Posted on Feb 15, 2016
Is the 528th Sustainment Brigade a good career move?
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Good career move? Can I stay with that unit at Bragg for as long as I wish?
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 7
There's pros and cons to homesteading. Each person needs to weigh them out and see what the dice say. Looking back over my career, I've had many different assignments which somehow all added up to give me what I needed when i got to SGM. If your goal is to get to the top, then you got to know what makes the machine run and how to work with it. What are your long term goals? Answer this and you will have your answer.
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Wish I would've never left. Spent 9 years in 112th SIG BN. After 7 deployments, I left trying to get a break. Regretted it for a long time. The Army's idea of "diverse assignments" lead me to being a recruiter as an E-7 (miserable w/ no leadership time), and getting sent to Korea (because I had to have it at least once in my career). I learned a whole damn lot while being in USASOC and am always grateful for it.. If you can get inside the fence you will grow by leaps and bounds in your technical abilities and being a professional. Best of luck.
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SFC (Join to see)
You didn't get divorced or anything because of the 7 deployments did ya, SFC Mahoney? Don't want to sound rude, I'm actually being serious and you don't have to answer that question, of course. How long were the deployments? Thank you very much for the insights.
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SFC Josh Weatherbie
Most of USASOC has a 9 month rotation. But remember it's "Team" environment, so you can go out on several different teams if you want.
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Having diverse assignments and doing well in those duty positions is the key to being successful in your career. Staying at one unit will not hurt you....I have many, many years at Fort Bragg, but ensuring you are getting in the leadership time is the key.
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SFC (Join to see)
Thank you CSM. I figured if I get accepted to that unit, then I could move to other units in Fort Bragg since it's so large.
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SFC (Join to see)
I see that you have trail experience as well. I'm also considering dropping a packet for that also. Would you say that a Soldier must have a special duty assignment such as drill/recruiter if he/she ever wishes to make E-9?
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CSM (Join to see)
I can only tell you what I have seen. Those Noncommissioned Officers that I personally know who made SGM/CSM have all had broadening assignments that show they are capable of working outside their "job". Just look a chain-of-command board photos or DA photos. MOST have a Drill Sergeant or Recruiter badge. Every branch publishes a career map; you should download yours and look at it. The best advice I can give you is to do the best you can in every assignment no matter what the assignment is. Once you have completed all of the leadership positions as a SSG, look around for something that your peers aren't doing. I know a guy who was a phenomenal 1SG, but he refused to take the diamond off after 4 years of 1SG time. He was offered jobs at the Division Staff and some other broadening positions. He was not selected for SGM, and I would bet it was because he never displayed the ability to work outside of that direct leadership role. Ask for that OPS SGT job or become a Drill Sergeant or AIT PSG. While you are at it finish your college degree.
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SFC (Join to see)
CSM (Join to see) - Thank you for that advise. Apologies for not responding sooner. So I emailed branch directly with ''Drill SGT Volunteer'' in the subject line and she responded back with there was no Drill SGT mission at this time, but that I would be recommended next time if I meet the quals. I thought that was funny, as nobody ever wants to take on that position. She recommended I assess with JSOC or AWG, which I will be doing instead. Oh well, at least I have the email volunteering for DS duty and I can frame it. lol
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