Posted on Jan 9, 2016
Is it fair that Reservists, particularly AGR, get promoted so much quicker than Active Duty?
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I work with an Airman who entered the military around the same time as me, but as a reservist. I recall us both being E3s in 2013. About one week ago I ran into her and she was wearing a Tech Sergeant stripe (E6)! It's only been three years since she was an E3!
She informed me that in the reserves you promote when your shop needs to fill a certain slot. You don't have to test either?
It all seems a little screwy to me and I wonder how others feel?
She informed me that in the reserves you promote when your shop needs to fill a certain slot. You don't have to test either?
It all seems a little screwy to me and I wonder how others feel?
Air Force
Reserves
Air Force Reserve
Air Force Enlisted Village
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 56
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Doesn't bother me because it's outside of my control. All I can do is worry about my own promotions on the active duty side of the house.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SSgt Alan Cook I'm not sure if your comment was directed towards me because it doesn't make any sense.
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MSgt (Join to see)
It is outside of your control. Why worry or be concerned about things you cannot change? Also, SSgt Cook, If I was your Sup you would be scrubbing toilets and creating Operating Instructions on how to do it safely and effectively.
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Not sure anything is fair, nor will it ever be. Fair is a matter of perspective and opinion.
SSgt (Join to see) I can't speak for the USAF... but I suspect we are similar as the Army and the USAF both have NG and Reserves and AGR... In the Army, many things are the same... but when incomes to Army Reserve, Army National Guard, and the AGR, there are two areas that are quite different and unique to their component - (1) Pay and benefits, and (2) Promotions.
Is it fair? Not sure that is a consideration. It is different. Most I have seen, do get promoted faster, as it is a small pool, who compete against each other for open slots... But, then it slows, as the higher you get the fewer we need... and the fewer slots we have.
My vote, would be to drop program, as I see it is huge waste of personal and resources. I don't think they provide any value added, and I think the AGR program a place that attracts folks who could not make in the active force... I could cite many, many, examples...
I do, however, feel your frustration. So, Let me illustrate this via a little war story... "Back in the Day...."
When I was a company commander commander at Fort Drum... we had 3 companies in our Battalion, and our HHD (Headquarters) Commander was an idiot, and a mess; failing as a leader and especially at the core failing when it came to Army Values... I drove on, and they resigned after their service obligation, and went into the traditional ARNG. Soon, they eventually landed one of these highly coveted AGR slots...
From then on, every time we crossed paths (at every rank)... they were on rank higher than me... and did that by never doing anything but being an advisor... They never commanded a company on the line, a battalion, or brigade... But, made Colonel, and retired just like me... Never having done anything particularly hard, dangerous, or which required any significant responsibility...
So, perhaps, the trick is to find one of these AGR slots, as they appear to be a very well kept secret.
SSgt (Join to see) I can't speak for the USAF... but I suspect we are similar as the Army and the USAF both have NG and Reserves and AGR... In the Army, many things are the same... but when incomes to Army Reserve, Army National Guard, and the AGR, there are two areas that are quite different and unique to their component - (1) Pay and benefits, and (2) Promotions.
Is it fair? Not sure that is a consideration. It is different. Most I have seen, do get promoted faster, as it is a small pool, who compete against each other for open slots... But, then it slows, as the higher you get the fewer we need... and the fewer slots we have.
My vote, would be to drop program, as I see it is huge waste of personal and resources. I don't think they provide any value added, and I think the AGR program a place that attracts folks who could not make in the active force... I could cite many, many, examples...
I do, however, feel your frustration. So, Let me illustrate this via a little war story... "Back in the Day...."
When I was a company commander commander at Fort Drum... we had 3 companies in our Battalion, and our HHD (Headquarters) Commander was an idiot, and a mess; failing as a leader and especially at the core failing when it came to Army Values... I drove on, and they resigned after their service obligation, and went into the traditional ARNG. Soon, they eventually landed one of these highly coveted AGR slots...
From then on, every time we crossed paths (at every rank)... they were on rank higher than me... and did that by never doing anything but being an advisor... They never commanded a company on the line, a battalion, or brigade... But, made Colonel, and retired just like me... Never having done anything particularly hard, dangerous, or which required any significant responsibility...
So, perhaps, the trick is to find one of these AGR slots, as they appear to be a very well kept secret.
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COL Charles Williams
SSgt Alan Cook - what on earth is your deal? You don't even know me, nor do you comments make sense, or have anything to do with what may comments were? I answered this question, based on my experiences, which was rarely behind a desk in my 33 years of service. I am no longer in uniform. Hence the R. LTC Yinon Weiss
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LTC Yinon Weiss
COL Charles Williams - He is an unverified account, so we've locked it pending verification. Based on his other comments, I wouldn't take anything he said personally.
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Suspended Profile
So if you do away with the AGR program who does all the stuff the AGR’s do?
I have a pretty narrow focus in my AGR position and I still perform the day-to-day functions of three different SFC’s, one SSG and about half a CW2.
I cordially...enthusiastically...besmusedly...invite any MDAY or active soldier to spend a few work days with me and see much I’m getting over on the system.
For the record, as of today I have worked 42 out of the last 45 days.
I have a pretty narrow focus in my AGR position and I still perform the day-to-day functions of three different SFC’s, one SSG and about half a CW2.
I cordially...enthusiastically...besmusedly...invite any MDAY or active soldier to spend a few work days with me and see much I’m getting over on the system.
For the record, as of today I have worked 42 out of the last 45 days.
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Yea, but she may never get promoted again. Also, there's usually a lot more politics involved in Guard & Res outfits.
Do your best to advance and don't worry about everyone else.
Do your best to advance and don't worry about everyone else.
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