What is an assignment like at the Leavenworth armory as a NG 13f? Is it field time or just command center stuff?

2019-05-26T09:26:36-04:00

As a prior service Marine, I’m close to to going to the KS Army NG. I’ve been out a while. Wanted combat arms or armor. Was suggested I go 13f to retain rank. 11b/c would drop rank to E4. Would I get to be in the field or would I be stuck in a TOC environment? I’ve got a great career and I just want to get out in the field. Thoughts?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2019 9:30 AM

2019-05-26T09:30:10-04:00

You'll be in the field with everyone else, setting up your own toc

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 26 at 2019 10:33 AM

2019-05-26T10:33:32-04:00

As a 13F you have many environments in which to perform your duties, almost everyone gets a stint in a TO. Of some kind. Forward Observers are often imbed with the Infantry and Armor, placing you forward in the fight. Whether you are light or heavy determines if you tuck it up or ride heavy. In any case your mission is in the front line. Thank you for your service.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made May 26 at 2019 11:08 AM

2019-05-26T11:08:59-04:00

I've been out a very long time but I can chip in some advice here as well. Since I was in as 11 Series and am somewhat familiar with the position as old as I am. As a former Marine your going to be happier with a light unit than with an armor unit. So if you have a choice or preference, make it known before you enlist. In a armor unit your going to be in a Bradley IFV variant customized for FISTV tasks. Headroom in a Bradley sucks and if your tall your not going to like it. Also with a Armor unit you have more weapons and more involved in weapons and vehicle maintenance BS. Light units its just you, your MOS and what you can carry on your back.........life is more simplified. From a career development point of view, probably better to have experience in both types of units but I have not seen it hurt any Infantry guy that spent their whole career as light either. BTW, Armor is Combat Arms in the Army, so is Aviation. Not the end of the world if you get in an Armor unit, I just had more fun and better training in light units. Good Luck!

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made May 26 at 2019 11:28 AM

2019-05-26T11:28:38-04:00

If you decide to go 13F at your rank you will be on a company fire support team (FIST) and will be assigned to either an Infantry Company or an Armor Company and will be in the field whenever they are. Double check to make sure that MOS is available where you are because FIST teams are part of the Headquarters Battery of a direct support Artillery Battalion so if there isn’t an FA BN in that area that MOS will not be available

Response by SFC Ed Marquay made Aug 3 at 2019 12:11 AM

2019-08-03T00:11:02-04:00

Very little field time if any