I'm currently enlisted through the DEPs process (enlisted in November and I don't leave for basic until the 22nd of July) and was wondering about the assignments under PSYOPs. From what I've read, it looks like each active duty battalion is deployed geographically according to what language you're assigned. Is a new recruit permitted any say whatsoever in regards to what language or area of deployment they are assigned? I speak Russian and took the Army test back in November, but I have no idea as to whether or not that will affect anything. Any feedback is appreciated.
As a junior 37F, you will be deployed over 6 months of the year. Unless you got to Group HQ.
I did 2 years in 8th BN (as a SGT), and during that time I served in several postions above my paygrade, including CJTF-7, CPA, CENTCOM rear, and SOCCENT. You will deploy, maybe as driver in 9th or a coffee maker in 8th.
You should pick up SPC pretty soon after AIT. PSYOP promotes quick.
Even as a SGT you could be a Team leader in 9th, though unlikely. Most Active PSYOP are Strategic PSYOP, not Tactical. You will be doing the "boring" side of PSYOP, designing product or working in a Company HQ. I spent all my time in a Battalion S-3. Not exciting at all.
It is an enjoytable MOS, though. You will travel alot, and be highly marketable if you ETS. There are always jobs with Lincoln Group, MPRI, L3 Communications, etc doing PSYOP/IO. They will hire E-5 37's to work at Division as GS-13's, amazing isn't it?
I'm an E-5 with just under 4 years in and I like my current MOS (68A) but I went to a PSYOP briefing prior to PCS'ing from Ft. Hood earlier this year and I've been seriously considering reclassing to 37F. I'm an initial termer so reenlisting via E-3 isn't a problem.
11543984: You said that we'll be doing the "boring side of PSYOP" and that has me second guessing my decision. The PSYOP briefer said that the Army was transforming ACTIVE DUTY PSYOP units into a majority TPT, and that civil affairs and strat would be more for reserve units. Any truth to this that you know of?
Also, are we going to be doing strat out of AIT due to lack of experience or is it just the nature of PSYOP?
Nice info on the ETS'ing bit, but I plan to do the 20 years.
Up until now, the only thing I didn't like about PSYOP was being in Ft. Bragg my whole career save for deployments. But if the deployments are as frequent as the briefer said, it shouldn't be a problem.
Strat PSYOP is all on the AD side, with the exception of 9th BN (TAC). All the RC BN's are TAC.
Strat PSYOP is good, especially with you being an E-5. Career wise, AD is promoting real fast. All the BCT's require a E-7 PSYOP planner, so you will get duty stations outside of Bragg.
There are also E-6 and above positions for 37F's at JRTC, NTC, JSOC, and all the other Commands. You are making a great choice.
