What do you think of the new RCP dates? And do you think the Army is losing a lot of talented leaders? Isn't there a better way?

2014-03-13T17:15:06-04:00

I understand the Army is trying to weed out the undesirables, but there has to be a better way. The Army seems to do this every time they ramp-up and draw-down. Apparently, I'm one of the undesirables, but I fought a good fight and missed cutoff back in December by 2 points. Maybe I could have tried harder and fought a little harder. But I feel my work ethic speaks for itself. Now, I'm just ready to move on, but Army there's got to be another way... Maybe all ranks E-5 - E9 should be centralized to compete... Just a suggestion...

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Mar 13 at 2014 5:52 PM

2014-03-13T17:52:48-04:00

Talented leaders advance in rank ahead of RCPs...it's never a concern for them.

Response by SFC James Baber made Mar 13 at 2014 5:56 PM

2014-03-13T17:56:54-04:00

I think that it is part of the tools being utilized for the draw down, just as they did in the 90s, it worked for what they wanted it too, then after a few years, they realized they put to many SMs out. I think the Army as all the services are losing or going to lose many quality and talented leaders, again just as they did in the 90s, then they discovered a great shortage of quality leaders and that is when the promotion system changed once again.

I think we are going to see a similar issue in about 3-4 years if not sooner after this is all said and done.

Response by SSG William Patton made Mar 14 at 2014 3:07 PM

2014-03-14T15:07:49-04:00

I have never been a fan of any type of standardized test or process to evaluate personnel. Too much about a person is lost and in turn, many good people are lost along with those considered undesirable by a process that does not tell the complete story of a soldier's performance. I do not know the process used today, but in the late 70s the Army had many undesirables in uniform and crime rates, including violent crimes were off the chart in many military bases from the all volunteer Army. I can only assume the current tool has a basis in the tool used then and even if it were a good tool then, that does not mean it is valid today. Times and people change and more should be involved in removing undersirables, like performance data from commanders and immediate supervisors.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2014 6:47 PM

2014-03-14T18:47:51-04:00

I read MSG Quicks response and it was exactly what I originally thought of saying until I read SSG Hasbun's rebuttal. Both make valuable points because like MSG Quick I agree that people who want to get promoted find the means to do so. Missing cutoff by two points could have been because of number of factors. However if you missed those because your civilian education, or military education, or APFT, or range qualification not being maxed out than it's on you.

Like SSG Hasbun said though, I too have known many good Soldiers who couldn't get promoted because points were always at 798 and they just could not get to that point. Unfortunately sometimes ones choice of MOS plays into their promotability due to the size of that field.

Whatever you do, if you are separating from the regular Army because of RCP, please to help you get credit for your contributions, look at continuing to serve in the United States Army Reserve to work toward a retirement. As a Reserve Recruiter I am constantly told how bad our component is hurting for NCOs who have knowledge and experience and an ability to lead. Depending on your MOS, there are bonuses and retraining options available for you to gain another skill set.

If you ever want any unbiased answers about serving in the reserve, feel free to contact me. I spent the first 9 1/2 years of my career on active duty and also made the transition to this side of the house.