Posted on Sep 1, 2020
While maintaining OPSEC, what can people tell me about being stationed at Ft. Shafter?
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While maintaining OPSEC, what can people tell me about being stationed at Ft. Shafter? I've been assigned to the 500th MI BDE (Not identifying when or what BN). I've received a welcome letter and my orders, but it doesn't provide much information (No info from sponsor yet).
I would love to go to Hawaii and it's a great opportunity, but I don't know whether to request a change of orders because I don't want to ride a desk for my entire career (I'm already in an INSCOM unit, being side-loaded into another INSCOM unit). I was looking forward to a FORSCOM rotation.
Not looking for responses like "Why are you complaining? It's Hawaii, live it up!" just general info on base-life as well as what I can be expected to do.
I would love to go to Hawaii and it's a great opportunity, but I don't know whether to request a change of orders because I don't want to ride a desk for my entire career (I'm already in an INSCOM unit, being side-loaded into another INSCOM unit). I was looking forward to a FORSCOM rotation.
Not looking for responses like "Why are you complaining? It's Hawaii, live it up!" just general info on base-life as well as what I can be expected to do.
Fort Shafter
Hawaii
PCS
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
My experience is dated (seriously dated). I was stationed at Ft Shafter '69 to '72. I visited it sometime in the '00's and it looked the same except that the MP's were gone from the gates. It was, when I was stationed there and when I visited, much like a gated suburban community. It had a decent PX, but we did most of our shopping at the PX and commissary at Pearl Harbor. The Navy was, is, and likely always will be the principle military presence in the islands. As for the duty there, it is the hub of command and control for the entire Pacific theater which is fast becoming the focal point of America's defense. I can't imagine a much better location for being in the thick of things. At the time I was there I became involved in a computer development project, a competition really. All of the branches were vying to automate communication terminal operations. (We won!) As for amenities, you're a few minutes from Tripler Army Medical Center (second only to Walter Reed in the military medical services pecking order). Live it up? Remember, entertainment on the islands is predicated on a rotating audience. When Don Ho was the main attraction, he sang the same songs and told the same jokes for decades (people were disappointed if he varied). Island fever is a real thing. After three months, I began to dream of driving around the island looking for the on ramp to a bridge I could see but couldn't access. (I was convinced it connected to San Francisco) I woke every morning feeling frustrated. Six months later, I had gone native. Indeed, the hardest thing when I returned to CONUS was getting back in the fast paced rhythm of life. (Only in retirement have I again been able to stop wearing a watch). As for your MOS, I don't have anything to offer. Sorry.
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Thank you for taking the time to reply! It's mostly confirmed what I've heard about the culture/atmosphere of the base, doesn't sound like it's changed much. Hopefully the island fever doesn't hit me as hard as it hit you!
MI guys are so funny sometimes... there is no OPSEC being violated by sharing which BN or when you are PCSing. Especially since the units are searchable on Google and PCS timelines are common knowledge.
There is no change of orders. Your gaining MACOM is INSCOM and your gaining BDE is 500th. If INSCOM had a different BDE in Hawaii they could move you within INSCOM. If 500th wants to put you in a different battalion in Hawaii, they could do that. They could even arrange to put you into the battalion out in Japan, with a bit of work. Anything else will require your branch manager to delete your assignment and place you on the EMC again. They won’t do that because “I don’t want to go to _____ “ is not a valid reason for a deletion.
There is no change of orders. Your gaining MACOM is INSCOM and your gaining BDE is 500th. If INSCOM had a different BDE in Hawaii they could move you within INSCOM. If 500th wants to put you in a different battalion in Hawaii, they could do that. They could even arrange to put you into the battalion out in Japan, with a bit of work. Anything else will require your branch manager to delete your assignment and place you on the EMC again. They won’t do that because “I don’t want to go to _____ “ is not a valid reason for a deletion.
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Fair point on OPSEC, but I've always been taught "better safe than sorry", etc.
And that's what I had meant by a change of orders, was calling up branch and asking for another assignment, which I am tracking isn't as simple as "I don't want to". The information about moving within a MACOM is new and makes sense, since a BN/BDE can move you wherever they want to within the unit, makes sense that a MACOM could do the same.
Thank you for the info, SFC.
And that's what I had meant by a change of orders, was calling up branch and asking for another assignment, which I am tracking isn't as simple as "I don't want to". The information about moving within a MACOM is new and makes sense, since a BN/BDE can move you wherever they want to within the unit, makes sense that a MACOM could do the same.
Thank you for the info, SFC.
SFC (Join to see)
SGT Ryan Ballou there was a time when you could call branch and ask for a more demanding assignment. But with the enlisted manning cycle now implemented they do not entertain those requests and they have to be approved by the bosses of the branch managers
CW4 Keith Dolliver
SGT Ryan Ballou The parent unit/command can only move you to another unit within the command as long as it’s at the same station or what would be considered a “low cost move”. For example, if you’re scheduled for Ft Shaffer but there’s another unit at Schofield Barracks, Hickam AFB, or Pearl Harbor they want to assign you to. If they want to move you to another duty station, like JBLM, Alaska, or Japan they would need to coordinate the orders with HRC.
SGT Ballou ~
Nice time meet you and welcome to the Akuma Ohana. I’m your future Company Commander. SGT Simmons was assigned as your sponsor last week when you populated in our ACT roster. He will be reaching out to you this week. In the mean time, feel free to email me or 1SG Gerhartz on enterprise and we’ll answer any questions that you have.
Personally, I think A/311th MI is an incredible unit to serve with, but I’m admittedly biased.
~ CPT Slaughter
Nice time meet you and welcome to the Akuma Ohana. I’m your future Company Commander. SGT Simmons was assigned as your sponsor last week when you populated in our ACT roster. He will be reaching out to you this week. In the mean time, feel free to email me or 1SG Gerhartz on enterprise and we’ll answer any questions that you have.
Personally, I think A/311th MI is an incredible unit to serve with, but I’m admittedly biased.
~ CPT Slaughter
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