What criteria do you think matters most in how NCOs get selected for promotion ahead of their peers?

Well I would like to state that it took me a long time to make SFC I wore SSG for 9 years and I read every AAR after the board and took on the so called hard assignments meaning that I've been to Korea 3 time and my ncoers were 1/1 so I dint understand what the board members were looking at...and I had a college degree and was an instructor for my perspective MOS...so go figure....I don't agree with the promotion system

When I was an NCO, I read every AAR for all the enlisted ranks after every board, and I did this every year. The priorities change because the board members change. What was a plus last year, may not be a plus this year. The best thing to do is to diversify. I know it is hard to do and sometime out of your hands, but try. Awards, schooling, both military and civilian, and the best NCOER you can make. I know if you are not a 1/1 that is a disadvantage, and get someone or two to read it before you sign it. Strong success are just as equal as an excellent, and board members know this. Try to find the hard assignments. If you have to apply, then it's worth it. And Photo, get that thing done, in ASU's not Class A's.

I received a "needs improvement" under competence on my NCOER in 2008. Five years later on my fifth look I made the cutoff. I believe the board sees how an NCO improves throughout their career and make decisions on the potential the NCO has from how the NCO performs.