Posted on Apr 24, 2015
What are good examples of broadening assignments to advise to your troops, to further their careers?
155K
49
21
4
4
0
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
Defense Attaché Service. It is a joint environment where you serve in U.S. Embassy's around the world.
http://www.dia.mil/Careers/Military.aspx
http://www.dia.mil/Careers/Military.aspx
The Army Attaché Management Division represents the U.S. Army in selecting highly-qualified Regular Army personnel for assignment within the Defense Attaché System. Army Attaché personnel serve around the world in United States Embassies within a Defense Attaché Office (DAO). The DAO represents the Department of Defense to the host-nation government and military, assists and advises the U.S. Ambassador on military matters, and coordinates...
(7)
(0)
Consider assignments that can provide multiple, simultaneous benefits. For instance, professionally, serving at a Combat Training Center (JRTC/NTC/CMTC) is a great professional experience for both officers and NCOs, but they are not excessively demanding on time as one would find with being a Drill Sergeant or Ranger Instructor. This extra time would allow the leader to purse education -- maybe finish a Bachelor's Degree or earn a Masters Degree. If they are efficient and are good at time management, they will also have time for persona (family) pursuits, something that is never bad when we are away from the tactical Army.
Another path would be to serve above the tactical level -- pursue a job at a Service Component Command (5th Army, 3rd Army, USAPAC etc) in order to see how other levels of defense and the government work. Many of these headquarters (or if the jobs are available, combatant commands) are in locales where many in the tactical disciplines will never be assigned, and there is a learning and exposure that will definitely broaden the professional soldier.
Compare what is available -- ROTC, Recruiting also may offer the opportunities to purse secondary pursuits as well, while being a Drill Instructor remains one of the best paths for promotion in DA selected boards, especially for combat arms -- and choose the opportunity that offers the most "bang for the buck". But take advantage of the opportunity of the only thing that is "broadened" are your skills at procrastination and being lazy!
Another path would be to serve above the tactical level -- pursue a job at a Service Component Command (5th Army, 3rd Army, USAPAC etc) in order to see how other levels of defense and the government work. Many of these headquarters (or if the jobs are available, combatant commands) are in locales where many in the tactical disciplines will never be assigned, and there is a learning and exposure that will definitely broaden the professional soldier.
Compare what is available -- ROTC, Recruiting also may offer the opportunities to purse secondary pursuits as well, while being a Drill Instructor remains one of the best paths for promotion in DA selected boards, especially for combat arms -- and choose the opportunity that offers the most "bang for the buck". But take advantage of the opportunity of the only thing that is "broadened" are your skills at procrastination and being lazy!
(6)
(0)
Have them become ait instructors. The incoming soldiers need the best NCOs available to teach them their skillcraft.
(4)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
Ncoa instructors is also an excellent way to go too. Any job teaching should reflect favorably
(1)
(0)
If they're in a "shop" role, try to get them into a more leadership type role (like the Drill Field). If they're administrative, get them into "sales" (recruiting). Basically, get them out of their comfort zone. Something different than what they are used to. Someone at HHQ needs to know how lower echelons works, and vice versa.
(3)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
SGT Kennedy I agree, I have told Soldier over and over again to seek assignments that their peers normally wouldn't take or get the opportunity to take. I've showed them that it works, working both in the leadership, operational, staff, personnel security realm, volunteering for MRT levels 1 and 2 just to show that rounding out your knowledge base is what Big Army is looking for.
(2)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
SGT Aaron Kennedy I totally agree, being linear doesn't make it feasible to be expected to draw from those experiences gained from the harder and not so common assignments
(1)
(0)
Being in the signal community, many of my soldiers realize quickly that if they certify in networking or security starting salaries on the outside are very alluring. So, I try and give them the perspective of working hand and hand with civilians in our field. This makes them more versatile as NCOs and it also sets them up for success if they want to try for one of the cyber warfare MOS assignments. Versatility is key in today's Army.
(3)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
I agree versatility is key, if you aren't your peers and subordinates will seize the opportunity and pass you up.
(3)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
Sir I agree Recruiting, but the word from CSA and the SMA is joint Operations, able to think on their feet in absence of Command or Leadership, agile, and strong convictions, based on that what would you recommend?
(2)
(0)
LTC (Join to see)
Perhaps, you might ask a more specific question. Are we talking reserves or AD? At what rank? I think the challenge here is equal access to the assignments. I would look at a troop's skill set and direct them to opportunities that match talents. For example, ROTC can be a great opportunity, or instructor in general. How often do joint operations present themselves in your world?
(1)
(0)
SFC (Join to see)
Sir, AD or Reserve, Joint Assignment Opportunities present themselves in my world, but then I wouldn't be doing my Job/MOS
(1)
(0)
I would say go to NATO if you are looking for joint operations. Also, any one of those special assignments that require you to be selected for. Does your MOS offer Training With Industry?
I would also agree with posts above in reference to NCOA positions, and AIT platoon SGT's/Instructors.
I would also agree with posts above in reference to NCOA positions, and AIT platoon SGT's/Instructors.
(1)
(0)
Read This Next

Upcoming Leaders
Senior Leaders
Leadership
