What do ya'll think about making e4-e7 take a test on their MOS in order to be promoted?

SGT Joshua Young — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 10:24:56 -0400

I've dealt allot with NCOs and Specialists that are getting promoted but still don't really remember anything from AIT or quite know anything about their jobs. I know I couldn't stand working for people who didn't know what they were doing. I have no problem with training them but I do believe at least the NCOs should have knowledge on their MOS above and beyond lower enlisted.

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 10:58 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 10:58:56 -0400

My first reaction is "They don't already!?" In the Navy, Es test up to E-6 for promotion. Performance is a major factor, but you still have to pass the test. The test is a mix of Rate (MOS, in Army speak) and general military questions. Although I have many frustrations with the actual mechanisms of the Navy Advancement exams, I think they are a good idea and, with some fixes, the right way to go. So, yes - a great idea.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 5:20 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 17:20:45 -0500

I've done six boards and was never asked a question regarding my MOS competency. I also NEVER had another Signal NCO at my board. I think both should change Army-wide.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 7:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Feb 2015 19:08:36 -0500

I think that doing a test would help the army get back to basics of training and MOS knowledge that can be lacking at times depending on your MOS you may do a job for many years that has nothing to do with your MOS and doing some sort of test would help keep everyone in that MOS across the army being promoted at the same rate. I have seen it were depending on if a unit needs NCOs in that MOS then solders will be promoted or not promoted because of the need and not the quality of the solder. So yes I think that we should go to a MOS test for promotion.