What is your take on AC/RC assignments?

2013-11-17T19:35:07-05:00

I had a member of my unit make the comment that he wasn't sure how the rest of the Army looks at AC/RC assignments in comparison to OC duties at one of the National Training Centers or Drill Sergeant or Recruiting duty when it comes to promotion consideration. The reference is in the context that those other duties are considered a "plus" when being considered. What is your take?

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 13 at 2013 4:23 PM

2013-12-13T16:23:55-05:00

I applied for many of those assignments during my career, never got any, but was able to get OC duties many times for various TDYs, I loved them, but would've enjoyed the more permanency of an AC/RC assignment. I did OC at JRTC and Recruiting, not sure how either affected my promotion potential, I enjoyed both duties and missed them when I was done, but I also enjoyed my main job even more. So maybe that is why I made it as far as I did, because I enjoyed my job and it reflected in my ratings.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 4:42 PM

2013-12-13T16:42:17-05:00

The US Army Officer Corps considers Observer Controller assignments to be a very big plus and is bringing the Project Warrior Program back as our combat obligations are diminishing. The idea is to get our best to command, observe and control, and then teach thus investing the gained expertise and experience back into the Corps.

HRC FaceBook has the following excerpt.

MILPER MESSAGE 13-137, FY 14 PROJECT WARRIOR PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND SELECTION PROCESS, ISSUED: [03 JUN 13]. Project Warrior (PW) is an Army program with the objective to infuse observations and experiences gained from multiple, immersive combat training center (CTC) rotations and exercises back into the Army through select professional military education (PME) courses. The Army will select highly qualified officers to serve as observer-coach-trainers (OCTs) at a CTC, followed by duty as a small group leader (SGL) at a TRADOC Center of Excellence/School (COE). PW is open to active component, commissioned officers in the branches listed in this message. See the message for more information.

https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-112209

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2015 11:38 PM

2015-03-25T23:38:36-04:00

I have talked to multiple SGMs that sat on centralized promotion boards. One common theme among all of them is that assignments like these are considered broadening and are looked at favorably. The exception being that if you go from one broadening assignment to another to another, then they may start to wonder if you are trying to hide out away from your career field or dodge deployments.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 12:04 PM

2016-05-18T12:04:11-04:00

I am currently a drill sergeant in the 98th training division under the 108th. For two years now we have not been able to go to NCOES. Nobody has been promoted. Promotions have been turned down just so they could stay in their units as a drill sergeant. Mean while on facebook, there are posts from the 98th HQ at Benning promoting soldiers to SSG and SGT. How did they get to go to NCOES?? Something really fishy is going on in the 108th. I have had my hat and badge for only 11 months and I'm already transferring out of my unit just so I can go to SLC and hopefully get promoted.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 22 at 2018 3:22 AM

2018-10-22T03:22:43-04:00

Well, seeing as how I'm about to PCS to an AC/RC assignment in August at Fort McCoy, clearly I'm hoping it's a good thing! I'm certainly excited about it.

Response by 1SG Francis Gorman made Apr 10 at 2019 8:10 AM

2019-04-10T08:10:12-04:00

I was an Army Recruiter when on active duty and I know for a fact that it is a PLUS in regards to promotion points. Any of the additional duty assignments you mentioned is a plus. Of course, it depends on your performance level. Your place of assignment on recruiting duty can make you or break you I'm sure it isn't getting any easier to make your quota.