Should you be promoted if you have never performed your MOS function?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 12:12:03 -0400

Some of us have supply and PAC clerks that are the same MOS as us. Should you still be promoted if you have never functioned as what your MOS entails? For example being an MP.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 12:17 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 12:17:21 -0400

Well that all depends. Were they put in a billet that didn't fully encompass every aspect of their MOS? I would say yes, especially if being put in that billet was not due to any fault of their own. They were meeting the needs of the service and shouldn't be punished for that.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 12:18 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 12:18:00 -0400

All experience should be considered.

Response by SGT Scott Bell made Sep 19 at 2015 12:19 PM

SGT Scott Bell — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 12:19:18 -0400

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 12:19 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 12:19:34 -0400

Needs of the Army. Most people have no input as to what job or position they are placed in. Now it's failure in leadership if those same people are continually tasked out and never given the opportunity to learn their MOS.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 12:24 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 12:24:55 -0400

I know I am old, and not current on promotion policies. But, here is my take.

Has the person done what the military asked him/her to do? In my day we did not have much say in that. We were told what and where our job was to be. So, if it was done well the person should rewarded accordingly, and certainly not held back because he/she did what was assigned.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 2:04 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:04:41 -0400

Absolutely!!!! I choose my training room and "O" room Soldiers because they are top performers and can be successful in any position. Companies are not MTOEd these positions but they are critical jobs and require lots of time and effort. Why would you not recommend them for promotion or to attend the promotion board? They were put in that position they didn't ask for it. Besides your a Soldier first, MOS second.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 2:35 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 14:35:12 -0400

Yes, because as has already been pointed out in this thread, a soldier shouldn't have their careers destroyed by circumstances outside their control.
I spent over a year slotted as a 12R (interior electrician.) There were 25 or so 12Bs who got slotted this way. I didn't do a single bravo task the entire time. (Not quite true. I did spend two days putting in concertina wire, but it wasn't done to standard anyway.) I didn't have the opportunity. I resented and still resent it. I believe that if a unit is going to utilize soldiers outside their MOS the chain of command has the responsibility to help those soldiers maintain MOS proficiency. I'm sure it would take a little planning and effort, but it can be done.
It's also an issue that I've seen with "low density" MOSs. For example, a company that has mechanics, medics, or such on the MTOE. These guys often end up getting used as range cadre, safeties, driving the Humvee at the back of the ruck march, etc. That's fine, but they MUST be provided a chance to do their jobs and train too. One way that I've seen this addressed in the Guard is to have low density MOS troops have a separate AT where they train on tasks particular to their MOS.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 5:25 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 17:25:25 -0400

I would say yes. But, that Soldier needs to understand it is their responsibility to rise to the occasion and ensure they perform their new duties to standard.

Response by SFC Stephen King made Sep 19 at 2015 5:27 PM

SFC Stephen King — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 17:27:17 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member this is a fact that has been for at least my 22 years. Diversity and Ingenuity will and always place you above your peers. If you are offered a school go. Once you show that you have the ability to do things in and out of your MOS this will be noticed.

Response by CPT Russell Pitre made Sep 19 at 2015 11:06 PM

CPT Russell Pitre — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 23:06:44 -0400

It happens a lot and it always their choice. Try being a movement officer instead of doing anything infantry. A lot of times it is actually better to learn more skills than your MOS. But you still still be proficient.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2015 11:11 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Sep 2015 23:11:41 -0400

I don't know about the AC, but many RC senior leaders are placed on their LEADERSHIP abilities as NCOs (and officers). I can't remember the last time my CSM was in his or her MOS.

Low density MOS's and overstrength MOS's make doing that particular skill more difficult. Often in the support fields, you find yourself being a leader/mentor for several MOS soldiers and do your own less and less.

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 20 at 2015 12:57 AM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 00:57:25 -0400

As long as they are doing a good job they should be promoted. Many are doing jobs that are outside their MOS and often did not choose to do so.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2015 2:28 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Sep 2015 14:28:05 -0400

SPC Robert Bergstrom,
I am of the opinion that you should not even be considered against those that have been doing their MOS all along, but that's just my opinion. We all know that exceptions get made all the time. If you are in a special assignment, for example, should you be penalized? No, I do not believe that is fair to the Soldier or the branch, but it definitely depends on the circumstances. I would not agree with every situation as I'm sure you wouldn't either.