Preparing for E-7 Board

2014-03-02T02:33:43-05:00

With the Army emphasizing SHARP, EO and MRT, those are the most competitive schools to get into. Those schools and additional duties look good to the selection board, what other schools/boards/additional duties should you try for?

I am about become a Staff Sergeant and I have always volunteered for anything that could be thrown my way. I am currently preparing for the Audie Murphy board, what other recommendations do you have to be make yourself desirable?

Master Gunner, Audie Murphy, MFT, Order of St George?

Also what should I be paying attention to as far as my upcoming NCOERs and record in the next few years to make sure I am squared away and not procrastinating?

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Mar 2 at 2014 2:39 AM

2014-03-02T02:39:57-05:00

All of the courses that you mention are very important. SHARP, EO, MRT and Suicide Prevention (ASIST, etc) are very big right now in the eyes of the Army. I do not foresee that changing. Those certifications, and more importantly, demonstrating the further development of those programs for your Command is very important. It doesn't serve the Army at all if you get certified but do not use your new skill set. Ensure that you are on orders for those additional duties and perform them to your best ability.

Master Gunner, Drill Sergeant, Recruiter, etc are all traditional "discriminators" when it comes to records review. Again, if you pursue any of them, ensure that you do your best while serving in that capacity.

I would suggest that you pull the last few Board AAR memorandums. That will also give you a better idea of what "they" are looking for. And last, but certainly not least, sit down with your PSG, 1SG and CSM. There is a wealth of information there. All you have to do is seek it out.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 7:00 AM

2014-03-02T07:00:23-05:00

As far as your NCOERs, make sure your senior rater captures: promotion(next immediate rank), schooling, assignment, performance and potential (2 levels up). Please encourage your senior rater through your rater to keep away from annotating generic comments as mentioned below:

o promote to SFC now

o send to SLC

o unlimited potential for increased responsibility

////You should strive for comments such as////

o select immediately for SFC in the secondary zone

o send to SLC now

o assign as a Platoon Sergeant at first opportunity

o top 1% leader and performer; clearly #1 of 11 SSGs that I senior rate

o possesses superior potential; a future Master Sergeant when eligible

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 7:39 AM

2014-03-02T07:39:09-05:00

I am getting looked at this year for the first time and another important bullet to the NCOER in my opinion is your PT. Always put your score and always strive for a PT patch. I have it in my last 5 NCOERS that I continue to earn the PT patch. You will be surprised at how many NCO's do not have one. Also try your best in all the NCOES schools that you attend. Strive for Commandants list at every single one and also attend the leadership boards at the end. Those 1059's should weigh heavy when getting looked at for SFC.

Response by CSM Michael Poll made Mar 2 at 2014 8:49 AM

2014-03-02T08:49:28-05:00

While alll these boards and PT patches and schools are a wonderful thing and reflect upon your willingness to improve yourself, I guess my question is, What about your Soldiers? You are charged with the welfare of Soldiers, you are also a member of a specific unit with a specific MOS. Are you proficient in your MOS and are you a good Leader? Boards are excellent for getting yourself recognition, but if you are unable to lead Soldiers, then the rank you hold will be hollow. Just some advice while you are conducting all these wonderful things, dont forget where you are now and those to whom look to you for leadership. This is also part of the NCOER! A part I look at as a CSM sitting a SR Board.

Response by MSG Martin C. made May 2 at 2014 11:27 AM

2014-05-02T11:27:56-04:00

SGT Howlett,
Allow me to congratulate you on your upcoming promotion. When you say preparing for E7 there is many factors that will take place, you need to begin by understanding how the promotion process works for your particular career filed.
DA PAM 600-25 for your CMF is the guiding regulation that covers you from PVT –SGM make sure you make yourself familiar for you and your Soldiers.
Maturity at a particular rank is necessary for promotion that is one of the guiding principals most CSM will use when selecting Senior NCOs. So please do not take this the wrong way but you need to master your craft at your current grade; aiming for the future is commendable but remember when you get promoted to the Senior ranks you are being promoted on potential as much as your past actions. To demonstrate potential you need to show the Army that you can lead Soldiers, take care of equipment and property.
If I was your mentor I would advice you the following:
1. Have a clear understanding of your mission and commanders vision
2. Don’t work for your NCOER work for your Soldiers and the better of the unit
3. Go beyond what your peers are doing within the unit (Max your APFT, Participate in Quarterly boards to include Your Soldiers and win, have initiative to get your Soldiers to do community service projects get inducted in the SGT Audy Murphy Club)
4. Keep track of all the Senior Board AAR’s and keep track of the trends specially the negative trends.
5. Within you CMF complete all the Key positions, Squad Leader etc, Volunteered for additional duty’s (EO, SHARP, MRT) you get my point.
6. Do not neglect your civilian education; there are a lot of universities that are gear towards soldiers. Check out SOCAD/MOS just Google it you will be amazed on how close you are to a degree.
7. Your NCOER should reflect 50 % your Actions 50 % the actions of your Soldiers; there is nothing worst to me than to read an NCOER that is all about the individual. Always ask your self what your Soldiers careers say about you?
8. Be humbled a realistic is a tough business we are in promotions will slow down in comparison to what you seen in the past; so strive for excellence by you and your Soldiers remaining competitive and relevant.
9. Once you complete the necessary leadership time take a broadening assignment as a SSG i.e. DS, Recruiter, AIT PSG or NCOES instructor. Bottom line you need to do what others are refusing to do.

I hope this little information will help you and wish you the best just remember that is always about your Soldiers and the better of your unit and the Army.