I am an 11B thinking about reclassing to be a 31E. My questions are: What is a normal day like for an E-5? What are the normal work rotations(as far as hours, day/night shift and weekends)? How frequently are you deployed overseas? Are most 31E's stationed at Ft. Levenworth? Thank you for your time and help. Sincerely, Zach Mau
I was stationed at Fort Leavenworth (not as a 31E) and I had many friends/neighbors that were guards and here's something's that I learned ...
The shifts were 8-12 hours depending on the personnel and situation.
Fort Leavenworth, of course, has the largest and most modern prison for the military. Therefore, I wouldn't be surprised if you're stationed there in your career.
I've had friends at Leavenworth PCS to Korea, Germany, Fort Sill, Fort Knox and GTMO. I have a guard buddy that PCSed from Korea to Fort Sill and within 5 months is now doing a year in Iraq. There may be more locations, I just don't know them off the top of my head.
Promotions were very good for a couple friends who were promoted to SFC with less than 10 years time in service. SGT and SSG promotions were very fast as well.
Bonuses are decent and they are one of the few MOSs that currently offer a "C" Zone Bonus for Soldiers over 10 years.
I am a 31B, and have worked hand in hand with E's when I was in Germany. You will work either 8 or 12 hr shifts, depending on your unit strength, I could see you going to Leavenworth sometime in your career, as it is only one of a couple prisons the Army has. They deploy pretty regularly, but your mission would be cage kickin. As far as career progression, it's a great place to go, points are always low for e5/e6, and getting your 7 is almost guaranteed. The one thing I will warn you about is you will have to go through 31B training, and E training will be a couple extra classes, and with that, you always have the chance you'll be working a B job without notice. I guess you can consider being an E like being a 31B with an ASI. But if you can handle being a prison guard and seeing the garbage our military has, and babysitting when you're downrange, it's the job for you.
Posts: 12 | Location: FT. BLISS | Registered: 10 September 2006
As a 31E there is excellent career progression right now due to the growing need for the 31E field. As an E-5 depending on where you go you will most likely either be in charge of a housing unit on your shift or work close confinement. Your either on 8's or 12's working between 5-8 days in a row. depending on the strength of your company. Currently the chance to deploy is pretty good. Cuba is the biggest rotation. But as an Echo you could see your share of either Iraq or Afghan. But if your looking ot get away from the whole going to the field all the time its a good switch, you will definently be able have more family time as well. But the job does get very boring, its almost like that movie groundhogs day sometimes. The duty stations are very limited, Alot of slots though for BCT's if your an E-6 or 7 sp thats opening up more places to go. But if you can get your choice go to germany!!!
I've been in Army Corrections for Many years and this is all I can tell you. I found the following passage and it is the best description I have ever read.
What is a Correctional Specialist?
A correctional specialist is a composite of what all soldiers should be. They are of all races and are one of the elite, but known to most as a pig. The correction specialist lives like most soldiers live, with the exception of a badge, pistol belt, and a whistle, they wear the same uniform. They draw no special pay, but what it costs them in time, effort, and their sanity, is immeasurable. They are expected to maintain the highest standard of appearance. When they do, they receive no recognition for their efforts, bit if they don’t, they are always told, severely at times. If they do their jobs well, no one cares. If they don’t as well as their superiors expect them to do, their superiors are more than ready to let them know of their dissatisfaction with their performance. While soldiers working in other jobs receive recognition for their mediocre duties, the correction specialist receives none for their efforts above and beyond the call of duty. Their duty hours are the worst in the Army, Holidays mean almost nothing to them. When the rest of the Army is at home or off duty, likely as not, you’ll find the correction specialist manning a lonely post in God knows where. They have to make sound and timely decisions without the aid and support of their superiors. They are not permitted to err, no matter how minor the circumstance. They walk amongst the worst examples of humanity, and do not display fear. Their only defense against assault, both verbal and physical, is their wits and ability. If they are abused by a prisoner, it is tolerated. They are expected to accept this, and may not be abusive to a prisoner, lest become one them self. Their conduct must be perfect, on and off duty. They can not afford a mistake. The correction specialist has to forget all prejudices, brotherhoods, and fraternities and treat all men alike, whether they be deserving or not. Their job embraces those of a lawyer, minister, social worker, diplomat and a soldier. They are expected to be tough, but yet play the part of a bleeding heart, and maintain their position as an authoritarian. They are in a position to make decisions and influence more lives than some command officers. Their reasons for doing such a good job are many and varied. Their job has many pitfalls, and little or no chance of reward. Sometimes even they are unsure of why they are in the occupation they are in. Then there are those that will give a nod and a wink and say, ”Yeah, I know how tough you got it.” But they can’t even begin to know the cause and effects. \
If you're not the type of person that can handle having to be nice to someone after they have thrown who knows what on you, stop thinging about converting. Inmates have more rights than you do. Weekends and holidays, who cares? I know your 11B and use to working alot, but it is a different type of long day.
I'm never one to discourage future MPs, but if you like spending time with the fam, I wouldn't choose anything MP related. Unless you get a cushy S-2 job or something, You'll be working shifts; and yes, most likely 5 to 7 days on, with 1 or 2 days off.
vanguerrin said it pretty well. but he forgot to stress how BOOORRRIIINNNGGGG it is. and the inmates drain you emotionally. and they have people who investigate you (the guard) as well as inmate misconduct {I used to be one of the MPI at leavenworth}
Originally posted by vanguerrin: I've been in Army Corrections for Many years and this is all I can tell you. I found the following passage and it is the best description I have ever read.
What is a Correctional Specialist?
A correctional specialist is a composite of what all soldiers should be. They are of all races and are one of the elite, but known to most as a pig. The correction specialist lives like most soldiers live, with the exception of a badge, pistol belt, and a whistle, they wear the same uniform. They draw no special pay, but what it costs them in time, effort, and their sanity, is immeasurable. They are expected to maintain the highest standard of appearance. When they do, they receive no recognition for their efforts, bit if they don’t, they are always told, severely at times. If they do their jobs well, no one cares. If they don’t as well as their superiors expect them to do, their superiors are more than ready to let them know of their dissatisfaction with their performance. While soldiers working in other jobs receive recognition for their mediocre duties, the correction specialist receives none for their efforts above and beyond the call of duty. Their duty hours are the worst in the Army, Holidays mean almost nothing to them. When the rest of the Army is at home or off duty, likely as not, you’ll find the correction specialist manning a lonely post in God knows where. They have to make sound and timely decisions without the aid and support of their superiors. They are not permitted to err, no matter how minor the circumstance.
How is the above different than most MOS's that are run 24 hours a day(except linguists who get recognition for almost everything even though without a signal they cant do their job).
im 31b and as someone else said you go through our training pretty much. honestly i've been in line units and garrison units. there is pros and con to both. at the line unit when i worked the road there were times i worked 10-14days in a row but for the most part worked a 5on 2off and at the garrison the most i worked in a row is 7days(around holidays) and for the most part dont work more than 4on and 2-4off. like i tell alot of my friends back at the line unit your MOS/post is what you make of it. best advice i can give you is research it maybe even talk to some 31e/31b at your post see if you can do a some ride alongs or experience the everyday work.
I'll be reclassing to this MOS as soon as I get my class date. I will likely be a SSG by the time I get to my unit after AIT or before I go to AIT. what is a normal day's duties. And also how is PT done and other basic task.
And someone post there day to day schedule I'm curios. And what is expected from a Sgt/SSG and after that promotion potential to SFC.
I'll tell you a little story about my experience with some inmates...
I was working Mid Shift patrol supervisor one night, and the patrol supe usually does a jail check twice a night to count inmates. It was the first time I'd ever done it. As I walked into the Segregation unit, I was told that they should all be in bed, the lights should be on, and I could just look though the little window. After seeing the first 15 inmates in their beds with no problem, I got a little complacent. The next inmate tried to fool me by laying on his floor up against the door, and one after him tried to punch me in the nuts through his food slot.
The last cell I came too... I tried to look through the window, and it appeared that the lights were off. I told the unit supervisor, and he couldn't see through the window either. So I grabbed my flashlight, shined it at the window... and nearly crapped myself when all I saw was the scariest looking inmate staring creepily back at me, his whole face blocking the window. It scared the hell out of both of us! Crazy...
I also thought it was funny when I walked into the Honor Dorm, which is like the trusted inmates, and they were playing GTA San Andreas, doing nothing but killing cops. Real productive...
Originally posted by Smittaayy: I'll tell you a little story about my experience with some inmates...
I was working Mid Shift patrol supervisor one night, and the patrol supe usually does a jail check twice a night to count inmates. It was the first time I'd ever done it. As I walked into the Segregation unit, I was told that they should all be in bed, the lights should be on, and I could just look though the little window. After seeing the first 15 inmates in their beds with no problem, I got a little complacent. The next inmate tried to fool me by laying on his floor up against the door, and one after him tried to punch me in the nuts through his food slot.
The last cell I came too... I tried to look through the window, and it appeared that the lights were off. I told the unit supervisor, and he couldn't see through the window either. So I grabbed my flashlight, shined it at the window... and nearly crapped myself when all I saw was the scariest looking inmate staring creepily back at me, his whole face blocking the window. It scared the hell out of both of us! Crazy...
I also thought it was funny when I walked into the Honor Dorm, which is like the trusted inmates, and they were playing GTA San Andreas, doing nothing but killing cops. Real productive...
Im reclassing to this can you tell me what I can expect at AIT and once I get to my unit. And duty requirements for Sgt/SSG.
ArmyStudyGuide Community 
