Posted on Mar 24, 2018
How do I get more control of my assignments process?
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It's been really hard to control my fate in the Army. Granted, I have lucked out on good assignments but what is the best thing to do to get a good assignment post command. I really want to go ROTC or some place to slow down and spend time with my family, but I have heard horror stories with HRC picking 25A CPTs with good marks on OERs for 40+ months of KD time in an S6 assignment. Suggestions?
Assignments
Special Assignments
25A: Signal Officer
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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I don't know what works but I know what doesn't work.
Taking an assignment now you don't want so you can get what you want later doesn't work.
Good Luck
Taking an assignment now you don't want so you can get what you want later doesn't work.
Good Luck
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CPT Mann,
During my time in the Army here are a few things that can help you out. The assignment process is a process with people behind it to make it happen.
Arm yourself with knowledge about the process. DA PAM 600–3 tells you what you should be doing for career progression, KD, developmental positions and so on.
Get to know the person that is part of the process. Communicate with your branch manager. Every 6 month I would send an e-mail with where I am at, what I am doing, and where I'd like to go (3 units or 3 locations). At least one phone call per year to get the branch manager's honest assessment. This helps with expectation management.
A TS/SCI clearance opens doors for special assignments. This is how I ended up with an 18-month embassy duty in Cairo.
Open mind. The assignment to Cairo I listed as my #12 and I did not want. Being a diplomatic officer turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life personally & professionally.
Know the process, get to know the branch manager, upgrade your clearance or skill for special jobs, be open-minded.
Good luck.
During my time in the Army here are a few things that can help you out. The assignment process is a process with people behind it to make it happen.
Arm yourself with knowledge about the process. DA PAM 600–3 tells you what you should be doing for career progression, KD, developmental positions and so on.
Get to know the person that is part of the process. Communicate with your branch manager. Every 6 month I would send an e-mail with where I am at, what I am doing, and where I'd like to go (3 units or 3 locations). At least one phone call per year to get the branch manager's honest assessment. This helps with expectation management.
A TS/SCI clearance opens doors for special assignments. This is how I ended up with an 18-month embassy duty in Cairo.
Open mind. The assignment to Cairo I listed as my #12 and I did not want. Being a diplomatic officer turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life personally & professionally.
Know the process, get to know the branch manager, upgrade your clearance or skill for special jobs, be open-minded.
Good luck.
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MAJ Javier G.
As I've learned in the civilian world, you are your best HR person. What has been previously stated is very good advice. I would add to include getting to know senior signal officers inside and outside your command. Sell your qualities and your interest. If they are comfortable with you and what you can do, see if there is an opening that might be a fit and work an on-post transition with another officer. I did that on my first assignment at Ft. Huachuca. I was assigned as an Environmental Test Officer with the Electronics Proving Ground. A fellow lieutenant was assigned as a Platoon Leader with a signal company. 18 months in, we swapped assignments.
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