How should I approach SFAB in the future?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2020 21:24:43 -0400

In January of this year I tried out for SFAB at Ft Carson, I was interviewed by a 1SG, CSM and LTC and the official reason was lack of growth and development, I was physically fit and didn't really do anything wrong. I do believe that the reason I did not get selected was because I was on drill orders, lack of tab as 11B, no airborne, no air assault and zero combat deployments just ultimately a lack of experience. Have only been a squad leader for about a year but and the previous year was as a section leader just the cards I was dealt so honestly I don't blame them. What I am getting at is that I would like to take another shot at SFAB, not going to lie I was a little poopy I didn't get selected but after my time on the trail should I give shot then or should I wait until after I have drill and tab.

Response by SFC James Cameron made May 2 at 2020 9:50 PM

SFC James Cameron — Sat, 02 May 2020 21:50:28 -0400

You could just skip the bs and drop a SFAS packet. From everything I have seen they’re pretending to be something they are not.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 2 at 2020 10:46 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 May 2020 22:46:36 -0400

Since Carson jas more build and train time they can be pickier than the other SFABs.
That being said, SFAB can get people out of drill orders stupid easy. One of my guys on my SFAB team were on drill orders and dropped a SFAB packet. Most of the 11Bs in my battalion were tabless. Just give it another go at a later date if it's something you want to do.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made May 3 at 2020 12:03 AM

MSG John Duchesneau — Sun, 03 May 2020 00:03:48 -0400

"lack of tab as 11B, no airborne, no air assault and zero combat deployments" I think that's your answer. Oh yes, it translates to "lack of growth and development" in official language or, like you said, a lack of experience. The SFAB is looking for soldiers who are "a cut above" and there seems to be nothing in your resume to say that you are. Try to get a tour in Afghanistan and if you don't get hurt and come back with a CIB and a Bronze Star they might reconsider you. BTW - its not fair, but soldiers with wings, tabs, badges and/or a combat patch tend to look down on those who don't have them. I'm just being straight with you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 2:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 02:36:15 -0400

Where you trying to ultimately go? I’m with 3rd and I know Ft Hood is trying to fill slots since we’re losing a lot of guys after deployment.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 9:11 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 09:11:01 -0400

It had nothing to do with lack of wings.
Lack of a combat deployment was probably the deciding factor on "development".
The job is to train, advise and assist for combat or during combat, and combat experience is at the top of the requirements list.
A Ranger tab makes you a more sound instructor on small unit tactics, and the trail makes you a more sound instructor in general.
If you can get Ranger School while on the trail, that's about the max you can do to set yourself up for the next interview.

Or just go to SFAS.
They have been doing the same thing for a lot longer.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 12:38 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 12:38:01 -0400

Don’t limit yourself to Fort Carson. I recommend looking at all SFABs. If you meet the criteria put in a 4187 and go to SFAB Assessment and Selection. The Army will put you where they need you. When I was a battery commander I sent a few 4187s to my BC for NCOs who did t have combat deployments under their belt but they were damn good at what they did. Don’t give up and don’t limit yourself. 5th SFAB at JBLM is also still recruiting.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2020 1:27 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 May 2020 13:27:40 -0400

After drill you will be a pretty seasoned E6, you are losing opportunities for different stuff. SFAB is the "flavor of the year" and will soon be like any other unit. Take your drill time and do your research and prep for what you want to do, where you want your career going, etc. Remember SFAB is just an assignment, other opportunities are reclassing or a different career management program. Do you want to stay Infantry? Do you want to do something else? Do you want Infantry but not work as an Infantryman? All three are possible.
SFAB has some weird incentives like not needing NCOES to pin the next rank. However, they are pulling you out of being a squad leader for 3 years, you'll likely get promoted and then get sent back to the regular Infantry with barely any experience running a squad except now running a platoon. Everyone likes fast promotions and more money...but the unit suffers from a lack of properly experienced Soldiers.
I was put into the S3 for 3 years once as a junior E6, then PCS'd and they wanted to make me the Senior Scout, I declined because I'd been off the line for so long and needed to sort of "relearn" platoon life and the job of running a Scout Section, and it made the platoon better by not having essentially a cherry SSG running everything.
Do your research, choose your career.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2020 9:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2020 21:44:08 -0400

Why do you want to go SFAB? What are your long term goals?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2020 12:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 May 2020 00:55:07 -0400

If you are within 30 days of your report date for Drill, then SFAB cannot get you out of your orders but you can go to assessment once you have completed 18 months on the trail. It’s the deal they worked out since so many people dropped SFAB packets to get out of drill orders.

As an 11B, you must be KD complete to put your packet in because they don’t want to hinder your career development. They will make exceptions if they really need the bodies, and unfortunately there are plenty of 11Bs around.

As for badges, tabs, and deployments, of course they always make you look good but there are some 11Bs in my BDE that have none of that. Where they lack in shiny stuff, they make up for it in knowledge, fitness, character, and performance.

I say go for it if you really want it, but it’s not all the glitz and glam people make it out to be. There are major kinks that still need to be worked out. I think in a few years it will be smoothed out a little and better for the Soldiers in the organization.
Good luck!