How has reserve PSYOP impacted your civilian career?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 00:35:10 -0400

I'm considering a reclass to 37F. However, my civilian career is more demanding than most as far as time commitment. I'm wondering if 37F current optempo would put too much on my plate. Although, the job sounds right up my alley!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 10:27 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 10:27:04 -0400

Go for it! Won't be any busier than some other MOSs.

Response by BG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 3:34 PM

BG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 15:34:57 -0400

I have been in CA for 20 years, not PYSOP, but the OPTEMPO is very similar. The OPTEMPO depends very much on what COCOM your unit is supporting. If you are supporting PACOM, expect a lot of missions, if you are supporting CENTCOM, expect very few. Everyone else is somewhere in between.

One advantage to serving in PYSOP is that the missions (your AT) is spread throughout the year rather than everyone going for two weeks in the summer like most USAR units. This may allow you to commit to a mission that is during a slower period at your civilian job.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 5:38 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 17:38:05 -0400

Concur with COL Goddard. I'm also CA and have had the same experience regarding AT and work. Plus, I have found it very easy to be motivated to do a little more when I'm surrounded by the quality of people that tend to go CA (and PSYOP).

Response by COL Jon Thompson made May 9 at 2014 10:06 AM

COL Jon Thompson — Fri, 09 May 2014 10:06:27 -0400

Even prior to 9-11, PSYOP units had a higher OPTEMPO supporting Bosnia and Kosovo. As part of a PSYOP Battalion staff (S3 and XO), I had a lot of fragmented AT (not 2 weeks consectutive) that enabled me to do more than 14 days. That did make it easier for me to take the time off from work. I also think the training opportunities will be greater and more diverse in a PSYOP (MISO) unit vs. regular USAR units. Regardless of your unit, you need to make sure you communicate clearly with your employer to minimize conflicts with the work environment.

Response by Robert Harrison made Jul 21 at 2016 1:23 AM

Robert Harrison — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 01:23:17 -0400

it inspired my commitment to a domestic non proft corporation ; HOPE MOUNTAIN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.I really steped in IT this time, so here goes a fair shot at reinvention of self again. any thoughts on the subject?