How many SGM/CSM's have served as an OC or OC/T at any of the Combat Training Centers during your career?

CSM Carl Cunningham — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 00:03:41 -0500

I never served as an OC/T during my career until I became a SGM. I find it a rewarding, but challenging job because the schedule seems never ending, especially since the scenario has changed from the COIN to the DATE.

I have not had the opportunity to serve on a centralized promotion board, so I wonder just how many CSM/SGM's in our population have the knowledge and experience of what an OC/T truly does? The more rotations I serve at the NTC, the more I see mis-conceptions from RTU's of what life is like as an OC/T.

OC/T's do not get extra pay, an SQI, etc, so I wonder how much weight being an OC/T holds on a promotion board. As a SGM, how do you feel you would weight having served as an OC/T. Thanks!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 14 at 2015 2:20 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 02:20:32 -0500

Being retired, never served on one of these boards, but I'm guess it is an assignment like any other. I believe each assignment has it's advantages and increases our knowledge. Case in point: As a SGM, I was the NCOIC of the USNSE and all U.S. forces assigned to NATO HQ at the time in Pristina. This allowed me to cross over with all services and our allies. I obtained experience and knowledge from this assignment I'd get no where else, and that knowledge did come in handy in my later assignments. I think more weight would be put into how one handles the assignment and grows from it.

Response by CSM David Hopkins made Nov 16 at 2015 11:27 PM

CSM David Hopkins — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 23:27:55 -0500

I served as an OC/T when I was a SSG at the JRTC. Back then (Dec 97-May 01) it was no different than your experience now, a very rewarding assignment for me personally and professionally. I cannot imagine what my career would have been like had I not been afforded that opportunity. I learned so much from every unit that rotated through and I learned doctrine well above my rank as well. I felt that not only were the rotational units better prepared for their wartime mission, but I was better prepared to return to a deployable unit and lead Soldiers again.
I also have not sat on a Centralized Promotion Board but would welcome the opportunity. I think that I would be better set up for preparing my NCOs to compete at that level. Until you have the done it all you can do is speculate as to how to prepare and what the panel members look for, based off others experiences.

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Nov 17 at 2015 2:51 PM

CSM Mike Maynard — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 14:51:25 -0500

I served as an O/C from 2000-2002 and was selected for MSG while there. Now, I also attained my bachelor's and was inducted into SAMA while there also. But, O/C duty was listed on the proponent packet at the time, so I have to think it helped. Nowadays there is no packet, only the 600-25, so, it would need to be in there for it to carry the maximum weight.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2015 10:10 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 10:10:33 -0500

OCT is a broadening assignment at the ASI 6S level. There is great value in what you learn and as a building block for your next assignment. BDE Ops or something at that level which is ASI 7S. The schedule is always an issue. Much like Drill Sergeant. You have your schedule and theirs. You need to be present for both. That was the hardest thing. Be there when they wake up and when the go to bed and, oh by the way, do your paperwork, slides, reference materials and supply issues. It's rewarding and a good opportunity to learn things that might not be in your current bag of tricks.