Stuck like Chuck: Dead end as a 25B

2014-11-24T05:24:13-05:00

Hello all,
So as many of us know, 25B is overstrength. And when I say overstrength, I mean 300+ promotables waiting for points to drop. I am a CPL, with 5 1/2 years TIS. Points are almost always maxed and I am running out of progression room. I have gotten three certifications (CCNA, Net+ and Sec+.) and over 50 semester hours towards my Bachelors. I have held SSG positions in two units due to my zeal and capacity. However, I cannot get close to promotion. And it's BS. I will be due up for re-assignment soon and my branch manager is an asshole ( personal vendetta against him literally.) I will most likely get moved to another operator slot on a piece of equipment, further wasting my progression time. I need help. WHCA is out of reach due to my credit(Thanks Mom). The only option I have is 25D it seems like but looking at the requirements, not very plausible. Someone help! I am wasting away. Thanks

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 7:50 AM

2014-11-24T07:50:50-05:00

CPL Farrell,

Hows your PT score, resident courses and awards looking?
Signal/Cyber is going through a big restructure right now. What you need to do is talk with your career counselor and weigh all your options. What is it that you want to do? 25D is big right now for 25B , but the requirements to be accepting are pretty hefty, E5, ALC, experience and certifications. Have you thought about 35Q? Also I am guessing a 17 series (Cyber) enlisted CMF is coming soon with the creation of the 17A for officers.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Nov 24 at 2014 8:15 AM

2014-11-24T08:15:07-05:00

CPL Private RallyPoint Member, have you considered jumping branches?

Response by SGT Steve Vincent made Nov 24 at 2014 8:36 AM

2014-11-24T08:36:16-05:00

Step 1, join the Infantry. There is no step 2... lol

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 24 at 2014 8:45 AM

2014-11-24T08:45:51-05:00

Hi CPL Private RallyPoint Member -- thanks for starting this thread. I am going to tag a highly competent RallyPoint member on this matter, as he has helped countless others with issues of this nature. His name is SGM Matthew Quick and we'll see if he has advice to impart on you here. Best of luck and keep us posted!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 9:01 AM

2014-11-24T09:01:10-05:00

Why not 25U? I try to get as many of my Guard 25 guys qualified as U's early so they have options later.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 6:21 PM

2014-11-24T18:21:26-05:00

go 25U maybe

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 24 at 2014 8:11 PM

2014-11-24T20:11:50-05:00

First, let's address your unprofessionalism, CPL Private RallyPoint Member...why would an junior NCO call out their Senior NCO 25B1 Assignment Manager/NCOPD NCO in a public forum? It's very hard to want to help someone that displays such disrespect.

Second, how many points do you have and why "wait for points to drop"? Why not go after them? You really need to look in the mirror; your posts blames too many people but yourself.

Lastly, not sure if this unit (or the Army, for that matter) is a good fit for an unprofessional NCO, but you should check out/apply for assignment at the Army Cyber Protection Brigade.

"The Cyber Protection brigade, comprised of its headquarters and 20 Cyber Protection Teams of approximately 39 civilian and military personnel each, will conduct defense cyberspace ops in support of joint and Service missions."

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 24 at 2014 8:30 PM

2014-11-24T20:30:01-05:00

Ok, you opened the door for assistance, and criticism at the same time....

First, you are unhappy with your leadership, so change your latitude. The Army is a big place, with lots of opportunities, seize them.

Let me relate a story for you: Long time ago, I was stagnant in my career. No promotions in sight, field frozen...same old story. Options existed, but I did not like them, so I got out. I made my own career path, and then came back to the military to finish what I had started. Nearly 30 years later, am happy and still serving-different service, and Guard vs Active Duty, but still serving and loving it. You need to ask yourself where do you see yourself in 10 years-and take action.

My point is this: Look at your options, and do not be afraid to take a chance at doing something that you want to do. Work/Career is a hell of a lot easier when you like what you are doing. Bottom line is this, if you stay where you are, you will get more of what you have. Sounds to me as if you are putting yourself out there as a motivated hard charger that is hitting the wall and is venting his frustrations (this is the criticism part) completely inappropriately in a public forum, which will do you no good. So, let us assume that you are "all that". Take a chance and follow whatever dream you have to chase the career option that you think will give you the most opportunity at doing what you want. You will not be happy if you are unhappy at work.

If you put your efforts forward, and meet opposition, keep putting those efforts forward and chasing what you want-may involve changing MOS, duty station, service, whatever. Chase what is good for you.

Good luck to you.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 5:02 AM

2014-11-25T05:02:10-05:00

Get out, transfer to AGR if you enjoy active duty, nor go M-Day and go back to school and get you MS in IT, or whatever your dream is....the AGR is the big secret of the Army. Become an instructor in a RTI, there are many options in your next rank and assignment.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 6:17 AM

2014-11-25T06:17:58-05:00

CPL Private RallyPoint Member,

I haven't seen anyone mention this yet: Junior enlisted Soldiers can be nominated by their commanders for a West Point admission, and all they need is a high school diploma, completion of AIT, be eligible to re-enlist, and meet the basic medical standards.

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2014/11/22/usma-nomination-requirements/19324267/?sf33959918=1

Junior enlisted eligible for West Point nominations

Commanders encouraged to nominate enlisted soldiers for West Point attendance

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 11:43 AM

2014-11-25T11:43:47-05:00

Roger on all comments below. Professionalism is always the glide path to get things done. Request Mass, document your efforts, follow the CoC and go up the chain.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-05-09T14:46:57-04:00

25B is essentially a dead end MOS. You will fight a claw your way over a decade and a half to make SSG just to realize that you most likely will not make E7 because every other 25B who clawed their way does not want to get out, will never make E8 and holds all the E7 slots. You will have to reclass or get out of the Army if you want to advance. I fell into the same black hole as you and had to reclass to 25D in order to make it anywhere.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 1:05 PM

2017-05-11T13:05:26-04:00

25U maybe