In preparation of the next level, would any leaders be willing to review my records to guide me in excelling in my career?

2016-09-28T05:14:03-04:00

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Sep 28 at 2016 7:21 AM

2016-09-28T07:21:02-04:00

If I was you, I'd get with your PS, 1SG, career counselor, talk first with people who know you, your career. That's what leadership is for.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2016 9:30 AM

2016-09-28T09:30:40-04:00

Your first line leaders know you the best. There are also leaders you will come across in your career who immediately make an impression whether they are in your chain or not. I would start with those people. I would certainly look over your records, but I've found the best place to go is to look at the AARs from past promotion boards. I made E7 in 8 years by building my stats to look like the E8 boards at the time. I made the E8 list this year at 13 years by trying to emulate what was on the AARs for the SGM board. The simple answer is long periods at the highest leadership positions you can, OCONUS assignments, instructor time, staff time, high PT score, a good DA Photo with all the supporting paperwork in your OMPF and on your ERB, a clean ERB, college (60 SH is pretty much minimum), and outstanding stuff like Audie Murphy and NCO/Instructor of the quarter always helps. Let me know if you need anything else.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2016 5:14 PM

2016-09-28T17:14:14-04:00

SFC Peltz is spot on, also make sure the dates from your NCOERs mirror your assignment dates on your ERB exactly. The attention to detail on your ERB will pay off and give the SGM/CSMs on the board less reasons to put your packet in the "No Go" pile, so to speak. In addition to civilian education,broadening assignments are also a huge push in the Army right now. If you don't want to do either Recruiting or Drill, I would recommend applying to do a few years in the Defense Attache System or any of the other competitive assignments that most won't even apply for because they either don't know about them or don't want to get out of their comfort zone or raise their GT score to qualify. Of course you want to get your Key Leader time done first and foremost for your MOS which is outlined in DA PAM 600-25. Just a disclaimer, that PAM is dated 2008 so speaking with your branch manager is also suggested since we all know things change regularly in the Army. You have to find ways to make yourself stand out from the crowd in your branch and MOS. I hope this helps and if you are getting looked at for 7, good luck tomorrow.

Response by SGM Bill Johnson made Sep 28 at 2016 7:00 PM

2016-09-28T19:00:54-04:00

I sat on the 2014 Master Sergeant Board and your MOS was reviewed by my panel. I'd gladly take a look at your file. Just be aware that I am a brutally honest person so if you ask, accept what I say without any butt hurt.

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made Sep 28 at 2016 9:04 PM

2016-09-28T21:04:22-04:00

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Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2016 7:53 PM

2016-09-29T19:53:02-04:00

This is a tough one. I am an EOD SGM, so i would only be able give general suggestions. I would target a senior leader in your career field. A quick difference is we (EOD) dont have Drill SGTs. So i havent seen the effects of being one. I know its a career enhacing move, but is it better than recruiting or service school instructor? I would not feel comfortable giving advice that might not be acurate. When I write NCOERs for non-EOD Soldiers, i reach out to SGM in their field so i dont hurt them trying to help them. LOL! I will admit that I don't know everything. But I know where to find answers!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2016 6:23 AM

2016-09-30T06:23:47-04:00

I got you, hit me up, [login to see]

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2016 1:11 PM

2016-10-09T13:11:41-04:00

Yates send me your stuff bro

Response by SFC Billy Huether made Nov 16 at 2016 9:29 AM

2016-11-16T09:29:17-05:00

As a 20 year Signaleer, I would recommend that you investigate doing something outside your MOS in order to diversify yourself. Back in the day, my promo points were 99never forever. When I finally made SSG, after almost killing myself with Army schools and civilian education, it only took me 2 years to be promoted to SFC(I was never an E-7.) while I was on Recruiting Duty. I wouldn't suggest Recruiting because it's the most unappreciated, hero to zero and back again duty. But search for an assignment that is challenging yet achievable. I always told my NCO's to set REALISTIC, ACHIEVABLE Goals! Just be happy that you deal with fiber instead of coax and 26 pair cables. Lastly, if you're married, always include Household 6 in any and all decisions.