What are some duty options for a terminal COL?

COL Vincent Stoneking — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 12:08:59 -0500

Long shot here, but I'm currently sitting in the IRR and would like to actually do something in my last 15 months before I hit my mandatory retirement date. TPU, IMA, short mobilization, points only, what have you.

If you know of any opportunities, please message me, it would be much appreciated.

Context Long story short, I was on a 3 year mobilization when I was picked up for COL, reverting to the IRR at the end of the tour was the quickest way to get promoted. However, finding a COL slot that wasn't medical or on the East Coast was difficult. Then I took a new civilian job, then I moved, blah, blah. I now find myself with about 15 months left towards MRD. I've been working with a local USAR retention SNCO for several months now, but without success so far, due to the imminent MRD. It is what it is, but I would really love to be doing something right up to the bitter end.

Thanks,
COL S

Edit: I'm happy to say, I've found a home! :-)

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 17 at 2019 2:57 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 14:57:44 -0500

I was topping out with no fear of making Flag. I went VTU for a few months to lock in the higher year pay step. I just took engineering work into the reserve center, checked in, and gutted through it for the time remaining. Sure there was an ADT to do on occasion, but it was always for technical work, not anything near the level of my Skippering days. When "they" don't want you, don't expect any favors as they have moved on and are telling you to do the same thing. Depending on your skill set, look for an organization that needs your work. The reserve center was very happy to have me because I'd do their facility survey and project development that actually got results vs. the standard drive through mediocre.

I'll give you the same piece of advise that I gave to a 2x FOS to O-6 and was VTU. End your career on your own terms, not some Alpha Hotel's in DC. I then pushed tough work on him and was able to give him good paper that got him his O-6. Blessing in disguise as he turned out to be the perfect fit pushing him out to the Army side to be the Oil Sector Chair in Iraq. His job was to restore oil production everywhere. After two years AD, he retired on his own terms and never looked back.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Feb 17 at 2019 4:12 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 16:12:10 -0500

Good luck. I ran into that same issue. Was deployed and actually had retirement orders as a LTC. My former reserve unit had me transfer to the IRR in order to get the deployment. So when I went through the REFRAD, I reverted to the IRR. A couple of months later, I came out on the list for Colonel and was promoted once the Senate confirmed the list. However, I had less than 2 years before my MRD so could not get an assignment. I would check out Army Tour of Duty. They have several O6 positions that you may be eligible for. There also may be some IMA positions. I dealt with the frustration of being promoted but not really able to serve in it. Hopefully you won't have to.

Response by COL David Turk made Feb 17 at 2019 8:34 PM

COL David Turk — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 20:34:38 -0500

If you want active duty, there is a special DOD program you should check out; https://pfi.dod.mil. Essentially USAR, and to a limited extent ARNG, can perform active duty in various lengths (depends on the specific vacancy). They have a list of available positions, with requirements. I hit my MRD while on this program. It was a great program (been out 12 years so don’t know the current state of affairs). Good luck.

Response by CDR Kenneth Kaiser made Feb 17 at 2019 9:02 PM

CDR Kenneth Kaiser — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 21:02:12 -0500

It would seem to me that in part it would depend upon what you want to do when you retire? If you want to go into working as a contractor then try to pick out something related possibly in program management or something of that nature at one of the labs I wouldn't recomment DCGS right now, but some program that has some life maybe UAVs or these nano UAVs that they are developing (see https://www.facebook.com/slampohpaudei/videos/ [login to see] 804549/ ) That would be good because there are also commercial applications. Not sure what your background is but anything related to that could be useful in retirement There are a lot of communities that could use this technology (eg. FEMA, Search and rescue fire fighting communities that sort of thing. You have I am assuming an operational background so you are closer to the needs than the DoD developers or civilians especially when what is it only 2% have served? You have a lot to offer don't sell yourself short.

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Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2019 11:10 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 11:10:24 -0500

Sir,
We all want to do that. However, when our highers see us close to useless, That is almost impossible.
Just have to take advantage of opportunities that come along, or create an opportunity. HOUAH

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2019 7:51 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Feb 2019 19:51:14 -0500

Sir, you can always apply for USAR vacancies via Personnel Force Innovation or MOBCOP!

Response by COL Ray Arment made Apr 27 at 2019 11:22 AM

COL Ray Arment — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 11:22:33 -0400

Are you fluent in a foreign language? I was asked to attend Defense Language Institute for Japanese which would take me to mandatory retirement date, then a recall to AD for a 3/4 year tour as the Defense Attache.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Jul 9 at 2020 9:06 PM

MSgt Stephen Council — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 21:06:34 -0400

Where are you planning to retire COL Vincent Stoneking? I am happy to offer networking if appropriate and desired. I sent you a connection request.