What are the best tips for promotion to E-5 Sergeant in the Guard?

2017-03-23T23:55:22-04:00

I'll be joining a unit that's going on deployment soon, but I won't be with them, thus putting me behind the curve on points. Best advice for the best and fastest route to E-5 and stay in the guard?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 12:53 AM

2017-03-24T00:53:39-04:00

2LT Private RallyPoint Member best way to be promoted period is to do your job to the best of your ability and always improve yourself. Seek opportunities for responsibilities, additional duties, additional schools, maybe teach a class. Also the key is balance. Try to get BLC when you hit SPC and do your SSD and other online training as well college. These are "easy" points that can add up fast.

Response by SFC George Smith made Mar 24 at 2017 1:28 AM

2017-03-24T01:28:34-04:00

Do the Best you can Both on duty and off duty and get more schooling... Take Online or Correspondence courses or what ever they are called Now and take courses that are related to your MOS...
get into the PLDC/BNOC or what ever they call it Now

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 3:13 AM

2017-03-24T03:13:36-04:00

Check out the dozens of other threads covering this topic -
https://www.rallypoint.com/topics/promotion-board

Promotion Board

A live Q&A where U.S. military members and veterans discuss and evaluate Promotion Board.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 3:41 AM

2017-03-24T03:41:13-04:00

You're going to be rear detachment and that's going to suck a bit. Use the time to try and grab ADOS or similar while they're away so you can learn more and work with the AGR in the rear. Continue your military online education on ALMS etc, complete SSD1. If you are able enroll in College, complete some Certificates or get an Associates before they return.

You're in the Guard so that means that you have State Awards in addition to Army Awards. I don't want to make you out to be a medal hunter but if you can snag a few ribbons for example volunteering in your community then why not grab the promotion points.

Response by SGT Christopher 'Kit' Lowe made Mar 24 at 2017 6:09 AM

2017-03-24T06:09:51-04:00

What I found out is that deploying isn't the asset we'd think it is when it comes to promotions. Saw a lot of guys get promoted that didn't have combat patches. Biggest thing that can help is who you know, I went to Afghanistan, earned a Bronze Star for Valor, lost my right leg saving a soldier in my unit and I still didn't get promoted till I met the CSM of the Army National Guard and the Sec of the Army.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 8:42 AM

2017-03-24T08:42:41-04:00

In some guard units, run over the guy ahead of you so a slot will open up. Just kidding. If the guard allows be willing to move units for promotion. Not sure how the guard works but in the reserves you put a mileage limit and any slot that is open within that limit you could be promoted into.

Response by SSG Mike Wyche made Mar 24 at 2017 8:55 AM

2017-03-24T08:55:15-04:00

Unless something has changed since I was in, promotions to SGT are based on points and slots. Not deploying is not going to hurt you. Work on PT, college, and correspondence courses. If you have the points and the school required and a slot opens then you get it. Yes you might have to change units, but if you want to move up then you have to put in the effort.

Response by SGT Justin Temple made Mar 24 at 2017 9:10 AM

2017-03-24T09:10:36-04:00

I've been reading everyone's comments and I agree with most. Put in the work and dedication for your job. Also, one of the biggest things is slots. You might have to move around in your state or take advantage of switching your mos to one that has an E-5 slot in your state. I've seen soldiers leave the state to get promoted.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 9:24 AM

2017-03-24T09:24:10-04:00

Promotion doesn't have anything to do with deployments. Also, as a PFC, you should be finding ways to be the most tactically and technically proficient soldier that you can, not promotion to Sergeant. Being an NCO is about more than just the title or the pay. It comes with a lot of responsibility and with the expectation that you know your job and that you're able to train other soldiers to know theirs as well. Complete your SSD's, finish your NCOES on time, maintain yourself on PT, and learn how to do your job. Promotion will come if you earn it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 9:44 AM

2017-03-24T09:44:30-04:00

I won't repeat everything that was already said....but I will say this: Keep in mind that in order to make SGT (and higher), you may end up needing to transfer to a different state if your state does not have an open slot for your MOS in whatever rank you are wanting to be promoted to.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 1:17 PM

2017-03-24T13:17:30-04:00

Have you tried practicing your salute in front of a mirror?

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 24 at 2017 1:21 PM

2017-03-24T13:21:49-04:00

People have great comments. To open it up a bit, there are "pedigree" requirements, "performance", and opportunity. The first relates to punching tickets on coursework, MOS qualifications, whatever. The second is demonstrating to those who'd care, you're worth it. The third relates to billets at the higher rank, location that will work, etc. I'd advise any SM to fully understand the process which will clue you in heavily to what you should be paying attention to. There's a bit different dynamic between AD, Reserves, and guard. But the three areas to focus on are absolute in all components. Good luck.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2017 11:28 AM

2017-03-26T11:28:00-04:00

I agree with the "be the best you can be", all military members should be striving for that. Get your SSD 1 done, keep up on your AFPT, that should get you on the first promotion list you are eligible for. Show interest in your unit and what it is doing and be ready to get the job done by seeing what needs to be done instead of waiting to be told what needs to be done. You leaders will remember that you are the go to person when the time comes.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 29 at 2017 10:28 AM

2017-03-29T10:28:48-04:00

Everybody's giving you good advice especially about the schools. Do not turn down any opportunity to go to a service school. The biggest thing that kills most people in the garden is the minimum standards such as PT and height and weight it's pretty sad but that is the truth, one person also told you you may have to transfer to another state because of the slots that is very true so keep that in mind when you pick where you were willing to Travel.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2017 1:30 PM

2017-03-31T13:30:47-04:00

Build up your points and be willing to reclass or transfer to another unit.

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Apr 6 at 2017 7:47 PM

2017-04-06T19:47:36-04:00

the best way that worked for me was college courses and correspondence courses . I was a 26v E-4 competing with over 500 other E-4's for 2 slots. this was in the 80-90's so I maybe out of the loop

Response by SPC Scott Verdin made Jan 8 at 2020 1:02 AM

2020-01-08T01:02:09-05:00

It's not only the Guard, but active duty and your MOS. Certain MOS' can hold up to only so much E5s.

Response by SFC Terry Wilcox made Jan 8 at 2020 7:10 AM

2020-01-08T07:10:59-05:00

Possess the knowledge and skills of an E-7, and make sure your abilities don't go unnoticed. Have the answers that would cause your fellow soldiers to seek your advice. If your superiors are doing their jobs, they will notice... if not, then a gentle nudge might be needed.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2020 1:04 PM

2020-01-08T13:04:01-05:00

It's the guard, so max your APFT, kiss plenty of butt and hope that 59 y/o E5 that's been sitting in that slot for 40 years finally decides to retire.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 8 at 2020 3:20 PM

2020-01-08T15:20:42-05:00

I am not trying to be a jackass, and I have witnessed this personally. Knowing someone high up the totem pole can help. I was AD working with the NG, and I used this informal channel to promote a soldier that deserved it.