What is the best for career progression after 24 months as a Platoon Sergeant?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 16:10:27 -0400

Alright SGM and CSMs current and retired, I have a career progression question. CSM Clemens once said once you are a SFC in a PSG position hold on to the platoon as long as you can. Other schools of thought from HRC is once you have your platoon sergeant time get a broadening assignment. I spent 30+ months as a SSG in a PSG position(which doesn't count). I then spent 24 months as a Senior Drill Sergeant, 18 months of which were as a SFC. On my next NCOER I will have 24 months rated SFC PSG time. So do I try and stay in a PSG position, deal with the dreaded Squadron 3 shop, or find another 40 level job opening like ROTC? The end state being to continue to progress in my career, increase in rank and responsibility, an be placed in positions with the ability to positively influence future leaders on a larger scale. What are your ideas?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 12 at 2015 6:15 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Wed, 12 Aug 2015 18:15:45 -0400

There is a difference between 1SG & PSG. You continue serving in the 1SG positions as long as you can, not the same for PSG. This is the opportunity for broadening yourself in preparation for becoming a 1SG.

You've been a Sr. Drill SGT, you've also been a PSG in FORSCOM so you have TRADOC & FORSCOM PSG time knocked out. I recommend you get into the Ops position and attend the 2S (NCO Battle Staff Course) or find a HHD to become a Detachment SGT (and get into the 1SG Course). An additional course that will be of significant importance for upcoming boards is the Master Fitness Trainer Course. And do not forget the specialty boards - Sergeant Morales/Audie Murphy....those separate the very few from the pack.

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Aug 13 at 2015 11:06 AM

CSM Mike Maynard — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 11:06:58 -0400

I agree with CSM Uhlig, it's time to move on from being a PSG.

Your branch should be assisting in helping you find the appropriate move - but it should involve something that adds a unique/missing skill (2S coded position, Project Warrior / Observer-Controller, ROTC, Guard/Reserve, Instructor, Foreign Adviser, etc).

Focus on adding to your skill set, challenging yourself and doing something that your peers are shying away from.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 13 at 2015 11:37 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 11:37:30 -0400

CSM Michael J. Uhlig Hit the nail on the head and saved me from retyping my thoughts ...

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 13 at 2015 12:33 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 12:33:30 -0400

You have two choices: 1SG or hit the Staff position. Both of these will give you good advancement. Being a 1SG makes your part of a Command team at the company level, this is very important. There's a lot of learning here and I'll guarantee you'll be burning the midnight oil, learning a lot more about command, get to know officers at a whole different level, and learning your soldiers is something else.

The "S" shop is also a learning curve. You may not be at the tip of the spear, but you will learn all the ins and out of keeping the spear tip sharp! When I got bloodied in the "G" shop, sometimes I didn't know if I'd get the blood to stop. You learn a lot which will be invaluable to your career. In someway it would be better to hit the "S" shop first before 1SG, then you know more of the ins and outs if you know what I mean. I know there's a lot of negative vibes about Staff work, but it is necessary and knowing how all the "S" shops work is invaluable!

In someways it's a coin toss. I liked the 1SG thing the best, but being a staff puke is necessary.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2015 3:58 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 15:58:44 -0400

I'm not a CSM or SGM, as you requested, but here's my thoughts:

1. Post-board AARs for the past three years have MSG selectees with an average of 32 months PSG time. Your PSG and Sr Drill have you covered. Time to move on.

2. ROTC is not a bad option, if you seek to finish a degree. But I would steer clear, if I were in your boat. The OPS SGT in the BDE Plans shop, is a 19Z position (at least here in an IBCT). Go work staff. First, it's not that bad. Second, you'll learn a lot. Gone are the days where you're running and gunning. Learning MDMP and working on a BDE or higher level staff will prepare you in many ways for serving as a 1SG.

I served 14 months as a SFC 1SG until I was replaced by an E8, and moved to BDE staff. I was mad, at first. In the short time I worked there, I learned a lot. A LOT. I never realized how much staff time can prepare you for future leadership positions. I am a much better 1SG now, having had the staff experience.

3. JTRC/NTC: not the sexiest positions out there. But you have an incredible opportunity to shape the development of operational units/leaders. And previous OC/Ts continue to have a higher select rate than non-OC/Ts.

4. Ranger School: I usually wouldn't give the sales pitch on social media, but again, the select rates are significantly higher for Ranger-qualified maneuver leaders. And the Army, combat arms specifically, continue trending that direction. In my three years as an RI, I've seen many, many 35-50 year old SFC-SGM Ranger students. And they typically do really well. A current CAV SQDN CSM here in the 82nd immediately comes to mind.

Just my thoughts, I welcome any feedback from the group.

Response by 1SG Todd Sullivan made Aug 13 at 2015 5:42 PM

1SG Todd Sullivan — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 17:42:37 -0400

Not a SGM or CSM... But I tried to hold on to a TO&E position as long as I could then HRC made me go ROTC... Was there 9 months and was selected for promotion. So it worked for me I know guys with spotless records that did the same thing and retired as SFC, I know guys that stayed in TO&E spots and got promoted, so for what it's worth if you want to try something new go for it. Just food for thought.

Response by 1SG Scott Munn made Aug 15 at 2015 3:04 AM

1SG Scott Munn — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 03:04:20 -0400

Not a CSM or SGM but there is a lot of good advice here. I did the TRADOC & FORSCOM PSG time and wasn't taking time away from my troops for the Board things so I went to the 3 shop got 2S qual'd learned valuable things that helped me when I made 1SG. Also up there you see all the mistakes other new 1SG make and can learn from that also. You also talk to the CSM daily bend his ear see which way the wind is blowing in your MOS.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 1:00 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 01:00:19 -0400

Never home stead always look to move around especially up. You have plenty of time and experience as a PSG it is time to move up to 1SG. If you are looking to make the Army a career then do so in the leadership arena you already set the foundation to your leadership career. good luck.

Response by SFC Dave Hopkins Jr. made Dec 3 at 2015 10:23 PM

SFC Dave Hopkins Jr. — Thu, 03 Dec 2015 22:23:22 -0500

Not sure what your branch is, but be as well rounded as possible. If you don't have it, get some staff time. I went from a staff position to a line position and like you, I was a Plat Daddy as an E-6. Then I did some Recruiting time, which I never left. That helped launch a post retirement career.

Response by 1SG Wayne Cannon made Jun 22 at 2020 7:27 PM

1SG Wayne Cannon — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 19:27:11 -0400

Well back when i was in 74 thru 95 i was in the maintenance field. We didn't have all these platoon Sgt positions per say i was a Platoon Sgt at E5, E6, was a First Sgt for 13 months as an E7. Went to a unit in Germany where the First Sgt position was an E7 position with a Major commander. It was a CEC UNIT. During my times you were also a team chief or A shop forman. Only one Fort. Fort Polk, La was the only time you had slots for specific Platoon Sgts. Because at that time the base was, what they called had the fence around it. For you that aren't aware of that term. It was our year to roll out first if shit broke loose. We then for man power was at 110% strength. Any other time we were alway short people.

Response by 1SG Angello Gordon made Feb 9 at 2021 2:00 AM

1SG Angello Gordon — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 02:00:19 -0500

Operations!