How do you work with branch managers to help advance your career?

2016-05-26T07:36:52-04:00

my branch manager is not helping me with assignments. I have been in airborne units my whole career and she refuses to send me any where but airborne units. Has anyone had to deal with a branch manager who does not help them? How did you deal with it?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 7:43 AM

2016-05-26T07:43:57-04:00

well, its a good thing you're on here, research and see who's above them.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 26 at 2016 7:57 AM

2016-05-26T07:57:56-04:00

You have been in 6 years, had two assignments, are an E5 Sergeant and are JUST now even on the radar for a branch manager. Frankly, there has been nothing to manage.. E-1 through E4 are simply assigned a open line number... A SGT E5 when it comes time to PCS will get MINIMAL consideration for the next assignment..... as there is little in your career to be managed at this point. No special assignments, no required jobs and duties to have been in.

You are a needs of the Army SM, period, you have no special talents (MOS wise) no special needs for placement.. likely your jump status coupled with your chosen MOS will drive every assignment as long as you are in... Branch managers have AB slots to fill, not many jump status Medical Logistics Specialist to fill them.. that means you go to where they need you...BUT you can often choose which of the available slots you want to go to. As your career needs managing , like say you make SSG, complete your time successfully as a section leader (or whatever the appropriate job title is for a SSG Medical Logistics Specialist) it might be time to assign you a special duty, DS, Recruiter, ect...then move in.

Or you can ask for and earn something that trumps your normal branch manager, get selected for AWG, SF, Delta...and then you will go exactly where THAT branch manager tells you to.