AIT PSG duty. I have an opportunity to select this assignment. Is it worth it? What's the job like?

2016-08-06T06:24:33-04:00

Response by COL Lee Flemming made Aug 6 at 2016 7:10 AM

2016-08-06T07:10:28-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member just a note from my point of view...some of my best NCOs have been former drill Sergeants. They used the assignment to grow both personally and professionally. In addition, they were at the forefront of shaping our force. It may very well fall short of the best job you have ever had, but it could come close!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2016 8:14 AM

2016-08-06T08:14:03-04:00

I just came off that assignment about 3 months ago on Fort Lee, VA. To me, it was worth it. The experience with paperwork, returning to the foundation of being a Soldier, polishing up or advancing your skills with Soldier management, etc. There were MANY long nights and always early mornings, challenges, and the struggle to remain optimistic when things just down right sucked. Best part was having the Soldier tell you they appreciate the guidance and mentorship you have them during their time in training. Small things like pulling everyone in your platoon inside your office to teach them how to properly tie a double Windsor, and not letting them leave until the demonstrate how to tie it properly. So my opinion is that in the eyes of the Army it wasn't worth it and it was a thankless job, but seeing the Soldiers leave just a bit more sharper with more understanding of what it means to be a Soldier made it more than worth it for me. That's my two cents on the assignment.

P.S. Waiting to see if that assignment helped me out with this years SFC board as well

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2016 10:15 AM

2016-08-06T10:15:08-04:00

SFC Private RallyPoint Member anytime you have the opportunity to lead Soldiers, take the job. I got off the trail last year and I had a great time as an AITPSG. Here's what to expect:
1. Long hours and A LOT of CQ. But if you learn to manage your time and schedule, you won't be going home at 1900/2000. 1800 at the latest.
2. More freedom of Soldiers means they tend to lose discipline. You will have to instill and enforce discipline EVERYDAY.
3. Counseling! Teach, coach, and mentor them with either verbal or written counseling. I learned to counsel them even on their first offense because over time you'll realize you don't want a Soldier in operational Army, and you need justification to get them out.
4. Accountability. Learn their names and classes so you can always keep track. Some might try to play you and not show up for first formation. Show up 30 min prior so it gives you enough time to get them out of bed! Never let them slack! Be creative when it comes to corrective action as well!
5. Physical fitness. Stay fit so you can challenge and push your Soldiers! You may not be the fastest and strongest, but it motivates them to see you out at PT giving your all. If you can get them to reach muscle failure, but you're not there yet, it does wonders!
6. Cadence. Learn running and marching cadence. This is a huge source of motivation for you and your Soldiers. There might be times you are the only PSG on a run and you're calling cadence the entire time! However, if you have good Soldiers that like to call it, pull one next to you and let them call a cadence.
7. Earn their respect and confidence! Once you do this, they will not try you! Some will, but swiftly put them in their place! These Soldiers will do what you ask/tell them to do without hesitation.
8. Remember, you were once a Private too. So don't take things personal with the Soldiers. Hone your leadership style while in that environment. Soldiers will try you! But again, be a leader and show them what right looks like.
9. Battles! Back up and support your fellow PSGs! Especially the ones in your Company! Even though y'all are competing, you should still look out for each other and take care of each other. Allow the 1SG and CDR do their job by doing yours!
10. Have fun! This will probably be the only time in your career when you can affect change at this magnitude. Change with not only your Soldiers, but your Battles.
11. DO NOT SLEEP WITH THEM DOG GONE SOLDIERS! It's not worth your career, you will lose respect, and you would have failed your Soldiers.

SFC Private RallyPoint Member it's a great opportunity. I had a blast. I regained my faith in the NCO Corps thanks to my 1SG and my battles. I was able to lead from the front and my efforts still manifest today. At one point I had 132 Soldiers by myself, written over 350 counseling statements during my tenure, spent countless hours mentoring, trained Soldiers to pass their PT test who didn't pass out of basic (yes really), watched Soldiers graduate and help send some back to the house, have had rough but fun times with my Battles, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Do it, these new Soldiers need outstanding leadership. Teach them what being an NCO really is. This is the perfect opportunity for growth in your career.

Response by Jordan Gaudard made Aug 8 at 2016 12:20 AM

2016-08-08T00:20:31-04:00

When the board results come out, I'll let you know if it was worth it for me or not. The problem is, it is very competitive, lots of skill, professionalism, and grade A personalities are selected for the job.