S2/S4 Positions Available?

[S. Mader]

I'm looking to speak to a member of the S2/S4 teams as I am interested in joining one or both, if at all possible at this time.

[1st Lt (Ret) Hardman]

PV1,

Most S-shop positions have a minimum rank requirement of E-3 as you'll need to have a fair idea of how the unit works to be most effective in those roles.

That being said, your best bet if you are interested is to speak to people from the area you wish to join and discuss with them what the job is like etc. Keep in mind that both S-2 and S-4 deal with classified information so they won't be able to discuss specifics but you'll be able to get a general sense of what the roles involve.

I'd also recommend that you start working on your application early. In previous recruiting efforts, I've seen some applications that are obviously rushed and it does not make a good first impression.

Regards,

SSgt Hardman
S-1 Chief
(Previously) S-4 Chief and S-2 Intelligence Analyst

[CW3 (Ret) Hauk]

PV1 Mader,

I noticed your request and the Chief's response, my boss, as I am a clerk in the S-1 shop and thought I may be of help.   I wanted to echo what SSgt Hardman said but thought it might be helpful for you to hear from someone else that is relatively newer to the unit in comparison to many active and reserve members of the 506^th.  I joined up at the end of last year went to recruiting class, graduated OSUT, worked hard, followed orders, been yelled at, praised for my effort, filled in when and where I could and applied six times for different positions and not until I earned the rank of specialist was I greatfully offered a position in the S-1 shop, in which I now proudly serve.

Would I say that my situation is typical here at the 506^th?  Not necessarily, are there others who have earned positions much quicker than that? Sure.  When or if you can look at any of the personnel files of any of the Officers or senior NCO's you can see their history and what time and effort (classes and courses, MOS History) it took them to get where they are.  This might help provide some perspective on the effort and sacrifice many troopers have given to the 506^th over the years.

Now for some practical tips.  As far as I have been told by my CoC that the only positions that can be applied for are OPEN positions announced in the Command Announcements thread.  If you are going by what is posted in the Roster Spreadsheet just know that those positions may already be filled.  Also, I believe that your recruit instructor probably informed you, as I was told as a PV1, that they are your CoC until you start OSUT and then your OSUT instructors become your CoC, until you are billeted in your selected MOS if it is available as well as finishing any other courses that might be required.  These kind of questions or requests are exactly what the CoC is for, I highly recommend using it if you have not done so.  I see that your Recruit Instructor is SGT Lyon, as he was mine, the Sgt has been in this unit for a long time and is a wealth of knowledge.  And as you have not started OSUT I would put my focus for now there.  OSUT is challenging and difficult for some, as it was for me, particularly the last day and specifically the end of the last day.

Hopefully you find this helpful.

Regards,

SPC M. Jenkins
S-1 Transfers Clerk