Is there a way to figure out where my first duty station will be before I go to basic? Or do one of you have the power to check for me?

SPC Kole Cordier — Fri, 10 May 2019 11:05:04 -0400

Not a huge deal but since I have a wife and kid we would like to be as prepared as possible.

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2019 11:08 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 May 2019 11:08:08 -0400

To my knowledge, if it’s not in your contract (most of the time it’s not) then you have to wait until you complete basic. Then you’ll get your projections halfway through AIT/ OSUT. Your orders will come just before graduation

Response by SSG Phil Miller made May 10 at 2019 11:08 AM

SSG Phil Miller — Fri, 10 May 2019 11:08:14 -0400

Did you not contract that before signing?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2019 11:29 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 May 2019 11:29:52 -0400

Since it's not in your contract, at some point during OSUT you should get a "wishlist" to pick 3 CONUS and 3 OCONUS preferences I say again *preference*. Infantry branch still makes the final call and can send you wherever you are needed within the Army the only exception is if any of your family members are enrolled in EFMP you will be restricted to duty stations that have the facilities to provide care for your family.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2019 11:48 AM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 May 2019 11:48:58 -0400

There’s no way to find out as you haven’t even passed basic training yet. Human Resources Command doesn’t even see you as an option to slot at a duty station until you are halfway through OSUT/AIT

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 10 at 2019 12:40 PM

SSG Brian G. — Fri, 10 May 2019 12:40:31 -0400

Nope. The MOST you could do is have 3 locations CONUS on your preference wish list. This is NOT to say you will get any of them, but that IF such a position was to be available you might. You will have no idea where you are going until you pass all phases of OSUT and graduate. They do not even consider you for placement until that happens.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 10 at 2019 1:26 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Fri, 10 May 2019 13:26:08 -0400

SPC Kole Cordier, if your experience mirrors mine, there'll be no "wish list", and you'll get that info a few weeks before finishing OSUT; though experiences can vary. Let your wife know as soon as you can, once you know. That way she can be proactive. Your task is training--focus on that--let her take the lead on other things as much as she can.

I was allowed to call my wife as soon as I knew where I would go, and she took the ball and ran with it. She started doing her homework on the duty station, learned it's resources, who to contact, etc., initiated arrangement for household goods transport, and reached out to base housing so we had a place to go to once we arrived. Much will depend on you which your wife will not be able to fully take care of, but if she can get the ball rolling, it will make it easier on you to do your part.

Is it a lot to get on top of in a few short weeks notice, all while frequently out of communication from your spouse? Yeah, but it IS doable and its always best to get your ducks in a row as soon as its possible to do so.

Good luck.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2019 2:50 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 10 May 2019 14:50:29 -0400

Unless you had a guaranteed choice of assignment when you enlisted (which never happens), you won't be able to find out where you are going until right before you graduate from AIT. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Response by SPC Corey Blue made May 10 at 2019 2:51 PM

SPC Corey Blue — Fri, 10 May 2019 14:51:16 -0400

Don’t think anybody can since you haven’t even made it to Reception let alone your Training Unit..

Response by SPC Michael Dillon made May 10 at 2019 10:24 PM

SPC Michael Dillon — Fri, 10 May 2019 22:24:48 -0400

Ask Siri or Google it.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 11 at 2019 12:43 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Sat, 11 May 2019 00:43:22 -0400

The world and the Army is not about ‘power’ as you refer to it. Everything and most information is based upon one’s networking ability

Response by SPC Tameeka Swain made May 25 at 2019 9:20 PM

SPC Tameeka Swain — Sat, 25 May 2019 21:20:00 -0400

No HRC sends you where you , your skill level and rank are needed .

Response by SSG Greg Smith made Feb 25 at 2020 9:45 PM

SSG Greg Smith — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 21:45:28 -0500

I’m sure someone has already said it but unless you got it in your contract it’s needs of the army and will be decided towards the end of OSUT.