With each paragraph and line number we occupy comes the inherent duties and responsibilities associated with it. Typically, your job boils down to a pretty straightforward “list” of duties and responsibilities. However, as we all know from time to time we are responsible for all sorts of other things on top of our duty position obligations.
These additional duties are oftentimes tasked to us from our Chain of Command or are sometimes synonymous with the duty position we hold. Either way, at some point in your Army career, whether you are an Officer or an NCO, you will have some additional duties. Not all extra work is bad, though, and some duty positions are not as bad as others. That all being said, here is my list of The Top 5 Best Additional Duties for Army Officers.
To begin, I will start with an additional duty that I have personally have had the pleasure of fulfilling and that is the Company level Master Physical Fitness Trainer. As part of this responsibility I was overall responsible for the Company Physical Fitness Training plan, enforcement of the Battalion and Company Physical Fitness Policy, maintaining the PT records for the Company and all sorts of other responsibilities. I actually added to my obligations by developing a “Remedial PT Program” in support of the CO PT Policy for PT Failures to help support our Commander’s efforts to increase our overall PASS %. I loved this job because it helped keep me in shape (I was doing PT all the time) and I was able to work with Soldiers on a personal level. It was a great assignment.
Another great additional duty is that of the Unit Family and Morale Officer. Every unit, whether reserve or active duty has one of these. They are basically responsible for ensuring troops are ready for deployments, their families are ready, they ensure there are activities going on to improve morale, etc. Between Company Christmas parties, dining-ins and other events, the Unit Family and Morale Officer has a lot to do, but it is a great job. The only real difficult part of the job is getting funds together…but, that is a separate discussion.
When it comes time to mobilize, deploy or railhead vehicles/equipment for a long-distance AT, chances are there are Unit Movement Officers tasked with the details of the complicated move. Unit Movement Officers prepare movement plans to support all task plans, modes of transportation, and ports of departure. Every single detail of the movement, from how equipment is marked and documented to maintaining liaison with the supporting mobility unit, the Unit Movement Officer does it all. While this is a “thankless” job, serving as a UMO is a great experience and will give you the best perspective on how logistics works and exactly how much work it takes to move our Army.
Unit Safety Officers are critical for establishing and enforcing the Army’s safety policies and ensuring Unit readiness. As M-Day Soldiers spend 80% of their time away from the Unit, this position is particularly important in the Army Reserves and National Guard. From everything from POV inspections and training programs to accident avoidance compliancy, Unit Safety Officers are charged with ensuring the policies outline in DA Pam 385-10 (Army Safety Program) are understood by all Soldiers at the Unit level.
Last, but certainly not least, are Information Systems Security Officers. Typically a Major or higher, Information System Security Officers establish and enforce security policies to protect the organization’s computer infrastructure, networks and data. They play a vital role in protecting their unit, because an information security breach can result in disruption to the unit, loss of confidential or sensitive data, and financial loss. Serving as an ISSO is a great duty assignment, especially if you are technology savvy.
Final Thoughts
Remember, there are hundreds, maybe thousands, of different additional duties in the Army. I have simply stated what I think are the best additional duties for Army Officers. What about you? What additional duty positions have you held? Which ones were the best? Which ones were the worst? Leave a comment and let us know.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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These do sound like some of the best additional duties. I was perusing some of the list of additional duties. I would think arms room officer would be a great additional duty also. I would also think Fire Marshall may be a great one too. It would also be quite beneficial for civilian life. No matter what additional duty you are given, always remember all positions need to be filled. Do your best wherever you are put.
So true, do your best wherever you are put.
Thank you for giving us these additional duties for NCOs. You mentioned HAZMAT officer and I know of a friend who carried this duty at Ft Leonard Wood, MO. He really was able to teach me a lot about HAZMAT and safety at the civilian job I held at a large metal plant where I carried a position in HAZMAT safety.Everyone of these positions are thankless, but needed. I think there needs to be more recognition for those who take on these additional responsibilities.Great post. It is a list that every leader should see.
There is no such thing as TOO much training. You should take advantage of every available opportunity to learn as much as you can while you have the chance. While the skills and experience you get from these and other additional duties add to a successful military career, they will also benefit you in the civilian world. Be it time, money or opportunity, civilians don’t always have the access to enjoy the benefit of trying something different. Picking up additional duties will add to the diversity of your experience and resume!
I don’t believe there is a such thing as TOO much training. You should take advantage of every available opportunity to learn as much as possible. This will not only help you in your military career, but will translate into the civilian world as well. A lot of times people don’t get additional training, because they can’t afford to go to school. This isn’t a cause for concern when you are in the service so by all means, use it!!
This is really a great list of additional duties for Army Officers, Justin. I did the Unit Movement Officer Course as a Company XO and thought it was very beneficial. HAZMAT Officer is another good additional duty if you can get the school.