Should I be worried that being placed in an S3 position immediately upon arrival to new unit will hurt my career?

2018-12-18T23:14:42-05:00

I PCS in 4 months. After receiving contact from sponsor I have become aware that the OPS SGM will be pulling me to fill a position in their S3. In fact, I received updated orders after this revelation reflecting their HHC as gaining unit. My concern is I don't have all my "hard-stripped" SFC PSG KD rated time. I just completed Drill Sergeant duty and have 24 months rated time as a Senior Drill Sergeant (11B4X). I'm under the impression that doesn't fulfill my required PSG KD time per my CMF career progression map. Should I be worried that this will hurt my career progression? Is this typical protocol for new SFC's arriving to their new unit so they can get to know you before giving you a platoon? What are some suggestions to approach this new assignment without burning bridges by assertively seeking a PSG slot?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2018 11:35 PM

2018-12-18T23:35:02-05:00

Being in the 3 shop will give you an advantage. Odds are the personnel decisions for the next FY have been decided. Being in the 3 shop lets the CSM see your work ethic and let’s you peek into the unit you want. I’d look at this as an opportunity and I’d start setting the conditions for when you get the call.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 18 at 2018 11:38 PM

2018-12-18T23:38:57-05:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member have you talked to the CSM yet? He may be rotating you into his staff to get a read on you before pushing you to the "right" Company and a Platoon where he thinks you're most needed. He may also be working some timing issues with NCOs in the slots.

He has to see what you see from your ERB.

Response by LTC Stephen Conway made Dec 18 at 2018 11:47 PM

2018-12-18T23:47:37-05:00

Ncos, check out the responses that LTC Private RallyPoint Member LTC Jason Mackay these Officers gave. Do you agree with them or are there other scenarios at hand?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 made Dec 19 at 2018 12:35 AM

2018-12-19T00:35:32-05:00

I am confused. You are on orders to a BDE or BN?

Do ops SGMs also reside in BNs?

A BDE slot will not expose you to line company’s or platoons? Will it?

If your CMF says: PLT SGT is a requirement, continue seeking a PSG assignment.

There is always a ‘price’, you may have to ‘embrace’ staff duty for awhile!

Many Soldiers cannot adapt! One more evil to learn to embrace!

Best - enjoy serving!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 made Dec 19 at 2018 1:01 AM

2018-12-19T01:01:00-05:00

It is late in CA!

What changes you will undergo! Sr Drill to Troop duty.

How nice - how challenging!

When you arrive at PLT, as an movie said: Be kind .

Great experiences await you, enjoy. CSM

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Dec 19 at 2018 2:58 AM

2018-12-19T02:58:39-05:00

Unfortunately, staff time is a necessary evil for a senior NCO. Believe it or not, the time you spend on the staff will help you immensely as a PDF, as you get a better idea of who does what, and, more importantly, WHY they are doing it. You will also get a chance to network so that when you do get a PLT, you will (hopefully) have some connections to help your Soldiers out (Don't pass up a chance to take care of the S1 NCOIC (most likely your peer) - being on his good side will do your PLT wonders).

Every single unit I went to as a Senior NCO, one of my first stops was the CSM. Not my choice, theirs - it was part of unprofessional the BN. At that interview, be humble, honest, and straightforward. Tell the CSM you want PSG time as soon as possible. Be completely willing to accept CSM's decision - the older I get, the smarter my CSMs were.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Dec 19 at 2018 8:23 AM

2018-12-19T08:23:25-05:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member When will you have your first look for E8?
If its going to be more then a year, id not sweat a stint in the S3 shop... Relationships you make there and units supported will be an advantage when you get a platoon.
Learning how your unit works though the orders process, taskings, ammo and land requests will all give you an advantage as a PSG, and one day a 1SG.
That said,,,,,,,, dont get stuck in the 3 Shop... Talk with the S3.... make a deal and work hard to swap out before that S3 leaves the position. You will have direct and common access to the CSM.... bust your butt to do the job best you can, but remind the S3, the CSM, the CDR at appropriate opportunities, you want the challenge of being a line PSG......be a pest, without being obnoxious..and be ready.

There is a likelihood if you are good at the job, make an impression of being the go to guy, the one that finds, fixes and works though the problem found or handed....you will be one of the first names that pops in to the CSM/CDRs mind when they have a problem in a company to solve ... Platoon with issues, PSG fired, company not doing well..Yup, send in the highspeed E7 who is good and hungry for the job... Company 1SG relieved of duty, senior PSG steps in seat.. CSM needs a strong PSG so that platoon and company as a whole can get its act together.... Send in the highspeed E7 who is good and hungry for the job. In other words....be ready to get handed a shit sandwich and be expected to do the same great job there as you did in the 3 shop... Or you may get put in a great company that they want to keep at that high level.

The reward for just doing what you have to to not get in trouble in the 3 Shop, is either staying in the 3 Shop, being moved to another HQ section, likely sent on a 180 day tasker to......NTC, Kuwait, Housing office, used to fill the tasked position at DIV in the ceremonies section, or one day, many months from now when the CSM has no other choice...given a platoon in a company ... Dont be that guy.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2018 10:00 AM

2018-12-19T10:00:01-05:00

I do not think the move to S3 will hurt your career progression. In fact, I think it will make you more competitive because it will broaden your resume. Boards generally want to see versatility and high production and as long as you do well, you will come out on top. Remember to focus on your 50 meter target and do not go to your new unit with the mindset of seeking a PSG position. Focus on being the best damn S3 possible.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Dec 19 at 2018 12:47 PM

2018-12-19T12:47:16-05:00

I mean, do you have your staff time? All of us know that there are certain boxes that NCOs must check to move forward and that is a pretty important one.

Response by 1SG Jason Rose made Dec 20 at 2018 11:10 AM

2018-12-20T11:10:58-05:00

In my experience every assignment is what you make of it. You can turn this unwanted position into a huge personal advantage for yourself. However I don’t think you would be wrong to voice where you would like to be placed citing career progression and personal preference. The career map is just a guide. Nice to follow but not always able to based on what the Army needs. If assigned to the S3 be the best NCO in that shop and be rated as such. Seek opportunities to gain an excellent NCOER and within a year you could find your next position as a PSG. Seek out the battle staff course or other school opportunity or attend college if you haven’t already. SAMC or start a program in the BN/BDE. If you come into that position already a non team player your evaluation may reflect and it will only just make you miserable too. Keep pushing and focus on the organization not only yourself. Good luck!