Should specialist be an automatic promotion?

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 May 2014 11:43:58 -0400

In my mind having the rank specialist means that you possess the necessary skills in your mos to be at least proficient if not an expert. I was wondering if everyone else felt that if someone does not possess these skills they should be turned down for the rank?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 11:55 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 May 2014 11:55:20 -0400

I hate the SPC Insignia. There is nothing to make a person think you have been promoted. Almost like a merit badge that no one understands.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 11:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 May 2014 11:55:27 -0400

The command of a unit can turn down a promotion to SPC. I have seen it done once in my 14 years. This one occasion this PFC was late to a number of formations, would fallout of almost every platoon run, and had a piss poor attitude. So I don't think SPC promotion should be based on points but by merit. If you keep a paper trail on all your soldiers by doing monthly counseling's you can influence a lot.

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 31 at 2014 11:56 AM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Sat, 31 May 2014 11:56:11 -0400

I am not sure the way the Army does promotions but that makes sense to me SPC.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2014 3:25 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 03:25:45 -0400

What if a soldier is tasked with additional duties outside of their MOS. This duty is usually handled by another MOS, but the additional duty directly supports the primary MOS and the soldier is more proficient with the additional duty than they are with their primary MOS.

Would that soldier deserve to be promoted?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2014 10:41 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Dec 2014 22:41:47 -0500

No it shouldn't be.