When did you know it was time to move on to another unit?

2020-02-26T11:41:05-05:00

I was all set to transfer out of my unit after 4 years, but I then decided to stay. There were personal and professional considerations, however the main reason was the new TAG has been set on bringing changes after the old one was in command for nearly 20 years. And for the betterment of the organization I felt I had more to contribute. But when I got a new job as an Army contractor I started to see all of the other very intriguing opportunities in my AOC, I started thinking about other opportunities for advancement. My goal has been to establish a good solid program to fit the needs of my state and I have done that. Now I have been feeling like I should be planning my next step in my career. When did you know it was time to move on to another unit? I think this is more of a small state Guard issue but I am curious of peoples thoughts on the topic.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 26 at 2020 11:49 AM

2020-02-26T11:49:12-05:00

Woulda/Shoulda/Coulda. The trifecta of regret. We've all faced it. Well, except me. Others seemed to know better than I and gave me the boot when I wore out my welcome. Few others are so lucky. It makes me wonder all should allow others to be their guide. Look around you. Maybe they are...

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Feb 26 at 2020 12:15 PM

2020-02-26T12:15:40-05:00

Reminds me of a saying appropriate to both, civilian and military. “Leaving the worst job in the world, heading for the best” Repeat as necessary.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2020 12:22 PM

2020-02-26T12:22:07-05:00

Usually, if you are already having thoughts of "I've done everything I can" and/or "Is it time to move on".....it's time to move on.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Feb 26 at 2020 1:52 PM

2020-02-26T13:52:44-05:00

The only time you'll ever have a good, solid answer to when is it time to move on is once you're already moved on seeing new things in new light and seeing old things in new light.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2020 3:46 PM

2020-02-27T15:46:43-05:00

I was a hard charger (cliché, I know) always promoted first look (E3 through O3), always first to volunteer for whatever assignment/duty needed, etc. Made it to CPT and hit a brick wall. TAG at the time said no one was making MAJ unless they had at least 6 years TIG as CPT. My unit leadership kept telling me to tough it out because "they had plans for me" (apparently those plans did not include a promotion). I was company XO as a 2LT, did 2 company commands as 1LT and one as CPT, was BN S4. They wanted me to do yet another company command. I'd had enough and found a reserve unit with an open O4 slot that was willing to take me. popped smoke and di di mau

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Mar 10 at 2022 4:11 PM

2022-03-10T16:11:35-05:00

I tried to get out of an assignment that I didn't want. I had my own career plans, but the US Army had others for me. I tried hard for about 3 months to get out of it, even requested to go recruiting. But to no avail, I reported and I still was not happy. It turned out to be one of my top 3 assignments, and sadly I was only there for exactly 365 days. I was given orders to deploy to Iraq with a MiTT (that was a great deployment) where I was able to do many great things.

I would say that after 1 year of being in the organization, and things don't improve then its time to move on. Keep your career plans very fluid at that time.