Posted on Jul 15, 2014
Does your unit have a structured Sponsorship program? Comments or concerns?
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I've seen quite a few incoming Soldiers PCS to a new unit, and have no sponsor greet them and/or introduce them to the unit and community. This may not be a huge problem for more experienced Soldiers, but it's detrimental (IMO) to junior enlisted arriving at their first duty station. From what I've seen/heard, many units do not actively participate in the Total Army Sponsorship Program (TASP) or just have very few interested and motivated Soldiers willing to volunteer themselves for the job. I'm looking for any suggestions on how to make this program more successful for everyone involved.
Posted in these groups: 
PCS
Command Sponsorship
PCS Command Sponsorship
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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The biggest thing for sponsorship is contact!!! The last unit I went to had no clue I was coming until I finally tracked them down about a month out. Even as a SFC I found it disconcerting to not really have contact with my new unit. I wanted time to read up on anything I should know in advance and have a good idea of where I might want to live. Fortunately I had a friend who lived on Ft.Belvoir and was willing to help.
I'm getting ready to PCS again and am 90days out, the orders have been published for months. I'm going somewhere I don't know anyone, even in the area and I hope my unit will throw out a lifeline but I've tracked folks down before and can do it again.
When I've had life lines during PCSing it has made the transition all the easier!!!
I'm getting ready to PCS again and am 90days out, the orders have been published for months. I'm going somewhere I don't know anyone, even in the area and I hope my unit will throw out a lifeline but I've tracked folks down before and can do it again.
When I've had life lines during PCSing it has made the transition all the easier!!!
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COL Randall C.
MSG (Join to see), couldn't agree more. Just having someone that has reached out and is able to have an ongoing discussion is more valuable than all the internet research combined :)
Of course, if RallyPoint were to add that sponsorship tab that keeps being discussed .... ;)
Of course, if RallyPoint were to add that sponsorship tab that keeps being discussed .... ;)
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COL Randall C.
On a side note, if you already know where you're going, have you used the 'advanced search' (top right of page) to see if there are any RPers from that unit or post? I would posit that the active RPers would be glad to be a surrogate sponsor if a formal one hasn't reached out yet.
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MSG (Join to see)
I've looked and there appear to be past members of the unit on here but I've not seen current members. Never the less I will probably drop them a line and see if they know anyone still there or at least get a contact number.
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http://www.actnow.army.mil is a great website as well all know. The Sponsorship Programs at the Unit Level can and eventually will be more effective. Once units realize that a servicemember can't recieve orders until they get section 3 filled out on a DA 5434 by the incoming unit, I think the ignorance and complacency will die off. Its a team work thing, not a blue falcon thing.
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My first unit I did not have a sponsor. I had no idea what I was doing and just went with the flow of things. My second unit yes. My sponsor was outstanding answered so many questions for me. It was a breeze coming into my current unit.
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