Posted on Apr 18, 2020
Is a letter to a CSM to formally request a platoon sergeant position and introduce myself in good taste?
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Is a letter to a CSM to formally request a platoon sergeant position and introduce myself in good taste? I am currently a SSG promotoble and was unable to attend SLC due to its cancellation. I would like to write a letter to my incoming unit for a request, or at least consideration, for the position. Which level of CSM would be best? and is this a good idea? Like most people, I want to make a good impression.
Posted in these groups: 
13B: Cannon Crew Member
US Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA)
13B: Cannon Crew Member US Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA)
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 6
SSG (Join to see)
My Recommendation is no.
If there is an open platoon sergeant slot and no one available to fill most likely that’s where your going unless he immediately observes negative traits.
Or the CSM is of the type that just does numbers
Whoever has the most time in service , time in grade or time on station whatever his number plan is
Will get the slot and it won’t matter anything else
If there is an open slot and has several candidates available the CSM is going to want to observe and interview picking the best one
But in any of those situations, In my experience I personally don’t see an introduction letter and request prior to getting to the unit influencing the Decision
My Recommendation is no.
If there is an open platoon sergeant slot and no one available to fill most likely that’s where your going unless he immediately observes negative traits.
Or the CSM is of the type that just does numbers
Whoever has the most time in service , time in grade or time on station whatever his number plan is
Will get the slot and it won’t matter anything else
If there is an open slot and has several candidates available the CSM is going to want to observe and interview picking the best one
But in any of those situations, In my experience I personally don’t see an introduction letter and request prior to getting to the unit influencing the Decision
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SGT(P) Vincent Kuhlman
I'n a true FA Cannon battalion, the First SGT's run the batteries. BUT if your a 6P (waiting on a number) and you go in, to a battery which has a 6 NON-P in that Slot, (PSG or Gunny) that slot is Yours No if and's or butts about it.. They CSM May or may not be tracking it. (he should be) The PSNCO, should also be able to tell you when you in-process the current sit rep for such slots. We had a 7 come in and a 6P in a Gunny slot, the 7 publicly announced he didn't want the position. He had just a few months to retirement, and wanted to coast... Top told him that was fine... the CSM wouldn't hear of it. and made him take the slot. Different units work different way...
Hope this helps....
Hope this helps....
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SGM Erik Marquez
PFC Jeffrey Herrington - Well SSG Vincent Davilais in a promotable status so he can be slotted in a next higher position no issue if there is an open slot and not SFC available, so why should he not try, ask, want ,,,,
SFC at 20 years? common for low density MOS's but hardley common across the Army unless that is what they want or they just dont try (or they suck)
SFC at 20 years? common for low density MOS's but hardley common across the Army unless that is what they want or they just dont try (or they suck)
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Apologize for the double tap, didn’t realize you are Artillery. So as I said, it is not advised. I will emphasize by stating that prior to going Nominative, I was a Field Artillery CSM. So, I say again, not necessary nor adviseable. You will do great.
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If you feel like writing, rather than asking for a position, you may want to introduce yourself, and ask if there is any prepwork you can get started on. And I’d start with the 1SG of the company, if you know it.
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