Should I contact an 0-4 concerning a deployment?

2017-03-09T20:24:53-05:00

So I'm searching Tour of Duty website(TOD) and I find a deployment for a flight medic (which I am not) and they're looking for people to go to the Balkans, which is where I am originally from. Even though they are not looking for my specific MOS I still applied to the job posting. Should I contact the P.O.C which is an 0-4(I'm only an E-3) and ask if they need translators to go to the country their in since I speak that language proficiently and can read, and write in that language.

Response by SFC George Smith made Mar 9 at 2017 8:26 PM

2017-03-09T20:26:39-05:00

Dude what are you talking about ... what do want to achieve...
Be Specific... Factks ... The facts will set you free...

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 8:44 PM

2017-03-09T20:44:04-05:00

I think a well drafted email describing your desire to assist the mission, your MOS and qualifications sent to the P.O.C. would be well received. If they have a need for you, they will contact you. If they don't, but a need for your skills comes up in the future, they may well remember your offer.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Mar 9 at 2017 10:34 PM

2017-03-09T22:34:04-05:00

Uhmmm if you want to take the assignment and he is the POC listed, you should probably contact him.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 10:36 PM

2017-03-09T22:36:28-05:00

Even though you aren't exactly what they are looking for, certainly contact the POC. You won't know until you ask.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Mar 10 at 2017 12:28 AM

2017-03-10T00:28:05-05:00

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member If anything, you can always discuss this with your CoC and ask your commander to contact the Major on your behalf. He/she maybe able to set up a conference call or VTC of some sort. Possibly your S-3 in agreement with your CoC could contact him via email or a simple call too. No guarantees but it may be worth the chance to the opportunity. Your fluency in that language could be a valuable asset for the unit.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2017 5:13 AM

2017-03-10T05:13:20-05:00

You'll learn quickly to never refer to officers or enlisted leaders by their pay grade. This is not professional at all and may seem small but you would not get a positive answer referring to a Major as an O4. For better help with this application process find of the requirements minimum and then take with your chain of command and/or career counselor. They will and should have the answer you seek and if you do qualify for this position, ask yourself this; what qualifies you better than the next trooper to your left or right? Most positions are competitive so you should self-reflect and ensure you are ready to without a doubt be the pick for this position.

Response by PO2 Robert M. made Mar 10 at 2017 10:57 AM

2017-03-10T10:57:20-05:00

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member - please keep us notified what was the end result!
CW5 Private RallyPoint Member - Thank you for being a shining example of enlisted to Officer, this young man may have learned a lot from you. Thank you for your assistance!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2017 11:29 AM

2017-03-10T11:29:51-05:00

yeah go for it

Response by SSG Dale London made Mar 11 at 2017 12:20 AM

2017-03-11T00:20:43-05:00

If I were in your shoes, and I was looking for a slot as an interpreter, I'd get my bona fides first -- that is, I'd go to the S-2 in my BN and ask for a DLAB test and a Proficiency Test in the specific language. Then, even if you don't get this slot, your language will appear as an ASI in your MOS and make it much more likely you will be picked in the future. Also, it would give the POC the confidence that you do actually speak the language. You'd be surprised how many posers there are out there.