What training/certification/schools do you recommend for a new NG LT with flexibility?

1LT Alexander W. — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 11:43:07 -0500

Currently in LogBOLC for Ordnance. Haven’t been in touch with my next unit (there’ve been admin issues). My work on the civilian side is very flexible. I’m hoping to take advantage of my flexibility after BOLC by getting in some military training to

1) knock out any mandatory training I’ll eventually need for my NG career

2) become more equipped as an officer for my new unit (I’m a non prior service butter bar)

3) hone in on a specialization that I might find enjoyable.

I’m also considering volunteer deployments to gain experience.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 6 at 2020 11:53 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 11:53:53 -0500

It all depends on what availability your unit has for school seats and what deployments are coming on the horizon. When your admin issues get sorted just let them know your interest and availabilityBe the squeaky wheel and you'll get some training under your belt.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 1:49 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 13:49:13 -0500

It's unit dependent, and you'll know what I mean as you progress in your career, but aside from developing and being better at your job make sure you get CREDIT for it. So if are interested in something specific ask your unit S1 if they will :
1) Give you retirement points for conducting the course work (usually needs 4-8+ hour course for this to work).
2) Pay you for the time, this may or many not work depending on how may MUTA's you already did in the FY, but it's a good time given the CV nature of the world and what I notice a willingness to give pay and point credit for various on-line training I otherwise didn't get in the past.
3) Finally, if you get it listed in the military education section of your ORB it will be there to help fluff your consideration for various boards (usually you need 40+ hours for a specific course).

If you don't get any of the above, then you need to consider the value of the knowledge as required to your career.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 6 at 2020 2:35 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 14:35:55 -0500

Air assault, sling load cert, Pathfinder. I regret not getting to Air Assault School. You need AIr Assault or Airborne to get Pathfinder. If you are airborne, see if they will send you to Pathfinder or rigger school. Rigger trumps Sling load cert and air assault from the perspective of aerial delivery. Which is the so what of my comment.

Two of my biggest obstacles as an OD background SPO in a light unit (101st) was with distribution and aerial delivery. In the ARNG you could find your self deployed and need to receive or push out aerial delivery for distribution and you've got no one to do it. I even saw this with AD units that deploy from a heavy post (like Hood) where units could not run a DZ, mark a DZ/HLZ, or how to recieive aerial delivery (parachute or external load). There may be times when you have to fly someone out to a unit to rig sling loads for retrograde or transshipment to somewhere else. A trained person has to certify the load.

The second obstacle was not having surveyed drop zones. So you need a Pathfinder to go out and survey it.

Don't know if the OD Corps is adding any specialized training in CAD/CAM and CNC Machining. They were supposed to deploy mobile CNC capability down to BSB level to physically make parts. 3D printing is amazing, but you can't 3D print tool steel, or titanium, etc. if they offer any of that, it would be huge. I worked with the ARNG AC/RC for a bit as a Captain. You would conceivably have the time to make a part if you leave a vehicle down for months at a time and only pay materials. It would Ben tremendous experience for the soldiers in the allied trades shop as opposed to typical drill drudgery.

Getting unit movement qualified is never wasted. You go from not being acknowledged to hyper important in a matter of minutes when orders come down.

Riddle me this: what are they offering? The schoolhouse is stingeywith slots. Compound that with RC units having to pay for it and you will graduate, get your certificate for MOSQ, and poof, gone. Only thing beating you off Ft Lee are the headlights on your car. If they offer something, grab it.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 2:44 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 14:44:24 -0500

Find the 91A professional development model and start there. It will list all the schools deemed important for that job. Professional certs are always good too. Six Sigma is a good start but the COOL website lists the ones that work for each job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2020 9:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 21:28:22 -0500

Get a copy of your unit MTOE. Check for ASIs for your PARA/LIN. Then try for additional duties like RTA, MRT, HAZMAT certifier, Sling Load Inspector, UMO, EO, SHARP, digital master gunner, etc. Ask your unit what additional duties are available.