Which would be a better JRTC experience, going in a scout platoon or a mounted unit?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 11:16:51 -0400

I'm gonna try and make this a little brief but forgive me if I ramble. So my unit is (temporarily, for the most part) getting split up and guys getting doled out to other companies in the battalion because they want numbers as high as possible in each company when we go to JRTC next summer. I'm a PFC in a light infantry unit (NG) and on my "wish list" I put either scout platoon or our mounted unit. So as far as scouts go, my PSG and SL told me they think that would be better for me because I wanna go 18 series in a couple years. That being said, I could change my mind or my already going-to-shit back could prevent that by the time I'm "ready" so option B would be to follow my NCOs to our mounted unit. My SL and TLs are great NCOs and I've come to be a go-to Joe for them and our PSG so neither end really wants to take that away. I want to have good leadership so when it's time for me to be an NCO I'm less likely to be one of those shitbag E5s that we all know and love. I also don't wanna leave them with the potential to get another piss-poor joe in my place. Plus the general consensus seems to be there's less than stellar leadership at the scouts. So, the kicker here is that this can be temporary and everyone come back after JRTC and it be business as usual or we can stay at whatever unit we go to. Obviously whatever unit I go to, it's on me at that time if I wanna stay there or not but I'd like some feedback on what experiences you guys have had with those type units or what your opinion is on giving up good leadership for what you thought would be better for your career. Thanks in advance guys.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 4 at 2018 11:40 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 11:40:38 -0400

Listen, going back may not be an option. You should plan as if it is permanent and try to get on whatever path you wish, if possible. The Center experience will be awesome either way. No better assessment in the Army than it’s Centers. Don’t overthink it, there are way to many variables. Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2018 12:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 12:57:57 -0400

Chances are, you don't really have an option. But if you do, ALWAYS stick with good leadership. Leadership is the most adaptable skill you can apply anywhere, from the gun line to the civilian sector. There will always be new tactics and techniques to learn, but great leaders are a precious commodity.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Aug 4 at 2018 1:39 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 13:39:19 -0400

I recommend Scout Platoon. It was the premere platoon when I was mechanized infantry. I wanted a squad or platoon sergeant position but the slot did not need filling during my tour in Germany. Think of Scouts as mounted recon. You would like it!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2018 1:43 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 13:43:10 -0400

First off, you need to check your attitude. You are not God's gift to the Army. You shouldn't be calling other soldiers "shitbags." As soon as I hear a soldier do that I instantly think less of them. I am glad you are not in my platoon. Before you start calling anyone out on their performance you should look at yourself. Soldiers that say they are going to SF are a dime a dozen. I have heard that so many times in the Guard and they never went anywhere. These were the same soldiers that I have heard complaining about my leadership. I will never call them anything derogatory but I will call them unprofessional. As a PFC you should be worrying about being a SPC and not a Green Beret. I would ask you questions like what is the effective range of a M240 on a bipod vs tripod or what is a FPL. If you can't spout these out right away you are not ready. Maybe you should try to get an EIB or Ranger Tab. Then you could lead soldiers and show them how to lead soldiers instead of focusing on yourself. You will never get past selection with that mindset.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 4 at 2018 3:41 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 15:41:06 -0400

Scout platoon is more congruous with 18 series.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Aug 4 at 2018 10:16 PM

1SG Frank Boynton — Sat, 04 Aug 2018 22:16:17 -0400

Forget SF. You said you’re already going to shit back. If you have back problems Airbotne,SF and Ranger schools are out for you. You will never get through them. Offer instead to go where you are needed. And take time to sit down and set realistic goals. Your PS or 1SG will be of great assistance.

Response by SGT Mark Halmrast made Aug 5 at 2018 8:07 AM

SGT Mark Halmrast — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 08:07:15 -0400

I was a section leader in a Scout platoon. I wouldn't take you. Unprofessional, selfish, needy.

Do yourself a favor: start focusing on team.

SF? No. Not happening.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 5 at 2018 1:53 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 13:53:37 -0400

We were both when I went 3 years ago

Response by SPC Chris Ison made Aug 5 at 2018 9:08 PM

SPC Chris Ison — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 21:08:36 -0400

I am not sure what you are talking about AT ALL.

You are in a NG unit, which is a reserve unit. So i understand the state wanting to have all the MOSQ people they can in MOSQ slots. I had this happen to me once, where i was transferred form my parent unit, to another unit where i was MOSQ, for census, and then moved back.

So you are asking should i do a scout rotation at JRTC? Well, you are not going to learn enough in 2 weeks of AT for it to matter.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 7 at 2018 8:54 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Tue, 07 Aug 2018 20:54:08 -0400

Go where they tell you for now. Sounds like it is short term and you might as well be with those you already know versus strangers. As a PFC, sometimes it is wise to plan on going where they are going to send you because that is where you are going to end up and where the Army needs you.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2018 4:49 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 16:49:42 -0400

Bro, first of all join scouts if your trying to go SF. I'm in scouts and you have way more schooling opportunities. Second, dont listen to these other guys even though you came off slightly arrogant it wasn't enough for everyone to get bent out of shape. If you a PT stud then you'll be excepted with open arms as long as your respectful and squared away. And dont apologize for asking a question a certain way, if people get offended because they where never the cream of the crop then let them.

Response by SPC Joseph Durham made Aug 15 at 2018 5:47 PM

SPC Joseph Durham — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 17:47:39 -0400

Just me: Scouts. (I have never been a scout though)

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2018 12:37 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 12:37:28 -0400

Hey stud.. The army is a machine.. it will continue when you move on.. do the best you can while in what ever position you are in and test yourself every day. if you want to go to selection, you better be prepared.. don't show up with with a low PT score and be prepared to get out of your comfort zone..

Response by SSG Harry Outcalt made Oct 22 at 2018 6:23 PM

SSG Harry Outcalt — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 18:23:42 -0400

Lol, guessing no one has told you the difference between grunt line unit scouting vs scout platoon scouting, they call it scout for a reason as in it's supposed to be their way of life ... That being said based on your comments sound's like they could use a go-to man depending on what kind of go-to guy you are ? .. All kinds of so called go-to guy's in the Infantry , such as the PT studs ,they stopped bullet's the same as anyone else. Don't get me wrong specializing is a good thing but one should never be stuck in one thing especially those going for SF . If you are the go-to guy then the SF is the right place it's full of go-to guy's ....