Why aren't there any companies taking prior service ?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 13:03:42 -0500

We've been here since November with no progression, no companies want to pick us up, no freedom, we're just here doing nothing. Now im hearing that we won't get picked up until the end of February, but i doubt thats going to happen. Before coming to Ft Benning I thought it'd be more organized but seems to me its the complete opposite. Why wont anybody pick us up ?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 25 at 2020 1:13 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 13:13:48 -0500

Interesting coincidence in that your posting appeared on the same day that COL Mikel J. Burroughs posted his inspirational quote of the day: Things that are meant to happen will happen, and I responded to him with the same cartoon that I'm posting here for you. I spent my life making things happen. When I arrived at Fort Jackson for AIT, I learned that our financial records had been lost and, inasmuch as our training cycle wasn't due to start for a couple weeks, no one was in any hurry to find them. Sure we had a place to sleep and eat, but no money in our pockets. So, I organized a police detail outside the PX and we picked up change we found on the ground. Eventually a sergeant stopped us to complain that we were missing the trash and butts. When I explained what we were doing, he went inside and bought a couple cartons of cigarettes for us to share. It seems you issue is more serious and would require a more creative approach. Whatever, it beats sitting around waiting and complaining...

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 25 at 2020 1:36 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 13:36:05 -0500

Pick you up for what? To start AIT part of OSUT ? The courses start on a schedule and has allocated class seats. Use the time. Do PT. Rest up.

Response by SFC James Cameron made Jan 25 at 2020 1:36 PM

SFC James Cameron — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 13:36:52 -0500

It has absolutely nothing to do with a Company or Battalion, for that matter wanting to pick up prior service. The annual cycle schedule is published a year in advance for projected trainee fill. If a cycle doesn’t have room, they don’t have room. It’s nothing personal. Use your time to work out and catch up on changes that may have happened during your break.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made Jan 25 at 2020 1:40 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 13:40:07 -0500

Use the time to get into better shape or stay fit. Hurry up and wait is a tradition.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 25 at 2020 2:00 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 14:00:37 -0500

That is very strange, you should ask to speak with the Garrison and or Division CSM.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Jan 25 at 2020 2:20 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Sat, 25 Jan 2020 14:20:14 -0500

The have to find a cycle to accommodate you. In the meantime. Get in the best shape possible for the remote possibility of some opportunity to try out for RASP.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 26 at 2020 11:39 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 11:39:22 -0500

Every CSM and Commander has open door policies, something is wrong in the system. You need to respectfully tell your NCO that you would like to exercise the open door policy, and explain why. If they cannot immediately (day or two) resolve the assignment then contact the CSM office yourself explaining that you had asked and did not receive a response. Always be respectful and polite, speak only for yourself, while identifying you may not be alone and do not be disparaging toward any other leaders. The CSM will come to their own conclusions and deal with it in the appropriate manner.