How to best prepare for promotion board "situational" questions?

SGT Ronnie Warford — Sat, 09 May 2015 14:39:19 -0400

I have a promotion board this month and the MOI explains that the seniors are going to be asking more situational questions rather than the old fashioned cut and dry. I have heard that there is no real way to study for these kinds of boards, however if I could get some advice from others who have had this same style it would be greatly appreciated!

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made May 9 at 2015 4:58 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sat, 09 May 2015 16:58:00 -0400

There are many mentors here who could provide excellent help here. Good luck!

Tagging a few who will hopefully add their wisdom.

SGM Matthew Quick, CSM Private RallyPoint Member, CSM Michael J. Uhlig 1SG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made May 9 at 2015 5:21 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Sat, 09 May 2015 17:21:28 -0400

Go in with a good base knowledge of the ADPs/ADRPs as well as staying current with retention qualifications and messages (your Career Counselor should be a great help); know the Creed (NCO & Soldiers); familiarize yourself with the NCOER; understand counseling and the counseling statement (know how to use it - to include assessment/follow up). Know your chain of command & NCO support chain.

For what it's worth, typically, promotion boards are not situation/scenario based but rather more straight forward questions. Whatever you do, don't go in there trying to BS somebody, it is painfully evident to the board members when you don't know or are unsure.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made May 9 at 2015 5:25 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sat, 09 May 2015 17:25:07 -0400

Understand what's currently important to the Army leadership, i.e., SHARP, Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP), PTing with Soldiers, etc. (Read through SMA notes/briefings for current language/words used)

Read about the Army's Leadership Requirements Model (LRM)...this will be your foundation.

ADP 6-22, Army Leadership (Chapter 22, Leadership Requirement Model)
http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/DR_pubs/dr_a/pdf/adp6_22.pdf

Get your promotion board topics, read through the regulatory guidance on each and have more experienced leaders ask you situation questions and provide feedback throughout the day.

It's also important to understand what Army programs are offered and in which situation you'd refer someone to these programs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2015 8:36 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 10 May 2015 08:36:05 -0400

The first thing you should say to MOST and I emphasize most situational questions, is that you will counsel that soldier. Then give an honest answer as to what you would do or how you handle it.