CA tackles postings

Volume 11, No. 56, November 16, 2006

Lost in the thick of it: Posting turbulence is set to clear up as CA implements a three-year tenure for most postings. Photo by PO Damian Pawlenko

CA LT-GEN Peter Leahy has directed DOCM-A and SCMA to increase posting tenure to three years.

Lt-Gen Leahy stressed to the career management agencies that he was aware increased posting turbulence was affecting the Army’s efficiency and was having a significant impact on officers, soldiers and their families.

“Changes in the Army and society, including increasingly technical and complex military trades and professions, changes to the nature and extent of spouse employment and family expectations require that the policy be changed to increase the length and certainty of postings,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.

“The impact of unnecessary posting turbulence has been felt in many ways, including varying levels of job satisfaction and family disruption. A considered application of a three-year posting tenure policy will go some way to addressing these issues.”

He has issued CA Directive 11/06, which acknowledged that some postings were particularly demanding on Service members and their families, either as a result of the nature of the position or due to remote or demanding locations.

“To achieve the aim of three-year posting cycles, Army will apply guiding principles rather than trying to overlay a prescriptive solution and there will be some specific exclusions from the three-year policy,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.

“To reduce turbulence, career management agencies have been tasked to provide three-year postings for all full-time officers and soldiers, except where shorter postings are demanded by the Service need or the development needs of the individual.

“The result will see Army staffed to meet preparedness requirements, members will meet career development requirements and they, and their families, will be more satisfied with Service life.”
Owing to of the diverse nature of Army employment, some exceptions to the three-year policy have been identified and addressed in the new directive.

At the early stages of an Army career it is often desirable to allow more frequent changes of position to allow an individual to gather a range of experiences so postings for junior officers and soldiers and junior NCOs will remain at two years.

However, privates will be given a three-year tenure for their first posting after completing Initial Employment Training (IET), where possible. This is because the period immediately following IET is one of skills consolidation and this can often be assisted by stability within the same unit.

The CA’s directive acknowledged that longer posting tenure might not always be desirable, particularly in demanding locations.
Application of the new policy is intended to be interactive, meaning career managers will ask individuals if they wish to extend the length of their posting. Where the member does not wish to extend the existing posting tenure will apply.

Army’s career managers will discuss posting extensions with officers and senior NCOs during their interview tours in early 2007. Agreed changes will take effect in the current posting cycle.
To ensure that the new directive does not contradict the range of existing directives relating to officer and soldier career management and trade and professional development, the CCMA will establish a Posting Tenure Working Group (PTWG).

The PTWG will meet annually after each Post Planning Cycle (PPC) to shape the next Army Establishment Plan and PPC.

FAQs

If I am in a posting location I do not like, will I be required to extend for a third year?
No. The process to determine which postings are extended will be a collaborative one between you and your career adviser.

Will I be required to move to get promoted?
Yes, you may have to move to fill a position at the next rank. We currently have a national, merit based promotion system in which the next candidate in merit order is given the next promotion opportunity. This will not change under the new directive.

What about CSM/RSM or OC/CO appointments?
CA acknowledges that these are perhaps our most demanding appointments that place heavy demands on the member and their family. The CA’s directive specifically excludes these appointments.

What happens if I arrange a three-year posting, but decide I don’t like the job and want to get posted before the three years are up?
Postings as always involve negotiation between a member and their career adviser. Career advisers will consider reasoned arguments as to why a member should or should not be posted. As always, posting plots move with circumstances and if Service need is met, then personal preferences may well be accommodated, but can’t be guaranteed.

Why can’t captains get a three-year posting if they want it?
Captains are generally excluded from the three-year posting option because they require a range of development experiences to ensure they are competitive for promotion to Maj. Captains who opt for three-year postings will be informed by their career advisers that the reduction in their range of development experiences may affect their chances for promotion and sub-unit command.

What about promotion for soldiers? Will I be disadvantaged if I have a more limited range of experience when being considered for promotion?
That will depend upon the experience requirements detailed in the Employment Specification and Employment Category Standing Orders applicable to your specific trade. When considering an offer of a three-year tenure, you will have to make the decision based upon an understanding of the promotion requirements for your trade. Your Career Manager will be able to discuss this with you and provide any clarification of the requirements.