Should Promotion Boards be more MOS knowledge oriented, combined with general Army/Military knowledge?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 15:18:35 -0400

Given you have NCO's who have definitely earned their rank, should the promotion boards be changed to add knowledge of your specific job? Memorizing a set list of subjects is challenging but I've run into NCO's who don't know anything about motor pools and subjects pertaining to their job.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jun 25 at 2014 3:27 PM

SGT Ben Keen — Wed, 25 Jun 2014 15:27:17 -0400

I believe this topic has been discussed numerous times here. I think we all agree that the board isn't perfect. Yes, NCOs should have an understanding of their technical skills but the board does serve it's purpose. At the very least, it shows who is taking the time to improve themselves over those that are just winging it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2014 3:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 15:13:37 -0400

I absolutely believe that the Promotion Boards should be based on the technical knowledge of their particular MOS. There would, of course, have to be questions regarding general Army knowledge, but the main focus should be MOS related.
Memorizing facts and regulations is becoming an obsolete idea now that there are computers and phones everywhere that can access that info instantly. However, much of that information for job performance can't be researched like that. A lot of it, such as with Military Police, has to come from memory instantly while you are on a call or responding to an emergency.