Should I take a PL slot? How to best navigate concerns by my chain of command?

Take the job.  One thing about pissing someone off is that they'll get over it.  The only person responsible for your career is yourself and in order to do what's best for you sometimes that means you are going to piss people off.  No matter what rank it is.  I piss people off every day (can you believe that). 

People upset about someone who "may" have gone behind their back is petty stuff.  If someone calls you for an interview, there's a reason.  If they didn't tell anyone else, there's also a reason. Neither one of those were your decisions.

Joshua,

Please enjoy your LT time. Allowed and encouraged to make little mistakes at your rank.

With that said, the Army is downsizing and need to be your own best career manager.

Sounds like you're still trying to decide whether to make the Army your career. Whether or not you do, you'll leave the Army one day. Need to start planning and preparing for that now. I say our profession is an Army Officer, but your business is YOU.

On the personal financial side, I recommend people have a solid financial plan, that is why I wrote my book http://www.WagingWarOnDebt.com to equip you to kill debt & create wealth.

Continued Success,

MAJ $

Waging War on Debt

Military families have experienced increased OPTEMPO, deployments, injuries, stress and separation. Any of these issues can lead to financial problems, emotional trauma, hopelessness and divorce. Whil...