What do pilots do on IA / GSA?
Since this issue is near and dear to my heart, contact me offline and I can share some more info.
First there is a difference in IA and GSA. GSA is in lieu of PCS... ie. after tour in squadron, and prior to checking into next command, you do your GSA. IA is TAD duty while attatched to current command. The Navy is trying hard to elminate IA's and go more to GSA route but still IA's do happen...although not as much as before. GSA's are supposed to help in the notification process and choice of GSA duty. IA's tend to be spot fills, last minute orders (within BUPERS IA business rules NAVADMIN 002/08).
Depends on community detailer too. Many hide their cards or what is available while others don't. There is usually a huge list of spots to fill so you might be able to choose a duty that you have an interest in etc....but no guarentee. Man that 1 year IA in Tampa working with Air Force sounds awefully good to me right now. Damn my procrastination habbits.
The following site can shed some help. UNCLASS and standard line in GSA/IA orders.
EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT READINESS CENTER (ECRC) WEBSITE http://WWW.ECRC.NAVY.MIL
http://www.ia.navy.mil/1001.24.pdf
http://www.ia.navy.mil/navadmin003-08.htm (GSA Business Rules)
http://www.ia.navy.mil/navadmin002-08.htm (IA Business Rules)
Excellent start.
Basically it depends on the job, and who you talk to. Some love them (warrior type, medal chasers....you will easily leave that tour with a bronze star) and others hate them. One of the things you will find it truly is dependant on the person. I for one am on the fence. On one hand pissed because IA/GSA you are out of cockpit and not doing what you were trained to do and signed up for, while on the other hand, you are helping the "team" big military wise (some army dude having to do his third tour in a row...and my nephew is in this case so it hits home and hard to complain).
Bottom line IMOA (and not the party line or standard cool-aid drinking), they truly suck (teaching convoy ops to foreign military is not my expertise...and being base XO...army equilivant of supply officer is not the expierence I was hoping for prior to DH), but they are a fact and here and something to deal with. The Navy is trying their best to make the process better, and flow. It is more time away from family, but they work with you. If you get IA while on shore duty, your time in command stops, and you fufill that commitment when you return. When on sea-duty, that time is concurrent with "option" to stay for full tour. Your option. GSA's, well they are orders in lieu of next tour, so no real option there other then BUPERS will work to get you what you want, key word work.
I can go on and on and flood the forum, but if you want more details, PM me and I will gladly give the .25 cent tour.