed, once done, is over, but a task always comes back.
I always considered headquarters the "performers of tasks" while the line units were the "doers of deeds." A deed, once done, is over, but a task always comes back.
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While I agree that it's what you make of it, the only tangible benefit I could see is that, unlike the 42A that replied, since you're a supply specialist, you may get a security clearance out of it, depending on the type of equipment the unit has.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
MAJ Glenn Bergeron I'm betting on that clearance to be my ticket to a better assignment on my PCS. Let's see what the future brings me...
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SSG (Join to see)
Sir, Supply's have Secret, Top Secrets is not for 92y MOS until E-6... It my help get some good jobs after, But when review comes will be down graded to secret due to requirements and need to (It cost money and new unit will not like to pay for it).
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The best place will be in a Combat Unit for First Duty Station, After that yes it will be good.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) a friend from AIT got stationed at Ft. Polk and he told me he is ETSing after that, thatshow much he likes it there...
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SSG (Join to see)
Usually if you see the Difficult first will make your decision to ETS or Army For LIFE
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SSG (Join to see)
I can say Supply is not easy, and we spend long time at office, but it is something you need to learned and know if you like to stay. The Supply Job is one of the Harder there is in the army (Morally) You need to learn to do your job and charge even you battle body for equipment lost, but it is the right think to do. Always Protect your Commander, Protecting your self and advising others.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) being the only JE 92Y in the whole BN, I'm sure this experience will give me a lot of knowledge for my next assignment. But I feel I need a change in order to grow.
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To me it all comes down to what you want to do more than anything else. If you want to be an MI Soldier, then where you are, as long as you are doing what you like, is no big deal. That said, if you spend two years learning your MI skill and then spend your first tour washing vehicles and painting rocks, then you will have to wait it out until you get the an MI unit that is actually putting you to good use. This was the case when I was in MI. When I was a SIGINT soldier I went to Airborne School and then to a SOT-A in 10th SFG(A). It was the Absolute BEST of assignments, although I wouldn't have classed it as a "support" MOS/Assignment at the time! Let me end by saying that good MI Soldiers are Crucial to the Army and the Mission and often under-appreciated by Combat Arms and others. You have to want to be there to be able to make the most of it. Others won't understand your job or think they know more about it than you do. You have to deal with this and accept it.
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