AIT vs NCOA Instructor

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 01:59:29 -0500

I recently PCSed to Ft Huachuca and I'm currently assigned as an AIT instructor at my MOS' schoolhouse. There is a possibility to volunteer to move over to be an instructor at the NCOA for SLC. Which position (AIT or NCOA) do you feel is the better one? Take everything into consideration: job satisfaction, more challenging position, better standing for promotion boards, work schedule, etc. I'm curious to hear other people's opinions.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 2:04 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 02:04:05 -0500

I would think that being in a position to teach new soldiers their job skill would have tremendous satisfaction. I think both positions should weigh equally for recognition (boards and the like), although the army seems to think that NCOA means more because of the instructor badge and the promotion points you get from earning one.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 20 at 2014 2:22 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 02:22:53 -0500

As a career SFC my advice may not count for much. I worked at ANCOC at Rucker teaching 15-series and then switched to Warrior Academics (teaching cockpit procedures for the OH-58D). I got much more enjoyment working with pilots who were eager to learn vs. NCO's who mostly "knew it all" already. Lots of one-ups-manship. Your TRADOC instructor experience will show diversity in assignments already so I would go for what interests you more. There are plenty of CSM's on RallyPoint that will have better intel than I do.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 8:07 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 08:07:05 -0500

SFC Purdom,
I personally feel that being an AIT Instructor is more rewarding and provides more satisfaction. For me, the job would be more satisfying. If I were to be an SLC Instructor, it would be more of a challege based on all the personalities and the NCOs that felt they already knew everything prior to coming there. I think that as for promotions, it doesn't really matter based on the fact that you're already in TRADOC and labeled as an Instructor. As a prior SFC, I wanted to be a Drill Sergeant just to have an impact on the newest and brightest minds of our fighting force.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 10:58 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 10:58:15 -0500

NCOA SGL hands-down. I miss having junior enlisted subordinates and watching them grow, but there's worse.
NCOAs tend to get a lot of good professional development, and they're a hotbed for INCOPD experiments in TRADOC. You'll be in an all NCO environment in which you'll have mentors that can help you get your records and other actions straight for career success.

Finally, you will see the same satisfaction in developing NCOs. I try to stay in contact with all my former students who are willing to do so and I use RallyPoint for it.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 5:21 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 17:21:53 -0500

If you're going to be an SGL at the NCOA then run away fast. The issue I see with Army instructors ( at least when I did it) is that we are regulated by the POI. In my case the POI was so outdated that it served no purpose; however I had to teach it. I was counseled on many occasions for going outside the POI with my AIT classes, but that's another story. I I would recommend that you start first with AIT and get your feet wet on the Podium

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 6:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:06:06 -0500

Lots of good responses and opinions. Always interested to see how professional conversations go. Let me throw another curveball into the equation: I just came off the trail as a BCT Drill Sergeant... in fact, some of the students going through AIT here were actually my Soldiers in Basic. Any new opinions/discussion with that in mind? And, GO!

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Nov 20 at 2014 6:24 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:24:51 -0500

Doesn't the NCOA gig get you some uniform flare now?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 6:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 18:34:33 -0500

SFC Private RallyPoint Member , I would personally stick with the AIT. I would do so for the opportunity to shape younger Soldiers' minds. There is certainly more opportunity to "Soldier" with younger troops than with other SNCOs. Just my opinion though...

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Nov 20 at 2014 10:50 PM

SSG Leonard J W. — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 22:50:25 -0500

SFC Purdom,
You posed an interesting question. I personally feel that it is dependent most upon the person and their characteristics.

However, I have had the opportunity to observe ALC and SLC instructors and compare them to AIT Instructors. The AIT Instructors seem to have a much greater level of job satisfaction. The NCOA Instructors seem to be pissed off and on eggshells most of the time. This may not always be the case, but I've met very few NCOA Instructors that seemed pleased with their job.

I have been an ITRO (Intraservice Training Review Organization) AIT Instructor for almost 22 months. I have always felt very rewarded and pleased with my position. I have served as the course NCOIC for 2 of those months now. This is a very high visibility position because three other branches are also trained in the course. The job has become much more demanding, of course, but I feel that it is even more rewarding. I have biweekly tours of BOLC students, and I get to impress the relevance and skills of my MOS upon them. I also occasionally get PCC (pre-command course) tours, and I have that same opportunity with LTCs and CSMs. I also still have the opportunity to instruct when NCOs are attending schools or away at appointments. I personally cannot think of a more rewarding position within my MOS.

I hope that helps a bit...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 7:36 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 07:36:56 -0500

I would take the NCOA at SLC. It is a job the most do not get the opportunity to hold. You learn more and get to influence leaders and peers. Promotion is great too.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 12:38 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 12:38:50 -0500

As an NCO who has taught the 68W AIT course, WLC and the 68 Series ALC, I couldn't let this discussion pass without commenting. All 3 have been enjoyable, I remember being in the operational Army and asking "what are they teaching you down there" so I became an AIT instructor, and my eyes were opened. Its not the POI it is truly the caliber of soldiers in the army today, and the system. I taught WLC in Germany and we had a close knit group, full of mentors, we looked out for each other and had a lot of fun. Now I'm teaching ALC and it is fun as well, but the group is not as tight. You work more hours at the Academy, but you get better opportunities, I.E. promotions, boards, and you get to meet some of the people that sit on the promotion board, Great mentorship. There is no greater duty than training, and for me AIT is where that training really starts to take shape. I have learned so much from each and every position I have had as an instructor. My advice would be if you can teach at the academy, go for it, challenge yourself, because the NCO's that walk into your class will challenge you to be better each and every day...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2015 9:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 15 May 2015 09:16:26 -0400

Thank you for asking this question. I am trying to get assigned to Fort Huachuca as an instructor as soon as I am able to leave fort hood. I wasn't sure which position I would rather be in (either AIT or ALC SGL). The comments have been informative. Good luck with your decision!