Posted on Feb 26, 2015
SGT Traffic Accident Investigator
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What do you think the most effective way to promote JR enlisted soldiers to the NCO corps is? I have looked at the Promotion Board for the Army, the Promotion testing in the airforce, and I have thought to myself why not make the Army promotion work with a promotion board, a written test, and a couple of leadership tasks and lanes? I think that represents more of a total Soldier than just a board. What do you think?
Posted in these groups: Star Promotions
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Responses: 4
SFC Behavioral Health Specialist
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I think you are on to something with the total soldier concept. Boards are great and should be a primary piece. However, as you get into your career you will gain all kinds of knowledge ranging from experiential, institutional
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SGT Traffic Accident Investigator
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SFC Callison,
I am talked about and told about the Total Soldier Concept all the time by my NCO's. I just feel if that is what is wanted for the NCO core to be filled with Total Soldiers then I believe thats how they should be evaluated and let in the NCO Corp. Kinda like train as we fight.
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SFC Behavioral Health Specialist
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My phone crapped out on me.

As I said, you will gain a wealth of knowledge through experiential, institutional, and self development that is paramout to your progression. I think the most important thing at this point is to extend those development opportunities to the junior enlisted. All there would need to be is a distance learning course that engages soldiers with intermediate army knowledge and allows them to own their promotion ability by outing them on an OML For TIS waivers, CPL promotions, etc...

Any thoughts?
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CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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As a BN CSM I was required to conduct a promotion board every month, unless the mission does not allow. I have rarely not conducted the monthly promotion board. In conjunction with that promotion board I must also hold the Soldier and NCO of the month board.

Even with limiting the board members to about two questions per subject and working through lunch, the promotion board usually takes the entire day. If you added a written test and "hands on" (both of which are unauthorized by regulation) it would probably take a week or at least a couple days.

The Soldier has been recommended by his/her chain of command as having the potential to serve in a position of greater responsibility. The promotion board is a chance for the CSM and the senior NCO board members to ensure that the Soldier/NCO demonstrates that capability. The job or MOS is not the question it's the ability to assume duties as a NCO which is far more than just a job.

I think the Army's semi-centralized promotion system could be slightly improved but I like it better than some of the other services NCO promotion systems.
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SGT Traffic Accident Investigator
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CSM Oldsen,
I realize that it may be time consuming, but I think maybe taking a little bit more time to really see someones potential could be better in the long run. I also understand that his/her chain of command has recommended them. This also brings me to my other topic I posted a few days ago about the "good ole' boy" system. I mean this conversation could be debated and argued forever. I was just feeling the waters to see how everyone feels about our current promotion system. I really appreciate your response CSM.
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CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
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The good ol boy system is a phrase that means bad leadership. It is the CSMs responsibility to ensure everyone that attends the promotion board is treated the same. The same questions are asked of all, uniform inspection is the same, etc.

It's a good discussion and has been talked about a lot, for a long time. I don't see it changing very much anytime soon.
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SGT Traffic Accident Investigator
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CSM Oldsen,
I agree with you. I do not see it changing anytime soon. I have seen it several times in my career and I am sure you have to. I was always told if I dont like something get promoted and change it. That is what I am going to do in my career! I will do everything I can to help and remove toxic leadership in my units one day when I am a CSM.
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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Are you suggesting to make it like a Best Warrior Competition layout?
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SGT Traffic Accident Investigator
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Well something along those lines, but much more geared toward becoming an NCO. Give the Soldier two soldiers and have him demonstrate his ability to lead. Obviously those soldiers will be told that they do what the Soldier tells them to and see how they can respond with situations peace time and war time.
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