Is there a regulation or policy that covers Orderly Rooms?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 03:10:58 -0400

I have been in my company orderly room for almost 2 1/2 years. I came from AIT and have not had a lot of opportunities to work in my MOS as a 91F. Four months ago the other 91F PCSd and I have been in charge of the shop (we service a Battalion, and the Brigade HQ weapons and NVG). My command team does not want me to leave the office. However, I need to be able to focus on my MOS, and learn more about the admin of maintenance before I promote to E-5 and PCS to my next assignment.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 3 at 2020 7:37 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 07:37:49 -0400

You need to ask to speak to the 1SG and ask if you could do what you request. If that does not work, respectfully ask to speak to the CSM.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jun 3 at 2020 11:42 AM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 11:42:50 -0400

That would be bad for a Brain Surgeon but not so critical for a Small Arms Repairer.
Besides doesn't your unit have an arms room where you can replace bent front sights, scope barrels for wear, check for stock cracks, submit paperwork for replacement equipment, etc... ?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2020 12:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 12:03:10 -0400

The orderly room is a “not real” position. There’s no slot for it so commanders have to designate a competent Soldier to keep things organized. If they are trying to keep you, that’s a compliment to your organization skills. You will learn more about the way the Army works by working in an orderly room than you will at any other position at your rank. That insight will help you when you become an NCO. Being an NCO isn’t about doing your MOS, it’s about fixing problems most of the time. The Army expects that you as an NCO can walk into any new job and successfully accomplish it with a little bit of training. This is part of the reason why broadening assignments like Drill and Recruiter are so career enhancing - because being an NCO isn’t about your MOS. In fact, in a few ranks you won’t even be a 91F anymore, you’ll be a 91X in charge of other MOSs you know nothing about.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 3 at 2020 2:32 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 14:32:07 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member There is no regulation that covers the "orderly room". It does not exist on any MTOE, but every Company in the Army has one. The Commander is utilizing personnel to accomplish his missions. I would have the conversation with the First Sergeant to see about getting into your shop so you can learn your MOS.

The challenge is that at the BN, there is a S1, S2, S3, S4, BN CSM, BN SPO and BN XO all firing tasking broad sides at the company, the Company Commander has no real staff to fend any of that off besides the First Sergeant, Supply Sergeant, NBC Specialist who may be a PV2, Armorer and who ever he/she re-allocates.

Response by SPC James Neidig made Jun 4 at 2020 1:54 AM

SPC James Neidig — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 01:54:41 -0400

You stated you are in charge of your shop , therefore a leadership position, you are doing the job of a NCO it will help you in the future, the PLT SGT in my last unit wasn’t a 88 m he was a wheeled vehicle mech , but he learned the new job and did a great job, so if you stay in you could be placed in a leadership position where you know very little of the job you will be doing, so learn and grow.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jun 4 at 2020 3:52 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 15:52:39 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I was in this same situation as you at Ft. Stewart. I got plucked right out of the motorpool from the 1SG. I did not leave the orderly room until I PCSed to WHCA. It was 2 years exactly and trust me I tried everything to go back to the motorpool and be a 91D. But, had I not had that position, I never would have saw the FRAGO for WHCA requiting. And well, would not be were I am today. Everything happens for a reason.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Apr 20 at 2021 2:52 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 14:52:51 -0400

This happened to me at Ft. Stewart, straight out of AIT I was only in the Motor Pool for about a Week. 1SG asked me if I could type, and I replied roger 1SG. Next thing I know I am in the Orderly Room. I stayed there until I went to WHCA. If it was not for being their I never would have found out about WHCA. And served as a Master Power Technician with them. So, It may suck at time, but it also opens up doors you never new you had.