Do you think your service component's assignment process is fair?

SGM Matthew Quick — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 15:32:25 -0500

Why or why not and what changes would you like to see about the assignment process?

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 5 at 2013 3:40 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 15:40:39 -0500

Professional Development NCOs (PDNCOs) and Assignment Managers should assign based on three criteria. (1) Needs of the Army. What needs to be filled now? Maybe it is a nominative assignment, a priority fill, etc. (2) Professional Development of the Soldier. Is this the next assignment that this Soldier needs for professional growth? (3) Soldier preference. Where does the Soldier want to go? Maybe that is based off of ASK preferences, phone calls, email, etc. That was how the process worked when I worked as the Schools Manager in Armor Branch at PERSCOM "back in the day."

It is great when all three align and "everyone" is satisfied. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. There are a lot of variables that go into placing a Soldier on requisition also. Things like time on station, rank, dwell time, dual military, EFMP, etc. In my opinion, I believe the process is about as fair as it can be.

Response by SFC Josh Watson made Dec 5 at 2013 3:51 PM

SFC Josh Watson — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 15:51:05 -0500

I'd like to see a Declination of Continued Service Statement of some sort for careerists. Example: a guy/gal is retiring at 20 years, but comes down on assignment at 17 or 18 years and wants to retire at his/her current duty location. A statement saying that this individual will retire at 20 years, a binding document if you will. This would help in forecasting losses to the Army, saving money by not moving a family, and peace of mind for the Family involved. The only thing remotely close to this is the "retire in lieu of PCS" option at 19.5 years. In my opinion, that's not acceptable. Just my two cents.