KD before or after career course as an AD LT

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 14:30:50 -0400

I am slotted to take a key developmental (KD) position in May. An opportunity to attend MIlitary Intelligence Captain's Career Course in July just opened up for 2011 YG LTs. I can attend MICCC ahead of most peers, or knock out a year of KD where I am. Advice please?

Response by CPT Christopher F. made Apr 22 at 2014 9:59 PM

CPT Christopher F. — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 21:59:42 -0400

From what I've heard, there are more options for KD qualified Captains coming out of the career course. When you have your assignment meeting at the MICCC the CPTs who don't have S-2 time won't be able to get the atypical assignment s that KD qualified graduates would.

But again, that's just what I've heard.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 10:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 22:53:35 -0400

Ok, so 2LT Farnsworth is essentially correct, but so what? The MICCC is really designed for prep for an S2 position so the logical progression is MICCC, S2 time, then a broadening assignment. What is the eagerness to put the cart before the horse?

The MICCC will always be in the way of something and CPT time is very long. My two cents is if you are not totally in love with the KD position, go to the MICCC. Another KD position will be staring you right in the face when you graduate and you won't have the MICCC hanging over your head.

For those in the Guard/Reserves, this goes triple. I still haven't gone (but I have been SIGINT PL, BN S2, BDE AS2, Corps G2 Assistant Planner and now DIV ISR Ops Officer) and I have no idea how I will fit it in and I am running out of pavement fast. If you can get a slot and it fits with your work life, jump on it!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 1:24 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 01:24:07 -0400

LT,

I don't know how MI works but when I went through the SCCC the broading "take a knee" jobs where only given to those KD qualified. If it is a good job and will get you qualified I would lean towards it. Work with personnel in your unit who know more about your situation that can help give advice.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 8:53 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 20:53:01 -0400

I am not MI but my buddy is and he chose to go to MICCC ahead of his peers. I will ask his permission to link you up with him, so he can share his experience with you and give you some point of view. I will contact you through private message once he gives me the go signal.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Apr 23 at 2014 9:08 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 21:08:48 -0400

If I was in your position, I would absolutely attend CCC early. No question in my mind. I was YG 2006 and several of my friends who attended CCC early did really well for themselves -- though I should note that they were excellent performers anyway. Go to CCC ahead of your peers, get that significant block taken care of, and move on to your next duty station and network your way into an exciting, challenging KD position. If I can be helpful in any way, feel free to email me at: [login to see] -- perhaps I can reach out to some of my YG 2006 friends who may have thoughts on this. Good luck!

Response by MAJ Samuel Weber made Apr 23 at 2014 9:39 PM

MAJ Samuel Weber — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 21:39:39 -0400

I would talk to your assignment manager. In my experience no KD time counts until you are (P) or pin CPT. I agree with CPT Wolfer. I would go to CCC first then look for either a KD or broadening assignment. If you get too "Far ahead" like 2LT Farnsworth is saying your senior Rater may not consider you for a future key job, or they may say that what you did as an 1LT/P didn't count. Again, get the institutional training first, then get the jobs.