What are the best Joint assignments out there?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 12:41:09 -0400

Looking at a PCS next summer and I have been recommended to look for a Joint assignment. There are plenty of staff jobs as branch qualified Major and as an Air Defender that I can fill, but I want some personal feedback of what jobs and places that people enjoyed.
My first thoughts are J3 section or J5 section in PACOM HQ, EUCOM HQ, AFRICOM HQ, or SHAPE.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 12:41 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 12:41:32 -0400

Overseas is perferred.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jul 31 at 2015 12:42 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 12:42:51 -0400

I hear anywhere in Colorado is great since the legalized the stuff - Badum-dum!!

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jul 31 at 2015 12:53 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 12:53:56 -0400

Don't know about PACOM HQ, but JIATFW underneath PACOM is not a place you want to be assigned. Our last Army O-4 just got a lateral transfer, and if I could transfer I would. It's extremely Navy centric, and the Army is the minority. They don't understand our culture, or abide by our rules or regulations for our personnel. It's a constant battle to get anything done administratively.

Response by Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA made Jul 31 at 2015 2:08 PM

Lt Col Timothy Parker, DBA — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 14:08:26 -0400

I would recommend SHAPE since the others you listed are not integrated with allied forces. Its worth getting a sense of the international attitudes. I served in Europe with HQ USAFE, in Korea with UN Forces, and SACLANT in Norfolk. Just my humble opinion.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 31 at 2015 2:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 14:31:59 -0400

What is your branch?

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Jul 31 at 2015 4:29 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:29:32 -0400

AFRICOM - lots going on throughout the AOR. The area is family centric and the location is fantastic.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 5:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:17:23 -0400

Sir, I am with AFRICOM HQ in Stuttgart, Germany and I love it. It's a massive city of 5 million and a TON of activities outside of work to enjoy! Of course I am unable to give you the officer's standpoint as far as work goes, but they all seem to love it as well. This is my second tour to Germany since I love it so much. This is a great command, and it's very family oriented as well as everybody being very professional and personable. Our J3 (MG Watson) is awesome and is an Engineer Officer by trade. Don't know anything about our J5. Not sure what type of details a SSG could offer you, but every duty assignment is what you make it, and I'm sure this assignment would set you up for future success and cement that silver oak leaf into your future. So basically, make AFRICOM your next choice.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 31 at 2015 5:36 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:36:18 -0400

SHAPE. Europe would be a great chance to see the world

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2015 6:41 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 18:41:56 -0400

I was with AFRICOM intel function, when it stood up. I loved it! Wish I could go back for more!!!

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Aug 1 at 2015 8:53 AM

SSG Ed Mikus — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 08:53:46 -0400

NATO

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Aug 3 at 2015 9:12 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 21:12:24 -0400

My experience is dated but I had 5 years out at PACOM as an O-5. I agree with the member that says it's Navy centric. It should be, just as other GeoComs have Army centric organizations. That said, O-4s are cheap and I'd advise avoiding becoming a PowerPoint pusher and stuck in the compound. Getting out and mixing it up away from the flagpole is best. I got loaned out to State for a while in Cambodia and was the 7th Fleet Engineer (land side) steaming around on the Blue Ridge. So it was my second most favorite tour (3 deployments to Antarctica being tops). You have some good advice here. Just probe hard on what your job would actually be.