Joint Assignments.....should these be offered to all ranks throughout the military???

2014-10-15T00:28:14-04:00

For the last 3 1/2 months I have had the honor of serving with the 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division here in Okinawa. As the only Soldier in the division, I have often engaged in conversation talking about the Army, how we are organized, how we are operate and the difference between the Army and the Marine Corps. I have learned more in the last couple of months about the Mainres than I knew in my previous 14 plus years of active service.

Unfortunately, I am the only Soldier in the division and another Soldier won't get the chance to serve with this Marine unit for three years.

I am wondering if there woudl be value in offering assignments across the services, even it were for a year or two, to expand our knowledge. Why not send a 13F (Forward Observer) to work in a 0861 (Fire Support Man) billet and vice versas? I know we all signed up for our respective services based on our own personal reasons, but with the continued moves to fight Joint, possessing the knowledge of how other services operate can only servce to make the US Military a stronger force.

Does anyone else have simliar thoughts or counter-arguements?

Response by PO3 Shaun Taylor made Oct 15 at 2014 12:34 AM

2014-10-15T00:34:09-04:00

LTC Private RallyPoint Member I think joint assignments would be beneficial for all those involved. Fortunately being a Corpsman allowed me to work with all branches of the military.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2014 3:23 PM

2014-12-13T15:23:17-05:00

I would love to have the opportunity, and I certainly think such a thing could be beneficial, but I don't know how easy it would be to implement, or how well it would be. I did a rotation at Hoenfehls Germany, where we worked with Czech and German Forces. Leadership discouraged us from having anything to do with any of them. Our medics were the only ones who went and hung out with their counterparts. They told us it was a great experience comparing techniques and kit, etc.