u/Asian_Child

I’m currently a TPU officer serving on ADOS orders at a strategic command and have been doing well. I’m tracking toward my second MQ OER under different raters and getting valuable experience that I don’t think I’d get back home.

I recently emailed the AGR team about my intentions to extend my ADOS assignment for FY27. The response came back through my BC, who gave me a short answer that they don’t want me to extend because they need junior officers for (TPU) command and BN staff positions. I’ve never actually met with the BN CDR directly since on ADOS and have only communicated with the AGR personnel as needed.

The ADOS unit wants to keep me around. I’ve made some great connections with senior staff, gained valuable experience and insight at the strategic level, and started building a new life overseas. I currently don’t have civilian employment because my previous employer closed, and honestly, I haven’t looked back since starting ADOS.

I’ve also been reaching back out to other officers and NCOs I previously worked with at the unit, and from what I’m hearing, they are struggling with a significant shortage of officers. There are reports of being understaffed, officers getting relieved of command, limited funding for maintenance, training, and no funding available for courses or PME. On top of that, the officer pool seems to be shrinking due to WHtR, CFT, civilian job responsibilities, and other competing demands.

My current plan is to submit a packet to transition from TPU to IRR so I can stay here on ADOS a little longer. I’ll also be able to complete my PME while I’m here and start looking for KD opportunities in FY28/29. Ultimately, I want to mobilize, take on bigger assignments, and do big shit.

A few questions for the Reserve folks:

• Can my TPU BC prevent/block an ADOS extension if the gaining unit wants to retain me? ADOS packet would require O6 approval from home unit, but I assume my BDE CDR would likely follow the BN CDR’s recommendation. I’d really prefer to avoid putting my O6 in a position where they have to have an O6-to-O6 conversation over my situation.
• Is there a downside to leaving TPU status while I’m building this experience? I realize I’d be leaving my home unit short a junior officer and potentially burning that bridge, but I’m trying to make the decision that best supports my long-term career development.
• Am I overlooking another option that would allow me to stay with the ADOS unit without completely burning the bridge with my TPU unit?

I’m not trying to dodge responsibility or avoid KD. I genuinely think the experience I’m getting here is significantly better for where I want to take my career, and the gaining unit is willing to keep me.

Get me a Panda Express plate with chow mein and double orange chicken. Ya'll hiring?