Current RCP

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 11:51:21 -0400

Leaders,
What is everyone's thoughts in the current RCP years? Do you believe they should be changed or remain the same? Your thoughts

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Bergeron made Jun 20 at 2014 12:00 PM

1SG Jeffrey Bergeron — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 12:00:29 -0400

I think it is fine, however the Army should put them out 30 days after their RCP not when the soldier ETS which could be 2 years after RCP

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 12:05 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 12:05:13 -0400

This has been refined a lot in the last decade. I think we are getting there. I am sure that we will see them drop a little more in the years to come. I know that promotions have slowed down already but I really can't understand a SPC/E-4 needing 8 years before getting promoted.

Response by CPT Dave Shephard made Jun 20 at 2014 12:07 PM

CPT Dave Shephard — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 12:07:38 -0400

Leaders at all levels have stressed retaining talent. I think the above RCP years are fair, especially in an organization that is downsizing. In the specific units I've been a part of, I'd personally vote to see slightly shorter limits. But organizations that have a higher degree of technical expertise might want longer limits.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Jun 20 at 2014 12:15 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 12:15:35 -0400

I agree with RCP as a concept and in general. In general, RCPs facilitate the up or out philosophy of the US military. Historically, the US military has run into problems such as right before and during the Civil War when we emphasized longevity over merit. One of the first actions by GEN Marshall before the start of WWII was to dismiss many senior leaders who GEN Marshall felt would not be able to handle the rigors of sustained combat operations due to lack of physical fitness and age. This created room for younger and eager Soldiers to move up. Stated another way, a leader (NCO, Warrant, Officer) who has little to no chance of further promotion is holding a slot and thus preventing the promotions of several lesser ranked Soldiers.

The specific RCPs for each rank, however, can and should change based upon strategic requirements and the basic issue of supply and demand. Simply stated, when our Army is growing we need to keep more Soldiers at each rank for a longer period but when our Army is shrinking we need to keep fewer Soldiers at each rank. This is not to say that Soldiers that are asked to leave "suck". It merely means that the Army must be selective and retain only the best. Every Soldier will reach a point where they will no longer be promoted and will be asked to leave. Some Soldiers merely reach that point sooner than other Soldiers.

Response by MSG Martin C. made Jun 20 at 2014 2:26 PM

MSG Martin C. — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 14:26:51 -0400

It's a very fair system if you cannot achieve any of those timelines at least to the SSG level you should probably not be In the service anyways. They are very achievable the question is how bad do you want it you control your career from E1-E6 that's the bottom line.

Response by SSG Martin Reyna made Jul 7 at 2016 8:53 AM

SSG Martin Reyna — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 08:53:07 -0400

They should remain. Those are more than achievable.. E-6 can be achieved in 8 years or less. Depending on your MOS

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2018 1:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Jun 2018 01:32:44 -0400

The RCP has updated and changed from these numbers. This is a ETP. Seems like the RCP changes as the number mission changes. RCP shouldn’t be a big problem for most as the new MLI policy is implemented.