What advantages does each base (Belvoir, Meade, Gordon) have for 17C?

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 01:44:56 -0400

I'm scheduled for BCT in 20 days, which I'm confident for. I'm actually looking at trying to become a platoon leader for leadership experience, since I have an end goal of being a Warrant Officer, position wise. I expect that to take years, but I enjoy having aspirations.

After AIT in Pensacol, I will, of course, have to select a base. I'm confident in getting through AIT because I have a Bachelor's in the subject, and a little bit of experience in the field, but I can't complain about getting expensive Certifications. I'm planning to do any leadership/mentoring I possibly can while I'm there.

FYI, I do understand this is just a preference I can state, and nothing is guaranteed. But I'd like to know what I'm getting into.

I understand Meade and Gordon to be the two growing bases, and I've done a lot of research. All three bases are pretty nice, and I probably would enjoy them- but I also find horror stories now and then about terrible barracks.

I'd very strongly prefer an individual bedroom. Private bathroom, or at least shared with roommate, is preferred.

Meade: I understand this to give everyone BAS, and have a high chance of BAH, with a chance of getting into Reece Crossings- which makes it sound like a great option. But there's also a chance of getting stuck in a Barrack that won't be a nice- but I should have BAS and presumably DMR, which sounds great.

Belvoir is huge, seems beautiful, and has some impressive looking photos with little to no content. Some people say it has a kitchen, which sounds nice. I don't know enough about it, unfortunately.

Gordon: I understand some barracks here are horrible, and others might be just fine. I'm pretty unclear overall, since current information is hard to get. A lot of people seems to like it as a whole, and it's a pretty good size base.

But I have no idea if different bases have different promotion opportunities. I'd like to get SGT somewhat quickly so I can start on the process of trying to become 170A Warrant Officer. I don't mind taking my time to do things right, but if I can efficiently get there quickly, I'll choose that. I understand 17C as a whole to have fairly good upwards mobility, low thousands in Enlisted expected end of 2017, total of about 19 thousand including civilians presently-ish. So hopefully there's a chance there. Any insights here are appreciated.

Side note: I thought everyone was supposed to get BAS since like 2002, and we just had to pay out of that for food on base. But it seems some people are just stuck with DFAC and don't get any BAS? Seems like BAS-and-pay is easier.

Also, do we actually get the full 300 of specialty pay, or? It just says "Up to", and I was kind of curious.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2018 4:24 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 04:24:46 -0400

Have you looked up each base to find units that have 17Cs?

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Apr 26 at 2018 4:47 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 04:47:27 -0400

What is 17C?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2018 5:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 05:02:31 -0400

- If you going through to be a 17C, Pensacola is only phase 1 of AIT. You’ll still have 6 more months to go through at Gordon for phase 2. So you can get a semi better view of Gordon up front. Right now, 50%+ of the IET soldiers are going to Gordon, with about 45% to Meade. The last 5% is being spread between the other bases.

- It’s good to have Warrant as your goal. Just know that you have to hit the ground running as soon as you get to your actual unit (not AIT). It’s going to be very competitive since it’s a small group. As they are looking for SGTs with at least 3 NCOERS (three annual reviews as a SGT)

Bottom line, don’t get caught up on which Base is better since you don’t have control over where you go. Just make the best of what you can and continue to move forward.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2018 8:38 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 08:38:31 -0400

I agree with SGT McAdoo's comments regarding getting caught up in which base to choose. I have been stationed on all three and they each have their unique differences. However, one is not really better then the other as it comes down to personal preference. All three are very heavily centered around Cyber and you will have opportunities to expand your knowledge and become a better Cyber Defender (depending on how much you get involved).

I would focus more on how you can benefit the unit and the team that you will be assigned to. This will start today and how you prepare yourself for AIT. I'll be honest, I have seen some really great 17C's, and some that just wants the sexy title, but their heart is really not into it. You will be given opportunities that few people in the civilian will ever have. Use your time wisely and insert yourself into the difficult situations.

As a 25A and Functional Area (FA 53A (now FA 26B)) I have worked with Army Cyber Command, US Cyber Command, and other Agencies in a CND Manager role. I am waiting approval to for 17A since I am well qualified and have already performed in the 17A role (prior to the stand up of the Cyber branch).

At the end of the day, the things that I like about all three bases may be of no interest to you. Keep this in mind, you may hear that one base is better than the other, but these statements will be based on personal preference.

I wish you the best of luck at AIT and beyond. Go forward and "Be the Difference".

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2018 9:05 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 09:05:17 -0400

Alright, so as for current information, i've got something of an idea. I actually was living in the 17C barracks here on Ft. Gordon for a month and a half even though i'm a 25B due to my company being oversized for our own barracks. This was 2 months ago. I can tell you that the rooms have 1-2 roommates, and a private bathroom. My room had one bunkbed and one single. You pull CQ 1-2 times a week, unsure how long the 17Cs did, but ours was 2 hours. You have a DFAC right next door. Formations are minimal, at least as far as TRADOC can be minimal. The internet in the building is great, never had any complaints, and costs $30 or $50 (splurge on the $50, its a world of difference.) You have a shopette w/ a Burger King and barber shop as well as a full gym within a 2 minute walk. The main PX is about a 15 minute walk. Your school is about a 10 minute march. Overall, really laid-back place to live, if you're squared away.

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Apr 26 at 2018 10:18 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 10:18:37 -0400

Well SPC Jindra,
I wasn't a 17C but I was stationed in Fort Meade for many years with 55th Signal Company (Combat Camera), and as a matter of fact, I still live in the area. Meade is really big on intelligence, and I think the post has a BDE, a BN, and NSA right next door...I don't recall their actual number, but I think is in the 7 something MI BDE and MI BN. I don't know, you can look that up. I know this doesn't pertain to your job, but Meade is between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. so lots of places to hang out and go. The post itself has been growing the last several years so, it is getting a little crowded.
I've dealt with a lot MI personnel and most of them say is good to go warrant...I have a friend that converted from 25V to MI, and eventually went warrant...he recently made CW3. Wherever you end up, good luck!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2018 12:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 12:23:07 -0400

I’ve lived around Belvoir and Gordon. The cost of living is much lower in GA than in the DC area (which included Meade & Belvoir. You’ll get over most living conditions after BCT.... you’ll see what I mean when you arrive.
Tip: you should NOT offer to be in a leadership position during Basic. Learn to be a Soldier and pass your physical training events. Before you even drop a Warrent packet, you’ll need three NCOERs and a recommendation from a highly competent Warrent Officer. You’re looking at a good five years down the road. So focus on your 50-meter target and slowly work towards the 1000-meter one.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Apr 26 at 2018 5:06 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 17:06:51 -0400

Paging SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" ?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2018 8:18 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 May 2018 20:18:14 -0400

That is great that you already have experience in the field. Once you finish training, that will help you in your aspirations for warrant, platoon leader, whatever. As far as your first duty station, you won't have a say in that. Coming straight from AIT, it's needs of the Army, then afterward, you can have conversations with the branch manager when your times comes to move on to the next one. The priority has been trying to fill the 17C slots at Fort Gordon, but it's all about timing and you could get Meade, Texas, or even Hawaii. But probably Gordon. Training is training no matter where you end up. We'll look forward to having you join the force in about a year's time!

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2019 9:35 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 09:35:28 -0400

If you want to relax, you should go to Belvoir IMO.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 12 at 2021 10:27 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 10:27:31 -0400

I wonder what happened to this guy? Is he a Warrant Officer yet??