Promotion to MSG or assignment to Hawaii

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 08:59:32 -0500

Since I am bored and anxiously awaiting the MSG board results tomorrow where I am not confident I will get selected, I was just curious what the overall opinion of RP is on promotion and assignment. I actually almost declined consideration this year because I got what I considered the assignment I've been waiting for, for years. However, at the time I was the 1SG going on 16 months towards the end of a successful deployment and my senior rater (our SQDN CDR) twisted my arm and told me I had better accept consideration.

Anyhow, just curious what your thoughts are for boredom's sake...as my wife and I are having a hard time wishing for one or the other (it's win-win for us tomorrow morning no matter what):

1. Promotion to MSG. Realize the monetary difference is completely unimportant to me and that I have no intention of ever accepting or getting promoted to SGM due to the fact that I won't stay in over 20 years (most likely).

2. Receive an assignment a) in Hawaii at Fort Shafter (not 25th ID) and b) doing your job for the first time in about seven years. I have been all FORSCOM and TRADOC my whole career, with places like Fort Sill, Hood, Bliss as assignments (no OCONUS tours, no strategic assignments).

What would you pick?

EDIT: I guess I should have mentioned that branch said it's either or - the assignment goes away if I get picked up.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 9:22 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 09:22:30 -0500

I think you can do both. Strat units need good 1SGs and senior NCO leadership, and your collecting days are probably winding down. Why not go Warrant?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 9:42 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 09:42:53 -0500

Do what motivates you to put on the uniform each morning and be the professional NCO that takes pride in their work.  If your family is on board with the PCS, then that is what matters. If you are seeking the added responsibility (and it sounds like you've already been handling it) of the next rank and want to see where that goes, then it makes sense.  But the priority should be what motivates you and makes your family happy.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 9:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 09:55:52 -0500

I agree with CPT Ingram, do what makes you and your family happy. I have been faced with those "either - or" choices in the past (OCS vs. WOC was the latest). I sat down with my wife and we talked about it for hours before I made the decision. You stated that the money did not matter and you were not looking at SGM and going past 20 so my recommendation, which is worth what you are paying for it, is take the Hawaii assignemnt and have fun!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 11:14 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 11:14:26 -0500

Honestly, I would NEVER decline a promotion. However, I see your predicament. Just go with your heart. Whatever makes you happy at the end of the day because if you don't, you'll always wonder about the road not taken and resent yourself for making the "wrong" choice. However, if it was me, I'd take MSG any day over an assignment. Just saying...