I'm planning on putting Field Artillery as my number one option for when I acess this year, and I'm wondering what determines if you get an FSO slot, a PL slot or a slot in a FDC?

Need of the unit and judgement of the battalion commander.

It's quite probable you will hold all 3 positions before you hit CPT. For light units the progression used to be FSO, FDO, then XO, but the BCT concept jacked most of that up. Now, you will more than likely start as an FSO or an FDO, spend around a year doing that and become a PL or if the PL slots are full-move to whichever (FSO/FDO)position you haven't filled yet. Or you could come to a light unit going to Trashcanistan where we take cherry LTs and dual hat them as FDO/PLs of their own separate 2 gun platoon.

There are always exceptions such as the random staff powerpoint ***** positions for the excess LTs, and a couple slots in HHB as well.

Thanks for the info. I'd prefer FSO first, but I'll take PL and FDO over staff jobs, so hoping I get one. And thanks for the real world info on the dual-hatting.

Another question if you don't mind, but how hard is it to get Joint Fires Officer Course?

quote:

Originally posted by GeraldM:

Another question if you don't mind, but how hard is it to get Joint Fires Officer Course?

It's not Joint Fires Officer Course. They are pumping all sorts of officer does everything garbage at whatever school you're going to and you automatically slid the officer stuff in...you may be able to make it that way as an FSO, but even a hint of that attitude will leave you on the outside looking in at a firing battery. Yeah, I know it was a typo and all that, but trust me on that one. Gun bunnies are sensitive.

There are several different courses. Joint Firepower course, Joint Fires Observer Course, and so on.

JFC is a good school to get and the team from Nellis goes out on MTTs all the time. I went when they came to Polk when I was an OC.

JFO is a good course, but unless they come to you with an MTT, your best bet is to try to get it at Sill before going into the real Army. Most units are smart enough to save that course for someone who needs it, the 13F, and not the FSO. If you get a chance to go--jump on it as you'll be a real asset to your supported unit. I'm not sure if they have fixed the currency requirements as I remember that being an issue.

I think there are a couple of current FA officers floating around the board, but I really haven't been around too much recently so I have no idea if they are still around.

I apologize, I was looking into the booklet they handed out at Branch Orientation (basically a job fair at the end of LDAC) and it called it the Joint Fires Officers Course. Not an attempt to slide anything in, just got incorrect information. But thanks for correcting me, wouldn't want to make that mistake somewhere where it could really reflect badly on me.

And thanks for all the information. My campus used to have two FA officers but they just retired, and its good to know how things work in real life.

BTW, GeraldM, the Mod of the WTC Forum might be able to help you a little in this area.

NinjaDrill is a recent former Cadre at Ft. Sill, WTC and the Cadre swap between WTC and Artillery Officers course there at times I was told. The WTC classes are even formed in Batteries.

I don't know NinjaDrill's background that well though so he might be able to help, might not be able to.

Everything at Ft Sill is formed in Batteries


Gun Bunny heaven

quote:

Originally posted by networkpro:
Everything at Ft Sill is formed in Batteries


Gun Bunny heaven

He said Gun Bunny. lmao

"Pull string, gun go boom... where's my cookie". lmao

"Pull string, gun go boom... where's my cookie".

hahaha Fort Sill has the largest bakery in the Army, just for that reason

GeraldM

I'm currently an FDO in Afghanistan (actually I'm on R&R until Saturday). Internet access has been limited which is why I didn't see this post back in July. I've been an FDO since April and we deployed at the end of May. FDO is a very easy job to come into. Most people don't get to have all 3 jobs, I have friends who were only FSO's. My battalion is big on everyone at least being an FSO and then 1 position in a firing battery. I'm going to be an FSO in December for the remainder of our deployment. I'll probably only be an FDO and FSO before I go to the Career Course.

Field Artillery is a great branch and there are so many opportunities for you to take advantage of. You got some good answers about FA here. Send me an email and I'll answer any questions you have. I can give you a more detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of all 3 jobs and also some insight into BOLC III.

i was wondering on how hord it would be to get into the artillary field, what are the requirements, (asvav), and what kind of benifits you get out of it. if you can please email me at badassguitarboy@yahoo.com

quote:

Originally posted by jmazz:
GeraldM

I'm currently an FDO in Afghanistan (actually I'm on R&R until Saturday). Internet access has been limited which is why I didn't see this post back in July. I've been an FDO since April and we deployed at the end of May. FDO is a very easy job to come into. Most people don't get to have all 3 jobs, I have friends who were only FSO's. My battalion is big on everyone at least being an FSO and then 1 position in a firing battery. I'm going to be an FSO in December for the remainder of our deployment. I'll probably only be an FDO and FSO before I go to the Career Course.

Field Artillery is a great branch and there are so many opportunities for you to take advantage of. You got some good answers about FA here. Send me an email and I'll answer any questions you have. I can give you a more detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of all 3 jobs and also some insight into BOLC III.

Thank you very much sir, I find out Thursday if I get the branch. If I do I'll send you an email.

And thanks everyone.

Sounds good. Good luck

I got the branch.

You on Platoon Leader? If so I'll post the question there since my ROTC Battalion is all on there and about a quarter of us got FA.

Congrats. I haven't been on PL in awhile but I'll check it to answer your questions.

Ok I'll post it tomorrow morning. Thank you.

Thread is "I have recently branched Field Artillery and seeking advice"