Special Duty Assignment Selection - should the Army consider who actually WANTS these positions?

2014-05-14T11:47:32-04:00

What are the feeling about special duty assignment being given to individuals that don't want them? Should the Army look into selecting NCO's that legitimately want to be DS, OC, Instructors, Recruiters, etc. IE: I've always wanted to be a DS but they'd prefer if I was already pinned SSG. I get why its done but I've seen others trying to not do it and not wanting it.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 14 at 2014 11:52 AM

2014-05-14T11:52:13-04:00

Why would someone not want a special duty assignment? Any opportunity to set yourself apart should be accepted.
While I agree that DA should, in most cases, accept volunteers rather than selecting, the needs of the force dictates. In some cases they are looking for specific MOS / grade combinations at the time.
I do believe there is and has always been a good mix of volunteers and selects and feel this will remain.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made May 14 at 2014 1:33 PM

2014-05-14T13:33:55-04:00

The majority of special duty assignments, or also known as nominative assignments, are rank specific. PDNCOs can query their database by selecting certain fields like grade, time on station, EFMP, MACP, dual military, etc. They can also query your volunteer selections that you update in ASK. Using that data, they select the best qualified based on the assignment prerequisites. Asking a NCO is they want the job is more often not in the cards. Why a NCO would not like a nominative assignment is beyond me. I would advise you to do a little research on each of the special duty/nominative assignments that you are interested in. Then you can also see if there are exception to policy for rank/grade. I am sure that your PSG and 1SG will be more than happy to help you out if you ask. Always strive to secure those hard to get assignments. Diversity is still one of the keys for promotion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2014 2:22 PM

2014-05-14T14:22:23-04:00

SGT Velez

Unfortunately it's all a numbers game, the Army needs x number of recruiters, they will assign so many NCO's to do it. I for example wanted to be a Drill Sergeant, the Army in it's infinite wisdom gave me AIT PSG, I took it and instead of complaining that's not what I want, I looked at the positive side (possible promotion, learning opportunity, etc)

Response by SSG Jed Fisher made Dec 7 at 2014 2:56 PM

2014-12-07T14:56:16-05:00

The most qualified Soldiers for E-6 Special Duty Assignments are burnt out, passed over Staff Sergeants who are cynical and disillusioned. I'd rather entrust the responsibility of Drill Sergeant and Recruiter to ambitious young SGT/E-5s.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 15 at 2019 12:03 PM

2019-03-15T12:03:04-04:00

Almost all of those positions take volunteers. Not all volunteers qualify. Once accepting those who qualify, openings remains, meaning the Army needs to start accepting voluntolds.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2020 6:26 PM

2020-04-17T18:26:31-04:00

It’s an honor to be given any type of Special Duty, it means the command saw something great in you and they want to see you succeed. However, some times you get put through hell because of it and some times the military can abuse your limits, and you have no choice after that. Your already neck deep in it if you know what I mean.

And then having to explain what a double MOS or cross trainings is to people who have never been awarded such opportunities they call you a liar or stolen valor. So really, in one way, it’s an awesome almost unbelievable experience and offer, but on the other hand it can be a down right messed up deal. Everyone’s experience is different.

Good luck and wish you all the best in whatever comes your way. And thank you for your service.

Well wishes

Mary