Posted on Jun 1, 2016
Why is there a perception that taking a recruiting company command can hurt your career?
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Is there a stigma in the operational Army that taking a company command in recruiting is not as challenging as a regular command? Do you believe that officers who command in recruiting don't learn the competencies that an officer who commands a line unit learns?
70B: Health Services Administration
Company Commander
CPT
Officers
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 20
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MAJ (Join to see) the status quo, I would pay attention to the AAR-board and DA PAM 600-3 to get a better assessment of career progression/development.
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MAJ (Join to see)
The board AARs are stating that recruiting and MITT team experience should be considered favorably, but do the board members agree with this? AMEDD Officers fall under 600-4, and command is desirable regardless of the unit. The plus side is that recruiting command is 24 months. Whereas most company commands are only 18 months. Thanks for the feedback.
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Excuse me for commenting on this subject gentlemen, I was in recruiting for almost 15 years. The Majors or Captains that actually command a recruiting company can be extremely challenging. There is a monthly ARTEP, with a real mission that must be accomplished. It is a different kind of leadership and command that requires the utmost of skills, knowledge, and duress. It is a pressure cooker. Yet all the leadership basics still must be implemented. Awards, UCMJ, training, esprit de corp, health and welfare, PT, etc...still come into play. No, I believe commanding a recruiting company is an advantage not only for promotion, but for experience in a different venue. Not sure why there is a stigma. If you ask officers that have already commanded a recruiting comapany, they will tell you it was rewarding.
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1SG Brian Adams
SFC, you brought up counseling as well. This is extremely important. And you mentioned PT. Totally agree. PT must be conducted for obvious reasons and can lead to poor health, both mentally and physically. The best officers I had were very invovled and animated. They were fair and had a "common sense" approach to situations. Recruiting Is tough as nails, it is the real Army. I used to hear all the time " recruiting is not the real Army" ...ok, well I am here to tell you, it doesn't get any more "real" than Army recruiting!
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MAJ (Join to see)
1SG Brian Adams - 3rd Medical Recruiting BN. I command Minneapolis MRCO. I just hit 24 months and I am still waiting for a replacement. That's what sparked this post, my BN CDR is having a hard time picking the right officer for the job.
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MAJ (Join to see)
SFC Mike Archer - All great points! The only difference for me is that I have Center OICs (CPT-MAJ) that run the center. More like a PSG and PL feel and operation. I hold the OIC accountable and 1SG trains and drives the Center Leaders.
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1SG Brian Adams
MAJ (Join to see) - Ahhh, I see, A-Medd as it was referred to when I was in the USAREC command. I can see your commanders situation for getting it right. However, you should have known of your replacement 6 months ago? Medical recruiting is tough as nails too Sir! I commend you for doing a job well done! The most rewarding part of recruiting to me, was seeing those recruits come back home standing tall and looking good! I am retired now Sir! I wanted to thank you and your First Sergeant for what you do each and every day!
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The big issues I've always heard about recruiting commands are a) they're not as challenging and b) you're often held accountable for the results of not meeting your recruiting mission. The former is a perception that is not always based in reality. The latter may be a result of an unattainable mission and/or circumstances beyond your control. The bottom line....any command is an honor, and always do well in whatever command you have.
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MAJ (Join to see)
Roger that Sir. I volunteered for the command and have found it very rewarding. As an AMEDD Recruiting Commander I have been put n a position to mentor and lead my fellow Captains (Center OICs) and even AGR Majors. It's funny, I don't have a rating profile for LTs, but I do for Captains...
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LTC Kevin B.
MAJ (Join to see) - I occasionally volunteer working on behalf of the local AMEDD Recruiting Center here in St. Louis. They do have a tough job, for sure. They really seem to enjoy their role.
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