Made the Captain Promotion list (USAR/NG) for FY2020

[Snoopy47]

Bitter sweet because I'll never go back and take a company command again with the actual rank of the position. Then there's still the wait for official orders (which required more forms submitted today on my behalf by S1 to validate I'm in a billet for the rank, and not flagged).

It doesn't seem that long ago, but I guess it's been nearly 10 years.

One more promotion and I can get to 20 years, but I have 12 more to get to LTC (it's going to be close).

The last few years have really blown chunks. Mid next year I could actually walk away from it all (completion of officer obligation), but I think I've figured out how to "game" the system enough I can avoid crap positions and assignments going forward.

If I want to do anything ambitious it will always be there for me, but for that to happen a pathway to Full COL has to be opened to me (which I don't see happening since it requires 22 years in service for first look, and at 22 years I will be exactly 60 years old and hit mandatory retirement)

Anyway................ a bit of good news in an otherwise not so great year.

***********

I would love to get decked out in the new Pinks and Greens with CPT bars, but from head to toe it's going to be upwards of $800, and it wont be required until 2 years before I retire, and the current ASU will still be authorized as a formal alternative anyway. Maybe prices will eventually come back down to normalcy when more vendors are making them.

[Milsurp1]

Congratulations!

[DZ357]

Hoora !!

[AregularGuy]

Congrats Cap! Took them long enough for the results to come out. ANd it sucks they didn't give any hints at when results would be released. I'm still waiting for the AMEDD MAJ board results. I predict it'll be after Thanksgiving.

[Fastattack]

Sounds like you're making the best of it. Congrats and good luck.

[Snoopy47]

Originally Posted by Fastattack

Sounds like you're making the best of it. Congrats and good luck.

I think I literally am getting the "best" I can get out of this.

I've had a few stumbles, but I've picked up quick how parts of the system work. I'm not a total expert, but I just need to be able to specifically navigate myself.

[rero360]

Congrats Sir. I received my 20-year letter a little over a month ago and it's nice having that peace of mind that you can just walk away at any time. I haven't decided how long I intend on staying in for. If I successfully complete USASMA then it'll be at least three years after I promote to CSM. If I fail the course then I'll probably walk then as there is no second attempt at the Academy.

[Snoopy47]

Originally Posted by AregularGuy

Congrats Cap! Took them long enough for the results to come out. ANd it sucks they didn't give any hints at when results would be released. I'm still waiting for the AMEDD MAJ board results. I predict it'll be after Thanksgiving.

I have my theories what was going on, but none of that matters, there are nearly 2,000 names on the list, and I didn't need to be one of "those guys" bugging HRC about the results. I'm sure there were hundreds of guys bugging them, and non of that sped the process up.

******
What I think happened is when CV-19 hit, all promotions boards got suspended, and then the CPT board was technically canceled in replace of a process to promote all those fully qualified (BOLC, and 4 year degree in hand). So they then had to basically TOSS all board packets already submitted, and then review every single 1LT in the system with a DOR that would put them in the window and check if they are BOLC and Education qualified and then compile that list.

Basically, LT's that were sloppy or lazy about their packets got lucky (a now CPT I know, got promoted 2 years late because he was too lazy to actually submit a board packet).

I for one got LUCKY AS HELL in regard to CV19. If the list came out this late without CV19 I would be due for a new record fitness test, and probably would have failed one or two ACFT items.

Don't get me wrong, I have a passing APFT record, and if the list was out in September I would have still made it, but there could have been a series of events that flagged me just as I tried to pin CPT.

Also, I dogged a bullet with the ACFT as Quartermaster LT's are HEAVY, and require a 200 lb dead lift. CPT's only need 160. whew............ that was close.

[Snoopy47]

Originally Posted by rero360

Congrats Sir. I received my 20-year letter a little over a month ago and it's nice having that peace of mind that you can just walk away at any time. I haven't decided how long I intend on staying in for. If I successfully complete USASMA then it'll be at least three years after I promote to CSM. If I fail the course then I'll probably walk then as there is no second attempt at the Academy.

Yea, I envy you. Right now I'm 48. I could have been done with this YEARS AGO.

I should have just followed my heart when I was young. I mean don't get me wrong, I value the opportunity I have to serve, etc..., but that's only a function of world events that bumped the enlistment age up to 42.

My high school grades were horrible, and my arrogance prevented me from enlisting since I wasn't being selected for ROTC scholarships or the Academies.

I could have enlisted after HS in 91, after college in 95, or after 9/11 and ANY ONE OF THOSE would have me possibly in position to be looking at Full COL right now. As well, if I enlisted in 91 I could be eyeing Brigadier General right now.

But lets be realistic. I'm not special, and I'm only "special" against my younger peers because I have two decades of work experience and grad school they are all having to catch up on.

At the end of the day, I probably would have bailed at 20 ASAP, and maybe LTC at my top rank. That version of me in the 90's was never going to be a general. LTC possibly............

And that's where I'm at.

I am astronomically lucky that I still get to reach the retirement rank of LTC at the age of 56-60 that I probably otherwise would have maxed out at my current age anyway. Because if I was a LTC with a 20 year letter in hand I would basically would have stopped there anyway.


************

My Drill SGT said to me in basic "why the hell would you want to be a 40yo LT"

Understanding the question was rhetorical I didn't answer.

It didn't stop me from thinking "I'm not going to be a 40yo LT. I'm going to be a 60yo LTC.

[AregularGuy]

I forgot to ask? Are you a 70 series? If so then I hear you are lucky to have made the list, very over strength in 70's. Good job!

RC AMEDD MAJ list out today, only 29% promoted "in the zone". There were only 50 or so MS officers on the list.

[Snoopy47]

Originally Posted by AregularGuy

I forgot to ask? Are you a 70 series? If so then I hear you are lucky to have made the list, very over strength in 70's. Good job!

RC AMEDD MAJ list out today, only 29% promoted "in the zone". There were only 50 or so MS officers on the list.

Noooooo............

I'm 90A (will be after CCC, currently 92A). Our requirements are we finish our military education, and then take a nap in our cubicles and they wake us when we make MAJ and LTC at time in grade.

Took my command time lessons to heart, and landed a staff slot in a non deploying TDA non MTOE unit with 4 CPT vacancies, 2 MAJ vacancies and 1 LTC vacancy all in my MOS.

Toying with the idea of going back to Military Intelligence (much harder to promote in), but could always go back to Logistics for the promotion.

**********
A friend of mine literally has his CPT promotion orders in hand, and we both turned in our acceptance packets the same day (same MOS). I'm guessing because he's now in a Command slot they published his sooner because CPT's can fully execute their command duties. While he's a LT there are limits that need additional reviews. The rest of us can wait. DOR is all that really matters, and it's not like I have anywhere to wear the CPT bars now.

**********
I saw the 70 series MilPer message stating to the effect a streamlined process to change Branches for them. Folks are probably on their way out.

There are literally ZERO 70A vacancies right now across the entire country.

However, when I came to my current unit (J4 section) I filled one CPT vacancy, still three others around me, two MAJ vacancies and one LTC vacancy above me in my MOS and in my unit in my section.

Logistics Branch is more or less promote if FULLY qualified, not BEST qualified.

[AregularGuy]

Originally Posted by Snoopy47

Noooooo............

I'm 90A (will be after CCC, currently 92A). Our requirements are we finish our military education, and then take a nap in our cubicles and they wake us when we make MAJ and LTC at time in grade.

Took my command time lessons to heart, and landed a staff slot in a non deploying TDA non MTOE unit with 4 CPT vacancies, 2 MAJ vacancies and 1 LTC vacancy all in my MOS.

Toying with the idea of going back to Military Intelligence (much harder to promote in), but could always go back to Logistics for the promotion.

**********
A friend of mine literally has his CPT promotion orders in hand, and we both turned in our acceptance packets the same day (same MOS). I'm guessing because he's now in a Command slot they published his sooner because CPT's can fully execute their command duties. While he's a LT there are limits that need additional reviews. The rest of us can wait. DOR is all that really matters, and it's not like I have anywhere to wear the CPT bars now.

**********
I saw the 70 series MilPer message stating to the effect a streamlined process to change Branches for them. Folks are probably on their way out.

There are literally ZERO 70A vacancies right now across the entire country.

However, when I came to my current unit (J4 section) I filled one CPT vacancy, still three others around me, two MAJ vacancies and one LTC vacancy above me in my MOS and in my unit in my section.

Logistics Branch is more or less promote if FULLY qualified, not BEST qualified.

I have a friend that is 70K and said she saw a message they were something like 800% over strength. It certainly sounds like you have a good trajectory. I made the MAJ list, now have to find an O4 slot, slim pickings for a 65B. There are a few spots open in FL, looks to be a CA unit. I wouldn't mind that but the travel and time difference might get to me unless I RST a bunch. Might be a good reason for a move to the East coast!

[Snoopy47]

Originally Posted by AregularGuy

RC AMEDD MAJ list out today, only 29% promoted "in the zone". There were only 50 or so MS officers on the list.

Yea..........

There were over 400 logistical officers on the CPT list, and still more than twice that number are vacancies. Presuming all the LT's that were promoted were in LT slots at best they'd only fill half the vacancies.

However, I know myself personally, and my other LT's from my last unit all moved into CPT slots 9 months ago. So there are a lot that are not going to make a dent in the vacancies.

[Coolguy101]

Like this guy?

[JR18]

I would love to get decked out in the new Pinks and Greens with CPT bars, but from head to toe it's going to be upwards of $800, and it wont be required until 2 years before I retire, and the current ASU will still be authorized as a formal alternative anyway. Maybe prices will eventually come back down to normalcy when more vendors are making them.[/QUOTE]

My Sergeant just picked up the new pinks and greens. $580 without the trench coat, SS shirt, gloves and hat.

[rero360]

Originally Posted by JR18

I would love to get decked out in the new Pinks and Greens with CPT bars, but from head to toe it's going to be upwards of $800, and it wont be required until 2 years before I retire, and the current ASU will still be authorized as a formal alternative anyway. Maybe prices will eventually come back down to normalcy when more vendors are making them.

My Sergeant just picked up the new pinks and greens. $580 without the trench coat, SS shirt, gloves and hat.[/QUOTE]

I intend on picking up a set from Marlow White probably around August of next year, should be getting promoted in July so I don't want to get a set now and then have to change rank so soon. Plus I've started powerlifting and I don't want to not fit into it down the road. I have a feeling I no longer fit into my ASUs and will have to get a new shirt and get the jacket let out.

[Lonestargrizzly]

Originally Posted by rero360

My Sergeant just picked up the new pinks and greens. $580 without the trench coat, SS shirt, gloves and hat.

I intend on picking up a set from Marlow White probably around August of next year, should be getting promoted in July so I don't want to get a set now and then have to change rank so soon. Plus I've started powerlifting and I don't want to not fit into it down the road. I have a feeling I no longer fit into my ASUs and will have to get a new shirt and get the jacket let out.[/QUOTE]

Pinks and greens are awesome.
Question though, the beret is replaced by a flight cap but Im also seeing a cap, is the cap for NCO/officers and the flight cap for jr enlisted?
Also congratulations Sir!
Grab the bull by the horns!

[IronsightsRifleman]

Congratulations!

[rero360]

Originally Posted by Lonestargrizzly

I intend on picking up a set from Marlow White probably around August of next year, should be getting promoted in July so I don't want to get a set now and then have to change rank so soon. Plus I've started powerlifting and I don't want to not fit into it down the road. I have a feeling I no longer fit into my ASUs and will have to get a new shirt and get the jacket let out.

Pinks and greens are awesome.
Question though, the beret is replaced by a flight cap but Im also seeing a cap, is the cap for NCO/officers and the flight cap for jr enlisted?
Also congratulations Sir!
Grab the bull by the horns![/QUOTE]

I have no idea regarding the headware, I haven't looked into it yet, will do so when I get closer to making my purchase

[The War Wagon]

Congrats, and keep after it!

My kid brother kept getting bounced between active duty / reserves in the '90's, but after 9/11 was able to make 0-6 with the USAF before he retired a few years ago with 30 in.

[JR18]

Originally Posted by rero360

Pinks and greens are awesome.
Question though, the beret is replaced by a flight cap but Im also seeing a cap, is the cap for NCO/officers and the flight cap for jr enlisted?
Also congratulations Sir!
Grab the bull by the horns!

I have no idea regarding the headware, I haven't looked into it yet, will do so when I get closer to making my purchase[/QUOTE]

The flight cap is more for garrison. Not sure about the hard cap but I’m gonna take a guess that it’s more for formal wear for NCO/Officer.

[Snoopy47]

Originally Posted by rero360

I have no idea regarding the headware, I haven't looked into it yet, will do so when I get closer to making my purchase

Waiting on the official updated 670-1 like everyone else.

I presume EARNED berets (anything but BLACK) will be authorized with pinks and greens (there are pictures of them being worn, just not generic black ones). Otherwise the garrison cap for everyone else.

Then the service cap, well, that's $125 and you still have to buy the hardware.

The Garrison cap is $50 and just about twice that of all other services.

[Coolguy101]

The garrison cap is gross. It actually looks worse than the beret IMO, and is also just about as useless. What is the deal with caps that actually serve no effective purpose, and don't look good to boot? Seems like a double negative.

[rero360]

Originally Posted by Coolguy101

The garrison cap is gross. It actually looks worse than the beret IMO, and is also just about as useless. What is the deal with caps that actually serve no effective purpose, and don't look good to boot? Seems like a double negative.

Nah, I like it, then again, when I first joined I had the service cap with the Greens, you cock it a little bit to one side and it's cool I think, very retro.

[Che762x39]

Originally Posted by Snoopy47

Bitter sweet because I'll never go back and take a company command again with the actual rank of the position ...

Congratulations