For career progression, is there a difference between being a Medical PSG in maneuver battalion vs Charlie Med Evac PSG?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 22:50:02 -0400

So question for all the Senior Enlisted medics out there, is there a difference between being a PSG in a maneuver battalion vs being the evac PSG in a Charlie Med? As far as career progression goes?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2018 4:48 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 04:48:08 -0400

There’s no difference a PSG is a PSG job may be different but the title is still the same... you want to know what you need to do for career progression go to the ACT page on AKO and look at the career map. Find you a CSM/SGM (medical branch of course) and list them as your mentor and let them guide your career

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2018 7:59 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 07:59:01 -0400

Career wise, you are checking the block for the Leadership Track with either assignment. But I would recommend taking the C Med assignment. Like SFC Nixon stated, people will know your MOS and it’s function. They will also know your career path and will have connections with other local medical units, which can open door to opportunities once your PSG time is fulfilled.

After you get your 18-24 months, find yourself an Operations job and start working the Staff Track for 68W. This will place you in MED BN/BDE or CSH S3 shop. It’s important for you to get both staff and leadership time to demonstrate to the E8 board that you are well-rounded. Throw in some good NCOERs with these two assignments and you’re a shoe-in for MSG.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2018 10:15 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 10:15:56 -0400

As the previous MSG said, you need both leadership and staff time. As a strictly combat arms medic I would advise you to take the C Med assignment. The board looks for someone who is well rounded. If you have never been in a medical unit they can see that as a weakness in your record. I heard so many times that I wasn’t well rounded because I was always assigned to combat arms. Show them you can do both, then get to a staff position and attend Battle Staff.

Response by SSG Dave Johnston made Jul 27 at 2018 12:38 AM

SSG Dave Johnston — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 00:38:37 -0400

Your post doesn't state if you've done time in a CBT ARMS Unit. If you have that experience than move to the Charlie Med. Its frustrating to CBT Arms senior NCOs to have to explain to a fellow NCO how INF/ART/AR Bn. functions, even at the FSB its gets touchy... and those subordinates in the PLT... if you've never been in CBT Arms till making E-7; you might be a Rodney Dangerfield.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2018 7:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Jul 2018 07:41:49 -0400

I know it’s been said already but Platoon Sergeant time is Platoon Sergeant time no matter if it’s a Combat Arms unit or Charlie Med. I’ve always been told that the board looks for diversity in your career as a 68W leader. When you stay in one particular area, for example FORSCOM, you are not sharing that knowledge anywhere else like a TDA or MEDDAC. If you have never been in a Charlie Med, I would recommend you going there. I had an abundance of leadership and school opportunities. I was even the Ground Ambulance Platoon Sergeant. I found my time in a Charlie Med just as rewarding as when I was a Company Senior Line Medic. What is ultimately going to get you promoted is the success of your Soldiers. When you move from SSG to SFC, it’s not about what you do anymore, it’s about how you have impacted your unit, company, Battalion, etc. I hope my two pennies helps. Please feel free to reach out to me at anytime

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2019 8:42 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 20:42:45 -0400

Pull up the Bios on the current CSMs in your career field and see if there is a trend. I’d speculate that the folks that stay at or near Fort Sam or the new command in Virginia will be these ones that move up the ladder. We need to be honest here and state it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. I could be totally wrong but I’m at Fort Sam.