Will having a collateral duty as a platoon sergeant be a smart move in order for a 35F to advance his/her career?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 22:45:25 -0400

Went over my career map in ACT and didn't see it as a choice. As an M.I soldier, we usually advance through other means, i.e ACE or CoIST Chief, brigade intelligence sergeant, etc. I would imagine having a successful stint as a platoon sergeant would have to look favorable when it comes to evaluations. I also like leading and being the go to guy, so I've mentioned a few times to my leadership that I have a desire to be a platoon sergeant. However, if it's not gonna help then should I push for this position? Ready for any advice. Thank you.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2018 11:00 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 23:00:09 -0400

I can’t imagine a situation in which this would be a bad thing. NCO leadership transcends MOS. Any opportunity to stand out and be a leader of Soldiers is an excellent opportunity to test your metal and mentor subordinates in your field. Even if this is unnecessary for advancement now, there will be a point in your career in which this job demonstrates your potential as a leader and places you that much more above your peers. I say go for it!

Response by PVT Mark Brown made Mar 31 at 2018 11:23 PM

PVT Mark Brown — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 23:23:10 -0400

I don't know the answer to your specific question, SSG, but I must say I admire your attitude and forward thinking. Sounds like you are smart enough to control your military destiny. I'd say you should be on the E-7 list. Good luck, brother. You seem to typify our new modern all volunteer Army.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2018 2:10 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 02:10:06 -0400

Yes, as a all source Platoon Sergeant time should help your evaluation and show your leadership potential. Too many Foxes just sit in the SCIF and do their intel work. Not that that is bad but if you want to move up you need to show you are going beyond and making an effort. It’s not all dungeons and dragons with a little Star-trek mixed in!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2018 2:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 02:36:59 -0400

You should skip the career map and go straight to the DA PAM 600-25. There you will see platoon sergeant listed under operational assignments for SFC.

Response by SSG Joseph Walker made Apr 1 at 2018 11:06 AM

SSG Joseph Walker — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 11:06:01 -0400

As a prior PS, I xan say itll look hood on your NCOER...but othet than that, its a lot of extra stress and work for no real gain.

Response by 1SG Klayton W. Hayes made Apr 1 at 2018 12:56 PM

1SG Klayton W. Hayes — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 12:56:32 -0400

Step out of your comfort zone, seek out a tactical MI Unit assignment and jump in with both feet. There is no more rewarding title in our profession then Platoon Sergeant. Always remember you are a First Sergeant in Training as a Platoon Sergeant.?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 1 at 2018 2:22 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 14:22:26 -0400

Remember, leadership requires a certain amount of humility. Ensure the leadership is aware that you wish to support the Soldiers and the command by assuming this role. Then prove (through your actions) that you are ready to assume this responsibility. Thank you for your service.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 1 at 2018 11:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Apr 2018 23:09:38 -0400

Critical leadership time is paramount to advancing in any military career. If you get the opportunity to take a platoon, do it.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Apr 2 at 2018 9:12 AM

1SG Frank Boynton — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 09:12:20 -0400

Leadership is what the NCO Corps is all about. Without us the military wouldn’t function. Can you imagine a brand new 2nd Lt. in charge of a platoon? Oh wait, they already are, except imagine them without a Plt. Sgt. OMG.

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Apr 3 at 2018 4:27 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 16:27:37 -0400

Yes you should set your goals and do everything in your power to make it happen

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2018 7:16 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 19:16:26 -0400

SFC Boyd pointed you in the right direction, but as it pertains to your question DA PAM 600-25 is no longer a valid source. A while back the Army switched DA PAM 600-25 to an online Smart Book located on Milsuite. Below is the link to your CMF that outlines in detail what will make you most or highly qualified for promotion in almost all areas. Below is a synopsis of it as well, but B.L.U.F. PSG is in your path and you should do it.

Leadership Positions:
Most Qualified SSG: 12+ months in the following: Platoon SGT, Brigade Intelligence Support Element (BISE) NCOIC, Company Intelligence Support Teams (CoIST) NCOIC, Training Development NCO, Section Chief, Senior Information Collection Planner, Technical Intelligence (TECHINT) SNCO.
Physical Fitness

Most Qualified: SSG: 270 or above
Highly Qualified: SSG: 240 –269 on APFT

Military/ CIV Education:
Most Qualified SSG: Distinguished Honor Graduate, AA Degree, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (SEJPME) I
Highly Qualified SSG: Exceeded PME Standards or Commandant's List, 30 College Credits

Assignments (Broadening and KD):
SSG: Broadening –Instructor/Writer, Small Group Leader, Capabilities Development NCO, EOL, Victim Advocate (VA), Assistant IG, MRT Coordinator, WTU; Recruiter, Drill SGT, AIT Platoon SGT, National Intelligence University (NIU), Combat Training Center (CTC) Observer/Controller Trainer
SSG: Key Developmental –Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB), Ranger RGT or Special
Missions Units (SMU); White House Communication Program (WHCP)

Training
Most Qualified SSG: Ranger, DCGS-A Digital Master Gunner
Highly Qualified SSG: Information Collection Planner Course, Basic OSINT Course, Battle Staff Ops Course

Other
Most Qualified: SGT Audie Murphy/Morales Club, Master Instructor Badge, NCO/DS/AIT Platoon SGT/Instructor of the Year, Knowlton Award (MI Corps Award), Best Warrior Competition

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-436509

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Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Apr 5 at 2018 9:37 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 09:37:40 -0400

I would think it would, but if your field is never in charge, then maybe not. Talk to your 1sg & CSM

Response by 1SG Ken Bedwell made Apr 5 at 2018 6:42 PM

1SG Ken Bedwell — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 18:42:26 -0400

Successfully leading troops is always a positive from my experience. Plus, it is the best job in the Army, next to being a 1SG of course! :)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2018 9:45 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Apr 2018 21:45:00 -0400

It will be good for your career. This is usually reserved for SFCs. If you have the opportunity, jump on it. Also, I recommend talking to branch and volunteering to be an instructor. This will give you a badge and ASI which will help separate you from your peers.

Response by 1SG Cj Grisham made Apr 22 at 2018 1:00 AM

1SG Cj Grisham — Sun, 22 Apr 2018 01:00:22 -0400

Being a platoon sergeant and serving well is never a bad thing to assist in promotions.