Special Duty Assignment Selection - should the Army consider who actually WANTS these positions?

SGT Velez

Unfortunately it's all a numbers game, the Army needs x number of recruiters, they will assign so many NCO's to do it. I for example wanted to be a Drill Sergeant, the Army in it's infinite wisdom gave me AIT PSG, I took it and instead of complaining that's not what I want, I looked at the positive side (possible promotion, learning opportunity, etc)

The majority of special duty assignments, or also known as nominative assignments, are rank specific. PDNCOs can query their database by selecting certain fields like grade, time on station, EFMP, MACP, dual military, etc. They can also query your volunteer selections that you update in ASK. Using that data, they select the best qualified based on the assignment prerequisites. Asking a NCO is they want the job is more often not in the cards. Why a NCO would not like a nominative assignment is beyond me. I would advise you to do a little research on each of the special duty/nominative assignments that you are interested in. Then you can also see if there are exception to policy for rank/grade. I am sure that your PSG and 1SG will be more than happy to help you out if you ask. Always strive to secure those hard to get assignments. Diversity is still one of the keys for promotion.

The most qualified Soldiers for E-6 Special Duty Assignments are burnt out, passed over Staff Sergeants who are cynical and disillusioned. I'd rather entrust the responsibility of Drill Sergeant and Recruiter to ambitious young SGT/E-5s.