Posted on Nov 17, 2018
What is it like to be a chemical PL in the National Guard?
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I am an ROTC cadet who will be commissioning into the ARNG in May, 2019. Recently, I learned that I will be commissioning as a chemical officer. Though my first choice was engineers, there weren't enough open slots in my state, and with my educational background in chemical engineering, I was picked up by a chemical company to be a PL (though I don't know what kind of platoon I will be leading). Therefore, I have three questions:
1) As a chemical officer in the National Guard, are there any interesting or exciting opportunities available, either military or civilian?
2) Will there be any sort of combat/tactical aspect or opportunities to my job, or is it purely decontamination and HAZMAT?
3) Is there any advice that you would give to a new PL in a chemical company?
Thanks!
1) As a chemical officer in the National Guard, are there any interesting or exciting opportunities available, either military or civilian?
2) Will there be any sort of combat/tactical aspect or opportunities to my job, or is it purely decontamination and HAZMAT?
3) Is there any advice that you would give to a new PL in a chemical company?
Thanks!
Posted in these groups: 
74A: Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear OfficerUS ARNG
74A: Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear OfficerUS ARNG
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 3
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1. there are fulltime opportunities in CST, CERFP and HRF, as well as a few other fulltime opportunities that are branch immaterial, most revolve around DSCA, all are busy, some are interesting.
2. in a CHEM Co, it will be mainly recon and decon.
3. no advice for the job in a CHEM Co, but when/if the opportunity comes up, take a job as the CBRN officer on the staff of any kind of battalion, get exposure to the other branches, broaden your experience, and you may even decide to pick up a second branch before or at O3 and attend a different CCC, to increase your opportunities in your state.
2. in a CHEM Co, it will be mainly recon and decon.
3. no advice for the job in a CHEM Co, but when/if the opportunity comes up, take a job as the CBRN officer on the staff of any kind of battalion, get exposure to the other branches, broaden your experience, and you may even decide to pick up a second branch before or at O3 and attend a different CCC, to increase your opportunities in your state.
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2LT (Join to see)
Does that mean, in theory, I could serve my time as a 74A as an O1-2 and then go to engineer CCC (especially if my chem company is part of an engineer battalion)?
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SGM (Join to see)
Yes it does. It means you could go to the BN CBRN Officer position, and request branch transfer to 12A, take a Plans Officer position and move out to an EN Company. It all depends on when the vacancies come open.
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1) As a CBRN officer in the guard, the "cool stuff" is within domestic operations (DOMOPS), but it really depends on what you consider exciting. If you are interested in DOMOPS, I would set a path for being on a CST or CERFP. Once you become a bit more seasoned and want to continue in DOMOPS, I recommend joining the HRF, if you're in a state that has one. Along the same lines is working with NGB as a contractor to evaluate CERFP Units and HRF Units. Understand CST is a full-time job, while CERFP and the HRF is comprised of M-day Soldiers. In other words, if you want to become AGR, go down the CST path.
2) Mostly every guard unit is considered deployable. If you're a PL and you're deployed, then you very will might be involved in a combat or tactical situation. However, as a CBRN Officer once you get PL time, then you typically are in staff until you do a rotation as commander. Although it is possible to be involved in combat as a staff officer, you really shouldn't be; thus, once a CBRN officer is no longer a PL, then the risk to be involved in combat significantly decreases.
3) As a fresh new 2LT that will be waiting on BOLC seat for almost year or longer, soak up all the information you can through written materials, NCOs and senior officers. I agree with the statement of listening to your NCOs; however, remember you're the officer and ultimately responsible for everything the platoon does or fails to do. In other words, listen to your PSG and Squad Leaders, but if something doesn't smell right or you have a bad feeling about something investigate and if needed seek advice from the company commander, XO or 1SG. Don't be afraid to make a decision or take action. People will often make LT jokes, but continue to do your job and people will build confidence in your competence over time.
2) Mostly every guard unit is considered deployable. If you're a PL and you're deployed, then you very will might be involved in a combat or tactical situation. However, as a CBRN Officer once you get PL time, then you typically are in staff until you do a rotation as commander. Although it is possible to be involved in combat as a staff officer, you really shouldn't be; thus, once a CBRN officer is no longer a PL, then the risk to be involved in combat significantly decreases.
3) As a fresh new 2LT that will be waiting on BOLC seat for almost year or longer, soak up all the information you can through written materials, NCOs and senior officers. I agree with the statement of listening to your NCOs; however, remember you're the officer and ultimately responsible for everything the platoon does or fails to do. In other words, listen to your PSG and Squad Leaders, but if something doesn't smell right or you have a bad feeling about something investigate and if needed seek advice from the company commander, XO or 1SG. Don't be afraid to make a decision or take action. People will often make LT jokes, but continue to do your job and people will build confidence in your competence over time.
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CPT (Join to see)
2LT (Join to see) not a problem. This is what this site is meant for. I do want to add onto my comments for recommendations on what to when you first arrive is to start getting a feel for the officers around you...try to find a Major that you hit it off with to become a mentor. Major's typically have a lot of wisdom and have been through all the hoops you will need to jump through. In the guard, finding a mentor is extremely important because more often than not your mentor will become your boss or at least have a close association with your boss.
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MAJ (Join to see)
A couple additional items: make to learn the equipment and what exactly you have and it’s status because within a chemical company the platoon can vary greatly. Look at getting enrolled in additional schooling if your state has the funding (ex. If your unit has BIDS, try to get to L4 school). I also agree to try to get a mentor as it will be an asset as you continue to grow and improve.
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1) As a chemical officer in the National Guard, are there any interesting or exciting opportunities available, either military or civilian?
Not much on the civilian side of the house for 74A. Most of us Chem guys end up in the BN S3, as every BN is required to have one in a slot. I'm in an aviation unit on the M-day side of the house. The experience led to a full time job in the NG.
2) Will there be any sort of combat/tactical aspect or opportunities to my job, or is it purely decontamination and HAZMAT?
Not much in the way of combat. All decon and hazmat. If you work in the S3 you will have opportunities to do some planning and learn how the Army actually operates.
3) Is there any advice that you would give to a new PL in a chemical company?
I hope you get a PL position. If not, don't worry too much about it. You will have plenty of support to help you get established either way.
Not much on the civilian side of the house for 74A. Most of us Chem guys end up in the BN S3, as every BN is required to have one in a slot. I'm in an aviation unit on the M-day side of the house. The experience led to a full time job in the NG.
2) Will there be any sort of combat/tactical aspect or opportunities to my job, or is it purely decontamination and HAZMAT?
Not much in the way of combat. All decon and hazmat. If you work in the S3 you will have opportunities to do some planning and learn how the Army actually operates.
3) Is there any advice that you would give to a new PL in a chemical company?
I hope you get a PL position. If not, don't worry too much about it. You will have plenty of support to help you get established either way.
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