What are your thoughts on the new S.T.E.P promotion program?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 23:29:12 -0400

What are y'alls thought on this? Do you think it's simply a retention tool, or the best way to select the best qualified? Or both? This seems to be a flip flopping type of trend in my opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2019 11:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 23:33:54 -0400

There's nothing new about it. The old promotion system was that you had to attend PME prior to pinning. That requirement was suspended during the surge years to allow the Army to fill all the ranks it was growing. Just like QMP and QSP being suspended as well. These are just a return to normal quality control measures that were lifted to meet the demands of end strength.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Sep 11 at 2019 4:28 AM

SFC Marc W. — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 04:28:47 -0400

My opinion: it's hot trash. The moment you get selected for the next rank, you start fulfilling that position and taking on those responsibilities. So basically the Army gets an E-7 slot filled but only at the price of an E-6 for (as of late) upwards of 12 months minimum. I understand that the theory of it briefs well and looks great on paper, and ideally it would be the way to go.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 11 at 2019 4:05 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 16:05:28 -0400

They put it in the wrong order as far as I'm concerned, it should be TESP. Training and Education should come before selection. After all, finding out they're wildly incompetent or lack basic knowledge should come BEFORE you select them for promotion, not afterwards when it's too late. The individual who can barely pass NCOES should NOT be promoted. NCOES is grammar school level. It's too easy... We need to stop worrying about run times and start worrying about brains and experience. I've never met someone who made horrible decisions but salvaged missions by virtue of pushups....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 11 at 2019 4:48 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Sep 2019 16:48:36 -0400

This program will be only as effective as quality of leadership schools it depends on. For far too long has NCOPDS or NCOES been a check the block school where students looked at it as a paid vacation. Revamping the POI of NCOPDS with more relevant topics that would prepare NCOs for responsibilites of the next rank/ position would help the STEP program to make more sense.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 1:57 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 13:57:47 -0400

It’s hot garbage.