Should we bring back MOS testing as part of a promotion criteria?

Until the Army stops incentivising 3 year tours in non-MOS related duties this will continue to happen. What would the testing provide besides another hurdle to promotion? It's pointless and because of the broadness of scope that many senior positions require adaptability is more important than specific knowledge.

I've worked for NCOs who I ran circles around technically. And typically those folks were just leaving DS, recruiter, etc. With those type of assignments being looked upon so favorably for SR promotions, it will continue to happen.

If you're having issues with SGTs and SSGs who are not technically competent, train them yourself. And if those NCOs continue to perform poorly, capture that on counselings and evaluations.

This might work for the higher density MOS's and I think they should bring it back. SSG Byrd Lower Density MOS"S don't have the luxury of fixing there soldiers for the most part. At some places you might be the only one in the Brigade at times for your MOS. You leave a giant loop hole for them because they go max the PT Test and Volunteer for tasking beyond there scope of duties. Then when we ask them to be in charge and fix those SGT's and SSG's they can't. There are many low density MOS's that this applies too. The point is to fix the most MOS promotion systems breading NCO's that can't pull there weight.

Hands on testing annually is a great requirement 1st Sgt as these are mostly perishable skills and if you don't use them you will lose them. Coupled with the MOS testing and a review board make for sound leaders and good leadership... The people that want to be promoted and/or retained will take it upon themselves to work hard and "earn" the promotion and the respect of the men and women whom they wish to lead. Today's testing is based on book smarts and award points or multiples and not street smarts resulting in some of the dumbest people on the planet being promoted up the chain easily and quickly without ever spending a day in the field or on a battlefield and then we are asking our junior personnel to follow them sometimes even into combat?! This coupled with today's generation of troopers, airman and sailors and the fact that the services are showing many of the senior enlisted personnel the door is very troublesome indeed!

Agree with you, 1SG. I was AD from 74-78 amd took the MOS test then took the SQT as a SFC in the reserves. Was a SME in food service as a MSG at RRC/BDE level. Got really old having non quartermaster CSMs tell me about food service/safety and operations.

Couldn't agree more, 1SG!!! All...and I mean ALL Soldiers, must maintain their proficiency, no matter what their job is. Being able to execute their jobs, and have the ability to teach their subordinates, takes precedence over everything else!!! Quite simply, who would want a leader, who is unable to perform the tasks of his/her profession? This is the sole purpose of a Leader/Soldier, regardless of their MOS. Today's Army has been diluted with so many of these so-called "leaders" who can't think their way out of a wet paper bag, and despite the fact that we have many, who still adhere to the principles of leadership (Eleven of them, by the way.) ... the numbers are waning, which places our entire force into a substandard level of readiness and quite possibly a fatal compromise. It should be revived and implemented, in my opinion. Make our leaders and Soldiers conform to the standards that made us great and kept us in the top tiers of the "Band of Excellence".

Very well said First Shirt, couldn't agree more.

I was hurt by the SQT for promotion due to the fact my MOS did not have a certified SQT for years. And i have been on both sides of the issue, from taking it to writing it.