Posted on Apr 26, 2014
Fact or Fiction: "Hands-on" Tasks are not authorized for SGT/SSG Promotion Board
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In addition to whether this is true or not, why do you think it is the way it is?
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CSM, it is true unfortunately. AR 600-8-19, para. 3-13 clearly says question and answer only and no hands-on tasks are to be performed.
I think it is that way to ensure every Soldier appearing before the board has the exact same "test" and are asked the same questions to prevent unfairness and bias. When you integrate hands-on evaluations it can become very subjective. That's the only reason I can think of, it does NOT make much sense to me though. We have hands-on evaluation grade sheets for AWT testing. I just talked myself into changing my own opinion there, sorry. I guess I am unsure as to why it is not allowed.
I think it is that way to ensure every Soldier appearing before the board has the exact same "test" and are asked the same questions to prevent unfairness and bias. When you integrate hands-on evaluations it can become very subjective. That's the only reason I can think of, it does NOT make much sense to me though. We have hands-on evaluation grade sheets for AWT testing. I just talked myself into changing my own opinion there, sorry. I guess I am unsure as to why it is not allowed.
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CSM Mike Maynard
1SG Hansen, you are correct, the AR and MILPER 12-242 state you cannot have hands-on tasks.
Honestly, I don't think that a SGT/SSG promotion board should be hands-on "only" as we're trying to assess leadership capabilities, but I'd like to know if they can Q/C a 5988, fill out a BF worksheet, assess a zero target, put together an ASU, etc.
I'm at a loss to figure out why hands-on tasks are off limits............
Honestly, I don't think that a SGT/SSG promotion board should be hands-on "only" as we're trying to assess leadership capabilities, but I'd like to know if they can Q/C a 5988, fill out a BF worksheet, assess a zero target, put together an ASU, etc.
I'm at a loss to figure out why hands-on tasks are off limits............
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SSG (Join to see)
RE: CW3 (P) Dean
The steps necessary to disassemble an M16 and reassemble would only be hands on if the person being reviewed were to do it. If however, they were to talk a board member through the process, much like they would a PVT during PMI before IWQ then that would be Q&A, wouldn't it?
The steps necessary to disassemble an M16 and reassemble would only be hands on if the person being reviewed were to do it. If however, they were to talk a board member through the process, much like they would a PVT during PMI before IWQ then that would be Q&A, wouldn't it?
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CSM Mike Maynard
SSG Sherbondy - great comment. Whenever certain terms are used in ARs, it's always prudent to look in the back to see what they think the definition of that term is in that AR.
Sadly, "hands-on tasks" is not listed as a term in that AR to help us determine what latitude we have in defining what that precisely is.
Sadly, "hands-on tasks" is not listed as a term in that AR to help us determine what latitude we have in defining what that precisely is.
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1SG (Join to see)
CSM pose this question (for example). Can you effectively instruct 1SG (insert name) on how to fill out a body fat worksheet, disassemble an M16 etc.? If they say yes, then have them walk the 1SG through the steps. That wouldn't be hands on for the Boardee, just simple yes or no answer, and the substantiating proof to back up his/her answer.
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I have never attended a board that was not hands on. I like the fact that they were able to assess more than who could memorize answers to questions. My SSG board gave me situational questions on dealing with Soldier problems and suicidal ideations. I personally think hands on should be allowed to a point. What that point is, I have no clue.
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SGT (Join to see)
SSG Zelbst,
What kind of hands-on tasks were you asked to do at your promotion boards? Do you consider situational questions to be hands-on?
What kind of hands-on tasks were you asked to do at your promotion boards? Do you consider situational questions to be hands-on?
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SFC (Join to see)
I don't consider situational questions to be hands on since they were more geared towards being a leader overall in the military. I was a scout so we did a lot of hands on with weapons and land nav. I also went to a Soldier of the Month board where I had to give a 1SG an IV.
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CSM,
1SG Hansen is correct, however this is a very unfortunate rule. I think allowing it would give 1SGs and CSMs the opportunity to view their future SGTs/SSGs in action. Especially since these first line leaders have an inherent task of training Soldiers. However, who's to say the Soldier's Sponsor (hopefully their First Line Leader) has not already required the Soldier to show their abilities "hands on".
1SG Hansen is correct, however this is a very unfortunate rule. I think allowing it would give 1SGs and CSMs the opportunity to view their future SGTs/SSGs in action. Especially since these first line leaders have an inherent task of training Soldiers. However, who's to say the Soldier's Sponsor (hopefully their First Line Leader) has not already required the Soldier to show their abilities "hands on".
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