Points are exceptionally high for E-6, what’s the best way to stand out?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:59:49 -0400

Points for 68V are extremely high right now, well over 750 (780+ last I heard), what are some top ways to stand out above my peers? Last I looked, I was just over 500 points currently; I know Drill Sergeant isn’t worth any points, but how much does it help a soldier to stand out in consideration of E-6 promotion? I have 6 years until RCP date and the next months are all that stands between my current duty station and plotting out the next.

Im not 100% sold on the idea, but it is something to consider. If it were something I chose, what would be the top prep focus areas building up to the school date (aside from AWT)?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2023 2:19 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:19:59 -0400

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2023 8:56 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 20:56:34 -0400

DS, or teaching at all, or recruiting, helps you on centralized promotion to E7.

For E5 to E6, you control your own destiny on:
Military Training (PT/IWQ) max 255
Military Education (PME+online) max 220
Civilian Education (online) max 160
If you are maxed out on these, that is 635 points before you even count any awards/badges.

And cutoff for PZ (70 mo TIS/16 mo TIG) in your MOS is 601 this month.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Apr 18 at 2023 11:37 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 23:37:05 -0400

Standing out in the military hasn't changed in over 20 years.
Do well in your job and make sure you are seen doing your job well. Get good reviews and documentation to verify your performance.

Ensure all documentation is up to date and has no date gaps.

Be current in all training requirements for grade and for the next grade if availible.

Be current in all MOS training requirements.

Be fit and pass all physical evaluations.

Volunteer and document your volunteer work. Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals are cherries on the cake.

Attend Military schools.

Attend college when available. Focus on the bachelors. Nobody gives a hoot in hell about an associates. It just delays you finishing the Bachelors and is a money hustle for the establishment.

At some point you will need to do a Special Duty Assignment (Drill Field, Recruiting, etc.) It is a feather in your cap and can be a force multiplier for your career.

Do these things and you will stand out in comparison to your peers. The recipe isn't easy for everyone but it's a pretty solid battle plan.

Response by MSG Thomas Currie made Apr 19 at 2023 12:49 PM

MSG Thomas Currie — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:49:57 -0400

If you are recommended for promotion, there simply isn't any value in trying to "stand out above your peers" other than simply doing the work to get more points. You can look sharp and do everything to be a fine soldier, but none of that has anything to do with when you get promoted. Once you are on the list is it ALL ABOUT THE POINTS.

SGM Private RallyPoint Member already gave you the answer. You need to max out each of the categories of training and education. Check your record to see what points you have. If there are any points that you should have but aren't recorded you need to work with the S1 to get those points documented and recorded. Then work on earning more points -- military correspondence courses are usually one route to pick up more points (note that correspondence courses do not need to be directly related to your MOS)

Response by SSG Danny Miller made Apr 25 at 2023 10:54 AM

SSG Danny Miller — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:54:27 -0400

I took a lot of correspondence courses. Once I went before the board. I had enough points for a automatic promotion.