I have a documented speech impediment in my records. I am on orders to the AIT Platoon SGT Course. Could they turn me away once I arrive?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 09:56:43 -0400

My immediate supervisor (MSG) suggests that I don't attend. However, my BN CSM recommends that I shouldn't take myself out, he told me that if it's really an issue, to let them send me back and that it will not reflect negatively on my 1059. I spoke to the Chief Instructor of the course and he recommends that I do not attend because I have to be able to clearly pitch the modules and that my speech impediment (stutter) may prevent me from doing so. I don't always stutter, but when I do, it's really bad. I am also serving as Platoon Sergeant now of a maintenance platoon and do not have an issue with carrying out my duties. My only concern is the course itself, not the duties of platoon sergeant once I get to AIT. Should I attend the course anyway or get with branch to delete my assignment now?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 27 at 2016 10:04 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 10:04:46 -0400

You do not have a personal choice to not attend. In 2013 Failure to show up at an ATRRS course like that (DS, AIT PSG or recruiter) was cause for the Div G3 SGM once a month to have a video conference with the Army G3, SMA and a host of others, doing a by name explanation why "my" SM did not attend the so ordered course.

You must be officially dropped from the course if you do not wish to attend.
As that is not likely to happen on short notice unless a host of folks get on board quickly..., plan on going, If you show and are dropped from the course for medical reasons that will be looked at in a much better light then failure to show... so make the plans to attend, do everything as if your going, orders process, DTS, GTC, travel, dog sitter, POV storage plans..as if yoru leaving 24 hours prior to your report date....its easy to rescind orders and cancel the rest, its VERY hard to get it all done last minute...
If you're BN, then BDE, then Div CSM agree, its better you not attend, because it is setting you and the unit up for a faile... its an easy fix for the Div CSM.. it's a phone call followed up by an email with some supporting documentation. I did it many times on behalf of one of our BDE CSM's or the Div CSM at fort Hood.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Sep 27 at 2016 10:36 AM

SFC J Fullerton — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 10:36:06 -0400

I would advise that you put your best foot forward and give it a shot. If they decide to drop you because of your speech, it should be an admin drop and not an academic or disciplinary one. However, what surprises me is that there isn't a prescreening process for this course and position that would screen you out if speech and ability to clearly communicate is necessary. DS and Recruiter are two courses and positions that have this criteria, and a strict prescreening process. NCO's that do not fit the criteria in the prescreen are not selected, therefore face no adverse actions for not attending. Doesn't mean you cannot perform as an NCO in your MOS, it just means you do not meet the requirements for this billet / special duty assignment. If I were you, I would find out if your speech impediment is a disqualifier for the course/position per regulation. If it is, then ensure your documented condition is properly presented to the school. If it is not, then go forth with your best effort and let the chips fall where they may. Good Luck

Response by SSgt Stephanie Luck made Sep 27 at 2016 12:36 PM

SSgt Stephanie Luck — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 12:36:54 -0400

Believe in yourself. Excel where you can the most and you can do it. Don't give into the anxiety of failure. Best of luck.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 1:55 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 13:55:59 -0400

I agree with SGM Erik Marquez and would recommend you work with your CSMs to get the assignment/school deleted. I say this because regardless of what people are telling you, once you are in the school you are subject to the standard. If you cannot meet the standard chances are the 1059 will reflect that. Attending the course and serving as an AIT PSG would be great for your career however, attending and not meeting the standards will not. Not attending/serving will not affect your career. I am sure your BN, BDE, DIV CSM will understand your speech impediment and work with branch to have the assignment deleted.

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Sep 27 at 2016 2:28 PM

SFC Everett Oliver — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 14:28:03 -0400

While only you can answer this I'll tell you that no one ever stopped me from doing what I wanted to do. If you want the job go get it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 3:45 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 15:45:40 -0400

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. -M. Jordan

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Sep 27 at 2016 4:33 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 16:33:12 -0400

We had a Drill Sergeant in 1982 Infantry OSUT that nobody could understand his D&C commands from some Island somewhere nobody heard of in the South Pacific. The other NCO's helped him out and they worked around it with his assignments like Cadre should, he was there full cycle and the cycle following at least. He had our respect too regardless of the speech issue. I see the other comments and maybe the Army is stricter in this area now.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2016 9:07 PM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 21:07:14 -0400

Attend, knowledge and training should be given regardless; this is. It to say that I would recommend you stand in front of people for a living, but there is no reason they cannot train and develop you. I would argue that we have an obligation to train and develop our subordinates and thus should invest in you.

Response by Jordan Gaudard made Sep 28 at 2016 12:53 AM

Jordan Gaudard — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 00:53:52 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member I am currently an AIT Platoon sergeant at DLIFLC in Monterey CA. So I am speaking from experience when I talk about this course. It won't be easy for you to beat the speech impediment, I won't sugar coat that. However, it will be the most rewarding thing you do in your career to become an AIT platoon sergeant. I am glad I didn't self select to get out of it.

My recommendation to you, go to the Fort Jackson website and start to memorize all of the modules. Those modules do not change, and the more you practice with them the better you will get. If you watch the FT Jackson videos, they will show you what the demonstrator need to do. Have someone in your unit help you with that, and it becomes easy. Have the first three memorized before you get there, that's "Position of Attention" "Rest Positions while at the halt" "Hand salute"

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2016 6:05 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 18:05:56 -0400

I do not believe so. There are very few courses and positions that a speech impediment would disqualify you from taking. Apply for everything you can - they worst thing anyone can say is no.

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Sep 28 at 2016 6:20 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 18:20:39 -0400

I AGREE IT WOULD BE SOMETHING YOU WOULD NOT WANT TO GO TO AND THEN FIND OUT WHEN YOU GET THERE. YOU DON'T WANT TO PUT YOURSELF IN THAT SITUATION.
I FORGET IT. SSG MARK FRANZEN US ARMY VETERAN

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Feb 7 at 2019 2:14 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 14:14:57 -0500

You lead now, yes! You can lead anywhere. No offense, while MSG is very respectable and a lofty roll in the Army, I would always accept the wisdom of a CSM regarding general experience in the Army. Thank you for your service.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2019 4:58 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Feb 2019 16:58:05 -0500

Your BN CSM said go, so chances of a cancellation that route is nil. Guess those responding with that believe raising an issue more than once will result in a different answer.
I have had instructors that stuttered who were successful. The reason that they were successful is that when they began to stutter they stopped and collected themselves. They maintained their military bearing and they insisted the student and their peers maintained there military bearing. I had one instructor who's hands shook very badly because of a medical condition who was demonstrating the use of a hairline using a compass on an overhead projector and it was obvious that he was going to stick his finger. When he stuck his finger a couple of students chuckled, and he set them on fire, which kept the whole class in order. Don't let people laugh at you or anyone else's medical conditions and don't use one as a crutch. I am not saying that you are trying to use yours as a crutch, what I am saying is if you want to take that job you take that job. If the course managers want to dismiss you from the course based on your medical condition and if you cannot deliver the instruction as is necessary, then you will have gone and done your best. Don't let others limit you.
By the way a check out some of the videos and other information from Steve Harvey who used to stutter very badly. They had an immediate Improvement.
Also, I would suggest you consider seeing what is available through Tricare to help you regardless of the outcome of this course.