What is it like to work at Walter Reed as a Signaleer? Did you enjoy it?

2018-01-10T19:56:48-05:00

I’m in AIT and have to decide between going there or trying my luck at airborne school..wold you rather be station there or go for the wings?

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Jan 10 at 2018 8:36 PM

2018-01-10T20:36:33-05:00

If you're referencing your MOS (Microwave Systems Operator) as a "signaleer" I recommend advancing within your specialty before considering Airborne school. First, you must have an Airborne slot waiting for you at Walter Reed and chances are that's slim to none. Focus on working in your MOS and gain military experience and exposure. The wings are alluring, but your MOS capabilities should come first.
I've never been stationed at Walter Reed as my MOS assignments were mostly in tactical configurations, i.e., 05C, 72E, and 31Z.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2018 8:37 PM

2018-01-10T20:37:48-05:00

As a 25P? I honestly have no idea what you would do there. It would definitely broaden your horizons though.

A word of warning though- as a commo guy in a non signal unit- they won't know or care what you are trained to do. If it can be plugged in, they will expect you to be able to troubleshoot and fix it.

If jump school is what you want, be prepared to go to an Airborne unit after.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2018 12:34 AM

2018-01-11T00:34:03-05:00

How is this a question? Go Airborne soldier. The airborne life sets the standard for you career in my opinion. I’m glad I went and the units I was in while on jump status were great and taught me a lot. The leadership I had was top notch as well. Seeing as to how you’re just starting your career, take advantage of what the army had to offer while you’re young- seriously. Schools get harder the older you get for some. And airborne school is not hard- mentally yes but physically not so much. So go airborne and pray you end up in the best division in the Army- the 82nd Airborne Division. Good luck!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2018 9:27 AM

2018-01-11T09:27:01-05:00

Without knowing more about you and your career goals, I'd suggest going to Airborne school. If you pass up on it now, you may never get it again.

Response by SGT Jay Thomas, MSW, MS made Jan 12 at 2018 12:25 AM

2018-01-12T00:25:17-05:00

Airborne all the way! There are Soldiers who would do anything to get into jump school. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You’ll meet people you will call your brothers/sisters for life, you will get promotion points, your silver wings, and bragging rights for life!

Response by MAJ Chris Rice made Jan 12 at 2018 5:55 PM

2018-01-12T17:55:16-05:00

Go to Airborne school. Whether you go to an airborne unit or not at first doesn’t matter. The qualification gives you options if you decide to stay in and do something different. Depending on your orders you may be able to volunteer in Airborne school for the Ranger Regiment if they take your MOS. Good Luck...what ever decision you make, have NO REGRETS. RLTW!

Response by CW2 Christopher Esparza made Jan 18 at 2018 12:19 PM

2018-01-18T12:19:04-05:00

As other have said, take Airborne school. You may never see a chance to go again. If your follow on assignment is a jump slot it’s extra pay. If not then the badge is points for promotion later on. Most importantly the ladies the beret.

Response by CW4 Brian Haas made Jan 21 at 2018 12:16 PM

2018-01-21T12:16:26-05:00

I was at Walter Reed for three years, but as a patient. But let me tell you, my wife and I fell in LOVE with DC!!! There is soooo much to do here!! We actually ended up staying in the area we loved it so much! We are baseball fanatics, and the Nationals are a great organization! They are huge supporters of the military. The museums, the night life, the food, the history....I personally wouldn’t pass up a chance at being in DC!!

As far as the airborne part, if that’s something you want, then cool. It’s also something you could probably get later on if you stay in. I got it, tradition is everything in the Army. That being said, we aren’t doing too many airborne ops lately!! I was in for almost 21 years...and I think I heard of two. Maybe. I’m not knocking it, don’t get me wrong. I just personally think the opportunity to jump out of a perfectly good airplane will be there later, too. Lol.

If you have any questions about DC or Walter Reed, feel free to DM me!