Posted on Mar 26, 2020
SSG Intelligence Analyst
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Which do you believe to be the most beneficial in the long run? I meet the requirements for promotion to E6 based on DAG1’s memo announcing the suspension of PME until further notice and am also approaching my PCS/DEROS and my branch manager said based on my records I’m going back to FORSCOM. Should I expect to go back to FORSCOM or try and get an instructor/drill sergeant slot then head back ?
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Responses: 10
LTC Jason Mackay
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SSG (Join to see) do you have a 35 series Sergeant Major, Warrant, or a senior MI officer that you can tap into for mentorship? I think they would be a good source of advice here. You have Division Tactical Time, you have Startegic Time. You have time in an ACE. You have time in a Maneuver BN S2. An argument could go either way whether you back to a FORSCOM tactical assignment or you do TRADOC. Surprised you have not been sucked in to the gravitational pull of a DS assignment.
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SSG Intelligence Analyst
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I as well am surprised I have so far escaped TRADOC
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
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SSG (Join to see) - unless your MOS is in such high demand they are not paying a bill with DS slots.
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SSG Intelligence Analyst
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We are sitting at about 63% strength for SSG across the boardLTC Jason Mackay
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LTC Jason Mackay
LTC Jason Mackay
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SSG (Join to see) - a factor, certainly. I wish you luck however this shakes out.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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Branches have specific manning guidelines about who can go to which assignment at which time. Most branches prohibit any kind of back to back broadening assignment. If your branch manager says you're going to an operational assignment, it would require your branch manager releasing you to allow you to go to a broadening assignment. The way the Army professional development model is set up is that you move back and forth between force generating and operational assignments. Back to back force generating assignments are looked at as you being out of the career field too long, leading to a loss of technical proficiency.
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WO1 Intel Nco
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I think it depends on what you're wanting to do long term.

Warrant: forscom may offer better Intel related duties, tasks, etc.

Enlisted: DS/instructor look good.

Family too though, DS/instructor definitely have increased and rough hours that 'could' strain relationships.
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Which would you prefer, Broadening or Successive assignments?
SFC S2 Intelligence Ncoic
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Edited >1 y ago
Working at a COCOM seemed to of helped my professional development tremendously. Seek out one of those first and then maybe go Instructor/DS. I would try to get some repetitive joint 35F experience prior to hitting that broadening assignment.
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SSG Intelligence Analyst
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My unit is OPCON by USARPAC which is falls under USINDOPACOM. So I’ve got that box checked
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SFC S2 Intelligence Ncoic
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I see, but I meant like at an actual COCOM HQ so that you get Joint strategic and possible D.I.A experience. But if not, then it's time to go DS/Instructor/Recruiter, etc.
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MAJ Byron Oyler
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I cannot answer your question directly but will ask, are you good at your job? We put so much emphasis on promotion and climbing that ladder than too often being good at what the Army hired you to do is not important. I see it all the time with jr nurses and so many of them can score 300 and ruck 12miles in under 3hours but are not the greatest in taking care of sick people.
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SSG(P) Vertical Construction Oc/T
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Do your broadening assignment as soon as you can get it out of the way
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Lt Col Jim Coe
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Looks like you're on a normal track for enlisted Soldiers in the Intel Career field. My experience says you should stay as close to operations as you can for as long as you can. Operational units are where the action is. They are called on to perform the critical missions in support of National Objectives. For now, avoid "career broadening" opportunities. I note you have a Bachelors Degree. You might look at opportunities to commission. I see you're a Warrant Officer applicant. Aviation warrant? If you want to fly military and can meet the physical and testing requirements, you could apply for an Air Force commission and pilot training slot.
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CW2 Electronic Warfare Technician
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Look in the MOS Smartbook to break down what is desired at each grade for promotion. If your KD is complete then look for broadening, but you are also (P) so branch will want to put you into your next KD position to get it done and keep you competitive.
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CW2 Electronic Warfare Technician
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Or just drop an Attache packet - do your 4 years as Attache and become the Attache Warrant.......
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SSG(P) Infantryman
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I've heard different opinions on this. Honestly I would say do what you want to, and perform well. What you should care about the most is how to get career progressing schools. The best advice I ever received was that I should get one career progressing school every year. I did that, and made the 7 list first look in a year where few were picked up. Performing well and show that you are still hungry seem to carry more weight than knocking out a role you feel like you need to get promoted.
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SSG Usar Recruiter
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Personally I'd prefer broadening.
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