Attached is the Armor Newsletter

1. Armor Branch
Newsletter
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
V O L U M E I , I S S U E I I S U M M E R 2 0 1 2
 Changes within
the Armor
Branch.
Branch Chief
 ILE changes still
pending
LTC John Cushing, Armor Branch
 Career Broaden- Fellow Tankers and Cavarlymen, the OER. One initiative is to develop multiple
ing opportunities I am truly humbled and honored to be serving OERs; one for Company Grade officers, one for
you all as the current Armor Branch Chief. Hav- Field Grade officers and one for COL and above.
 MEL4 Programs ing just passed the 90 day mark, I will spend some Another initiative is looking to redefine the senior
time in the following paragraphs discussing my rater box check options and their associated la-
 Board Files initial thoughts on a handful of topics that I have bels. More to follow as we get more details.
already dealt with. Photos. This is the first item boards usually
Communication. ―The most difficult thing see and first impressions matter when it comes to
we do is communicate.‖ It is critical for you and board selections. Bottom line is: Look profes-
Armor Branch to communicate effectively. sional! Do your best to keep your photo updated
Please do not hesitate to email or call us with any and don‘t leave the photo lab unless you are satis-
and all questions. We stand ready to serve. If fied. You may never know when your file is be-
you do not feel that you are getting the answers ing looked at, so an up to date, professional photo
you deserve, please contact me directly. I would speaks volumes about your commitment to your
ask that, as you look at your next assignment, let profession.
us know early (6 months) what your desires are so Show Cause. Just recently, we have been
INSIDE THIS we can shape it accordingly. BN CDRs: Do not asked to recommend whether or not Armor offi-
ISSUE: hesitate to call or email about your officers so we cers who have received letters of reprimand and/
can find the right assignment for all involved. or referred reports should go before a show cause
Branch Chief 1-2 Armor Webpage (https://www.hrc.army.mil/ board. The show cause board will determine if an
Officer/AR%20Officer%20Home). We are trying officer should be eliminated or retained on active
to make this a ―one-stop shop.‖ The main page is duty. Armor Branch looks at each officer and
COLs Desk 3
designed to give you quick answers to your ques- makes a recommendation. Our recommendation
tions. Please take a look at the website and ensure coupled with the officer‘s chain of command rec-
LTCs Desk 4 it meets your needs. We acknowledge that this is ommendation will be presented to the HRC CG
our ―first impression‖ with many officers and for final decision. What is critical to note is that
want to put our best foot forward. each letter of reprimand and/or referred report
MAJs Desk 5 OERs. First and foremost, I recommend that starts this process.
all officers continue to do the best they can in LTs Desk. Encourage your junior officers to
each job regardless of whether it is a key and de- get the files in order early. This includes photos
Sr. CPTs Desk 6-7 velopmental billet or not. Each evaluation, no and college transcripts. Unfortunately, many
matter the job, matters. Immediately after arriv-
ing here at HRC, I had the opportunity to conduct
Jr. CPTs Desk 8-10
a ―mock‖ board. I reviewed over 60 files and it
quickly became apparent how important it is to
LTs Desk 10-11
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
“Clearly enumerate your
USAR Desk 12
you who are writing OERs, I would ask you to subordinates and leave no doubt
clearly enumerate your subordinates and leave no with the board members who
doubt with the board members who you are se-
lecting for promotion or command. The CSA you are selecting for promotion
asked for an Army Evaluation System review and or command.”
I believe we will continue to see some changes to

2. PAGE 2
Armor Branch Chief continued
officers are rushing prior to the CPTs board to square BDE/BN CSL Analysis. Brigade Command
away their files and simply run out of time. has been and will always be an extremely tough
CPTs Desk. I recently had a great conversation cut and this board proved that once again. His-
with a sitting Division G3 about CPTs on Division torically speaking, we have averaged 4 maneuver
Staff. We are prepared to support CPTs staying for commands over the last 6 years. We saw a high
an additional year after Company Command to serve of "8" last year with a low of "2" this year and in
“Brigade on Division Staffs as long as their timeline supports 2008. As we look across all command categories,
it and all parties acknowledge. I recently sat on the we have averaged "8" commands over the last 6
Olmstead Fellowship panel and was extremely im- years, with "4" this year, and a high of "12" in
Command pressed with the Armor officers competing for these 2010. As many of you know the BCT selection is
positions. I would ask that if you or your officers primarily based on officer performance, but how
has been and intend on competing for a fellowship that everyone the Armor Branch fairs has a lot to do with the
keeps the Branch informed so we can help complete categories we compete in (Combat Arms Maneu-
will always the packet. We are also looking closely to post ver Operations, Armor Operations (11ACR), Ar-
MCCC assignments. I am asking the junior CPTs mor Training, Combat Arms Strategic support,
assignment officer to diversify our officers. For Combat Arms Installation, Branch Immaterial
be an example, having an ABCT background as a lieuten- Recruiting, Branch Immaterial Installation), the
ant and SBCT or IBCT assignment as a Company type of Commands available (11ACR), the qual-
extremely Commander makes you a more diverse officer who ity/size of the year group and the selection board
can serve the Armor community in multiple areas in dynamics. The number of commands available in
tough cut the future. each category, the quality/size of the year group,
MAJs Desk. The buzz surrounding the MAJs and board dynamics we cannot control, but we
desk centers on the future of ILE. As of right now, may need to be more deliberate with some of our
and this we are following the universal ILE program. I an- officers and encourage some to consider other
ticipate receiving guidance in the near future as to command opportunities instead of just Combat
board proved the slating guidance for the winter 2013 class and the Arms Maneuver Operations if "quantity" of Ar-
way ahead. I would encourage all those pre-ILE mor Commands is our goal. Having said all this,
that once MAJs to keep their files updated so if by chance the the alternate list is loaded with great Armor offi-
decision is made to go back to competitive ILE, your cers and the difference between those that were
file is ready to go. selected and those on the alternate list is minimal.
again.” LTCs Desk. BN / BDE CSL. The offer stands So the alternate list officers along with the next
for those folks who are competing in either the BDE year group will make for a very competitive group
or BN CSL contact Armor branch and have a candid next year.
conversation pertaining to their selection chances With respect to the BN CSL we did extremely
and which command categories they should compete well. This year we had 25 tactical BN CSL selec-
in. As a result of a couple of conversations, I am not tees out of a possible 46. We did this with only
convinced everyone understands how the selection half of the eligible officers as compared to Infan-
and slating process occurs in the different categories try. By looking at our multiple Armor BN com-
and what dynamics surround the alternate list. mands across ABCTs, IBCTs, and SBCTs we
Please contact us if you have any questions. have spread the talent so we maximize the oppor-
tunities for our officers and increase our chances
FY12 SSC Board. Please review the for BCT commands in these types of units.
SSC MILPER message carefully. This
year officers competing will submit their
preferences before the board convenes.
The preference site will open on 15 July LTC John Cushing
2012 and close on 31 August 2012. Armor Branch Chief
Those officers who have deferred atten- Officer Personnel Directorate
dance must also submit their preferences. Human Resources Command
This is the only opportunity that officers (502) 613-6046 (w) DSN: 312
will have to submit preferences prior to (502) 457– 2309 (c)
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/

3. VOLUME I, ISSUE II PAGE 3
COL‘s DESK
LTC STEVEN BARRY
Gentlemen, packet to receive joint credit.
First, I wanted to thank LTC Scott Wood- I can work with you to de-
ward for a terrific transition. After four velop the JQS experience
months as the Armor Colonel Assignment sheet and put together the
Officer, I have had the pleasure of working remainder of the packet.
with many of you and I look forward to serv- Please remember that you
ing you over the next year. only have one year after your
deployment to submit the experience for joint
2013 Movers: credit. We have a rigorous screening process that
We just finished placing all Colonels on has had a high success rate before the joint certifi-
assignment for this summer and I have begun cation board. Joint qualification not only broadens
to refine which officers will move next year. an officer‘s career, but it opens up more opportuni-
If you are moving next year, you should have ties for joint critical billets and jobs that prefer an
received an email from me outlining the officer with joint experience. You can also receive
Colonels assignment process. As I said in JQS points for J7 approved Joint Exercises. If you
the note, an early dialogue will help us de- think you qualify, contact me and I can review the
velop a quality as- exercise to determine how many points you can
signment for you. If earn.
“Joint qualification you have not heard
not only broadens from me and believe DA Selection Boards:
an officer’s career, you are moving next I would humbly ask that you please consider
but it opens up year, please call or sitting DA selection boards when I contact you
send an email so we about them or please send me a note if you would
more opportunities
can develop a course like to volunteer. As you know, Colonels make up
for joint critical bil- of action. Colonels the vast majority of most selection boards. We
lets and jobs that Management priori- work hard to find the appropriate Colonel to sit
prefer an officer tizes the following these boards. Colonels Management normally re-
with joint experi- assignments above ceives the board requirements four months before
all others each year: the board meets. Many of the boards require five
ence.”
deployments working days or less.
(approximately 160-
AF and IZ), CSL, Joint, and Korea. Lastly, COMO Move:
when we finalize the SSC visits, I will send a Finally, the Colonels Management office will
note to all of the students so you are aware of move in mid-August to the Taylor Building in
when we will visit. Crystal City, VA. If you are ever visiting the NCR,
Pentagon, or Crystal City, please let me know and I
Senior Service College, FY 12(AY13-14): would like to meet with you if you have the time.
As a reminder, the SSC Board meets in Do not hesitate to contact me to assist you with any
September. I have contacted all eligible issue.
Colonels for this board and have completed a
scrub of their files. If you think I missed you Steve Barry
and you are eligible, please contact me so we AR COL HRM
can begin to look at your file. Unlike in pre- LTC, AR
vious years, you will select your preferences OCSA - Senior Leader Development Office
before the board meets in September. (O): 703.696.4831; DSN 426
(BB): 703.459.5161
Joint Qualification: Email: steven.t.barry.mil@mail.mil
If you have recently re-deployed from a CMO/SLD website:
combat deployment, please consider develop- https://www.srleaders.army.mil/portal2/Home.aspx
ing a Joint Qualification System (JQS)

4. PAGE 4
LTC‘s DESK
LTC CARTER PRICE
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 as leaders is counsel our subordinates who are
served here at branch before, everyday not performing up to standard. Thanks to all of
proves to be a rewarding yet challenging you who spend time with your subordinates con-
experience and I am often reminded as to ducting performance counseling. Good, honest
how much I still feedback through well documented counseling
have to learn. definitely makes our job easier here at branch and
“It's unbeliev- Here are a couple of allows us to better manage promotion and com-
able how parting shots that I mand expectations.
would like to ad- Battalion Command Selection Process.
much you dress: As the Branch Chief said in his notes, there is
don't know Patience. We at some confusion when it comes to the Battalion
Armor Branch Command Selection Process. As we begin to
about the spend a great deal prep for the next BN CSL board, please contact
game you've of time trying to my replacement, MAJ Tim Baer, if you have any
been playing make sureassigned
officer is
the right questions as to how the process works. We
would prefer that each of you makes a well-
all your life” the right job at the informed decision as to which categories you
right time. In many would like to compete in and where we think you
cases, especially at stand relative to your peers.
the LTCs desk, assignments take a little bit DA Photos. As promotions and com-
longer based on the types of assignments mands become more and more competitive the
we are attempting to get. Many of the emphasis can easily swing to military bearing
nominations and blackbook jobs have a and fitness to break ties. We would encourage
long approval process. We appreciate your you to stay in shape and don‘t make your appear-
patience throughout the process. We also ance in your DA photo a discriminator as to why
appreciate your trust that we are always you didn‘t get the assignment your deserved.
looking out for your best interest. Again, I‘d like to thank all of you for
Professional counseling. One of your service to the Army, the branch and allow-
the most challenging things we have to do 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

5. VOLUME I, ISSUE II
MAJORS‘ DESK
ILE and other MEL4 Programs: MAJ TIMOTHY BAER
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 a good hair cut, etc.
decision and guidance is released. Once the final ILE Don‘t wear CAV Brass for your DA photo.
decision is made, we will release a message breaking Even if you are not up for a board this fall, your
down the decision and the impacts it will have on the files are viewed on a regular basis for consideration
force. for all types of jobs and other opportunities. A good,
Additionally, this year‘s Sister Service, Inter- current photo goes a long way toward making a posi-
agency and Foreign ILE MILPER Message 12-214 tive first impression.
was released on 10 July. Please thoroughly review You must have a new DA photo every five years
the message to ensure you are qualified to apply for (or your photo will be removed from your file and
one of these programs and ensure you submit a com- will not be visible). However, we recommend a new
plete packet. These are very competitive programs so photo every two years or within a year of an upcom-
please contact us early to ensure you are able to ap- ing board so it is current and accurate.
ply. Missing Award Documentation. Ensure that there
are award certificates on file for all the awards you
SAMS: have earned to include CAB, airborne and air assault
Congratulations to the six Armor officers that were badges. Your photo should match what is reflected
selected for the SAMS program for this coming win- on your ORB and should also match the certificates in
ter class. The selected officers‘ range from those cur- your OMPF. If all three of these match, then your file
rently attending ILE (or other MEL4 program) to KD is tight.
complete majors who applied from the field and range Missing College Degree Transcripts. There are a
in year groups from 1996 to 2003. This pool of offi- large number of officers that are missing their under
cers has a variety of experience which will certainly graduate and/or masters transcripts. Look at your
benefit the SAMS community. Good luck in your OMPF and if you don‘t see it just send a scanned
upcoming studies. copy and we‘ll get it added
Check your ORB and OMPF regularly for accu-
PMS and CSL Board Prep and File Maintenance: racy and completeness and submit updates and cor-
With the upcoming CSL and PMS boards, we will rections as needed; this will make it much easier
conduct a large number of file scrubs here at branch come board time to ensure your file represents you in
to assist officers with their preparation for the upcom- the best way possible. A good rule of thumb is to
ing boards. With that being said, it is your responsi- check you file once a year (even if no boards are
bility to ensure your file is complete and accurate and pending). This way any changes /updates you have to
we are here to assist you with that process. Below are make prior to a board should be minimal.
common issues we see with officers‘ files: Remember, maintaining your file is your responsi-
Outdated or Inaccurate Photos. Keep a current DA bility, the more effort you put into your file during
photo on file, in the new Army Service Uniform your career, the less of an emergency it will be when
(ASUs). The photo is the first thing a board member it comes time for your next board.
will see when he/she opens your file. It immediately If you have any questions please contact me either
makes a first impression (good or bad) which could by email or give me a call.
impact the results of how that board member votes on
your file. Do yourself a favor and take the time to MAJ Timothy Baer
get a new photo in a clean uniform (ASU) that fits Majors Armor Branch Assignment Officer
properly with all the proper awards and badges, with (502)613-6042 PAGE 5

6. SENIOR CAPTAINS’ DESK
MAJ JERRY WOOD JR.
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: able officers, and I am working your Courses
1) DA Photos are lacking. Our DA photos of Action. If you are available to PCS during
are expired or we are wearing our Class A uni- the 13-01 Manning Cycle and have not con-
forms. Although the Class A‘s uniform is au- tacted me, please do so immediately. Addition-
thorized, the new standard is the Army Service ally, If you anticipate being available to move
Uniform (ASU) and we should all have an up between 01FEB13-31MAY13 (13-02 Manning
to date DA photo while wearing our ASU uni-
Cycle), please contact me in October 2012 with
form. The DA photo is the first item that the
board members review, and it is one of the your top five preferences to start working your
most important items that HRC uses to deter- follow-on assignment.
mine your future assignment (especially when
we consider you for a nominative assignment). Fellowships:
2) Assignment information is not current. We had a great showing
for this year‘s Fellowship
“Your
I have reviewed several of our Officer Records
Briefs that state the wrong or expired current Selection Boards (we dou-
bled the amount of applicants
reputation
assignment. I have often seen our ORBs state
Executive Officer for current assignment when competing for each cate- begins
gory). The boards are con-
the officer has over six months of command
time. Also, if Incoming Personnel or Surplus vening as we speak and we with your
should have the results in
Soldier is reflected on your ORB, ensure that
you have it removed immediately. September 2012. Also, DA
3) Officers are not aware that this will be
a Best qualified and not a Fully qualified
around September-October
2012, the next Fellowship Photo!”
board. This means that officers who have re- MILPER message will be
ceived a Fully Qualified OER (Not left justi- released. I noticed that the major factor for Ar-
fied) as a Captain are at extreme risk for not mor Officers not competing in this year‘s Fel-
being selected for advancement to Major. If lowship Selection Boards was contributed to an
you are an officer with a Fully Qualified OER, undergraduate GPA of less than 3.0. It is true
and we have not discussed your options and that many of the fellowships require a 3.0 or
way ahead, please give me a call or shoot me a better GPA. However, if you have a strong file
note. you can still compete for most of the fellow-
ships. You will simply need to submit an Aca-
Assignments are available: demic Readiness Statement along with your
The assignments for our officers moving fellowship packet. Bottom line- call me if you
have any questions before you make a deci-
between 01OCT12-31JAN13 (13-01 Manning
sion!
Cycle) will be published no later than
09JUL12. I have spoken with all of the avail- PAGE 6

7. PAGE 7
SENIOR CAPTAINS’ DESK
(continued)
Advanced Civil Schooling: 3. Your DA photo may be the most important por-
ACS is currently a hot topic. However, please tion of your file; get a new one if it is more than
understand that Armor Branch does not and will one year old.
not be allocated an ACS slot that is not tied to a
Fellowship, GRADSO, or EGSP program. We are 4. According to AR 640-30, you are required to
not authorized ACS slots because there are zero take a new DA Photo when you receive an AR-
authorizations for 19 series hard-coded assign- COM or higher award.
ments that require a Graduate degree.
We are currently working our GRADSO and 5. Any course/class that was more than 40 hours
EGSP mandates. However, if you are a GRADSO can be added to your OMPF. There is no need to
recipient who is currently waiting to attend ACS put CLS in your OMPF or on your ORB.
please note that Armor Branch is currently fore-
casted the following slots for the next two years: 6. Manage expectations; if you have a GOMOR,
Fall 2013- two slots, Spring 2014- two slots, Sum- ―Fully Qualified‖ or referred OER you may be at
mer 2014-four slots, and Fall 2014- six slots. If risk for promotion.
you plan to utilize your GRADSO option within
the next two years, ensure that you submit your 7. Most Army schools award an ASI; ensure it is
packet to me no later than two months prior to annotated on your ORB.
your packet being due to ACS. Also, ACS RFOs
are not release until about 60 days prior to you 8. Your unit S1 has to update deployment/dwell
starting your studies. 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.
FAQs: Senior Captains Assignment Officer
What should I do to prep for the upcoming (502)613-6044
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.

8. 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 CAPTAINS’ DESK
MAJ DERRICK MURRAY
Maneuver Captains Career Course (MCCC) JUN 24 2013 – DEC 06 2013
YG 2007 and 2008 officers are the priority for SEP 03 2013 – MAR 04 2014
MCCC attendance in 2012. Seats frequently open in “...your new
the course so call (502)-613-6045 if you have a res- Now that many of you have been
ervation but are interested in earlier attendance promoted to CPT, it is time to update chain of
(specifically YG 2007 or 2008). The 3 December your ORB. Your current S-1 is the best
2012 course still has slots that will open to YG 2009 place to update your ORB. As soon as command will
officers in August if they remain unfilled. you are placed on orders at the career
look to pull
course your new chain of command will
As we approach the release of FY12 CPTs board look to pull your ORB. It will be your your ORB. It
in late July/Early August there are a few things to first impression—make it a good one.
note: No photo or incorrect data in the assign- will be your first
FY 09 Officers will become the priority for atten- ment history section could affect your
dance in 2013. Email a DA Form 4187 to der- future senior rater‘s impression of you. impression—
rick.d.murray.mil@mail.mil signed by your Battal-
ion Commander to get a reserved seat. Class dates Schools are assignment dependent. make it a good
are listed below. As an example, you will attend airborne one.”
FEB 25 2013 – AUG 06 2013 school if you are going to an airborne
APR 15 2013 – SEP 25 2013 coded assignment.
MAY 28 2013 – NOV 07 2013
PAGE 8

9. JUNIOR CAPTAINS’ DESK
(continued)
Junior Officer Broadening Assign- 2) FT Benning Assignments (most
pany Command while also allowing
ment (JOBA) prevalent), Fort Rucker, Fort Sill &
you to take a break following your
JOBA assignments are opportuni- Fort Jackson:
deployment. Other JOBA assign-
ties prior to your attendance to the * ITB: Serve in a variety of jobs
ment considerations include family
Maneuver Captains Career Course ranging from OCS Instructor where
concerns such as EFMP or MACP.
(MCCC). You must serve a mini- you will train and commission offi-
mum of 18 months at your current cer candidates for all branches of the
There are a variety of assign-
duty station to be eligible to PCS Army to Basic Training Company
ments available that allow you to
with a time on station waiver. Commander where you will be re-
meet your needs while also filling
Taking a JOBA assignment al- sponsible for training Soldiers in
critical Army requirements. They
lows you to broaden your Army ex- Basic Combat and Armor-specific
are broken into the following catego-
perience and gives your family sta- skills in order to provide combat-
ries:
bility by placing you in a non de- ready Soldiers and leaders to the
ploying unit for 12 to 18 months. Operational Army.
1) AC/RC: Utilization of Active
Following the completion of the * BOLC/OCS: Educate, train,
Component Soldiers to ensure the
JOBA assignment you will attend and inspire current/future Armor
training and readiness of the Reserve
the Maneuver Captains Career Lieutenants so that upon BOLC
Component Units. These jobs are
Course and then PCS to a follow on graduation, they demonstrate the
generally reserved for senior CPTs,
unit for your Company Command competence, confidence, physical
but opportunities currently exist for
assignment. When considering the and mental toughness, and moral/
this unique and rewarding assign-
units for application, identify your ethical fiber necessary to lead pla-
ment.
needs and consider what environ- toons in any operational environ-
ment will help prepare you for Com- ment.
PAGE 9

10. JUNIOR CAPTAINS’ DESK PAGE 10
(continued)
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
LIEUTENANTS’ DESK
CPT Thomas Spolizino
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
“The most
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-
important 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-
thing is to do come promotable, MAJ Derrick Murray, the Junior Captains Assignment Officer becomes your
POC.
the job you are Second, familiarize yourself with DA PAM 600-3 Commissioned Officer Professional
Development and Career Management, Chapter 10. While branch strives to help each officer
given, and do it 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-
well.” 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.

11. LIEUTENANT’S DESK
(continued)
Fiscal Year 2012 Captains Board Update your degree posted in Section VII of your ORB before
The FY‘12 Captains Board has completed and we you can be promoted to CPT.
expect results to be released sometime in late July— 2. DA Photo: The DA photo is literally the first
early August. Once the results are released you should thing a board sees, if your photo is substandard , this
receive notification through your chain of command, but will be your first impression for the rest of the board.
can check for publication on the HRC-Promotions Make sure your uniform fits properly, you have a hair-
Branch webpage. cut, all of your awards are present and in the right order,
you are not wearing unit awards you didn‘t earn, and
FY’10 Officers you are not wearing Cavalry brass, Armor is your offi-
If you have a date of rank to First Lieutenant between cial branch.
1 April 2011 and 31 March 2012, you should start scrub- 3. DA1059: If you went to a school that issued you
bing your file for next year‘s board. You may have al- a DA1059 (BOLC, ARC, etc) that form should be in
ready gotten an email from me about some issues in your OMPF.
your file, but I will lay out some common pitfalls below: Start looking at your file early and get your Chain of
1. College Transcripts: You are required to have Command as well as your S1 to help you out. Contact
your college transcripts uploaded into your OMPF and Armor Branch with questions. We will scrub your file
“AR branch is
before the board, but nobody will take better care This is the only realistic way you will PCS as
always looking of your records than you. a Lieutenant other than to MCCC.
Officers in Korea and Deactivating Units
for Lieutenants Junior Officer Broadening Assignments If you are in Korea or you are tracking that
AR branch is always looking for Lieutenants your unit is deactivating, you should contact
to fill positions in
to fill positions in TRADOC units, (Basic Train- branch six months from your DEROS or deacti-
TRADOC units, ing, MCOE, etc) however not all officers‘ time- vation date. This will ensure that we can have a
lines support these assignments. realistic dialog about your next assignment pref-
however not all If you are interested in doing something differ- erences. We understand that most of you want to
ent and are looking for an excellent developmen- get to deploying units. Please understand that we
officers’
tal experience: will do what we can, but that may not always be
timelines support 1. Talk to you chain of command and get their an option. Always ask about schools in route to
endorsement, the first thing your assignment offi- your next duty assignment—we will accommo-
these cer at branch will ask you is what your COC date when possible.
thinks.
assignments.” Branch Detailed Officers
2. Make sure your timeline supports. You
should plan on attending MCCC in Year Group If you are branch detailed into AR from an-
plus four (YG‘10 officers should be going in other Branch, you should make contact with both
AR and your basic branch no later than 6 months
2014) and any PCS move requires you to be on
from your expiration date. It is possible to stay
station for two years before moving again. Armor, but the process takes some time so let us
3. Contact your assignment officer. We will know ASAP.
talk you through the options and if it makes sense Please do not hesitate to call and ask ques-
we will consider you for these types of assign- tions regarding your career or general branch/
ments. Army questions. We are here to assist you.
4. YG 2009 officers should take a look at the
CPT Thomas Spolizino Mr. Earvin Gathright
JR CPTs section of this newsletter and consider a
1LTAssignments 2LT Assignments
JOBA assignment prior to the career course.
(502)613-6040 (502)613-6035
PAGE 11 ARMOR BRANCH NEWSLETTER

12. USAR DESK
CPT Matthew Mount
I am proud to announce I have arrived and taken this position, this officer is num-
over as your new Assignment Officer, replacing ber 1 (or whichever applies).‖
MAJ Edward McCray. I am getting to know you as This is the pattern used by Active
I review your files and am working closely with Ms. Duty Component, as well it
Hahne to ensure your information is updated and should be by the Reserve Com-
accurate. I look forward to helping you with any ponent.
upcoming issues and getting to know each of you
over the coming years. Feel free to contact me or BOARD PREPARATION!
Ms. Hahne if you have any questions or issues and As the MILPERs are released outlining the require-
we will do all we can to assist. Thank you for your ments and actions to be taken for the upcoming Board
service and support to the USAR! (Command, APL, etc.) make sure you READ the
MILPER. Many of the problems would be eliminated
“Now, more BE PREPARED! if the applying Service Member would read the MIL-
PER and send the necessary documents to the correct
than ever, it is URL by the specified deadline. Don‘t wait until the
As you know, there are major
important for changes ahead for the Army, last minute to send the necessary information. That
you to place changes affecting the budget, unit leaves not time for final corrections. Plan to have eve-
size and positions. Now, more rything turned in at least a week before the deadline so
yourself in a when Murphy‘s Law happens, you‘ve got some time
than ever, it is important for you to
position to be place yourself in a position to be to make things right. Check here for the upcoming
the most the most qualified in order to con- Board Schedule with deadlines: https://
tinue your army career. Be pre- www.hrc.army.mil/TAGD/FY12%20Army%
qualified in 20Selection%20Board%20Schedule. You will also
pared! Be flexible! Be educated!
order to Pursue your required military find the MILPER number with a link to said reference.
continue your schools, as well as improve your
civilian education to the best of CALL TO ACTIVE DUTY
army career.” This program is closed to LTs and LTCs. Those that
your ability. Increase your market-
ability by acquiring an additional wish to apply must have the required background.
Functional Area. A complete list of Functional Ar- Please see MILPER
eas can be found in DA Pam 600-3. As cuts are 11-318 issued 18
made and opportunities are fewer, those with the Oct 11 for details.
higher qualifications and training will benefit the https://
most. www.hrc.army.mil/
Milper/11-318.
HONEST AND COMPLETE OERs!
As you prepare the Officer Evaluation Report, CPT Matt Mount
words are cheap, but that ACOM is limited. Ensure USAR Assignments
that your ratings, when so merited, reflect not only (502)613-6072
your superior capabilities, but that you are enumer-
ated in the report, i.e. ―Of the 15 officers I rate in
PAGE 12

13. CONTACTS
REFERENCES
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/
PAGE 13