Posted on Aug 13, 2015
Temporary duty assignments, are they career killers?
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I got a return email from my Infantry Branch manager. I was requesting Hawaii. He told me that SSGs with all there squad leader time are now getting temporary duty assignments. I am currently a Drill Sergeant. This is a temporary duty assignment if I'm not mistaken. He told me I could get Old Guard. I don't want Old Guard, I want to be back on the line and deploy. My question is what are good temporary duty assignments and will this be career suicide to go from one tradoc/Garrison job to another?
Infantry
SGM
HRC
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 19
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They are career killers if the TDA was undertaken at the wrong time- though some are forced to.
A month after I was promoted to E5, boom, Recruiting orders! Three years away from the line is a long time! After a year and a half, I was scared to go back to 11B world because I've missed so much and I've forgotten so much! All of that tactical knowledge has been replaced with recruiting knowledge!
I started weighing scenarios through my head: do I want to just convert to 79R? Do I just want to go back to 11B and take my chances? Do I want to look into reclassing? Do I just want to get out? I decided to reclass.
Think about it man, good luck to you.
A month after I was promoted to E5, boom, Recruiting orders! Three years away from the line is a long time! After a year and a half, I was scared to go back to 11B world because I've missed so much and I've forgotten so much! All of that tactical knowledge has been replaced with recruiting knowledge!
I started weighing scenarios through my head: do I want to just convert to 79R? Do I just want to go back to 11B and take my chances? Do I want to look into reclassing? Do I just want to get out? I decided to reclass.
Think about it man, good luck to you.
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Depends on your long term goals. Want to make SGM/CSM? You need to be competitive. You won't like this, but diversity of duty and assignments is key. Look at recruiter as well as any training position where you manage POI etc. If you want to do 20 and make the top grade, you need diversity on you military résumé.
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SGM (Join to see)
We are transitioning back to the Garrison Army. Time away from your MOS , especially combat arms, is going to benefit you. I have 26 years to reflect on this and we have seen this before in the early 90's. Step up and take the Drill Sergeant duty or Recruiting duty. It might set you apart when it comes time for 1SG and E9.
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Maybe he didn't realize you are on Drill status. Usually you can't go to a second TDA in a row.
SGL, ALC and Airborne School instructor as well as AIT PSG are all good TDA'S. So is working at the Sergeants Major Academy or West Point.
Your best bet though is to go to Ranger School. Then you'll fall under Ranger Branch and the worst TDA you'll get will be a stint as an RI.
SGL, ALC and Airborne School instructor as well as AIT PSG are all good TDA'S. So is working at the Sergeants Major Academy or West Point.
Your best bet though is to go to Ranger School. Then you'll fall under Ranger Branch and the worst TDA you'll get will be a stint as an RI.
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1SG (Join to see)
Not to mention the fact that RIs continue to get selected higher than other units. Ranger qualified leaders get selected much higher than their peers.
Highest select rates for SFC and MSG in the Infantry, for the past 3 years running are 75th RGR, The Old Guard, and RTB.
Highest select rates for SFC and MSG in the Infantry, for the past 3 years running are 75th RGR, The Old Guard, and RTB.
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