So, I don’t think I’ve updated on here but I was recently promoted to E-6/Staff Sergeant.
The other day, we got word that the husband had been offered his E-7/Sergeant First Class, but there was a catch; see with his promotion, he’d have to re-enlist for at least 2 years. He wasn’t sure that he wanted to so we toyed with the idea and discussed it. He ended up taking the promotion. He should have orders coming through any day now.
So what does this mean?
For me, it means I’m a squad leader. Typically I’ll have around 10 joes(Soldiers) who are mine. I make sure they eat, wake up on time, go to bed, complete their tasks, etc. I am kind of in the middle now. I’m still considered a junior Non-Commissioned Officer(NCO) but now I have a bit more street credit. Ha.
For the husband?
He’s now considered a senior NCO, a platoon sergeant in most units. He’ll have anywhere from 10-30 Soldiers. He holds a lot more responsibility. He’ll have evaluations to write, training plans to write, he’ll guide his platoon leader(2nd Lieutenant) and most importantly, he’ll mentor his junior NCOs.
I’m currently in a limbo between states. I’ve cleared my unit in Illinois, turned in all my stuff and got my blessing to leave. However, Pennsylvania doesn’t have any slots for my grade and MOS(s). So we’re looking at what slots are available for me to reclass into. See, PA is a heavily combat arms state. That means Infantry, Field Artillery, Combat Engineers, etc. The problem? Those are all male units. As in don’t have any, won’t accept any, not going to get any females. So there are very few slots for me to choose from and I may end up driving a few hours to drill weekends. I’ve got until July to figure it out. Since the husband just accepted a promotion, it’s going to be a couple of months still before he transfers.
First off, congratulations to both you and your husband! What sort of female-friendly slots are available in PA? If I were switching my AFSC at this point (aside from special duty as an MTI), I’d consider Intel, MEO, PA, or CA. As much as the hands-on jobs seem cool to me, I’m probably more inclined to one of the above. Historian would be pretty cool too!
Dumb question: When you and your husband are different ranks, that isn’t considered to be frat? Do you get an exception because you are married? Probably not that simple…
Hope you are able to find something nearby.
Awww congrats to both of you on your promotions!!! Yes, PA is very heavy on combat arms. That’s how the Mr. wound up reclassing to an engineer. I’m a nerd because I’d keep my same job. I’m one of those weirdos who enjoys getting up and going to work, most days anyway. Shh, just don’t tell anyone because that’ll ruin my street cred.
Oh and also, I dig the bangs!