Where is the continuity for Army leaders in regards to assignments?

2015-03-03T20:37:17-05:00

A year and a half ago, NCOs and DA Civilians from HRC's Infantry branch came to Fort Campbell to talk with Infantry Soldiers and NCOs about the assignment process. They told us that we could expect to be on station for 3-5 years before moving onto another location. We were also told that certain positions, namely Platoon Sergeants, could expect to move after attaining 24 months of professional development time. However, here I am, at 18 months on station, and I'm already on orders for Drill Sergeant School, yet there are other NCOs who have been here, either in the same company, or at least the same battalion, for more than 5 years. How is this possible, and what happened to sharing the wealth throughout the Army? In almost 19 years, I have only been at a location for 3 years twice, once on recruiting duty, and the other at my last duty station. Where is the stability that we've all been looking for for our families and lives in general? What about the stability for units by keeping experienced Soldiers and NCOs for a few years instead of having a changing of the guard every year and a half?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 9:03 PM

2015-03-04T21:03:53-05:00

I feel you, SGT Private RallyPoint Member, but I would not complain about Drill Sergeant school. How I wish I had had the opportunity to be a Drill Sergeant. My advice: Count your blessings!

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Mar 4 at 2015 9:08 PM

2015-03-04T21:08:29-05:00

It is obvious that the Department of Army has plans for you and they just have not shared them with you. Instead they reveal little hints like Drill Sergeant School and though it sucks that you have not stayed very long often it will one day come to an end.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Mar 4 at 2015 9:16 PM

2015-03-04T21:16:09-05:00

SFC Matthew Wood, Thank you for 19 years service to the Nation. You must be a great NCO who has attracted positive command attention. Given the current turmoil in the Army; great senior Drills are needed to guide the SSG Drills and maintain continuity, (instructional memory). Your Drills will be the best the Army has. That is before you start to work with them!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 4 at 2015 10:44 PM

2015-03-04T22:44:04-05:00

Maybe you are more qualified than others around you for the position of Drill Sergeant SFC Private RallyPoint Member.

There are a number of things which could be driving those factors. The speech which you heard is a standard one from HRC. While I was working in TRADOC I heard it.

Another thing to think about is that could possibly see more potential for further service with you than your peers.

I understand that moving is not a pleasant thing but maybe it is better for you and your career.

Try to stay positive about it. Take every life experience as a new adventure.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2015 5:35 PM

2015-03-05T17:35:05-05:00

I did not mean this to sound as though I was complaining about being selected for Drill Sergeant duty, just that I would like, for once, to have some kind of stability in an operational assignment of more than a year and a half. I understand that the CSA is pushing for qualified NCOs to fill DS and Recruiter billets, so I go where the Army sends me. It would be nice if HRC stuck to their "3-5 years before moving you" position.

The way this has happened, it's almost like HRC doesn't want SFCs to get any more than 24 months PSG time, yet I've seen other Soldiers who have spent 5+ years at a location before finally being moved on, even if they request to PCS. I'm just tired of the dart board approach to assignments and individuals that HRC uses.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2015 6:30 AM

2015-03-06T06:30:40-05:00

Only believe about half of what HRC and branch tell you because it will change in a month anyway. The Army is struggling to get everyone their Operational and Generating Force time. You may have 18 months PSG time but there are a ton of SFCs that have 18 months of generating time.

Back in 2002 branch talked to my ANCOC (SLC) class and told us we could expect to remain at our current duty assignment for up to eight years. Then OIF happened and ARFORGEN became a reality. It probably will never level out, you will be lucky to get a solid three years in one duty assignment.

I have PCSd 12 times in 28 years and have never been to the same duty station twice. It is tough on you and it's really tough on the family but, it pays off when the promotion board sees how diverse you are and how you are willing to accept the mission they give you. It usually does not go as well for NCOs that "homestead".