Posted on Oct 29, 2020
What should I do if my MOS is not being utilized or valued in my current unit?
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For some background information I was stationed at my current unit in a preventive medicine slot, and have been here a year. The problem here is that there is no preventive medicine mission, so instead they have me helping the 68R or Food inspectors. That is all fine and good and I can understand that and understand helping out at times due to to low manpower, however the leadership here expects me to act in a complete food inspector capacity, where they want to try to write a SOP that justifies this and have me go to the ICTL trainings for the Romeo's, when I have not done any of my own MOS training for this full year. Upon talking with my first line who is also the NCOIC for the branch at present, she has informed me that "eventually" things will be taken care of. As a promotable it's disenhartening to be waiting on points and potentially become a SGT in an MOS that I will know nothing about, and be tragically behind on my training or any activity regarding my MOS if this is to keep up for the two remaining years I have in this unit. All advice is appreciated, thank you in advance!
Japan
Advice
68S: Preventive Medicine Specialist
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 13
Send me an email.....time now....to [login to see] with as much details as you can in the email and I will answer as best I can.
FYSA, I am currently in Kuwait (9 hours ahead of MST), so my response time will be limited based on my mission(s) here. But I promise that I will respond as soon as I can.
FYSA, I am currently in Kuwait (9 hours ahead of MST), so my response time will be limited based on my mission(s) here. But I promise that I will respond as soon as I can.
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The truth about support MOS's is that you're critical skill is only critical about 10% of your time is dedicated towards the performance of that skill. You are a Soldier first and a 68S second. Your primary job is to support the mission and some small portion of your time will be spent doing your MOS to support the mission. The rest of your time will be spent doing whatever Soldier task or additional duty the unit requires. Combat arms don't enlist to be training room NCOs, or Key Control, or to do Staff Duty and CQ, Barracks manager, Motorcycle Safety NCO, Unit Movement Officer, HAZMAT, arms room, or any other of hundreds of additional duties required for the unit to function. Without them the unit doesn't function and the mission doesn't get completed. Your job in the Army is not to be a 68S its to be a Soldier who does 68S duties when needed.
As you progress in rank you will he placed into more and more positions that are rank immaterial. Your primary job is to be an NCO and take care of Soldiers. As for not knowing your job, knowing your MOS is mostly an E4/E5 task and there are manuals for any questions you have. Your job will be to manage other Soldiers and train them to do their jobs. Most importantly your job will be to help them fix their problems and teach them how to help their Soldiers so the same.
As you progress in rank you will he placed into more and more positions that are rank immaterial. Your primary job is to be an NCO and take care of Soldiers. As for not knowing your job, knowing your MOS is mostly an E4/E5 task and there are manuals for any questions you have. Your job will be to manage other Soldiers and train them to do their jobs. Most importantly your job will be to help them fix their problems and teach them how to help their Soldiers so the same.
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SSG Eddie Helmling
no our critical skill are critical 100% of the time we may only be called on 10% but we have to know and be able to do our jobs went called just like combat MOS 23:59:30 you are just walking in the woods but for 30 sec you have to do and do NOW...
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SFC (Join to see)
SSG Eddie Helmling what you've just said makes no sense, both because of its grammar and punctuation but also because of what I believe is the intendedessage you're attempting to state.
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SGM Brian Carter
These technical MOSs can often be one soldier deep positions with a junior NCO only responsible for the mission and himself. That said, in my career from PVT to SGM (the Army had three 91S SGM position and I went straight to the senior position) i had the mindset to be the best at whatever job I had and always sought out the hardest - even outside of my MOS. As you progress and your responsibilities do include supervision, make sure you are the best leader you can be. Make your soldiers want to be the best at their job, regardless of what it is. NCOERs do not say she worked out of her MOS. They say his responsibilities were x, y, and z and she did them with no motivation. Or her responsibilities were x, y, and z and she did a great job and should have more responsibilities at a higher rank.
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Capt Jeff S.
I think the SPC is worried that without experience and further training in her MOS, her career will be marginalized. Her concerns are legitimate. Normally when people receive schooling they work in that profession for a time and build up their experience. In their next assignment, they go on to do other things and then return to continue applying their skills in their MOS.
I don't know how the Army does things but in the Marines, typically you are sent to Bootcamp and following Bootcamp, you go to your schools and then to the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) where you work in your MOS and are trained by seniors in that MOS. During that time you may be called to Mess Duty or to work in some other capacity but those are short duration and seldom last more than a month. Most of your first tour is spent working in your MOS. During your first or second tour, you may go to NCO school and that gives you leadership training that is not specific to any MOS but to your development as a military professional. It is generally during your second or third enlistment that you might get called away to do something else -- and in the USMC there is a push to get people to go to either the Drill Field or to Recruiting Duty. It's been 20 years so my memory is a little bit vague but I believe we called those B Billets.
As an aside, some want to go and most would liken the experience to a cold shower. You don't want to do it but you're glad when it's over. You really don't have a choice. If you are one of those that receive orders, you are expected to go and do your best. Not everyone makes it through DI School. They simply aren't cut out for it. It's not a career-ender, but if you succeed, your career will take off. Likewise with recruiting. The military seldom asks you to do something you haven't been properly trained and given the tools to do. There are some who really enjoy recruiting and they make it a career. Most do their time and look forward to returning to the FMF.
The more time you spend in the service, the less actual hands-on work you do as you transition from worker bee to a leader. And in the leadership pyramid, it's smaller at the top so people attrite as you get closer to the top. The base is very wide and flat and most that serve in the military don't turn it into a career and leave for various reasons. Many voluntarily leave because they have learned marketable skills and feel led to go back to the private sector. The cream is what floats to the top. The weakest performers don't get promoted and are eventually forced out.
For those at the bottom of the pyramid who have aspirations of making it a career, it is important to establish credibility in their MOS or they may not find themselves competitive in their field, at which point they may get forced out. And this I believe is what the SPC is trying to avoid.
I don't know how the Army does things but in the Marines, typically you are sent to Bootcamp and following Bootcamp, you go to your schools and then to the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) where you work in your MOS and are trained by seniors in that MOS. During that time you may be called to Mess Duty or to work in some other capacity but those are short duration and seldom last more than a month. Most of your first tour is spent working in your MOS. During your first or second tour, you may go to NCO school and that gives you leadership training that is not specific to any MOS but to your development as a military professional. It is generally during your second or third enlistment that you might get called away to do something else -- and in the USMC there is a push to get people to go to either the Drill Field or to Recruiting Duty. It's been 20 years so my memory is a little bit vague but I believe we called those B Billets.
As an aside, some want to go and most would liken the experience to a cold shower. You don't want to do it but you're glad when it's over. You really don't have a choice. If you are one of those that receive orders, you are expected to go and do your best. Not everyone makes it through DI School. They simply aren't cut out for it. It's not a career-ender, but if you succeed, your career will take off. Likewise with recruiting. The military seldom asks you to do something you haven't been properly trained and given the tools to do. There are some who really enjoy recruiting and they make it a career. Most do their time and look forward to returning to the FMF.
The more time you spend in the service, the less actual hands-on work you do as you transition from worker bee to a leader. And in the leadership pyramid, it's smaller at the top so people attrite as you get closer to the top. The base is very wide and flat and most that serve in the military don't turn it into a career and leave for various reasons. Many voluntarily leave because they have learned marketable skills and feel led to go back to the private sector. The cream is what floats to the top. The weakest performers don't get promoted and are eventually forced out.
For those at the bottom of the pyramid who have aspirations of making it a career, it is important to establish credibility in their MOS or they may not find themselves competitive in their field, at which point they may get forced out. And this I believe is what the SPC is trying to avoid.
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I was in a job where we intercepted Morse Signals from other nations. Morse Code was 99% of the time used on the shortwave bands which meant that those signals could carried hundreds if not thousands of miles from the transmitter. We all used to ask about the rationale of when we went tactical CEWI units. Our equipment was not the type that we could hear those types of signals & we did it it pretty close to the front. Finally somebody figured out that the Pentagon saw radio intercept operator & thought we could just as easily do the jobs of the operators who spent a year learning a target language. We just filled in slots that could not be filled with linguists. Like we could just switch from knowing Morse Code & just intercept Korean or Russian. Never expect logic from the Army.
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That happens often in strange little used MOS's. Could be worse- Japan is a hell of a lot nicer than Africa.
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Not sure how the Army does things but if I would advise, take the initiative, look for schooling outside, local colleges classes, the more you train the better person you will become. Some of your classes might even work toward a BS Degree. While in the Corps I became a professional student which helped me move up in various MOS's. You might find somewhere to volunteer your time for practical experience, so when you do move into your MOS assigned, your superiors will look on you with great favor and lean on your initiative and leadership skills. Hope this helped.
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This is pretty common. If you ever talk to a CBRN Officer they will tell you that they never do anything CBRN but they are usually in the S3 Shop working reports. There isn't a good answer. The unit will try for this unit's mission. They will assume risk in some areas due to focus on the more critical tasks.
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Sgt Dale Briggs
For the good of the service is probably the answer you get, didn’t say how long your in service, but if your looking at E5 your probably close to deciding to stay in or get out. You might have to change MOS to stay relevant.
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Understand how you feel, until you are PCS ready you should embrace all that comes your way. You have an opportunity to set the example for those of whom you currently support. SOP no SOP your unit can utilize you in any capacity that supports the units mission.
So do your job, take the lead and see your retention NCO. Don’t complain, simply ask when you are eligible to PCS and request an assignment based on unit strength.
So do your job, take the lead and see your retention NCO. Don’t complain, simply ask when you are eligible to PCS and request an assignment based on unit strength.
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Try to make the best of the situation. Get all the training and experience you can. If you want to stay proficient in your MOS I am sure there is some online training you can take in your spare time. As you go through your career you will learn that some assignments are good and others not so good. The key is to prepare yourself for when the good opportunities arise.
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I don't know you but I am going to try to advise you the best I can. I know is difficult to work in a environment where no one is taking granted the work that you are performing during your military carrier. Maybe your not fulltime on your MOS; but remember in basic training are training instructor drill us on the concept of military bearings. For a moment is time to activate this training in your life and be very wise in the decision you take during this time of process of your military carrier. Remember we always join the Arm Forces to serve for the Defense of are Nation. I am not trying to justify what your going thru; the only thing I am tying to open your eyes; that the life of a soldier is not easy to leave. But if you persevere in your duties and past this test of your military carrier; you will gain experience in how to manage difficult moment that a soldier encounters in there carrier. Please be patience in the process, the US Arm Forces is an elite organization that could prepare your entire life to a successful journey. Stay focus on the vision and mission and remember there is a spiritual eyes that always see the sacrifice your doing for the nation that's under God. So God help you in the process and stay safe. "In God we trust / Home of the Brave". Thank you for your service.
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Not sure how they work it in the Army but in the Marines you could sent an AA Form (Administrative Action) to Headquarters Marine Corps and request a transfer. My brother was a 1161 (Refrigeration Mechanic) and wasn't working in his field. He sent in the request and it was approved.
As a last resort (and the Corps hated this), write your congressman. Those that did got action real fast. Like I said, a last resort. That could come back to bite you in the butt if you are planning on making the military a career.
Good luck however you go
As a last resort (and the Corps hated this), write your congressman. Those that did got action real fast. Like I said, a last resort. That could come back to bite you in the butt if you are planning on making the military a career.
Good luck however you go
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SPC Tubbs, coincidentally i was stationed in Japan twice. First time as the NCOIC at the MEDDAC Preventive Medicine Activity from 1985 to 1988. We had food service sanitation responsibility, drinking water surveillance, mosquito surveillance, and general preventive medicine program responsibility for Camp Zama, Sagami Depot, and Sagami Hara housing areas, the US counselate in Tokyo, and the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo. When I was there the second time from 1995 to 1998 I was the NCOIC of the Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine - Pacific. We had Pacific theater responsibility for the entire Preventive Medicine, Occupational Health, Community Health, Industrial Hygiene and the rest of the spectrum of preventive medicine. My next PM assignment was Seegeant Major at the Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine in Aberdeen, MD from 2000 to 2002 with worldwide responsibility. All of that was prior to the MEDCOM downsizing which included merging the Army Veterinary Command and the Army CHPPM commands to form the Army Public Health Command. All that said, i do not know how the work of the 63S and the 63R was redistributed at the same time. All of that took place after I retired in 2005. Specifically what work are the wanting you to do that you consider to be 63S duties?
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SGM Brian Carter
Pardon my confused writing above. What 63R work are the asking you to do?
When I was in, there was what I considered to be a wasteful overlap of responsibilities for the two MOSs. The 63Rs were food inspectors and inspected the food sources that the Army procured food from and did laboratory tests of the food for wholesomeness. They also inspected the Army food warehouses and the commissary. They also did BACTERIA tests of the water in those facilities using the same equipment we used to test the drinking water on every installation. The 63Ss inspected the food service (AAFES snack bars and restaurants, club kitchens, dining facilities, etc of the facilities that served food. They also tested all of the water on the installation. What has changed?
When I was in, there was what I considered to be a wasteful overlap of responsibilities for the two MOSs. The 63Rs were food inspectors and inspected the food sources that the Army procured food from and did laboratory tests of the food for wholesomeness. They also inspected the Army food warehouses and the commissary. They also did BACTERIA tests of the water in those facilities using the same equipment we used to test the drinking water on every installation. The 63Ss inspected the food service (AAFES snack bars and restaurants, club kitchens, dining facilities, etc of the facilities that served food. They also tested all of the water on the installation. What has changed?
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SGT (Join to see)
SGM Brian Carter Good afternoon SGM Carter,
First things first I would like to appologize on the delay in seeing your responce. I am absolutely grateful for you responding
Phc now has a small branch off consisting of public health activity that contains one slot for a Sierra and the rest Romeo's (or Tangos since it primarily consists of the vet clinic)
The duties of the food inspection personal are to inspect the commissaries daily, and any other facility that handles or stores food on a monthly basis, as well as send up food samples for testing on a monthly basis and handle inspecting foods customers come back with complainants or there might be something unwholesome regarding the food.
Phc which is also our HQ has certain areas for Sierra personal, like an ento lab and industrial hygiene people that come around but the roles are filled with officers and civilians and the other two sierra personal work in admin.
Meddac has the assigned PM detail for Zama currently, and since I haven't gotten to work in a Sierra capacity it's hard to know all of what they do, though I know they go around and inspect facilities for safety reasons and sanitaries on the food establishments that the romeo personal do.
They have me in a 100% Romeo capacity from doing daily inspections and customer complaints, to being sat in their ICTL classes and trainings.
I don't mind helping out due to the lack of personnel or anything like that, but it is a bit disinheriting when I'm sitting through Romeo ictls and I haven't even credentialed or had any type of sierra training or anything that would really help my career as a Sierra in over a year and a half of course minus BLC but that was something they had to send me to through the step program.
I hope that this helps a bit on clarifying? I wrote the original post a while back, so I don't want anything to be confusing. Again, thank you so much for your responce
First things first I would like to appologize on the delay in seeing your responce. I am absolutely grateful for you responding
Phc now has a small branch off consisting of public health activity that contains one slot for a Sierra and the rest Romeo's (or Tangos since it primarily consists of the vet clinic)
The duties of the food inspection personal are to inspect the commissaries daily, and any other facility that handles or stores food on a monthly basis, as well as send up food samples for testing on a monthly basis and handle inspecting foods customers come back with complainants or there might be something unwholesome regarding the food.
Phc which is also our HQ has certain areas for Sierra personal, like an ento lab and industrial hygiene people that come around but the roles are filled with officers and civilians and the other two sierra personal work in admin.
Meddac has the assigned PM detail for Zama currently, and since I haven't gotten to work in a Sierra capacity it's hard to know all of what they do, though I know they go around and inspect facilities for safety reasons and sanitaries on the food establishments that the romeo personal do.
They have me in a 100% Romeo capacity from doing daily inspections and customer complaints, to being sat in their ICTL classes and trainings.
I don't mind helping out due to the lack of personnel or anything like that, but it is a bit disinheriting when I'm sitting through Romeo ictls and I haven't even credentialed or had any type of sierra training or anything that would really help my career as a Sierra in over a year and a half of course minus BLC but that was something they had to send me to through the step program.
I hope that this helps a bit on clarifying? I wrote the original post a while back, so I don't want anything to be confusing. Again, thank you so much for your responce
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I understand this issue all too well as a CBRN NCO; I get tasked with supply and Homeland Tasks all the time.
What I have started doing to remain efficient in my MOS is taking online classes and enrolling in local Chemical Training with other units.
Another point that has helped me was to keep reminding my Unit how valuable my MOS is to their success. My expertise is needed to help pass inspections on Chemical equipment.
You need to communicate to your leadership just how much you are required to ensure your unit succeeds.
What I have started doing to remain efficient in my MOS is taking online classes and enrolling in local Chemical Training with other units.
Another point that has helped me was to keep reminding my Unit how valuable my MOS is to their success. My expertise is needed to help pass inspections on Chemical equipment.
You need to communicate to your leadership just how much you are required to ensure your unit succeeds.
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Not sure if you're planning to stay in or get out. But being placed into some what unfamiliar may end up becomes useful to add on your resume when you go for civilian job which makes you as all around player. I don't think any soldiers will go by SOP based on where they stationed at. It's all about how much effort you invest yourself from what has given you.
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