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Attached is the Armor Newsletter
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the OER. One initiative is to develop multiple
OERs; one for Company Grade officers, one for
Field Grade officers and one for COL and above.
Another initiative is looking to redefine the senior
rater box check options and their associated la-
bels. More to follow as we get more details.
Photos. This is the first item boards usually
see and first impressions matter when it comes to
board selections. Bottom line is: Look profes-
sional! Do your best to keep your photo updated
and don‘t leave the photo lab unless you are satis-
fied. You may never know when your file is be-
ing looked at, so an up to date, professional photo
speaks volumes about your commitment to your
profession.
Show Cause. Just recently, we have been
asked to recommend whether or not Armor offi-
cers who have received letters of reprimand and/
or referred reports should go before a show cause
board. The show cause board will determine if an
officer should be eliminated or retained on active
duty. Armor Branch looks at each officer and
makes a recommendation. Our recommendation
coupled with the officer‘s chain of command rec-
ommendation will be presented to the HRC CG
for final decision. What is critical to note is that
each letter of reprimand and/or referred report
starts this process.
LTs Desk. Encourage your junior officers to
get the files in order early. This includes photos
and college transcripts. Unfortunately, many
Fellow Tankers and Cavarlymen,
I am truly humbled and honored to be serving
you all as the current Armor Branch Chief. Hav-
ing just passed the 90 day mark, I will spend some
time in the following paragraphs discussing my
initial thoughts on a handful of topics that I have
already dealt with.
Communication. ―The most difficult thing
we do is communicate.‖ It is critical for you and
Armor Branch to communicate effectively.
Please do not hesitate to email or call us with any
and all questions. We stand ready to serve. If
you do not feel that you are getting the answers
you deserve, please contact me directly. I would
ask that, as you look at your next assignment, let
us know early (6 months) what your desires are so
we can shape it accordingly. BN CDRs: Do not
hesitate to call or email about your officers so we
can find the right assignment for all involved.
Armor Webpage (https://www.hrc.army.mil/
Officer/AR%20Officer%20Home). We are trying
to make this a ―one-stop shop.‖ The main page is
designed to give you quick answers to your ques-
tions. Please take a look at the website and ensure
it meets your needs. We acknowledge that this is
our ―first impression‖ with many officers and
want to put our best foot forward.
OERs. First and foremost, I recommend that
all officers continue to do the best they can in
each job regardless of whether it is a key and de-
velopmental billet or not. Each evaluation, no
matter the job, matters. Immediately after arriv-
ing here at HRC, I had the opportunity to conduct
a ―mock‖ board. I reviewed over 60 files and it
quickly became apparent how important it is to
clearly enumerate your officers. Comments such
as ―CPT X is the #1 of 34 officers that I senior
rate‖ is far more powerful than ―CPT X is one of
the best officers that I senior rate.‖ For those of
you who are writing OERs, I would ask you to
clearly enumerate your subordinates and leave no
doubt with the board members who you are se-
lecting for promotion or command. The CSA
asked for an Army Evaluation System review and
I believe we will continue to see some changes to
Branch Chief
LTC John Cushing, Armor Branch
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
Branch Chief 1-2
COLs Desk 3
LTCs Desk 4
MAJs Desk 5
Sr. CPTs Desk 6-7
Jr. CPTs Desk 8-10
LTs Desk 10-11
USAR Desk 12
Armor Branch
Newsletter
S U M M E R 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E I , I S S U E I I
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
Changes within
the Armor
Branch.
ILE changes still
pending
Career Broaden-
ing opportunities
MEL4 Programs
Board Files
“Clearly enumerate your
subordinates and leave no doubt
with the board members who
you are selecting for promotion
or command.”
P A G E 2
“Brigade
Command
has been and
will always
be an
extremely
tough cut
and this
board proved
that once
again.”
Armor Branch Chief continued officers are rushing prior to the CPTs board to square
away their files and simply run out of time.
CPTs Desk. I recently had a great conversation
with a sitting Division G3 about CPTs on Division
Staff. We are prepared to support CPTs staying for
an additional year after Company Command to serve
on Division Staffs as long as their timeline supports
it and all parties acknowledge. I recently sat on the
Olmstead Fellowship panel and was extremely im-
pressed with the Armor officers competing for these
positions. I would ask that if you or your officers
intend on competing for a fellowship that everyone
keeps the Branch informed so we can help complete
the packet. We are also looking closely to post
MCCC assignments. I am asking the junior CPTs
assignment officer to diversify our officers. For
example, having an ABCT background as a lieuten-
ant and SBCT or IBCT assignment as a Company
Commander makes you a more diverse officer who
can serve the Armor community in multiple areas in
the future.
MAJs Desk. The buzz surrounding the MAJs
desk centers on the future of ILE. As of right now,
we are following the universal ILE program. I an-
ticipate receiving guidance in the near future as to
the slating guidance for the winter 2013 class and the
way ahead. I would encourage all those pre-ILE
MAJs to keep their files updated so if by chance the
decision is made to go back to competitive ILE, your
file is ready to go.
LTCs Desk. BN / BDE CSL. The offer stands
for those folks who are competing in either the BDE
or BN CSL contact Armor branch and have a candid
conversation pertaining to their selection chances
and which command categories they should compete
in. As a result of a couple of conversations, I am not
convinced everyone understands how the selection
and slating process occurs in the different categories
and what dynamics surround the alternate list.
Please contact us if you have any questions.
FY12 SSC Board. Please review the
SSC MILPER message carefully. This
year officers competing will submit their
preferences before the board convenes.
The preference site will open on 15 July
2012 and close on 31 August 2012.
Those officers who have deferred atten-
dance must also submit their preferences.
This is the only opportunity that officers
will have to submit preferences prior to
the SSC slating panel. The following
link will be used to access the SSC pref-
erence site: https://
KNOXHRC16.HRC.ARMY.MIL/
AHRC/OSPP/HOME/HTDOCS/
BDE/BN CSL Analysis. Brigade Command
has been and will always be an extremely tough
cut and this board proved that once again. His-
torically speaking, we have averaged 4 maneuver
commands over the last 6 years. We saw a high
of "8" last year with a low of "2" this year and in
2008. As we look across all command categories,
we have averaged "8" commands over the last 6
years, with "4" this year, and a high of "12" in
2010. As many of you know the BCT selection is
primarily based on officer performance, but how
the Armor Branch fairs has a lot to do with the
categories we compete in (Combat Arms Maneu-
ver Operations, Armor Operations (11ACR), Ar-
mor Training, Combat Arms Strategic support,
Combat Arms Installation, Branch Immaterial
Recruiting, Branch Immaterial Installation), the
type of Commands available (11ACR), the qual-
ity/size of the year group and the selection board
dynamics. The number of commands available in
each category, the quality/size of the year group,
and board dynamics we cannot control, but we
may need to be more deliberate with some of our
officers and encourage some to consider other
command opportunities instead of just Combat
Arms Maneuver Operations if "quantity" of Ar-
mor Commands is our goal. Having said all this,
the alternate list is loaded with great Armor offi-
cers and the difference between those that were
selected and those on the alternate list is minimal.
So the alternate list officers along with the next
year group will make for a very competitive group
next year.
With respect to the BN CSL we did extremely
well. This year we had 25 tactical BN CSL selec-
tees out of a possible 46. We did this with only
half of the eligible officers as compared to Infan-
try. By looking at our multiple Armor BN com-
mands across ABCTs, IBCTs, and SBCTs we
have spread the talent so we maximize the oppor-
tunities for our officers and increase our chances
for BCT commands in these types of units.
LTC John Cushing
Armor Branch Chief
Officer Personnel Directorate
Human Resources Command
(502) 613-6046 (w) DSN: 312
(502) 457– 2309 (c)
P A G E 3 V O L U M E I , I S S U E I I
Gentlemen,
First, I wanted to thank LTC Scott Wood-
ward for a terrific transition. After four
months as the Armor Colonel Assignment
Officer, I have had the pleasure of working
with many of you and I look forward to serv-
ing you over the next year.
2013 Movers:
We just finished placing all Colonels on
assignment for this summer and I have begun
to refine which officers will move next year.
If you are moving next year, you should have
received an email from me outlining the
Colonels assignment process. As I said in
the note, an early dialogue will help us de-
velop a quality as-
signment for you. If
you have not heard
from me and believe
you are moving next
year, please call or
send an email so we
can develop a course
of action. Colonels
Management priori-
tizes the following
assignments above
all others each year:
deployments
(approximately 160-
AF and IZ), CSL, Joint, and Korea. Lastly,
when we finalize the SSC visits, I will send a
note to all of the students so you are aware of
when we will visit.
Senior Service College, FY 12(AY13-14):
As a reminder, the SSC Board meets in
September. I have contacted all eligible
Colonels for this board and have completed a
scrub of their files. If you think I missed you
and you are eligible, please contact me so we
can begin to look at your file. Unlike in pre-
vious years, you will select your preferences
before the board meets in September.
Joint Qualification:
If you have recently re-deployed from a
combat deployment, please consider develop-
ing a Joint Qualification System (JQS)
packet to receive joint credit.
I can work with you to de-
velop the JQS experience
sheet and put together the
remainder of the packet.
Please remember that you
only have one year after your
deployment to submit the experience for joint
credit. We have a rigorous screening process that
has had a high success rate before the joint certifi-
cation board. Joint qualification not only broadens
an officer‘s career, but it opens up more opportuni-
ties for joint critical billets and jobs that prefer an
officer with joint experience. You can also receive
JQS points for J7 approved Joint Exercises. If you
think you qualify, contact me and I can review the
exercise to determine how many points you can
earn.
DA Selection Boards:
I would humbly ask that you please consider
sitting DA selection boards when I contact you
about them or please send me a note if you would
like to volunteer. As you know, Colonels make up
the vast majority of most selection boards. We
work hard to find the appropriate Colonel to sit
these boards. Colonels Management normally re-
ceives the board requirements four months before
the board meets. Many of the boards require five
working days or less.
COMO Move:
Finally, the Colonels Management office will
move in mid-August to the Taylor Building in
Crystal City, VA. If you are ever visiting the NCR,
Pentagon, or Crystal City, please let me know and I
would like to meet with you if you have the time.
Do not hesitate to contact me to assist you with any
issue.
Steve Barry
AR COL HRM
LTC, AR
OCSA - Senior Leader Development Office
(O): 703.696.4831; DSN 426
(BB): 703.459.5161
Email: [email protected]
CMO/SLD website:
https://www.srleaders.army.mil/portal2/Home.aspx
“Joint qualification
not only broadens
an officer’s career,
but it opens up
more opportunities
for joint critical bil-
lets and jobs that
prefer an officer
with joint experi-
ence.”
COL‘s DESK LTC STEVEN BARRY
P A G E 4
Gentlemen, this will be my last
input into our quarterly newsletter. I leave
for Fort Hood later in July and will transi-
tion my duties to MAJ Tim Baer. I want to
thank all of you for all that you are doing
for our force and for the professional na-
ture of our personal interactions throughout
the past 2 years. The recent movie Money-
ball used the following Mickey Mantle
quote in its opening: ―It's unbelievable how
much you don't know about the game
you've been playing all your life.‖ Having
served here at branch before, everyday
proves to be a rewarding yet challenging
experience and I am often reminded as to
how much I still
have to learn.
Here are a couple of
parting shots that I
would like to ad-
dress:
Patience. We at
Armor Branch
spend a great deal
of time trying to
make sure the right
officer is assigned
the right job at the
right time. In many
cases, especially at
the LTCs desk, assignments take a little bit
longer based on the types of assignments
we are attempting to get. Many of the
nominations and blackbook jobs have a
long approval process. We appreciate your
patience throughout the process. We also
appreciate your trust that we are always
looking out for your best interest.
Professional counseling. One of
the most challenging things we have to do
as leaders is counsel our subordinates who are
not performing up to standard. Thanks to all of
you who spend time with your subordinates con-
ducting performance counseling. Good, honest
feedback through well documented counseling
definitely makes our job easier here at branch and
allows us to better manage promotion and com-
mand expectations.
Battalion Command Selection Process.
As the Branch Chief said in his notes, there is
some confusion when it comes to the Battalion
Command Selection Process. As we begin to
prep for the next BN CSL board, please contact
my replacement, MAJ Tim Baer, if you have any
questions as to how the process works. We
would prefer that each of you makes a well-
informed decision as to which categories you
would like to compete in and where we think you
stand relative to your peers.
DA Photos. As promotions and com-
mands become more and more competitive the
emphasis can easily swing to military bearing
and fitness to break ties. We would encourage
you to stay in shape and don‘t make your appear-
ance in your DA photo a discriminator as to why
you didn‘t get the assignment your deserved.
Again, I‘d like to thank all of you for
your service to the Army, the branch and allow-
ing me to assist you in shaping many of your as-
signments. I truly appreciate the sacrifices that
you and your families have made when called. I
look forward to seeing you out in the field soon.
Best of luck and God bless.
LTC Carter Price
AR Branch LTC Assignment Officer
(502) 613-6039
“It's unbeliev-
able how
much you
don't know
about the
game you've
been playing
all your life”
LTC‘s DESK LTC CARTER PRICE
V O L U M E I , I S S U E I I
ILE and other MEL4 Programs:
There has been a lot of discussion about potential
changes to ILE and how officers will be slated for this
course in the future. While we are not certain what
the final outcome of this will be, we anticipate there
may be changes to who will attend resident ILE and
how those officers will be identified. We also expect
that there will be additional ILE options for those of-
ficers that are not identified for a resident ILE pro-
gram. All this is still in flux and we do not know
when the final decision will be made or how quickly
it will go into effect. With that being said, we will
wait to finalize the Winter 13 ILE slate until the final
decision and guidance is released. Once the final ILE
decision is made, we will release a message breaking
down the decision and the impacts it will have on the
force.
Additionally, this year‘s Sister Service, Inter-
agency and Foreign ILE MILPER Message 12-214
was released on 10 July. Please thoroughly review
the message to ensure you are qualified to apply for
one of these programs and ensure you submit a com-
plete packet. These are very competitive programs so
please contact us early to ensure you are able to ap-
ply.
SAMS: Congratulations to the six Armor officers that were
selected for the SAMS program for this coming win-
ter class. The selected officers‘ range from those cur-
rently attending ILE (or other MEL4 program) to KD
complete majors who applied from the field and range
in year groups from 1996 to 2003. This pool of offi-
cers has a variety of experience which will certainly
benefit the SAMS community. Good luck in your
upcoming studies.
PMS and CSL Board Prep and File Maintenance:
With the upcoming CSL and PMS boards, we will
conduct a large number of file scrubs here at branch
to assist officers with their preparation for the upcom-
ing boards. With that being said, it is your responsi-
bility to ensure your file is complete and accurate and
we are here to assist you with that process. Below are
common issues we see with officers‘ files:
Outdated or Inaccurate Photos. Keep a current DA
photo on file, in the new Army Service Uniform
(ASUs). The photo is the first thing a board member
will see when he/she opens your file. It immediately
makes a first impression (good or bad) which could impact the results of how that board member votes on
your file. Do yourself a favor and take the time to
get a new photo in a clean uniform (ASU) that fits
properly with all the proper awards and badges, with
a good hair cut, etc.
Don‘t wear CAV Brass for your DA photo.
Even if you are not up for a board this fall, your
files are viewed on a regular basis for consideration
for all types of jobs and other opportunities. A good,
current photo goes a long way toward making a posi-
tive first impression.
You must have a new DA photo every five years
(or your photo will be removed from your file and
will not be visible). However, we recommend a new
photo every two years or within a year of an upcom-
ing board so it is current and accurate.
Missing Award Documentation. Ensure that there
are award certificates on file for all the awards you
have earned to include CAB, airborne and air assault
badges. Your photo should match what is reflected
on your ORB and should also match the certificates in
your OMPF. If all three of these match, then your file
is tight.
Missing College Degree Transcripts. There are a
large number of officers that are missing their under
graduate and/or masters transcripts. Look at your
OMPF and if you don‘t see it just send a scanned
copy and we‘ll get it added
Check your ORB and OMPF regularly for accu-
racy and completeness and submit updates and cor-
rections as needed; this will make it much easier
come board time to ensure your file represents you in
the best way possible. A good rule of thumb is to
check you file once a year (even if no boards are
pending). This way any changes /updates you have to
make prior to a board should be minimal.
Remember, maintaining your file is your responsi-
bility, the more effort you put into your file during
your career, the less of an emergency it will be when
it comes time for your next board.
If you have any questions please contact me either
by email or give me a call.
MAJ Timothy Baer
Majors Armor Branch Assignment Officer
(502)613-6042 P A G E 5
MAJORS‘ DESK MAJ TIMOTHY BAER
P A G E 6
Team,
I trust that all is well. As I am blessed to
serve as your Assignment officer, I often inter-
act with Squadron and Brigade commanders
who cannot stop talking about the tremendous
job you guys are doing; great job and keep it
up!
FY 2013 MAJ Board:
We mentioned in our last Armor newsletter
that the board will be quickly upon us, and we
want to ensure that you have your best foot
forward. As I scrub the YG 04-05 officers‘
files, I have noticed the following trends:
1) DA Photos are lacking. Our DA photos
are expired or we are wearing our Class A uni-
forms. Although the Class A‘s uniform is au-
thorized, the new standard is the Army Service
Uniform (ASU) and we should all have an up
to date DA photo while wearing our ASU uni-
form. The DA photo is the first item that the
board members review, and it is one of the
most important items that HRC uses to deter-
mine your future assignment (especially when
we consider you for a nominative assignment).
2) Assignment information is not current. I have reviewed several of our Officer Records
Briefs that state the wrong or expired current
assignment. I have often seen our ORBs state
Executive Officer for current assignment when
the officer has over six months of command
time. Also, if Incoming Personnel or Surplus
Soldier is reflected on your ORB, ensure that
you have it removed immediately.
3) Officers are not aware that this will be
a Best qualified and not a Fully qualified
board. This means that officers who have re-
ceived a Fully Qualified OER (Not left justi-
fied) as a Captain are at extreme risk for not
being selected for advancement to Major. If
you are an officer with a Fully Qualified OER,
and we have not discussed your options and
way ahead, please give me a call or shoot me a
note.
Assignments are available:
The assignments for our officers moving
between 01OCT12-31JAN13 (13-01 Manning
Cycle) will be published no later than
09JUL12. I have spoken with all of the avail-
able officers, and I am working your Courses
of Action. If you are available to PCS during
the 13-01 Manning Cycle and have not con-
tacted me, please do so immediately. Addition-
ally, If you anticipate being available to move
between 01FEB13-31MAY13 (13-02 Manning
Cycle), please contact me in October 2012 with
your top five preferences to start working your
follow-on assignment.
Fellowships:
We had a great showing
for this year‘s Fellowship
Selection Boards (we dou-
bled the amount of applicants
competing for each cate-
gory). The boards are con-
vening as we speak and we
should have the results in
September 2012. Also,
around September-October
2012, the next Fellowship
MILPER message will be
released. I noticed that the major factor for Ar-
mor Officers not competing in this year‘s Fel-
lowship Selection Boards was contributed to an
undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0. It is true
that many of the fellowships require a 3.0 or
better GPA. However, if you have a strong file
you can still compete for most of the fellow-
ships. You will simply need to submit an Aca-
demic Readiness Statement along with your
fellowship packet. Bottom line- call me if you
have any questions before you make a deci-
sion!
SENIOR CAPTAINS’ DESK MAJ JERRY WOOD JR.
“Your
reputation
begins
with your
DA
Photo!”
SENIOR CAPTAINS’ DESK
(continued)
P A G E 7
Advanced Civil Schooling:
ACS is currently a hot topic. However, please
understand that Armor Branch does not and will
not be allocated an ACS slot that is not tied to a
Fellowship, GRADSO, or EGSP program. We are
not authorized ACS slots because there are zero
authorizations for 19 series hard-coded assign-
ments that require a Graduate degree.
We are currently working our GRADSO and
EGSP mandates. However, if you are a GRADSO
recipient who is currently waiting to attend ACS
please note that Armor Branch is currently fore-
casted the following slots for the next two years:
Fall 2013- two slots, Spring 2014- two slots, Sum-
mer 2014-four slots, and Fall 2014- six slots. If
you plan to utilize your GRADSO option within
the next two years, ensure that you submit your
packet to me no later than two months prior to
your packet being due to ACS. Also, ACS RFOs
are not release until about 60 days prior to you
starting your studies.
FAQs:
What should I do to prep for the upcoming
board?
1. Fix your file often and fix early. It is difficult
for us at branch and your unit S1 to fix 7 years
worth of errors in two months.
2. Anything on your ORB (minus unit awards)
requires substantiating documents in your OMPF.
3. Your DA photo may be the most important por-
tion of your file; get a new one if it is more than
one year old.
4. According to AR 640-30, you are required to
take a new DA Photo when you receive an AR-
COM or higher award.
5. Any course/class that was more than 40 hours
can be added to your OMPF. There is no need to
put CLS in your OMPF or on your ORB.
6. Manage expectations; if you have a GOMOR,
―Fully Qualified‖ or referred OER you may be at
risk for promotion.
7. Most Army schools award an ASI; ensure it is
annotated on your ORB.
8. Your unit S1 has to update deployment/dwell
entries in eMILPO; branch does not have that abil-
ity.
9. Read your OER before signing it! At a mini-
mum ensure all the admin data is correct and it is
free of spelling errors.
10. The My Board File program is only a snap-
shot in time. Just because you made a change to
your file does not mean that it will automatically
appear in My Board File.
For any questions related to anything in the Senior
Captains section please feel free to call or email.
MAJ Jerry Wood Jr.
Senior Captains Assignment Officer
(502)613-6044
P A G E 8
JUNIOR CAPTAINS’ DESK MAJ DERRICK MURRAY
Maneuver Captains Career Course (MCCC)
YG 2007 and 2008 officers are the priority for
MCCC attendance in 2012. Seats frequently open in
the course so call (502)-613-6045 if you have a res-
ervation but are interested in earlier attendance
(specifically YG 2007 or 2008). The 3 December
2012 course still has slots that will open to YG 2009
officers in August if they remain unfilled.
As we approach the release of FY12 CPTs board
in late July/Early August there are a few things to
note:
FY 09 Officers will become the priority for atten-
dance in 2013. Email a DA Form 4187 to der-
[email protected] signed by your Battal-
ion Commander to get a reserved seat. Class dates
are listed below.
FEB 25 2013 – AUG 06 2013
APR 15 2013 – SEP 25 2013
MAY 28 2013 – NOV 07 2013
JUN 24 2013 – DEC 06 2013
SEP 03 2013 – MAR 04 2014
Now that many of you have been
promoted to CPT, it is time to update
your ORB. Your current S-1 is the best
place to update your ORB. As soon as
you are placed on orders at the career
course your new chain of command will
look to pull your ORB. It will be your
first impression—make it a good one.
No photo or incorrect data in the assign-
ment history section could affect your
future senior rater‘s impression of you.
Schools are assignment dependent.
As an example, you will attend airborne
school if you are going to an airborne
coded assignment.
“...your new
chain of
command will
look to pull
your ORB. It
will be your first
impression—
make it a good
one.”
Recommend Professional Reading List Links:
http://www.benning.army.mil/common/content/pdf/MCoE%20reading%
20listFinal_Copy1.pdf
http://www.history.army.mil/reading.html
Junior Officer Broadening Assign-
ment (JOBA)
JOBA assignments are opportuni-
ties prior to your attendance to the
Maneuver Captains Career Course
(MCCC). You must serve a mini-
mum of 18 months at your current
duty station to be eligible to PCS
with a time on station waiver.
Taking a JOBA assignment al-
lows you to broaden your Army ex-
perience and gives your family sta-
bility by placing you in a non de-
ploying unit for 12 to 18 months.
Following the completion of the
JOBA assignment you will attend
the Maneuver Captains Career
Course and then PCS to a follow on
unit for your Company Command
assignment. When considering the
units for application, identify your
needs and consider what environ-
ment will help prepare you for Com-
pany Command while also allowing
you to take a break following your
deployment. Other JOBA assign-
ment considerations include family
concerns such as EFMP or MACP.
There are a variety of assign-
ments available that allow you to
meet your needs while also filling
critical Army requirements. They
are broken into the following catego-
ries:
1) AC/RC: Utilization of Active
Component Soldiers to ensure the
training and readiness of the Reserve
Component Units. These jobs are
generally reserved for senior CPTs,
but opportunities currently exist for
this unique and rewarding assign-
ment.
2) FT Benning Assignments (most
prevalent), Fort Rucker, Fort Sill &
Fort Jackson:
* ITB: Serve in a variety of jobs
ranging from OCS Instructor where
you will train and commission offi-
cer candidates for all branches of the
Army to Basic Training Company
Commander where you will be re-
sponsible for training Soldiers in
Basic Combat and Armor-specific
skills in order to provide combat-
ready Soldiers and leaders to the
Operational Army.
* BOLC/OCS: Educate, train,
and inspire current/future Armor
Lieutenants so that upon BOLC
graduation, they demonstrate the
competence, confidence, physical
and mental toughness, and moral/
ethical fiber necessary to lead pla-
toons in any operational environ-
ment.
JUNIOR CAPTAINS’ DESK
(continued)
P A G E 9
P A G E 1 0
Assignment Process at MCCC
I will conduct a branch brief and personal interviews with every officer at MCCC. You are more
than welcome to bring your spouse to one or both sessions, as it is an important decision for both you
and your family. We will talk over your priorities: deployment/non-deployment, geographic location,
family concerns, platform (H/S/IBCTs), short command queue, etc. During the interview I will weigh
your personal priorities with the needs of the Army and offer some recommendations for you and your
family. Since adopting this approach, 9 times out of 10 we are slating officers with one of their top
three choices. However, there are times that I have mandatory deployment assignments or command
positions that need to be filled.
We will also discuss the op-
portunities for follow on
schools. This is done in the
same way: priority versus avail-
ability. If the slot is there for the
school you wish to attend and
we can justify attendance you
will attend that school.
MAJ Derrick Murray
Junior CPTs Assignments
(502) 613-6045
“The most
important
thing is to do
the job you are
given, and do it
well.”
As the new Lieutenants Assignment officer, I‘d like to reiterate a few things you‘ve
already heard.
First off, all newly commissioned Officers entering Armor Basic Officer Leader Course
(BLOC) are managed and scheduled by their specific commissioning source. Therefore, any re-
quests to modify ABOLC class dates must be processed to the individuals commissioning
source. Once at ABOLC, Mr. Gathright will assign students follow-on assignments with addi-
tional military schooling associated to the gaining unit‘s mission requirements. ABOLC student
assignments are determined by the Total Army Personnel Strength Authorizations, Officer‘s Ac-
tive Duty Service Obligation (ADSO) for location, professional development, availability to re-
port to assignment, and Officer‗s assignment preferences. Once you get to your first assignment
CPT Thomas Spolizino at Armor Branch is your contact. After your CPTs Board and you be-
come promotable, MAJ Derrick Murray, the Junior Captains Assignment Officer becomes your
POC.
Second, familiarize yourself with DA PAM 600-3 Commissioned Officer Professional
Development and Career Management, Chapter 10. While branch strives to help each officer
with their career, YOU are your best career manager, the more knowledge you have the better.
This chapter will provide you with insight on what schools are available and which you are ex-
pected to take and will provide guidance on what assignments you should seek. There is no such
thing as key developmental assignments for Armor Lieutenants. It is highly encouraged, but not
required that you serve as a Platoon Leader and Executive Officer in a TOE operational unit, but
the most important thing is to do the job you are given, and do it well.
CPT Thomas Spolizino LIEUTENANTS’ DESK
JUNIOR CAPTAINS’ DESK
(continued)
P A G E 1 1
“AR branch is
always looking
for Lieutenants
to fill positions in
TRADOC units,
however not all
officers’
timelines support
these
assignments.”
your degree posted in Section VII of your ORB before
you can be promoted to CPT.
2. DA Photo: The DA photo is literally the first
thing a board sees, if your photo is substandard , this
will be your first impression for the rest of the board.
Make sure your uniform fits properly, you have a hair-
cut, all of your awards are present and in the right order,
you are not wearing unit awards you didn‘t earn, and
you are not wearing Cavalry brass, Armor is your offi-
cial branch.
3. DA1059: If you went to a school that issued you
a DA1059 (BOLC, ARC, etc) that form should be in
your OMPF.
Start looking at your file early and get your Chain of
Command as well as your S1 to help you out. Contact
Armor Branch with questions. We will scrub your file
This is the only realistic way you will PCS as
a Lieutenant other than to MCCC.
Officers in Korea and Deactivating Units
If you are in Korea or you are tracking that
your unit is deactivating, you should contact
branch six months from your DEROS or deacti-
vation date. This will ensure that we can have a
realistic dialog about your next assignment pref-
erences. We understand that most of you want to
get to deploying units. Please understand that we
will do what we can, but that may not always be
an option. Always ask about schools in route to
your next duty assignment—we will accommo-
date when possible.
Branch Detailed Officers
If you are branch detailed into AR from an-
other Branch, you should make contact with both
AR and your basic branch no later than 6 months
from your expiration date. It is possible to stay
Armor, but the process takes some time so let us
know ASAP.
Please do not hesitate to call and ask ques-
tions regarding your career or general branch/
Army questions. We are here to assist you.
CPT Thomas Spolizino Mr. Earvin Gathright
1LTAssignments 2LT Assignments
(502)613-6040 (502)613-6035
before the board, but nobody will take better care
of your records than you.
Junior Officer Broadening Assignments
AR branch is always looking for Lieutenants
to fill positions in TRADOC units, (Basic Train-
ing, MCOE, etc) however not all officers‘ time-
lines support these assignments.
If you are interested in doing something differ-
ent and are looking for an excellent developmen-
tal experience:
1. Talk to you chain of command and get their
endorsement, the first thing your assignment offi-
cer at branch will ask you is what your COC
thinks.
2. Make sure your timeline supports. You
should plan on attending MCCC in Year Group
plus four (YG‘10 officers should be going in
2014) and any PCS move requires you to be on
station for two years before moving again.
3. Contact your assignment officer. We will
talk you through the options and if it makes sense
we will consider you for these types of assign-
ments.
4. YG 2009 officers should take a look at the
JR CPTs section of this newsletter and consider a
JOBA assignment prior to the career course.
A R M O R B R A N C H N E W S L E T T E R
Fiscal Year 2012 Captains Board Update
The FY‘12 Captains Board has completed and we
expect results to be released sometime in late July—
early August. Once the results are released you should
receive notification through your chain of command, but
can check for publication on the HRC-Promotions
Branch webpage.
FY’10 Officers
If you have a date of rank to First Lieutenant between
1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012, you should start scrub-
bing your file for next year‘s board. You may have al-
ready gotten an email from me about some issues in
your file, but I will lay out some common pitfalls below:
1. College Transcripts: You are required to have
your college transcripts uploaded into your OMPF and
LIEUTENANT’S DESK
(continued)
P A G E 1 2
this position, this officer is num-
ber 1 (or whichever applies).‖
This is the pattern used by Active
Duty Component, as well it
should be by the Reserve Com-
ponent.
BOARD PREPARATION!
As the MILPERs are released outlining the require-
ments and actions to be taken for the upcoming Board
(Command, APL, etc.) make sure you READ the
MILPER. Many of the problems would be eliminated
if the applying Service Member would read the MIL-
PER and send the necessary documents to the correct
URL by the specified deadline. Don‘t wait until the
last minute to send the necessary information. That
leaves not time for final corrections. Plan to have eve-
rything turned in at least a week before the deadline so
when Murphy‘s Law happens, you‘ve got some time
to make things right. Check here for the upcoming
Board Schedule with deadlines: https://
www.hrc.army.mil/TAGD/FY12%20Army%
20Selection%20Board%20Schedule. You will also
find the MILPER number with a link to said reference.
CALL TO ACTIVE DUTY
This program is closed to LTs and LTCs. Those that
wish to apply must have the required background.
Please see MILPER
11-318 issued 18
Oct 11 for details.
https://
www.hrc.army.mil/
Milper/11-318.
CPT Matt Mount
USAR Assignments
(502)613-6072
I am proud to announce I have arrived and taken
over as your new Assignment Officer, replacing
MAJ Edward McCray. I am getting to know you as
I review your files and am working closely with Ms.
Hahne to ensure your information is updated and
accurate. I look forward to helping you with any
upcoming issues and getting to know each of you
over the coming years. Feel free to contact me or
Ms. Hahne if you have any questions or issues and
we will do all we can to assist. Thank you for your
service and support to the USAR!
BE PREPARED!
As you know, there are major
changes ahead for the Army,
changes affecting the budget, unit
size and positions. Now, more
than ever, it is important for you to
place yourself in a position to be
the most qualified in order to con-
tinue your army career. Be pre-
pared! Be flexible! Be educated!
Pursue your required military
schools, as well as improve your
civilian education to the best of
your ability. Increase your market-
ability by acquiring an additional
Functional Area. A complete list of Functional Ar-
eas can be found in DA Pam 600-3. As cuts are
made and opportunities are fewer, those with the
higher qualifications and training will benefit the
most.
HONEST AND COMPLETE OERs!
As you prepare the Officer Evaluation Report,
words are cheap, but that ACOM is limited. Ensure
that your ratings, when so merited, reflect not only
your superior capabilities, but that you are enumer-
ated in the report, i.e. ―Of the 15 officers I rate in
“Now, more
than ever, it is
important for
you to place
yourself in a
position to be
the most
qualified in
order to
continue your
army career.”
CPT Matthew Mount USAR DESK
P A G E 1 3
Armor Branch Website: https://www.hrc.army.mil/Officer/AR%20Officer%20Home HRC Tools with all of these links: https://www.hrc.army.mil/PERSINSD/Tools%20and%20Applications%20Directory iPERMS/OMPF: https://iperms.hrc.army.mil/rms/login-paa My Board File: https://www.hrcapps.army.mil/portal/default.aspx?page=active.record.mbf My ORB: https://knoxhrc16.hrc.army.mil/SSORB/ Joint Policy Branch: https://www.hrc.army.mil/Officer/Joint%20Policy%20Branch IWRS: https://knoxhrc16.hrc.army.mil/iwrs/ MILPER Messages: https://www.hrc.army.mil/Milper DAPMIS: https://knoxhrc16.hrc.army.mil/dapmis/
REFERENCES CONTACTS