I'm a T32 AGR CPT looking for some mentorship. What should I do next?

2018-02-08T13:20:13-05:00

I have a meeting with my state's full time senior leadership coming up to discuss career progression and future goals. In light of this, I'd like to have at least some semblance of a plan put together. Without posting my entire ORB, here's the basics of my career.
-11 years TIS, 3 years TIG, 4 years active time, 1 year AGR
-Primary AOC: 11A, Secondary AOCs: 19A, 19B
-2 combat deployments
-Company Command complete
-Currently assigned as BN AS3. This is my only staff position.
-MS degree and MCCC Complete
-Pathfinder School Graduate, currently enrolled in Air Assault this spring.

Due to Officer Strength policies in my state, my first look at MAJ won't come until 2021. I'll probably rotate into at least one more O3 position before promotion. There aren't really any other O3 AGR positions in my BDE, which means I'll be looking at a broadening assignment of some kind. We have RTI, R&R, and ROTC billets in my state, along with NGMTC, JFHQ, and DCS positions. Having limited experience with most of these organizations I'm not sure what the best option would be.

Education is another area we're going to discuss at the meeting. ILE isn't an option right now due to current NGB policies. (I don't meet the TIG requirement) Functional courses are an option, but Ranger and Airborne are likely out due to me being AGR. The question is which ones should I ask for? My leadership is supportive of me going to schools as long as they're a month or less.

I've already engaged with my leadership on this, but the feedback was pretty minimal. I'm hoping I'll find some broader perspectives here. Any advice would be appreciated.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 4:41 PM

2018-02-08T16:41:05-05:00

Sir,
My Cadre OIC as a CPT took an ROTC APMS Billet and went on to become a Major to finish CGSC.
JFHQ would not be a bad either. I'll try to reach out to him and let you know.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2018 10:07 PM

2018-02-08T22:07:11-05:00

It really depends on how the leadership in your state feels about progression. One thing I will tell you is not to try and compare your AGR career to your friends that are on AD....The time lines will never match up. AGR careers are typically much longer and promoted much slower. If you can get someone to give you a copy of the SPIMS document for your state you can look and see what branch has the most positions in the O4 & O5 spots. In my state it is 90A. In most states you will need to have several branches to have a better chance of being 'eligible' for vacant positions when the reassignment board meets. Also, seek out the other positions besides Training.....get some experience as a 1 and 4. If you are lucky enough to have a BCT you might get away with having 1 branch but unless you are one of the rare superstars, more branches is better. I would tend to agree with the 2LT that posted also...JFHQ is a place that no one wants to be but all the states real decision makers are there. You can do the best job that has ever been done out in the field but if no one at JFHQ knows who you are those with less skill and ability that are know by the 06's, will pass you by. I hope your state has a better program or process for Officer management than mine....Most of us, in my state, feel that there is no real plan at all for Officer progression. Seek out the 'hard' positions in your state...whatever the top leadership thinks those to be, and do well in them. I know that is vague but I've seen different values from state to state.

FYI about me.. I came to the AGR side after 19yrs M-day. Just crossed the 32year mark for total time.