What would you do if you are preparing a soldier for a board, but they do not seem to be progressing towards being successful?

2021-11-19T02:23:55-05:00

Before I say anything, I’m not the type to bash on others I’m just looking for honest opinions on the situation.

I currently work with a soldier, she’s a SPC. I say ‘work with’ because her supervisor is my SSG, not me. Tomorrow morning I will be sponsoring her for a mock board, not by choice. My SSG will be one of the members of the board along with my 1SG as the president. She’s been in a few months shorter than me but I don’t think she’s ready. I feel that way because of the many mock boards she’s been to in the past and studying with her I can tell she’s not. She somehow still gets the motto of the unit wrong. My NCO has not given up on her but, after I have worked with her for the past year before I got promoted, I sadly have. I’ve tried several times teaching her how to fix or work something but a lot of things don’t stick. She deployed with my battalion to Europe beginning of this year (I couldn’t go because of my dwell time) and I heard way too many stories from people she worked with of her messing up or doing something weird. One of them being her going into the fridge, taking a bite out of someone’s sandwich, realizing it had meat in it (she’s vegetarian), then throwing it out. Anyway, now I’m getting a little off topic but my question is what would you do in my shoes? Would you continually try to work on her like my NCO is or would you avoid her?

I understand we’re in a SOF unit and most things are relaxed but we still have a standard to uphold, right?

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Nov 19 at 2021 2:33 AM

2021-11-19T02:33:00-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member I am ‘old school’ Army and had to prove myself before I was even recommended for the promotion board. In addition, board members were Not in my direct chain of command, so I had to be ‘squared away’. It seems to me you have gone above and beyond to try to assist this SM. If her performance is substandard as a SPC/E4, her promotion to SGT/E5 as an NCO could ultimately be detrimental to the unit and the mission. Has she received counseling statements or AR15’s for her substandard performance? You appear to be in an extremely difficult and sensitive position. I wish you the best of luck and would refer you to SFC Private RallyPoint Member as he is extremely knowledgeable in regard to Army Regulations

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 19 at 2021 7:57 AM

2021-11-19T07:57:29-05:00

Her performance on the board is on her. Win or lose the ball is in her court. You and your SSgt are doing your job by supporting your troop but the onus is on her to put the rubber to the road. Be supportive but don't wipe up their mess for them either. Her potential failure or success isn't yours. You are doing your job and that should be enough whether or not she shows her butt on the board. If leadership wants her on the board that is their decision. You can't attach your emotions to it and you should not waste energy worrying about it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2021 11:06 AM

2021-11-19T11:06:10-05:00

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink. All you can do is be an NCO and mentor her as best as possible, prep her for the board as best as possible. The rest is up to her for the performance at the Board. I also recommend you speak with the SSG and express your thoughts and feelings that the SM is not ready.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Nov 19 at 2021 2:59 PM

2021-11-19T14:59:02-05:00

A good deal of what you wrote is subjective or hearsay (food incident downrange) and the best way for you to be proven right is let her go before the board. Sure this failure may give you a black eye but her continued poor performance along with your stellar performance will vindicate you. You must continue to work with her as we do not leave people behind but at the end of the day her performance is her problem and when you go to sleep at night all that matters is that you did your very best on any given day. You obviously care enough to ask this question here and people will notice you care.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Nov 20 at 2021 12:45 AM

2021-11-20T00:45:26-05:00

When I was in service back in the black boot army I was an E5 before I ever spit-shined my boots. Fortunately the lack of shine didn't interfere with my ability to use the 'PIG' in my primary job. That should be the main point in promoting the soldier - not the capability to answer board questions.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 20 at 2021 12:07 PM

2021-11-20T12:07:02-05:00

Thank you for sticking with the Specialist and working to help her prepare for the board. Some assignments are difficult and occasionally impossible. It sounds to me like the Specialist is not suited for the MOS in which serving and may not be suited for serving in the Army at all. It sounds like the chain of command should have recognized performance issues a while back, but either didn't see them or chose to ignore them. There are several things you might consider.
-Ask your supervisor for relief from this duty. Maybe you and the Specialist just don't connect in a way that can help.
-Recommend to your supervisor that he/she counsel the Specialist with regards to performance. Start building a package for separation.
-Recommend the Specialist seek counseling with Behavioral Health. There may be issues in her life beyond the capability of you or your supervisor to help her fix.

Response by SGT Dealdre Murrell made Feb 16 at 2022 9:17 PM

2022-02-16T21:17:35-05:00

Make them believe it.