ROTC Professor of Military Science Career Choice?

2014-03-18T08:10:48-04:00

For those who have served as ROTC PMS, are serving as ROTC PMS, or have a perspective based on others they have seen:

What is the perception of those MAJ/LTCs who serve as ROTC PMS?

Is this a good career choice?

Are our best officers selecting this and is the Army choosing the right officers for these positions?

Is ROTC PMS a 'final' job assignment?

How much impact does a ROTC PMS truly have on the officers they commission?

Response by MSG Phil Herndon made Mar 18 at 2014 8:40 AM

2014-03-18T08:40:50-04:00

Just from my observation in the years I've followed Officer promotions, I've never known a LTC that took PMS assignment make COL. Not saying it didn't happen, but it's a dead end as far as I've witnessed. Except the teachers at the Academies. I forgot about them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 9:22 PM

2014-04-14T21:22:29-04:00

Our G3 is a COL who's prior assignment was a PMS. She is well on her way to BG.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 10:02 PM

2014-04-14T22:02:07-04:00

Sir,

Here is my insight as an AG officer..

It is a good career broadening assignment but for LTC grade officers, BN command or senior staff positions should be the focus for career advancement. PMS has a unique position of molding and shaping cadets into brand new officers (such as myself) into leaders. Some take pride in developing outstanding leaders and being part of something the Army in that way.

Hope this was helpful.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2014 6:26 AM

2014-05-16T06:26:44-04:00

With recent ROTC PMS Boards now considering former Battalion Commanders to serve as PMS, does this change the perception?
I still think that ROTC PMS is considered an "end of career" job, and I know that previously, many LTCs not selected for Battalion Command would do them, but should it be? Why shouldn't an officer who has met all KD requirements in their branch, and been successful be able to serve as a ROTC PMS and still be competitive for promotion to Colonel?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2014 1:38 PM

2014-05-16T13:38:47-04:00

As a former PMS who chose the job by choice not because I could not make COL or was not selected for Bn Cmd I can tell you it was the most rewarding job I have ever done. You will work you ass off if you do it right but having the opportunity to begin developing the future officers of the Army in their first step is truly having an impact on the Army's future. I also beleive it shoudl be equivalent to a CSL position based on the complexity and scope of the job. Man tomes the PMS is a the senior military representative for an entire community and routinely deals with not only Army bosses but university bosses as well, it mandates that you have a graduate degree (an IN Bn Cdr does not have to have one), you have to develop lesson plans, curriculum and training plans with little to no resources and normally a very junior staff of 3 or 4 folks and you also have to develop and mentor your staff as well as the Cadets. Simply put the toughest job you will ever love if you do it right.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 12:51 PM

2014-12-19T12:51:17-05:00

Sir,
I know that now you can serve as a PMS and then re-compete for a CSL Bn CMD. In the past it was either/or but I know of at least on MAJ(P) who took an ROTC BN CMD until his CSL CMD opens up. It will likely take a few years to identify the Army-wide trend, but it's hard to think this new option won't change things.

Response by LTC Ltc Lambert made May 11 at 2018 3:19 PM

2018-05-11T15:19:05-04:00

This was a great job, one of the most fulfilling and impactful of my 28 year career. However, as soon as I was coming out of it, my branch informed me that I had "been away too long" and suggested I retire. The irony here, is that the PMS board is a highly competitive DA selection board, but then immediately dismissed by most branches and is seen as a "easy" job. While it is definitely not combat, it is not an "easy" job either and the impact of selecting the future officers for the Army should raise the level of respect for the job, but my experience was just the opposite.

I highly recommend the job, but go in with your eyes wide open and have a very candid conversation with you branch chief/manager.