Junior Officer Broadening Assignments (JOBAs); Do you recommend it? What has been your experience?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 06:11:50 -0500

I'm a Year Group 2012 Infantry Officer. My unit is slated to be closed upon redeployment from this tour. I will still be about two years out from a standard PCS to MCCC. I have already served as an AS3, Rifle Platoon Leader and Scout Platoon Leader. I have considered an intra-post transfer to a sister BDE to fill a company XO position. I am, however, also considering other Junior Officer Broadening Assignments (JOBAs). After reviewing the Branch website, positions are available at the 75th, Old Guard, JRTC/NTC, RTB, Korea and BCT/AIT. For more senior Infantry Officers; Did you participate in any JOBAs? What assignments would you <span style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;'>recommend to a career Infantryman in <span style='line-height: 115%; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;'>preparation for Command and professional development? Respectfully, 1LT Jusitn Lane

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 24 at 2014 9:01 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 09:01:49 -0500

Justin,

What is your branch's policy on when you can attend CCC? Some branches have a pecking order and won't allow you to attend until you are promotable or pin Captain. MSG Cunningham made a good recommendation about the ADC job. I did this as a 1LT while deployed. It is a great opportunity to make some connections with senior officers in your branch, both the GO and COL and LTC that work for the GO. My question is how long have you held all these positions? As YG12 you must have just pinned 1LT. There is nothing wrong with repeating a job if you can get 12-18 months in that position. Holding PL for 6-8 months or AS3 for 6 months will not be considered key development. I was a PL for 14 months and an XO for 19 months. This allowed me to receive an annual OER and be more competitive for ACOM ratings. Are there any BN staff primary jobs that are not currently filled by O-3s? Serving as on the BN Staff gives you a great perspective prior to becoming a Company Commander. Just some food for thought.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 10:30 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Dec 2014 10:30:25 -0500

I had it explained to me this way: Why pursue a position doing a job you have already done? XO is a good gig because you know how to be a PL, get a chance to see the requirements of being a commander, so that you can see what works and what doesn't before you are in the hotseat yourself. As a very senior 1LT (YG 2010 first class to pin on at 48 months) I was injured and my natural inclination was to try to be an XO or PL of sorts while recovering. Instead though, I raised my hand to come to the Pentagon and literally see history made daily. Don't just do the job you know, prepare for the job you want.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2016 2:37 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 02:37:03 -0500

I too am interested in JOBA. As of right now my branch manager doesnt seem to be on board with it. But I think it would be good for me and my family. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.