Why meeting the standards is not enough anymore?

The reality is that we live and work in a competitive environment where the folks who excel are the ones who get promoted. If you are not the one on top then you are not competitive. The sad fact is that PT and range qual scores are metrics that are easily obtained and are 100% objective. I agree that they don't measure the true value and capability of a soldier, but that is what we are stuck with.

Well, the Corps is a little different, but that's completely the norm.
The minimum, or being near it is a sign of impending trouble, being near but not maxed means "You could work a little harder couldn't you?"

Personally, I strive to put my best effort into everything I do. On occasion, the result is meeting the standard--nobody is great at everything. More often the outcome is well beyond the standard. Ergo, I view a person that just meets every standard as a person that isn't trying very hard.

From a mentoring standpoint, folks need to realize the low hanging drawdown fruit (eg control roster, NJP) will be gone soon. If force reductions continue, I'll wager a dollar that effort and competency will be the next discriminator. Working to exceed standards is good advice for anyone that wants to make the next cut.

My .02 only. Cheers!