Is it possible to re-up for airborne and request Bragg? Also, can somebody give me some insight on Bragg and Campbell?

2020-02-15T21:11:15-05:00

Coming up on my re-enlistment window here soon, is it possible to re-up for airborne and request Bragg? Also, I’m considering Campbell as well, can somebody give me some insight on both units? I’ve visited Campbell before, and really enjoyed it. The wife wants to be closer to home. (VA) I’m trying to deploy, I’ve been part of 3/10 at Fort Polk, and honestly anything has to be better then here.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 9:17 PM

2020-02-15T21:17:44-05:00

Re-up for airborne if that’s what you wanna do going to bragg doesn’t guarantee you airborne school.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 9:18 PM

2020-02-15T21:18:40-05:00

For your first question, you career counselor can answer that. Otherwise, go to Bragg dude. You'll deploy, you'll get airborne, you'll be REALLY close to VA, and career progression opportunities are almost as glod there as benning.

Response by SMSgt David Hammer made Feb 15 at 2020 9:21 PM

2020-02-15T21:21:07-05:00

You enjoyed Ft. Campbell and it will make your wife happy. Sounds like the decision has been made.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 9:26 PM

2020-02-15T21:26:57-05:00

You should go to NTC next.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 9:36 PM

2020-02-15T21:36:56-05:00

If you go Airborne you don't get to pick your follow on assignment. Alaska is understrength on 11B right now so that's where you'd (most likely) go. Campbell is a good choice if location is important. It's one of those units that people always request to return to. The posts I've had the most people try to get back to after being there once are Bragg, Campbell, 4/25 Alaska, and Stewart.

Response by SPC Joey Martinez made Feb 15 at 2020 11:10 PM

2020-02-15T23:10:39-05:00

You don’t necessarily have to re-enlist Airborne to go Bragg. Bragg also has a leg section, talk to your recruiter see what they have to say.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2020 11:21 PM

2020-02-15T23:21:44-05:00

You could always submit a packet for the Old Guard. They’re located in VA and they afford some very unique opportunities.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Feb 16 at 2020 12:12 AM

2020-02-16T00:12:07-05:00

You can do one or the other, not both. My suggestion would be to Request Bragg. It is an Airborne posting which means that units there get slots in the school and you can either request to go or simply wait and you will likely be slotted to go. Win win for you and your wife.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2020 1:37 AM

2020-02-16T01:37:05-05:00

Talk to your career counselor he should be able to let you know what options are available. All I can really tell you is that Airborne is cool, but there's a reason that you automatically get 20% VA rating off the bat if you manage to retire! You are very likely to get hurt! But it's a rewarding experience and if you have a positive attitude you'll like Bragg! I had a good time there and most of the time schools and stuff are easy to come by if you have a good attitude and a PT stud

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2020 4:36 AM

2020-02-16T04:36:21-05:00

They both have access to great outdoors stuff. Don't know about the bases specifically, just the areas. The ocean is closer to Bragg, mountains within reach of both. Good hunting and fishing, some of the best near Campbell. Beyond that, the usual - fast food joints, strip bars, pawn shops, and bail bondsmen.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2020 7:40 AM

2020-02-16T07:40:21-05:00

I went through Bragg 2010-'14, met my wife there. She was with the enginneer's. But I don't ever want to go back if I can help it. Here's what I think:

North Carolina is wonderful for the most part, it's a lot of fun. I wasn't on the maneuver side of things, but I can say the work tempo wasn't great. Some of the worst leadership I've ever had was at the 82nd. People were burnt out or just straight up unethical leaders. And it seems that no unit is more concerned about AR 670-1 than the 82nd. My good friend is infantry and has deployed with them. He enjoyed it mostly, but I remember him sharing the same sentiment about leadership. He's back there now, but two pay grades higher, thinks it's about the same.

So, I would say the stereotype holds true, the 82nd is one of the hardest units to be in. If you go and perform well, it can be great for your career. But, it will be hard on your family.

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Feb 16 at 2020 10:43 AM

2020-02-16T10:43:53-05:00

My first reenlistment was from Campbell to Bragg. I re-enlisted for jump school enroute to Bragg. It was the best decision I ever made. I spent the next 22 years at Bragg. They say once you get there you never leave. I can tell you, that has a lot of truth to it. Good luck with your decision.

Response by CPL Dennis Clark made Feb 16 at 2020 5:26 PM

2020-02-16T17:26:01-05:00

I served at Campbell. One thing I could tell you about both Bragg and Campbell is that they're both extremely hard core. They expect you to maintain a PT test score of 278, or above, and they hold higher standards than other posts because both the 101st Airborne Division, as well as the 82nd, have a reputation to keep. It all boils down to how far you are willing to go, and if you can handle the physical stress. Airborne school can be tough, and intimidating; there is a lot to learn but Air Assault school, at Campbell, is the hardest "qualification" school in the Army; a lot to learn, within three weeks, and is extremely physical (101 4-count reps of everything, during PT, and 10, elevated diamond push-ups, with 45 pound rucksack, followed by 10 pull-ups, with ruck, twice a day (upon entry and exit of the school) are standard). When it is coming close to time for you to re-up you are going to get a visit from the Career Counsiler, and I'm telling you right now: they will bend over backwards, and practically kiss your ass, to try and give you whatever you want, to get you to re-enlist. You tell them you want Bragg, or Campbell, they will do anything in their power to make sure you get it. It might be different now but back when I was serving, Fort Bragg dealt strictly with Airborne, not Air Assault (which is what I was), so it's possible that you would have to go to Airborne School at Benning to be stationed at Bragg. Are the wings necessary to serve there? No but if you don't want to be looked at as an outcast, a reject, "dirty leg," or a chewed-up pussy, you had better get those wings. If you go to Fort Campbell they have their own Air Assault school there, so you don't have to worry about going to another post to get Air Assault wings. That being said, there is a lot of pride to be had for serving in the 101st because there are a lot of stuff that they are famous for, that civilians know about, as well as other countries throughout the world (they have great respect for the 101st)... Hamburger Hill, Band of Brothers, etc. Many people around the world know all about the 101st Airborne Division. They heard that I was an American Soldier... They showed respect. Then they heard I was in the 101st Airborne Division and they practically started bowing, and treating me like royalty. I knew we were hardcore, and I knew that we have a lot of history but I had no idea it would be that powerful. All depends on what you are really looking for. If you want to deal with paratrooping then the 82nd is the way to go. If you want to deal with helicopters, sling loads, and repelling, then the 101st is the way to go.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2020 7:11 PM

2020-02-16T19:11:46-05:00

It is /POSSIBLE/, but only your career counselor can say. I tried and got turned down (only offered PDA at Fort Polk). I chose to walk. Good luck!

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made Feb 20 at 2020 6:26 PM

2020-02-20T18:26:14-05:00

I spent 10 years at Bragg and 5 at Campbell, At times you can re-enlist for those options when there are shortages for your MOS, most times not. Both posts were about the same to me. You get out of it what you put into it. I loved my time.

Response by SPC Zachary Brombacher made Feb 22 at 2020 2:40 PM

2020-02-22T14:40:53-05:00

If you want Airborne the don’t go to Campbell nothing but legs there. Go to Bragg 82nd Abn best group of soldier’s to work with outside of special operations

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 23 at 2020 9:37 AM

2020-02-23T09:37:45-05:00

Currently stationed at Campbell. Great for career progression. 2nd best PRC (PRE RANGER COURSE) behind WTC at Benning itself. Air Assault, Pathfinder, Airborne (once you pass Ranger), FRIES/SPIES. Just a ton of opportunity. Plus deployments, just got back from Syria late last year. Bragg would be our Airborne equivalent, plus/minus a few differences.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2020 9:15 PM

2020-04-22T21:15:06-04:00

I called my branch manager and asked him if it was possible to reenlist with choice of station and airborne school and he said yes. Give your branch manager a call or e-mail them and see what they say. It worked for me and I would have been in my new station if it wasn't for this stop movement ordeal.