What broadening opportunities are there with PCS assignment to Germany?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 17:35:01 -0500

I would like to do some broadening in Germany after Command. What are some lesser known opportunities there (e.g. LNO duties, schools, JMRC, etc.)? Anyone do broadening in Germany?

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 30 at 2016 5:40 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 17:40:42 -0500

First thanks for sharing the picture of Neuschwanstein MAJ Private RallyPoint Member. That brings back wonderful memories of my times of being stationed in Germany. I recommend you add tags for EUCOM, USAREUR and even SETAF.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 6:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 18:24:34 -0500

My question may just show how long I've been out, but here goes. Do combat arms officers still get designated functional areas in addition to your branch that you go and work in after your armor troop assignments? Is a broadening assignment the new term for what we used to call dead time away from troops? IOW do you have to work in/ get qualified in a secondary field, or are you free to seek assignments in any area you feel will best prepare you for your return to an armor unit as a major?

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jan 30 at 2016 6:53 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 18:53:38 -0500

1SG Steven Stankovich has been in Europe for several years now, covering both Belgium and Germany, and worked in NATO. He's also a great mentor to many. I bet he could some valuable experience to this question through a separate reply.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 6:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 18:54:36 -0500

I read another BCT is going there to protect the East as a token Defense about Russian expanision work in progress with the end state of having the Baltics taken back....even if in NATO.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 31 at 2016 1:10 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 01:10:32 -0500

Sir, there are a ton of opportunities in Europe for not only career progression, but career satisfaction. While JMRC may be the "high-visibility" opportunity, there are numerous other positions that are outside of Company Command and Assistant BN S3. There are positions within USANATO that services opportunities in SHAPE and Brussels, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, and any other location within Europe that serves a NATO organization. There are also staff opportunities both at USAREUR and EUCOM. With the Regionally Aligned Forces (RAF) there are liaison opportunities not only with USAREUR, but with host nation military services. There used to be armor authorizations at the British Armor School back in the day, not sure of that opportunity is still there or not. My advice would be is to get with your senior instructor or BN CDR at the MCCC for input and to also contact your Branch Assignment Officer. They will be able to assist you with identifying what is available out there and how that would fit into your career path to ensure that you have successful time as a CPT and also set yourself up for success when it is time to compete for MAJ.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Feb 4 at 2016 9:53 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 21:53:53 -0500

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member Too bad your are an officer and that 7th Army is gone. My brother "enjoyed" the "7 Steps to Hell" NCO School back when.