Why do Branch managers act like its like pulling teeth to help a soldier look for a PCS assignment?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 12:37:09 -0400

I have been indefinite for quite some time now. My 11C branch manager plays a big part in deciding where I go as far as next duty station. It has been a struggle between emails, and phones calls with my branch manager talking to me with he has better things to do other than discuss assignment options with me. I desire to go to 25th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Fort Campbell, or Fort Benning. Can anyone give me guidance on how to approach my branch managers to discuss assignment availability? Thanks for your time in advance.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Apr 1 at 2015 12:43 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 12:43:45 -0400

I can't help you with the Army branch manager question but if that is your SSN underneath your name on your picture I would take it down.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 12:50 PM

MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 12:50:14 -0400

I'm assuming you have SL or Section SGT time. The next step is to slot you with PSG time or "career-broadening" assignment. The PSG time first would be more beneficial if you're worried about promotions. Unfortunately, PSG slots are much more limited in the 11C world, compared to 11Bs. Also, there are much less broadening assignments for SSG, many more open up as SFC. PCS's are also slowing down with the downsizing. There is an option to email a statement that you want a certain assignment, and do not care if it negatively affects your future promotion potential, which they sometimes take into consideration...but consider only at your own detriment. Sometimes family or other reasons are more important than promotion.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2015 7:25 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 19:25:19 -0400

I understand your pain! Some branch managers act as if you're bothering them and as if you've pissed in their cheerios! How hard is it to see if you can get someone close to where they want to be? Why not make someone happy and allow them to serve where they want to serve? I'd think that if a person is asking for a specific place theirs a reason. Especially if that person has been in for a while and is a careerist! I have asked my branch manager to station me at home in Hawaii, or somewhere along the west coast due to the fact that my dad is not doing well and is getting older in age and needs help doing things and has no one else to help him. Instead I get offered to go to Europe which is on the other side of the world from where I need to be. I also understand that they can't give everyone what they want but sending someone even further away from where they'd want or need to be is just ridiculous! I've been stationed in Germany and korea.. not asking for much... but I guess it's like you said.. It's like pulling teeth!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2015 1:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 01:23:56 -0400

Call branch SGM straight... Express your concern and ask for a miracle

Response by SFC Chris Crossley made Apr 6 at 2015 8:36 AM

SFC Chris Crossley — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 08:36:00 -0400

You should contact the 11C Career Management NCO (CM NCO), Office of the Chief of Infantry (OCOI) at Ft. Benning. He has the ability to "look you up" using the same databases as an assignment NCO. There may be things in your file that he can advise you on, and help you in your career decisions, That Enlisted Personnel Management Directorate (EPMD) might not have the time to do. If you attend a any PME at Benning, I would make an appointment and sit down with the 11C CM NCO, for a PD session.

As a footnote. I retired from that position in 2011. I was also the Senior CMF 11 CM NCO. What most NCO's do not understand (and they have no reason to be expected to understand the manning guidance of the DA G-1) is that nothing an assignment NCO does is "personal." They are given a manning mission by the OIC. They input data into a computer, and that generates an "eligible to PCS" pool of qualified NCO's. The days are long gone of assigning excess personal against non-authorized positions. There is no longer a "get me to Ft Carson, and I will find a job there" assignments.
For instance there are only 5 or 6, 11C4 positions authorized in a BCT. (that may adjust upward to 6 or 7 if the BCT has a third maneuver BN, or is a SBCT) a BCT is managed under a DMSL (Google that) and assigned a percentage of fill for each grade and MOS. When an assignment NCO runs a "DMSL/DML strength report and it comes back as 100%, there is absolutely no room to "levy" another body agains that assigned strength. I mean the computer will not accept the data unless there is some sort of override function activated. (and there needs to be a great reason for doing so, like every other DMSL in the Army is already at 100% strength) That is an of itself is physically impossible. Another fly in the ointment is the TTHS account. (Google that as well). that causes a conundrum in the assignment process.

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Chris

Response by PFC Stephan Ellis made Apr 13 at 2015 6:04 PM

PFC Stephan Ellis — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 18:04:26 -0400

Considering you have gone passed the 1st termer threshold, I don't know how this would work out for you. Early reenlistment and the Army having a hell of a time with retention worked as great leverage for me to secure my last assignment with 25th In. in HI, as requested (04-05)

Response by SPC Don Stringer made Apr 28 at 2015 2:45 PM

SPC Don Stringer — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 14:45:11 -0400

I do not know if it is still currently the case, but years ago, they had a duty station swap ad listing in the Army Times.
I know a friend who signed in a post he wanted before he was supose to report to another duty station as well, but that was 1992.

Response by CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2015 10:08 PM

CW2(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2015 22:08:45 -0400

Volunteer for drill. You'll 100% go to Benning as an 11C, and it's an easier job than people say. Also, career progression and all.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2016 8:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 Mar 2016 08:41:03 -0400

One of the main reasons Soldiers are put in assignments that they didn't expect was simply because they did not have an updated ERB. SSG Harvey I would get your 1SG, BN CSM involved in this process and voice your concern to them

Response by SFC Don Ward made Feb 12 at 2017 9:20 PM

SFC Don Ward — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 21:20:39 -0500

Good luck, this is a historical (vs hysterical) problem. My Branch Manager cost me a lot, and I would venture to say it's closer to Bowl Movement.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 26 at 2018 11:10 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 26 Apr 2018 11:10:29 -0400

Just remember he/they are handling all 11C's E6- so they have their hands full. Take the -Your may Buddy approach, honey works better than vinegar.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2019 8:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 Nov 2019 20:28:21 -0500

Branch managers give 2shits about you, your plans or your family situation. You and me are only a Number. My branch manager recently emailed me asking what I wanted for next assignment, I told her she told me no and have me something I told her I didn't want