Should I memorize the ENTIRE study guide for just a few questions

SPC Daniel Edwards — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:06:13 -0400

Here is the deal: I am going for a Board soon. I find it a lot easier to memorize a few questions with short answers than all 206 questions from ADP1 alone. Let alone all the other ADPs. My SGT is thinking I should memorize every question for the Army, Fires, and Unified Land Operations within a week or my chain of command is gonna chew him out for not spending the last 6 months helping me study (his college was more important than helping me study for my first board).

I have only recently discovered that making flashcards for questions that I find relevant to be helpful. I decided that I will write a bunch of questions, memorize those, and go with it. I figure if the guys on the board asks me something that I didnt memorize, I'll just answer, "I cannot recall at this time." He doesnt like that. I have tried doing his system of reading and memorizing an entire page and going to the next one. It doesnt work for me. The flashcards work but I am not going to try to memorize an entire book. I have a hard enough time memorizing what websites have what passwords.

The question is: Should I stick with what works for me or should I stress myself out with a system that worked for him but I know will not work for me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2014 6:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:23:56 -0400

I would suggest you study however you would best retain the information. That being said the main reason for studying for the board is not to memorize a bunch of questions contrary to popular belief. The main reason for the subjects outlined in the subjects covered on the board memorandum is get you in the books and learn the basic information needed to lead and take care of soldiers. Obviously you will not be a walking encyclopedia after studying but what you will gain is the knowledge of where to find the information when you or you soldiers need it. Good luck at the board and don't stop studying once you get your "GO" you can never know too much information.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Sep 11 at 2014 6:26 PM

SGT Richard H. — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:26:42 -0400

Do you know which few questions they will ask?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 11 at 2014 6:55 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:55:49 -0400

My favorite response to my troops was simple, it is your board so do whatever your career can handle. If you want to let your leaders off the hook and proceed the way that best works for you, you should. Best of luck. Let us know how you do.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 11 at 2014 7:25 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:25:14 -0400

SPC Daniel Edwards Don't forget to keep your funny bone energized during study breaks.