What is better for Career Progression- 5th SFAB vs. Italy Assignment?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 20:25:23 -0500

Hi all-

I just got good(?) news that complicated my life a bit. I am an E5 (recently promoted) and reenlisted for Italy back in December. I am a 12Y and headed to the 517th GPC in Vicenza. I know my NCOIC over there and he is awesome along with a fellow AIT buddy. I am stoked about this assignment and hear amazing things.

I am currently stationed at JBLM and inquired with 5th SFAB before reenlisting to see if they would have a slot available for me. I didn't think they were really interested so I wrote if off, but today the E7 comes to my section and tells me he has a slot available.

I hear SFAB is a great career booster and you have freedom to go to schools and trainings. I would fill an E6 slot (and I believe I would promote with a waiver even though I don't meet TIG requirements yet? Need to clarify) and I know I would be doing my job and not dealing with junior enlisted soldiers. Plus we're comfortable here with our house and dogs.

I am eyeing a broadening assignment as a Defense Attaché and going WO as a 351Z. I am hoping some of y'all have some insight as to which route would be better for that career track? My wife is open to either one and we don't have kids yet. Just two large dogs that we're stressed out about bringing to Italy. Staying here with SFAB fast tracks my career track but I feel like I am missing out on a once in a lifetime assignment in Italy.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Feb 17 at 2022 7:52 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 07:52:38 -0500

To be perfectly honest, at your level, assignment don't mean much. Go someplace you will excel and get promoted to SSG. Once you are a SSF get that rated squad leader time, excel there, then look for opportunities to serve as a PSG. Serving (and doing well) as a PSG in a "normal" unit will very likely get you promoted to SFC faster than serving as a squad leader in a "high speed" unit.

The only caveat I will make is networking. An assignment with a bunch of folks who may potentially serve on promotion boards and an opportunity to shine in front of them will also give you a definitive leg up.

Once you are a promotable SSG and beyond, then it is time to start looking at assignments more strategically.

I did not prioritize career progression in any assignment decision. I did not once ask for any assignment, just taking whatever the Army gave me, whenever they gave it. I made SFC relatively quickly by "blooming where I was planted." I continued to bloom where planted afterwards, and stagnated.

At least that's my thoughts on the topic.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2022 9:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 09:23:58 -0500

Italy is definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you come here you'll be coming to my unit. I'm sure your friend has already told you what the unit is like and the lifestyle.

I also just came from JBLM, some things are better and others worse. My family all love it here. It's more sunny in the winter, and very hot in the summer. Italian bureaucracy is frustrating and your spouse probably won't be able to find a job, or if she does it won't be for nearly as much money. But the cost of living is low and the housing utility allowance is high.

Your dogs will be an issue. Bigger dogs are more expensive. One of the people I know who has a Cane Corso is trying to get their dog back and it's looking like the starting price is around $3500. People have spent up to $15,000 to get their dogs back.

If you are selected for a Defense Attache you will have the same problem with dogs. Even more because the places you go will not be military bases with strong infrastructure to support moving big dogs.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2022 9:55 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 09:55:31 -0500

Do the Italy tour THEN go for SFAB

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2022 7:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 19:22:45 -0500

Go SFAB. I can tell you with 100% confidence that your aren’t going to get selected to WO as a 351Z without having some intelligence time. The normal selections for 351Z are either 35D who renounce their commissions if they don’t get selected to the commissioned side of the attaché world, or 35F’s who have been serving in a joint environment in host nations.
It is my opinion that you can either accept or not that you should focus on being an 11B and not a 351Z seeing as it’s highly unlikely you or any other 11B or realistically anyone outside of the 35 series will ever receive a broadening assignment as a defense attaché. Plus you don’t even meet the requirements: Have successfully completed Attaché Staff Training Program (ASTP) at the Joint Military Attaché School (JMAS); produces SQI 7 (Attaché). (NO WAIVERS)
Currently serving or recently served as a Defense Attaché Office OPSCO, Operations NCO (OPSNCO) or Operations Assistant (OPS ASSIST) within the last two years.
Minimum of three (3) years’ experience as an OPSCO, OPSNCO or OPS ASSIST in at least two assignments in the DAS.

How’d I do SFC Private RallyPoint Member

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2022 8:11 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 20:11:03 -0500

Most importantly make the decision that best benefits your family and career! But Damn Italy might me a sweet gig! A lot of good advice from some folks here! Good luck on your decision!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2022 8:00 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 20:00:37 -0500

Here is the BLUF about becoming a 351Z. You can reach out to the DIA recruiter once you are about to hit SSG. You can find out what the requirements are and if you are still interested in dropping a packet. There is no need to have any prior intel time. Once you get into the system you are already being assessed for being a Warrant Officer. If you want more detailed email me at [login to see] . It appears that no matter what you pick you will succeed based on your options. Good luck to you and send me a note if you want to know more about the Defense Attaché Service.