How has working on a headquarters staff affected your career?

SFC Stimpson, great question, I can see how some may want to avoid HQ staff, although in my own case it has been a positive and extremely helpful experience.  I've learned a ton from my headquarters experiences, as there tends to be many talented folks on hand selected staffs; it also provides a different perspective, allows for a voice in what's happening, and allows senior leadership to see what you're capable of, mentor you, and help align future assignments; of course, there's often a certain "pain level" associated with HQ staff tours, although, IMHO once you have a successful HQ tour under your belt, it could be extremely helpful for organizational perspective, as well as for networking and future development. I hope this information is helpful, best of luck, and best wishes for continued success!

I spent a year working as a S3 NCOIC which makes me by far no expert what so ever. However, I really enjoyed the experience because it opened my eyes to planning and had numerous learning curves to adapt to. With that said, I was more than grateful to have done a year, made the MSG list, and moved out to a 1SG job elsewhere. Reading your post and seeing how you have already performed in operations and requested to return to operations, this time at the G3 level I have to concur with your peers. In my humble opinion you're not doing anything really new except what you were doing before, this time at a bigger level. The other problem persay working in a G3 versus say a staff at BN is what exactly in operations you are doing. As a S3 in BN you are responsible for much more than a SFC working in G3 where there are x amount of E7s and E8s assigned in all those positions that at a BN level are covered by a SGT or SSG. Again, I don't have your records or ERB in front of me to look over what you have done and need to meet your professional model but a CSM once said to me you do a job, you learn and master it, and you move on to something else new. 

SFC Stimpson, staff gives you another notch in your "assignment diversity belt" that selection board members are looking for.  I served in a SQDN S3 Shop as a SFC after my PSG time was up and I am currently the S3 NCOIC for a MI Group.  This staff assignment was after my 1SG time was up at my last unit and I PCSd.  I think that the important thing to remember is to ensure that your are successfully completing your branch qualification positions (PSG, etc) while also seeking out those additional positions that show you can also succeed outside of your "comfort zone."