What is the best for career progression after 24 months as a Platoon Sergeant?

There is a difference between 1SG & PSG. You continue serving in the 1SG positions as long as you can, not the same for PSG. This is the opportunity for broadening yourself in preparation for becoming a 1SG.

You've been a Sr. Drill SGT, you've also been a PSG in FORSCOM so you have TRADOC & FORSCOM PSG time knocked out. I recommend you get into the Ops position and attend the 2S (NCO Battle Staff Course) or find a HHD to become a Detachment SGT (and get into the 1SG Course). An additional course that will be of significant importance for upcoming boards is the Master Fitness Trainer Course. And do not forget the specialty boards - Sergeant Morales/Audie Murphy....those separate the very few from the pack.

I'm not a CSM or SGM, as you requested, but here's my thoughts:

1. Post-board AARs for the past three years have MSG selectees with an average of 32 months PSG time. Your PSG and Sr Drill have you covered. Time to move on.

2. ROTC is not a bad option, if you seek to finish a degree. But I would steer clear, if I were in your boat. The OPS SGT in the BDE Plans shop, is a 19Z position (at least here in an IBCT). Go work staff. First, it's not that bad. Second, you'll learn a lot. Gone are the days where you're running and gunning. Learning MDMP and working on a BDE or higher level staff will prepare you in many ways for serving as a 1SG.

I served 14 months as a SFC 1SG until I was replaced by an E8, and moved to BDE staff. I was mad, at first. In the short time I worked there, I learned a lot. A LOT. I never realized how much staff time can prepare you for future leadership positions. I am a much better 1SG now, having had the staff experience.

3. JTRC/NTC: not the sexiest positions out there. But you have an incredible opportunity to shape the development of operational units/leaders. And previous OC/Ts continue to have a higher select rate than non-OC/Ts.

4. Ranger School: I usually wouldn't give the sales pitch on social media, but again, the select rates are significantly higher for Ranger-qualified maneuver leaders. And the Army, combat arms specifically, continue trending that direction. In my three years as an RI, I've seen many, many 35-50 year old SFC-SGM Ranger students. And they typically do really well. A current CAV SQDN CSM here in the 82nd immediately comes to mind.

Just my thoughts, I welcome any feedback from the group.

You have two choices: 1SG or hit the Staff position. Both of these will give you good advancement. Being a 1SG makes your part of a Command team at the company level, this is very important. There's a lot of learning here and I'll guarantee you'll be burning the midnight oil, learning a lot more about command, get to know officers at a whole different level, and learning your soldiers is something else.

The "S" shop is also a learning curve. You may not be at the tip of the spear, but you will learn all the ins and out of keeping the spear tip sharp! When I got bloodied in the "G" shop, sometimes I didn't know if I'd get the blood to stop. You learn a lot which will be invaluable to your career. In someway it would be better to hit the "S" shop first before 1SG, then you know more of the ins and outs if you know what I mean. I know there's a lot of negative vibes about Staff work, but it is necessary and knowing how all the "S" shops work is invaluable!

In someways it's a coin toss. I liked the 1SG thing the best, but being a staff puke is necessary.