What are your thoughts on E7's making E7 to fast?

Only the best are are selected every year. It isn't a hand out. You must have documented experience plus your record must straight. As you can see, some just don't cut it. I made the SFC list in 8 years. Again, I was a master driver, NCOIC, SHARP rep, MRT, platoon sergeant, drill sergeant, senior drill sergeant and leadership awardee in SLC. So hard work pays off.

Well, the way I see it, the system is a little skewed. The DA Centralized promotion system utilizes NCOERs heavily. The NCOER is really not a true judge of performance OR potential. I think everyone can agree that every unit's standards are not the same. Therefore, you have NCO's getting 2/2's in high speed units (in some cases units which they can not leave due to rapid deployments in the past) placed against NCO's in 'not-so-high speed' units getting 1/1's. The reality of the situation in most cases is that the 2/2 NCO would be able to run circles around the 1/1 NCO just based upon my experience. On the other side of this argument is "how else would you select the most qualified individuals Army-wide?" Logistically you could never interview that many NCOs. Some say a skills test would serve the purpose well. I say that as soon as you pin stripes on your chest, your focus needs to shift to taking care of Soldiers first, and then knowing your specialty as a close second priority. We all know the NCO that can't lead a Soldier, but will tell you exactly everything you need to know (and more) about his/her MOS. In conclusion, there really is no better way to select individuals most suited for more responsibility. Just the nature of the beast and not everyone can be a winner I suppose.

I believe our Army selects the best qualified for promotion, and that the best will get promoted - and for Senior NCOs it is based on the records available for the board.  We must remain fair & impartial to every Soldier/NCO & Officer within our unit to give an honest appraisal (whether monthly counseling's or evaluation reports).  Not everyone should be or can be a 1/1 or above center mass.  We gotta call the shot if we want to maintain a healthy military else we promote those that do not deserve it and we assume risk within our formations.  Basically, it all goes back to the unit leadership to enforce standards.