Posted on Jan 10, 2014
CSM Command Sergeant Major
64.1K
71
72
9
9
0
As a Commander/1SG, why would you circle yes for a Soldier to be integrated onto the CLI?  If you believe the Soldier is ready to be promoted to SGT/SSG why not just send them to the promotion board? 
Posted in these groups: Promotion board logo Promotion Board
Avatar feed
Responses: 28
LTC David B.
8
8
0
Edited >1 y ago
Wow.....that's about all I can say to some of these comments. But as to the topic.....

Don't we need to consider the spirit and intent of the CLI? There were a LOT of Soldiers missing promotions NOT due to anything they controlled. Mostly due to the units' OPTEMPO. Units were not conducting boards in theater, of course there were other requirements that weren't being conducted either. Essentially, we were screwing Soldiers out of earned and deserved promotions.  It would be easy to say leadership failure, and maybe (probably) that was the case in some instances, but sometimes units were barely meeting their combat mission requirements. I'm sure the CSMs/SGMs will pounce if I'm wrong.....it can be pretty labor intensive to PROPERLY conduct promotion boards.  Sure you can "hey you" to fill the seats, but I'd think that's beyond the last resort.

The bottom line is this wasn't something that was supposed to be a "norm" because if it is, then that truly is a leadership failure from the O5 on down. Even the "stud" who was forgotten......board him! He'll be ready. Deployed....dispersed......high OPTEMPO......utilize the CLI, and once you're in friendly territory and can catch your breath, get the boards running! IF COUNSELINGS are current and accurate, we won't include those should be looking for civilian employment. 

But I can tell you.....across the board......failure to properly conduct counseling is the number 1 problem in getting the deserving people and not EVERYONE promoted. CSMs.....SGMs.....attack!!  :-)
(8)
Comment
(0)
SGT None
SGT (Join to see)
8 y
I agree. I can't believe the previous comments. The issue is that the soldiers the great bad can't succeed to surpass them and complicate their E7 boards.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SGM Command Sergeant Major
7
7
0
<p>I would not simply circle yes.&nbsp; When I was a 1SG and now as the CSM I coach my 1SGs on how to beat the CLI...counsel, counsel, counsel, Bar to Re-enlist due to failure to advance with peers.&nbsp; After that make sure you board the Soldiers you believe are the future leaders of the Army.&nbsp; They cannot promote off the CLI if there is a board recommended standing list.&nbsp; </p><p>I further helped my 1SGs out by putting a MFR out on standards for an NCO.&nbsp; With this they dont have to counsel saying "not ready for leadership" as it is vague and can open them up to complaints. I give my NCOs and future NCOs 11 things they must do in order to meet my standards.&nbsp; All the Soldier has to do is not meet one of those standards and now you have a tangible reason on why they should not be placed on the CLI.&nbsp; </p>
(7)
Comment
(0)
SGT Medical Ncoic
SGT (Join to see)
8 y
SGM,
I would like a copy of you MFR. This sounds like outstanding material to have in my toolbox. You got a lot of emailing to do so I thank you in advance:
[login to see]
(0)
Reply
(0)
CSM(P) Police Officer / Detective
CSM(P) (Join to see)
>1 y
SGM, Like everyone else, may I too get a look at that list? It is much appreciated!
(0)
Reply
(0)
CW2 Sigint Tech
CW2 (Join to see)
7 y
SGM, I'm late to the party but if it's still available I'd like that list as well? Thank you .
(0)
Reply
(0)
SGT Research Assistant
SGT (Join to see)
>1 y
AR 600-8-19 Para 3-9: "Establishment of more stringent criteria for use in determining eligibility for promotion recommendation other than provided for in this regulation is prohibited."
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SGM Sergeant Major
6
6
0
I agree using the CLI or automatic integration list is a good sign of a poor leader. If I send 1 Soldier to the promotion board they will all go. Nobody gets a free ride in my unit.<div><br></div><div>I remember the first time I had to do a monthly report as a young SFC and my 1SG sat down and said "You only circle yes if you don't want to do your job as a leader". I laughed but as I thought about it I agreed with him. How many NCOs do we have walking around now because someone circled yes and they won the lottery?</div>
(6)
Comment
(0)
SFC Equal Opportunity Advisor
SFC (Join to see)
11 y
I definitely agree with your statement.
(0)
Reply
(0)
SFC Equal Opportunity Advisor
SFC (Join to see)
11 y
I definitely agree with your statement.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close