MTOE to MTOE unit move; how will this impact my career?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 12:42:00 -0500

I am currently on assignment from a TOE unit to Fort Hood, where my gaining unit is another TOE unit. Branch is currently saying there is no available TDA positions available. How much of an impact will this have on short and long term career progression for 68W?

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 20 at 2013 4:10 PM

SFC James Baber — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 16:10:24 -0500

I would suggest scanning the MOS search within RP and finding some senior 68Ws and asking them directly, we also many CSMs on the site that could give some valuable input as well, maybe even some in the field for direct support, give it a try and see what you can find.

Good luck in your search, take care and have a safe and happy holidays.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2014 7:48 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 19:48:18 -0500

SGT Tiner,

Having two TOE unit will not hurt you now but, you'll want diversity in the future; you can get some diversity by going from light to armored and changing positions, etc. Do you know which unit at Hood you're going to? you could be going from Infantry to a CSH or sustainment BDE which, even though another TOE unit, provides diversity on your ERB also. I see you are promotable so as you time gets closer to your next PCS assignment you should try to go into a special duty such as Drill, recruiter, or Instructor. There are other special duties out there but those are the most common. This will be important as you look towards SFC. Make sure you are studying the career map. I know plenty of SFC's who have not been in a hospital but few had not special duty. I like to tell my Soldiers to always work like your one pay grade higher than you are and focus on promotion two pay grades up, that way the next one should take care of itself and it always fills that "5 year plan" people talk about. Another thing you should do is try and get into a school that reflects on your ERB at least once a year. It can be an NCOES, FBCB2, EO, SHARP, etc. Degree's are big for SFC and MSG so you should be on that stuff now. It also doesn't hurt to have some community volunteer time under your belt, this can reflect in your NCOER's or as the MOVSM in your awards section of your ERB. As deployments wind down, EFMB is going to become a discriminator again like it was before OEF/OIF so that's something you should do if you haven't already. Look at the SFC and MSG selection board AAR's and follow along, that's not to say if you do exactly that, you'll get promoted ahead of anyone else but, those things won't hold you back either. Lastly, always keep your ERB up to date, don't wait on the boards.

Hope this all helps, and good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2014 11:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 23:22:52 -0500

Since you're on orders already it may be difficult to have them changed. I was in the same situation but I convinced branch to delete them, in order for me to apply for Recruiting Duty. So far, so good.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Feb 28 at 2014 11:25 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 28 Feb 2014 23:25:58 -0500

The majority of the force are in MTOE slots...being successful at these positions won't hurt career progression.

Have you considered applying for Instructor Duty?

Have you read through the CMF's NCOPD Guide?
http://www.armyreenlistment.com/ncopd-guide.html

DA Pam 600-25, NCO Professional Development Guide (Updates)

10 Years Army Strong for Soldiers and Families

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2014 9:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 09:39:22 -0500

SGT (P) Tiner, you have been in the Army four years, you are promoteable, and this will be your second duty station outside of of basic and AIT. You are doing pretty good. Like MSG(P) Quick said "the majority of force are in MTOE slots". The question is not if these slots will have a short/long term effect on your career progression; because the reality is every slot has a short/long term effect on your career progression. Let me explain. The Army is looking for a "well rounded Soldier". A Soldier has to be proficient in both a garrison (MEDDAC/MEDCEN) and field (CSH) environment. But the Army also wants a Soldier who is doing more than just showing up to work. This is where additional duties come in (Range Safety, Fire Warden, Reenlistment NCO, Training NCO, Unit Movement NCO, Master Driver, Field Sanitation NCO, Armorer, etc.). My suggestion to you is you need to make yourself more marketable, and you do that by attending schools mentioned above. Additionally, you need to throw in a Special Duty Assignment somewhere in there (Recruiter, Drill Sergeant, AIT Instructor, Attaché NCO, etc.).

FYSA: The 68 career field PCS usually rotates: CSH - CSH - MEDDAC/MEDCEN (repeat).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 10:37 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 22:37:16 -0400

SGT Tiner, I understand your question as it affects my AMEDD Branch as well (MSC - 70B).  It is critical to gain both MTOE Medical experience and TDA (Hospital/clinic) experience. This will open doors for you as you progress and develop your clinical skills.  I am sure that you are getting tired of doing sickcall and range support as a combat medic. I would get to you new unit and then express to your company 1SG and BN CSM that you desire a TDA position for career broadening. Your BN CSM can call the division surgeon's office and speak with the division surgeon's SGM. He/she can see across the division and place medical NCOs into TDA slots across the command. Always seek the assistance of your brigade and division surgeons office. They have the ability to move nearly all medical Soldiers across organizations. Hope this helps.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 3:59 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 03:59:47 -0400

I've served as a medical platoon leader (IN BN) and a Company Commander (BSB) in TOE units. From my standpoint being assigned to another TOE unit should not have a negative impact on your short term career progression. I will recommend to work with your branch early so they can better accomodate a TDA assignment after your TOE time to make sure that it doesn't affect you in the long term. My recomendation is for you to do the best job you can in your next assignment and take care of your Soldiers.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2014 2:35 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 14:35:37 -0400

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member Sorry I'm late coming to the party for you. I hope things are working out well for you. If after 18-24 months in the same unit you want to see about moving, let me know. I can point you to the right people at III Corps G1 and Surgeon Office to help facilitate an intra-post transfer.