What changes, if any, would you like to see to the enlisted promotion process?

An interesting discussion occurred the other day that I would like to continue, because I've heard many times that the current promotion system is broken. I wouldn't disagree with that, but I think that change for change's sake is foolish too. It's also foolish to do things the same way only because that's how they've always been done. So my questions to you are:

What things would you like to see changed?
What would you implement to compensate for those changes?

For what it's worth (honestly not a lot), the changes I would specifically like to see are:

- Decrease emphasis on boards and a change in the type of questions offered from direct, multiple choice types (one question, one answer) to scenario based questions.
- In unit evaluations and observations that are regular but also unexpected
- Correspondence courses removed or changed to provide Soldiers with certifications that can translate to civilian life
- Decrease fast track promotions especially for the jump from SPC to SGT

Without going into to much detail, I think these changes would give senior leadership a more accurate picture of the Soldier's potential and readiness to lead. I understand the importance of boards, they are way to evaluate military discipline, stress management, preparation, among other things, but most of those things are are completely different in that setting than in the unit and what they'll encounter. I think the Army could also use correspondence courses to provide Soldiers with something tangible outside of the military. By proctoring them through the education center and providing real certifications, it prepares Soldiers for better transition later. I also think there needs to be a greater emphasis on assessing the technical aspects of the MOS for assessments. In unit evaluations (by a senior NCO from BN level or higher) and MOS specific CC ensure the Soldier is proficient in their job and will benefit the Army by providing junior Soldiers with more informed, better training opportunities. Finally, decreasing fast tracking, and slowing the timeline overall at lower levels, allows the Soldier to further develop themselves before developing other Soldiers. I also think that at times fast tracked junior NCO's get overwhelmed when they get a Soldier with personal and/or professional issues when they've never encountered much adversity. I think slowing their timeline slightly allows them to acquire a better base for how to tackle complex and delicate issues with better efficiency in order to hopefully rehabilitate that Soldier.

So what would you change? Why? Why not?

http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2015/02/23/army-promotion-regulation-updated/23492405/