Posted on Nov 17, 2014
What is the most challenging position/ assignment you have ever had?
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This discussion is meant to share tough experiences with others.
For me, it is a tie. When I made Sgt., my first position was plt. sgt. of the chapter and medboard plt. It was rough beyond words, especially because I had no idea what I was doing. Thankfully, I had a ssg show me some ways to help get these Soldiers onto their next step in life.
My other one is my current assignment. I work in the ISAF Combined Joint Operations Center (CJOC) as a Public Affairs Officer. It is an O-3 billet and I can see why. I am responsible for monitoring all forms of social media as well as news sites for any news pertaining to Afghanistan. It ends up being a 25ish page report that goes out daily. I also respond to media queries and prepare numerous other daily reports. It is a mentally draining assignment, but I have learned a lot from it. The main thing I learned is there is a lot more going on in Afghanistan than I ever knew of.
For me, it is a tie. When I made Sgt., my first position was plt. sgt. of the chapter and medboard plt. It was rough beyond words, especially because I had no idea what I was doing. Thankfully, I had a ssg show me some ways to help get these Soldiers onto their next step in life.
My other one is my current assignment. I work in the ISAF Combined Joint Operations Center (CJOC) as a Public Affairs Officer. It is an O-3 billet and I can see why. I am responsible for monitoring all forms of social media as well as news sites for any news pertaining to Afghanistan. It ends up being a 25ish page report that goes out daily. I also respond to media queries and prepare numerous other daily reports. It is a mentally draining assignment, but I have learned a lot from it. The main thing I learned is there is a lot more going on in Afghanistan than I ever knew of.
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Assignments
Assignments
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My most challenging assignment was - believe it or not, SSG Christopher Freeman - as a student at the Defense Language Institute. Not because I had trouble just passing the course, rather because I wanted to excel. During my 47-week course, I spent three to four hours every evening and more hours on the weekends studying Polish, memorizing vocabulary, learning verb forms, grammar, etc. (you name it).
I see now that this was a self-induced challenge, but at the time I was just trying to be all I could be, and the pressure I put on myself was pretty intense. In the end it led to success - top graduate in the class and a max score on the DLPT in Polish.
I see now that this was a self-induced challenge, but at the time I was just trying to be all I could be, and the pressure I put on myself was pretty intense. In the end it led to success - top graduate in the class and a max score on the DLPT in Polish.
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SSG Christopher Freeman
the DLI is challenging for almost everybody, but going the extra mile to ensure you learn as much as possible is great initiative. Awesome job, chief.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC Michael Jackson, MBA appreciate your duty, you get'em and I will train'em.
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SFC Michael Jackson, MBA
SFC Joe S. Davis, I appreciate your duty as well. Drill Duty is tough. No question about about it. Especially, as a DSL where you training other future drill sergeants. I had the honor of serving both recruiting and drill duty. Both assignments had their challenges. However, I had a captive audience as a drill.
Whereas, recruiting scattered civilians to give an intangible opportunity a shot is more difficult than it seems on the surface. Its no excuses environment even though the ultimate decision is on the recruit. As a drill, Soldiers do what you tell them to
Whereas, recruiting scattered civilians to give an intangible opportunity a shot is more difficult than it seems on the surface. Its no excuses environment even though the ultimate decision is on the recruit. As a drill, Soldiers do what you tell them to
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Performing duties that I could not discuss with others. Finally decompressing in special VA program for Acute PTSD.
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CPO (Join to see)
SGT, Happy you found the program to help. The bottling up and steam valve must let go at some point, best if it can be with other Vets and those trained to help.
Take good care of yourself. Thanks for opening the door, few words, ... great meanings.
Take good care of yourself. Thanks for opening the door, few words, ... great meanings.
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