As a new CPL, what can I do to gain experience interacting with allied forces?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 12:52:16 -0400

I was not selected from SFAB A&S because I lack the NCO experience needed when it comes to interacting with allied forces/foreign governments(I became a corporal a month and half before A&S). What can I do or where can I go to build that experience needed over the next year or 2?

Response by COL Randall C. made Sep 1 at 2022 1:40 PM

COL Randall C. — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 13:40:15 -0400

We're expecting Corporals to have experience interacting with our allies now? I would expect that your focus would be on basic leadership and preparing for the NCO ranks.

Having said that, at your level the exposure will mostly happen if you are at Joint or Echelons above reality level (MACOM headquarters, Theater and national organizations, etc.) where allied partners have liaisons.

Participating in multi-national exercises is another way to build partner experience. Now that things are settling down "post-COVID insanity", DoD should be ramping up exercises they put on hold two years ago. Many opportunities should be available there.

However, most of these are "in the right place at the right time" type of things. Getting that experience as an E-4 ... not many opportunities that you can deliberately pursue.

IF the comment was "I wasn't selected because I was only recently promoted to Corporal and they didn't think I had the experience to interact with allied forces at the NCO level", that becomes a much easier one to answer. Talk to your leadership and tell them you want more responsibilities in order to improve and be selected next time. Actively pursue additional duties that will broaden your leadership skills.

Bottom line - proactively go after roles with increased responsibility and do them well.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2022 3:05 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 15:05:02 -0400

Try doing a hardship in Korea or even down in Honduras with JTF-Bravo. But, more than likely you'll have to wait until you're a SSG. That'll certainly give you plenty of experience as an NCO.

Response by SSG Jason Neumann made Sep 1 at 2022 3:43 PM

SSG Jason Neumann — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 15:43:28 -0400

My guess would be is being deployed and working with other nations, such as NATO or Foreign Army "allies". I guess with this high-speed unit they want the creme de le creme when dealing with foreign parties. Gaining experiences and working with them is probably trying to volunteer or even re-up to go somewhere working with those kinds of individuals. If you have an MOS that offers you to go to unique places, I suggest you try and do that. I do believe if you have experience leading Soldiers and have paperwork showing that (counselings) or even recommendations from superiors within your CoC should be weighed in with that packet you submit to SFAB. That's just my two cents.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Sep 1 at 2022 3:49 PM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 15:49:37 -0400

Report from wrong place. LOL
Not sure if there are Military Assistance Commands (MAC) or Military Assistance Groups (MAG) any longer, perhaps in AFRICOM. Get in one of those on an Advisory team and get tons of experience working with foreign nationals.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2022 4:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:39:49 -0400

You don't need experience with allied forces, you just need NCO experience. SFAB is not designed for junior enlisted it's designed for NCOs.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Sep 1 at 2022 9:55 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 21:55:14 -0400

They want you to have some leadership time under your belt. Don’t focus on the rank. Being an NCO isn’t a guranteed slam dunk. Experience and maturity is more than a set of stripes. Just hang with it.

Response by SFC Frederick Roquemore made Sep 9 at 2022 7:43 AM

SFC Frederick Roquemore — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 07:43:10 -0400

I want to share some thoughts from my experience. The most important thing is to know yourself and be all you can be! Why is it important to you that you join SFAB or work with allied forces/foreign governments? Is it really that important? There's nothing wrong with trying out for different units or assignments... but don't sweat it if you don't get picked up. Wherever you are, that's the place to be. Enjoy the moment and current duty station. There's an old saying that the best duty station is always the last one where you served. You can be an outstanding Soldier in any unit the Army decides to place you.