Posted on Feb 9, 2016
SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
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When I got my orders back in AIT, everybody told me that being in a MI unit is being "in the spot". Almost 2 years after, everybody here tells me that is not the right place for a First Duty Station. I've enjoy myself here and have learned a lot being the only JE 92Y in the whole BN.

Is a MI Unit a good place to start your military career in a Support MOS?
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MAJ Ken Landgren
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Its probably what you make of it that matters most.
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
SGT(P) (Join to see)
8 y
MAJ Ken Landgren I've had to make a lot of it...
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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Different types of units "insulate" you in different ways. You learn different skillsets. This also happens at different ranks.

Every unit is going to give you something. You just might not realize what it is until 5 units later. You'll pick up supervisory skills in units with lots of folks. You'll pick up self-reliance skills in units without other folks. You'll pick up tact in places with higher average ranks. The trick is figuring out what that unit is going to give you in the long run, and maximizing it.
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
SGT(P) (Join to see)
8 y
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS I guess I'm writing the "Self-Reliance" chapter on my military book here, there are not that many Yankees around. I've learned a lot here, when you get so many responsibilities in such a low rank as PV2, you have no other options than to look all the answers and pray they don't change the questions. I've had a good time here, but I feel I need something else in order to grow, not just professionally but personally too.

Side serious/joking question: do you have a book by your side whenever you are responding a question? Do you quarterly qualify on hitting nails on the head? I've never seen you posting an off topic response. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your always on point answers. I really appreciate that kind of leadership out of the ranks.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
8 y
SGT(P) (Join to see) I was lucky. I had lots of great leaders, and mentors. I learned a lot. My first unit was a Grunt BN, and my second unit was a Staff Unit at TECOM (what you guys would call TRADOC I believe).

We had junior Marines at my second unit, and the argument was that "it wasn't a good first unit for them." I've always taken the Devil's advocates stance of "Why?" They're going to get to use their MOS MORE. They aren't going to deal with all the BS from out in the "Fleet" (Operational Forces) like mowing lawns or painting rocks. "It builds character/discipline/blah/blah/blah" has always been a poor argument for me. I want my Marines Technically proficient, and you're not going to get that doing "working parties."

I understood the argument that they would learn more about the "Real Marine Corps" out in the Fleet... but the Real Marine Corps kinda sucks (at times) if you aren't a Cpl+. It's great to have that common bond of suckage, but I don't think just because I went through it others have to. If you stick around long enough, you're going to end up sharing the suck. It doesn't matter if you're a Lance cooley or a Gunny we all eventually do field or ship time.
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LTC Information Operations Officer
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It is as good a place as any. You will be managing a similar supply room no matter what type of unit you are in.
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SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
SGT(P) (Join to see)
8 y
LTC (Join to see) not necessarily, this BN has a consolidated Supply Room, no Supply SGT. Everything is ran by S4, Supply Room, Soldiers Issue Files, Arms Room, CSDP, RMO, GPC program, everything supply related is ran by us and I'm the only JE Soldier in the whole BN, not to say BDE because I don't know about the other BN. I don't think every Unit is ran this way...
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SFC Human Resources Specialist
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YES MI is probably a better place then perhaps some other units, since MI has become a more visible entity in the global war on terror, and your opportunity for a higher security classification could be in play, along with other tours/missions or job functions etc..But ultimately what you make of it.
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