Career
There are so many opportunities within the Army. But managing one’s military career can be complex and, at times, confusing. Many officers learn about branches, functional areas, and career opportunities from other officers. This series aims to share advice and tips on helping junior officers think about and manage their career.
Two Army Colonel's discuss how they've been able to navigate service as dual-military officers.
J.H. Edmonds, a U.S. Army Artillery Officer, discusses how junior leaders can kill complacency to prepare our Army for the next fight
3 Army HRC Officer Career Managers weigh in on Post KD CPT Assignments. OERs, timeline, and future development all play a key role in determining your future.
Did you know – if you are in the Blended Retirement System (BRS), you’re eligible for a mid-career bonus that might be worth 2.5x to 13x your monthly base pay?!
During my time in Kuwait, scrolling through assignments on AIM 2.0 became my daily battle rhythm; I was five months out from returning to Fort Eustis....
As you come out of a leadership position either as a CDR or platoon leader, inevitably a staff position is in your future......
Institutional, Operational, and Self-Development," are the three domains of leader development. Institutional development is the foundation of officer development; it starts at the commissioning source...........
It is tempting for a junior officer to view their commissioning day as a graduation or an end point. The learning is over. On the contrary, however, commissioning day is …
It’s that time of year again! The AIM Marketplace is complete, the algorithm has run its course, and Requests for Orders (RFOs) are rolling into mailboxes!
It was a conversation I had several times as an assistant professor at the United States Military Academy (USMA). First-class cadets, mere months or even weeks from graduating, would approach …
The 3rd US Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard,” is the Army’s elite ceremonial unit stationed at Fort Myer, VA, just south of the nation’s Capital. …
It is over, just like that. You spent four years at your commissioning source, dreaming of being the next Dick Winters as a Platoon Leader and it was over in …
The inevitable tasking comes down -- your unit is required to send Observer/Coach/Trainer (OCT) augmentees to support the rotation of the sister unit. However, OCT …
Golf can be a valuable leader development tool – and we are NOT talking metaphorically. Playing golf can help you develop actual knowledge, skills, and …
The AIM 2.0 Marketplace can be daunting even for those who have navigated its changing structure over several movement cycles. We look at the Marketplace from three perspectives: the mover, …
The Captain’s Career Course is an amazing experience, and you can learn so much from it. To be successful you need to start preparing before you enter the door. Take …
Have you ever wondered how the officer promotion process works? This article pulls back the curtain and demystifies that process.
How do I read more this year?" Many people you know have probably set a goal that encompasses this; maybe you even set a goal like this yourself. However, have …
The purpose of this article is to provide insight into three U.S. Army Functional Areas from three separate officers who recently assessed into them. The respondents answer some very basic …
How do you, as a junior officer, ensure you get an MQ, not an HQ? The reality is there is no way to guarantee a particular block -- but there …
Every year throughout the Army, junior leaders from The United States Military Academy at West Point, The Reserve Officer Training Corps, and Officer Candidate School …
What follows is a collection of interview questions answered by lieutenants across the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC). The aim of the article …
One thing that you will learn quickly (if you haven't already) is that the path to navigate the ranks from Second Lieutenant to Captain can vary greatly.......
When my branch manager told me she had some Platoon Leader requisitions opening at Fort Jackson, I initially though she misspoke and meant Executive Officer. I mean why on earth …