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Looking at a PCS next summer and I have been recommended to look for a Joint assignment. There are plenty of staff jobs as branch qualified Major and as an Air Defender that I can fill, but I want some personal feedback of what jobs and places that people enjoyed.
My first thoughts are J3 section or J5 section in PACOM HQ, EUCOM HQ, AFRICOM HQ, or SHAPE.
My first thoughts are J3 section or J5 section in PACOM HQ, EUCOM HQ, AFRICOM HQ, or SHAPE.
PCS
Europe
Joint Service
Family
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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I was with AFRICOM intel function, when it stood up. I loved it! Wish I could go back for more!!!
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Sir, I am with AFRICOM HQ in Stuttgart, Germany and I love it. It's a massive city of 5 million and a TON of activities outside of work to enjoy! Of course I am unable to give you the officer's standpoint as far as work goes, but they all seem to love it as well. This is my second tour to Germany since I love it so much. This is a great command, and it's very family oriented as well as everybody being very professional and personable. Our J3 (MG Watson) is awesome and is an Engineer Officer by trade. Don't know anything about our J5. Not sure what type of details a SSG could offer you, but every duty assignment is what you make it, and I'm sure this assignment would set you up for future success and cement that silver oak leaf into your future. So basically, make AFRICOM your next choice.
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WO1 (Join to see)
I do also agree with SSG Jon Scheil. I too had the opportunity of being apart of that organization; AFRICOM J2, Molesworth, UK. It was by far my best duty assignment
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AFRICOM - lots going on throughout the AOR. The area is family centric and the location is fantastic.
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LTC (Join to see)
LTC Jason Bartlett I've heard that AFRICOM is severely undermanned and so therefore you are working deployed hours even when home. Any truth or is this just bad info from someone that loves another COCOM more?
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LTC Jason Bartlett
No it is just like any other place you work late when you have to work late. I am home every night and every weekend. Who ever says that hasn't been deployed.
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I hear anywhere in Colorado is great since the legalized the stuff - Badum-dum!!
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I would recommend SHAPE since the others you listed are not integrated with allied forces. Its worth getting a sense of the international attitudes. I served in Europe with HQ USAFE, in Korea with UN Forces, and SACLANT in Norfolk. Just my humble opinion.
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Don't know about PACOM HQ, but JIATFW underneath PACOM is not a place you want to be assigned. Our last Army O-4 just got a lateral transfer, and if I could transfer I would. It's extremely Navy centric, and the Army is the minority. They don't understand our culture, or abide by our rules or regulations for our personnel. It's a constant battle to get anything done administratively.
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LTC (Join to see)
I know the new JIATF-W Commander, Admiral Smith. That is very interesting, and may be something that he is working to correct within his staff. Not someone that I would have pegged in that way.
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SGT Kristin Wiley
Ah, I haven't met him yet, I've been TDY. Hopefully he improves the command, but there haven't been any changes at my level that I have personally experienced.
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SFC (Join to see)
You are so right. AFRICOM seems very Navy centric, and my J2 is also an Admiral. It's an Army base and we are the minority in my division for sure. Tons of Navy and Airforce. We have approximately 60 marines total.
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My experience is dated but I had 5 years out at PACOM as an O-5. I agree with the member that says it's Navy centric. It should be, just as other GeoComs have Army centric organizations. That said, O-4s are cheap and I'd advise avoiding becoming a PowerPoint pusher and stuck in the compound. Getting out and mixing it up away from the flagpole is best. I got loaned out to State for a while in Cambodia and was the 7th Fleet Engineer (land side) steaming around on the Blue Ridge. So it was my second most favorite tour (3 deployments to Antarctica being tops). You have some good advice here. Just probe hard on what your job would actually be.
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