Can anyone explain the new process for STEP?

When I was in ALC, we had a guy who came there during his deployment and was going back after the class. That was in 2012. I just went to SLC in Jan and some people were supposed to be in the class and were deployed but they deferred because they got a week notification. Some even less than that for that class.

I was almost going to have to wait for HRC to schedule me because of STEP. I had to defer SLC three times because of my daughter's medical condition. With the change in STEP I was a low priority last year with all the SSGs that got picked up. But I got put on the wait list with help from someone in leadership and got into the class and got it done.

As far as I understand things, you will not be selected for promotion if you don't have your required NCOES and SSD done. So say someone is a SPC and they make points for a month - but they don't have BLC. They're not making the list for promotion to SGT. Plus with BLC you have to be boarded before you can go from what I understand. It's probably similar for SSG.

For SFC once those SSGs are selected for SFC they get scheduled for SLC. Same with SFC to MSG get scheduled for MLC. We have a SFC who just got picked up for MSG and was scheduled for MLC this month.

So I am currently deployed/WAIS and came down on a class date but the unit I am attached to is doing a 4187 to differ until after the deployment. But I’m being told that while I am here missing out on promoting the last 3 months. That because I am deployed that once I complete ALC when I get back that no matter where points are I will still promote. But I cannot find it any where. I did find something similar but it states you would still have to meet or exceed cut of after competition of school. But again I’m being told due to deployment I’m “good”

You have access to the message explaining the exact issue. I have read it, but not well enough to cite specific verbiage. The gist of it was, CDRs have the ability to send SM to NCOES, regardless of OP TEMPO. So Deployment is no longer a justification for an NCO failure to complete the required schooling. As such, no exceptions are being made.

Im not truly onboard (not that any one asked) as I have seen way to many commanders who make decisions based on what is best for them, not the overall best decision for the larger unit, the force, the Army.

"I cant send Marquez to Senior leaders course, we are going to NTC that month, we wont look as good if we have a replacement do those duties"
Of course that CDR CAN send Marquez and allow his unit to work through a "man down" training scenario. That CDR is choosing to look good, vice provide training opportunities to both Marquez and his unit. NTC being the very place to go and learn about your strengths and weaknesses. A Safe environment to fail, or do less well, so you can plan and train to do better when it counts.