What is the best qualification for a first look for E-7? (From the list included)

2014-05-21T00:07:03-04:00

With the Army making soldiers put their best foot forward to progress, how likely would a SSG be better off getting a 1st look for SFC: with Master Fitness Trainer qualified, Lv 4 Combatives qualified, 300 APFT score, Expert shooter w/ M4, more qualifying factors, and other high achievements outside their own MOS?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 7:02 AM

2014-05-21T07:02:44-04:00

Some things that are not on your list of choices:
* honors from NCOES
* the most actually quantified excellence bullets possible on the NCOER
*Strong senior rater comments on the NCOER
* Demonstrated potential serving above your current grade, by means of holding that position and being rated in it on your NCOER

Those are some other key factors that are looked at. The stuff you mention is great too, but that alone will not get you promoted. Doing things that CONTINUE to set you above your peers. Lot's of people do great things as a SSG, make SFC quickly and feel they are competitive for MSG. That is not the case, what got you to SFC won't get you to MSG. I know you are specifically asking about SFC selection so I just wanted to add that part in for future progression.

Response by CSM Michael Evans made May 21 at 2014 9:24 AM

2014-05-21T09:24:26-04:00

All those listed are great efforts for our NCOS to work toward. They also need to seek out the hard jobs and duty task as well, ie.... induction into the SAMC, and then continue to make the club better than when they joined. Obtaining medallions for contributions to their specific MOS set. Quantified and qualified comments on the NCOER are always best! What they did and how good or bad it was preformed. College degrees are good, especially with honors. Just obtaining a degree isnt worth adding to the report. Nore would I allow the comment of "completed six college credits during rated time toward a degree". And lastly, a updated photo tells the board alot! Id recommend a photo every year! Hope this helps.

Response by CSM James Winslow made May 21 at 2014 11:42 AM

2014-05-21T11:42:55-04:00

Having sat on a promotion board before I can say this:

Depending on your MOS and the programs that are available to you, the following (also stated by others on this thread) are things that will help you get promoted (specifically as a SSG infantryman):

Army Schools (Airborne, Air assault, Ranger, Pathfinder, Master gunner, Sniper). To a lesser extent: anything digital and Battle Staff, EO, SHARP (and so on)- recent qualifications at this pay grade and the one prior were weighted more (from my point of view) than stuff that was done right out of basic- i.e. Ranger, AA or AB & EIB as a SGT/SSG rather than as a private- the thinking is that you had to train up and volunteer for those courses at the more senior rank. Finish SSD-3, and ensure it is in your record. A couple of my Soldiers (who would have done well otherwise) didn't get that hurdle out of the way in time and were not considered.

EIB was more favorably considered than CIB (getting shot at is what we do as Soldiers, getting the EIB is a challenge you have to volunteer and prepare for).

TRADOC time: (DS & Instructor). Successful, with no SHARP or "screwing around" complaints on your NCOERs. the board don't care if he/she is the love of your life.

Recruiter (successfully). Same as above.

Civilian Education (More is better, most had 30-40 hours, but Army schools eclipse that somewhat)(You can go to the ED center and get college credit for your military schools).

A key promotion criteria is also demonstrated performance as a Platoon SGT (12 months or more successfully) in an MTOE unit at your present grade- Senior DS can also be considered equivalent-

Make sure your Picture is recent and all the stuff is in the right place. No picture (recent or otherwise) indicated not willing to get promoted. Wear your ASUs, and have someone check you out.

As the CSM said below, "doing the Hard jobs" and being selected for Audie Murphy or SGT Morales are definate plusses.

In short, going out of your way to stand out above your peers. Going to work 0630-1800 every day and drawing a paycheck is, while honorable, not enough to be sucessful in todays Military.

Remember, we are promoting you to he be as a MTOE Platoon Sgt. How successful will you be? That is the job we are selecting you to do. Everything else is subordinate to that function. How do your qualifications stack up to that position?

As usual these are my own thoughts, and I am sure there are other opinions out there- You are competing against your peers Army wide- so how do you measure up?

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made May 25 at 2014 9:17 PM

2014-05-25T21:17:53-04:00

- MFT Qualified, not in and of itself - it's more about what did you do as an MFT? what affect did you have on individuals/units

- Combatives Level 4 - same as MFT

- 300 APFT - great individual achievement, but as a SFC, looking more at what did you do to improve your units failure rate, 300s, 90/90/90s, APFT Avg, etc

- M4 Expert - same as 300 on APFT

Most of what you list are individual accomplishments, as an NCO you should be focused on improving your unit/subordinates

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2014 11:34 AM

2014-05-27T11:34:35-04:00

I think one of the biggest mistakes SSGs make, is staying stagnant. Get your 24 months Rated leadership time and move on. Even if it is Company Training NCO. Go Drill, SGL, Recruiter. Anything but what you were doing. I have seen many SSGs get looked over for years, because they held the same position for 5 or 6 years.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2014 8:51 PM

2014-05-29T20:51:17-04:00

SSG Green, good to see you again, Brave Rifle!!! First Look, huh? As a senior leader, its how you impact and enhance you platoon's/unit's performance on the centralized side. Yes they'll look at your individual accomplishments, but those are just for leveling out the playing field if there is a tie between you and someone else; its just something extra to set you apart from your peers.