Will a field grade Article 15 and demotion (no GOMAR) doom an NCO for upcoming QMP or promotion boards?

COL Jean (John) F. B., my squadron commander reduced me from sergeant to specialist 4th class when he gave me a field-grade Article 15, but I still got recommended for promotion to staff sergeant a couple of years later. It probably helped that the squadron legal NCO was a friend who sat on my appeal until my temper had cooled down, and that the same squadron commander who took my rank apparently suggested to the appellate authority that my Article 15 be overturned.

But, as you said, my experience is dated (by almost a quarter of a century), and today's Army (heck, the Army of just a few years after my rank-bouncing) is much less forgiving of any mistakes.

1LT William Clardy - I understand what you are saying, but you did not face a QMP Board as an NCO. I predict that, if you had, you would have been selected for discharge.

I had several NCOs in my commands discharged under QMP... most with only an Article 15 from several years in their past (and several promotions ago). I was only able to save one from that fate and, the only way I was able to do that was to delay giving him the notice until he had reached his retirement lock-in date (only a few days after my receiving instructions to notify him). He went on a no-notice leave and I was unable to contact him before his lock-in date ... :-) :-)

Most NCO's being QMP probably fit the description above ... a single Art 15 from years back. The problem is that the Army has to identify a certain number for elimination to meet mandated force reductions/limits and those with only one instance of "bad paper" are being compared with the vast majority who have no bad paper in their files. As such, it is used as a discriminator and, more often than not, is the kiss of death.

I know or have known several super NCOs with bad paper and would choose them over other squeaky-clean folks in a moment; unfortunately, the system is geared to look at records, not people.

You may survive a QMP Board but to do so you had better be head and shoulders above your peers in other respects.

It is doubtful that you will meet the QMP. I didn't read how many years you had in service. That is also a factor. If you are not approved for retention, might I suggest the National Guards or the Reserves as an option to continue your military service.

LOL, so you got demoted? I thought I recognized Captain Awesome.

I made E6 twice and had a FG. I believe I am cooler than sunglasses at night.

I'm in the same boat!!

SFC Joseph Weber - Lol you sir, are a legend