What do you think about the S.T.E.P program?

2016-08-09T13:29:47-04:00

On one hand I think it will be good for identifying soldiers who are working for promotion. On the other, I have experienced, and numerous others are experiencing the bottleneck for schools that prevents promotion. Good soldiers are getting the shaft and lackadaisical soldiers are taking their time to do schools that good soldiers want to attend...but can't because of rank constraints. There needs to be some amendments to this or at least allow some sort of waiver. Overall, I like the S.T.E.P, but anything new is going to need improvements.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 9 at 2016 1:40 PM

2016-08-09T13:40:17-04:00

I don't like STEP. I am overseas 6 months into a 2 year assignment. If I get selected for SFC, I have 18 months to complete SLC before I can pin. I don't see my unit releasing me to go for 5+ weeks due to backfill issues (I am the only Lab tech within a 100 mile radius). This leaves me with a very tight window to complete SLC when I arrive at my new duty station, and not to mention the money I wont make while I am waiting to go. A lot of stress just to get pinned. I preferred the old way where you get pinned 1st, then get bumped in priority for school requirements.

Response by SFC Richard Giles made Aug 9 at 2016 6:21 PM

2016-08-09T18:21:22-04:00

If they would actually use the STEP program correctly it would work the way it was intended to work. But so many units, at least they used to, don't follow the program, therefore you have SSG's in SLC when the program says you need to be an E7. That's why there's no slots available. Promoting is the last step in the program not the second or 3rd. And they should give you a waiver if you're across the pond for any reason.