Can anyone provide advice to someone considering a VTIP to FA 30- Information Operations?

CPT Chase Sanger — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 10:57:20 -0500

I am a few months away from being eligible to submit a VTIP packet and would like to hear from officers branched FA 30

Response by CDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2015 11:13 AM

CDR Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 11:13:36 -0500

Look up officers in that MOS and reach out. You're more likely to get better information by reaching out rather than asking open-endedly. Come with specific questions. Good luck!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 3:38 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 03:38:26 -0500

I'm not a FA30 but I work for a one. Just keep doing your research. If you go that route and don't like it, you might get stuck in it for the rest of your career. I would carefully review all branches/FAs that you qualify for in the next VTIP.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Feb 3 at 2015 10:26 AM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 10:26:06 -0500

Not really, I am FA30, but I am also RC, which is a whole different beast. Your best bet is going to be to find an AC FA30 and ask them for some guidance. Some thoughts follow.

The vast majority of FA30-specific jobs for Officers are going to be some version of a staff job.

Since the last iteration of 3-13, IO (or now I&I) has gone from being primary staff to being part of the 3. I agree with this change, but it changes your visibility.

Speaking of iterations of 3-13, right now doctrine seems to change faster than some people change socks. I'm not sure I know what an FA30 will be called on to do over the next 5-10 years is set.

I think remaining Signal will be a more STABLE career path. I also wouldn't be surprised if FA30 ultimately gets rolled up under the Signal branch - that would be congruent with the Navy and AF approach.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 6:18 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 18:18:03 -0500

Call me and let's discuss. I made the decision to VTIP into FA-30 in 1999. Send an email and I'll send you my contact info and timezone.