What advice or pointers do you have for SSGs that are now eligible for the SFC board ahead of their board file opening?

Watch the fifty minute HRC video about board proceedings. It'll teach you how to prep your file. Read the board analysis for the past boards for your MOS. It'll let you gauge how competitive you are compared to your peers. They really need to harp on reading the CMF regs during blc/alc. They point out all the milestones needed to get picked.

Go through your OMPF and check for duplicates so that if there are any you can get it taken care of. Match your ERB with NCOERs. If you have a good S-1 sit down with them and have them re-write your originations in your assignments section from the "16 CAV 3 SQDN TRP A PP" format to "A Trp, 3rd Squadron, 16th Cavalry Regiment" format (if it's not already done).

Definitely schedule a one on one session with your Senior NCOs to review your board file. And be sure to bring a Sr NCO to your DA photo, preferably two, you would be surprised how many small deficiencies can be missed especially when you go alone.