Who can tell me the purpose behind the SGT and SSG promotion board?

2015-07-15T07:25:14-04:00

After following a topic on if the Army should change the promotion criteria for being promoted to SGT and SSG. I read a lot of posts that think the purpose of the board is to see how much information someone can remember. It is more than that. I would like to hear what you RP members think it is.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 7:35 AM

2015-07-15T07:35:39-04:00

SGM, the purpose of the SGT abd SSG boards are to convey to the board members your confidence and ability to perform under pressure. If a leader does not have an outward appearance of confidence, then their Soldiers will not have confidence in their leader. There's not a single soldier that can be an expert in everything, and just because an individual can spit out regulations doesn't, in any way, mean they truly understand them. Leaders need to constantly research rules and regulations because they are ever changing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 7:42 AM

2015-07-15T07:42:52-04:00

SGM, Soldiers who may be competing for promotion for the first time don't see the larger picture of the information that is required in order to be successful during the promotion boards. They see it as a nuisance to learn all this information.

What most junior Soldiers fail to realize is that this information will serve a purpose in their future career if they are to become a successful NCO, and leader. If they can retain this information and utilize it properly when the time comes for them to take charge and lead troops, they may then begin to realize why their squad leader/platoon sergeant placed such an emphasis on them retaining it.

The brain is a muscle that requires constant training, the same as the rest of your body. You need to build your brains 'muscle memory' so that when you are in combat you can react without requiring much time to think about the correct course of action.

Response by SGT George Romiti made Jul 15 at 2015 7:42 AM

2015-07-15T07:42:53-04:00

Honestly, it should go by MOS, and knowing your job... Case in point for example, I'm a infantry man.. I should get tested on how to talk on the radio, preform medevacs, move troops under contact, every weapon system in our arsenal, reading a map, leadership questions/scenarios, respect for chain of command and most of all PT stud! I still think we're under trained... actually, way under trained and they're more concerned about us knowing the creeds and useless knowledge that doesn't save life's... I was throw into Iraq twice, once a soldier and once a leader with a whopping 1 month Jrtc and basic... With a shit leadership the first tour, I'm surprised I'm still alive! Lol... The sad thing is the good leave early, because at the end of the day we realize we're worth so much more...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 7:43 AM

2015-07-15T07:43:00-04:00

I agree with you, SGM. In my opinion, I am being gaged on my confidence and general knowledge and all things military.

One way of doing that is to ask questions that may seem frivolous and not totally related to what makes a good and NCO, however they are strictly a means of showing how I will respond when asked questions that may take me out of my comfort zone.

If I can't be expected to study my unit's heritage (i.e. significance of colors on unit patch, combat lineage to current unit assignment) how can I really be expected to study my soldiers and learn to be the best leader I possibly can be. It's a very simple, very easy task to prepare for a board. Nobody is saying you have to enjoy it, I am saying though, that if it's difficult, then that means it is challenging you. Which, in my mind, is a good thing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 7:44 AM

2015-07-15T07:44:06-04:00

Aside from the exercise of knowledge, it allows the Senior NCO's of the Unit to gauge which SGT's are there to develop themselves and how many are just wanting more money.

It's was also some decent points and allowed the SGT seeking promotion to see what they would need to do to to advance their career.

Response by SGT Kev Shedd made Jul 15 at 2015 7:50 AM

2015-07-15T07:50:52-04:00

In addition to the awesome response above, I would say that it is about professionalism. So often, young soldiers forget that they are professionals and should act as such. A leader who passes the board shows professionalism through dress, movement, attitude, and scholarship.

Response by SGT Matthew Ellis made Jul 15 at 2015 7:53 AM

2015-07-15T07:53:39-04:00

It is all about confidence. Being sure of yourself and holding up under pressure.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 8:00 AM

2015-07-15T08:00:08-04:00

SGM, I have been through lots of boards ie: promition, soldier of the quarter, NCO of the quarter and Audie Murphy. The easiest ones were the promotion board. I understand that if your leadership sends you there then obviously your doing something right. You may be already serving in that higher position or have the potential to do so. I do think there should be some changes, such as a narrative from your supervisor or higher. Some sort of evaluation from your subordinates (like a censing session on paper). This should also be done with his peers. This will ensure a broad evaluation with the Soldier. The board process is merely a QAQC. Boards should also have an APFT the day prior to ensure the integrity of the Soldiers physical fitness. I do think there should be a board. I have thought the opposite in the past but I have also seen people get by on the buddy system. There needs to be more in place to ensure the quality of our NCO corps.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jul 15 at 2015 8:07 AM

2015-07-15T08:07:29-04:00

From a Marine's perspective, "facetime" seems to be the simple answer.

My understanding of the Army Boarding process is that you'll have the prospective SGT or CPL/SPC before the Senior Enlisted (SGM & 1SGs), to "discuss" knowledge, biography, goals, etc.

As a SGM or CSM how much direct facetime will he get with each individual E4/E5? Same with the 1SG? How can they gauge progress, and make a valid assessment without direct interaction. Sure the Squad Leaders, Platoon Sergeants, and Section Chiefs will make their recommendations but that's no substitution.

Getting someone before senior leadership for an hour + at a pop in a controlled environment gives you a chance to actually make judgments, and having fellow senior advisers their removes "blind-spots" for those who have interacted more (or less).

"In theory," the person wouldn't be in front of the board if they weren't ready. The Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, or Section Chief would have got them to the ready stage prior to that. So this should be a formality, rather than a true test.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jul 15 at 2015 8:16 AM

2015-07-15T08:16:51-04:00

Many of these answers are spot on. It takes a lot of time and commitment to study for a promotion board. Doing well on the promotion board shows a lot of great characteristics in leaders. The wide range of topics also allows NCOs to learn and understand functions other than those they directly participate in. However, although the promotion board does provide a means to observe how an NCO responds to stress (pressure), this type of stress is nothing like stress while in combat. It is more similar to the stress felt before a big test. There are a lot of great soldiers who would not perform well on a promotion board, who I would trust explicitly as a leader when in a hostile environment. One of Army leadership attributes is character, and that cannot be measured adequately on a promotion board (you could also argue that intellect and presence can only be measured to a certain extent).

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 8:17 AM

2015-07-15T08:17:01-04:00

Well brother, when I was a CSM I approached the board a little different. The Soldier/NCO is obviously proficient in his/her MOS or they wouldn't have been recommended for promotion. So, the question is do they have the qualities to be a leader? All the normal questions are asked and answered, the Creed is said and the songs are sung but, at the end I asked questions about the questions.

EXAMPLE: The question was asked, what is METL? The Soldier/NCO answers Mission Essential Task List. So, at the end I say I don't think the 1SG asked you what the acronym METL stood for, I think he asked you what METL is, so what's METL?

Another question is asked: What is ACS? The Soldier/NCO answers Army Community Service. At the end I ask the Soldier/NCO where is ACS located on post? Have you ever been there?

Those are just a couple examples. I usually took more time than the 1SGs. I know a lot of units just use the board because "they have to". I used it to ensure my future NCOs really knew what they needed to know to be a leader because I already knew they were proficient in their MOS.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Jul 15 at 2015 8:18 AM

2015-07-15T08:18:20-04:00

SGM, so seniors can lay eyes on the prospective NCO, badger s/him, see how s/he responds under pressure, and test them on that which those seniors think is important. Frankly I see it as more of a psych test..

Response by SGT Richard H. made Jul 15 at 2015 8:20 AM

2015-07-15T08:20:43-04:00

SGM Steve Wettstein I think there are a few elements: First, (and I believe foremost) having a board helps with objectivity (eliminating bias) by putting the prospective NCO in front of the BN CSM and several 1SGs who aren't his own. Second, it assesses his ability to function under pressure (in a very small way) and also gives a snapshot of his commitment to becoming an NCO by gauging how much he has studied, how much effort he has put in, and how much attention to detail he has applied.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Jul 15 at 2015 8:22 AM

2015-07-15T08:22:20-04:00

SGM Steve Wettstein - I agree with several people like SFC Private RallyPoint Member. The point of the board is not to see how much information you can memorize and then recall upon command. There are several reasons behind the board in my eyes. One of which is how well do you prepare yourself for a task? Do you take the time to ensure that you have everything and ready to take action? Also, how well do you present yourself? As you know, junior enlisted often look towards their leaders in time of confusion. If we as leaders cannot present an image of calmness, then the Soldiers will lost confidence which can have terrible results.

Response by SSG Michael Hathaway made Jul 15 at 2015 8:23 AM

2015-07-15T08:23:30-04:00

It was my understanding that the promotoin boards were more about the SM's ability to perform under pressure. I was always told that even if your answer is wrong, if you say it with confidence you will likely get a Go. Calm, collected, and confidence are the big determining factors in the board. This is necessary for leaders as a SM is more apt to follow a leader who has those traits versus one who gets stressed easily or who appears to lack confidence in their role.

Response by SGT Scott Bailey made Jul 15 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-07-15T08:32:01-04:00

It's about presentation. Knowledge is one thing, but how you present yourself is probably more important. Uniform, grooming and attention to detail are important. Should not be an automatic promotion.

Response by SSG Jamil Spruill made Jul 15 at 2015 8:33 AM

2015-07-15T08:33:49-04:00

I think it's purpose is to recognize a person's dicipline as a leader, how they maintain their uniform, do they understand the evaluation and awards processes, basically saying you have achieved certain goals on paperwork, you have impressed your leadership and they feel you've earned the rank they sent you to the board for so show me you deserve it, why should I promote you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 8:54 AM

2015-07-15T08:54:35-04:00

My staff sergeant board was more of a job interview with my sergeant major then it was a remember the answers to the questions on the board. It was still very professionally ran but it was more self oriented my sergeant major wanted to know if he cpuld trust me and how well i would i do at the next level to be a staff sergeant in his battalion.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 9:20 AM

2015-07-15T09:20:50-04:00

The way I see things, we as NCOs build our Corps and in doing so must select the best Soldiers to join our cohort. The board is the first step in being inducted into our Corps. Passing the board and being promotable signals to other NCOs that you have tried and tested and are ready to handle the reigns once pinned. Without that eyes on of your performance in a stressful situation and being able to recall and regurgitation regulations and history, how can we as a Corps feel safe in entrusting the next generation in mentoring, leading and creating future NCOs? If you take away this crucial step in becoming an NCO then we truly will just be a number, E5 and E6, versus SGT and SSG.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 10:20 AM

2015-07-15T10:20:32-04:00

SGM besides meeting the standards the promotion board looks at the soldiers readiness to lead soldiers, to take care of them, to be able to mentor them. Management of the corps as an NCO is paramount, and setting the example builds on the foundation in the NCO Creed "putting the needs of your soldiers above my own". The mission is most important and the ability to make sure that your team is able to execute has many unseen choices made from the time you are a junior until and through the time you put on the stripes that show you are ready to lead them into harms way. The board looks at the entire package, and your history before making the selection that says you are ready for a leadership roll under their guidance. No one wants to make a choice that affects the lives of others lightly, by putting someone who is not ready for the type of responsibility that is necessary to make the hard choices of battle.

Response by Jordan Gaudard made Jul 15 at 2015 10:47 AM

2015-07-15T10:47:53-04:00

I previous CSM that put a lot of emphasis on records and knowing their Soldiers. If a SGT came to the board without a leaders book, they did not pass go, if a SPC couldn't tell the board how he was already a leader, they did not pass go. I sponsored one SGT and he was asked how many Soldiers in his team are married and how many are single. He couldn't answer that question, and he was kicked out of the board. I think NCO/Soldier of the month is good for knowledge, but the promotion board should be on leadership potential.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 11:24 AM

2015-07-15T11:24:56-04:00

SGM from what I understand it's about a lot more than just being able to regurgitate information, it's about how you present yourself, how confident you are because you can be right but second guess yourself, not speak up, change your answer, etc. The board can be a stressful situation for some young leaders so it is important to be composed, maintain a level head, answer any questions the board members have because the questions don't seem to be just the straight from the book type of question, I've heard a lot of the questions that ask people's opinions and views on certain topics (What is a leader, which Army value is most important to you and why, why do you think you would make a good NCO?) And if you don't know the answer I think it's important to know where to start looking for the answer or have the mentality to know where to start looking. A big thing I have noticed is confidence- if you have everything together, present yourself like you know you have it together and you deserve to be there. A recent board within the battalion a SGT got nearly all of his questions wrong but presented himself well and was quite confident. I personally think he should still know the material at least a little better as an NCO but he got the Go's that he needed

Response by SSG Gerald King made Jul 15 at 2015 11:27 AM

2015-07-15T11:27:06-04:00

I believe that once you are eligible for promotion to E-5/E-6 that there needs to be additional oversight other than just personal references as to their job performance. A promotion board staffed with the right people can see just how prepared the individual is for a leadership role. Put them in pressured filled environment and see how they can handle it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-07-15T12:07:27-04:00

SGM I believe the purpose of the board for SGT and SSG is gauge how the soldier in question thinks of being a leader. During the promotion board that I attended the one question that rings in my head is "What is the most important part of the NCO creed to you? And why?" Being asked that question so unexpectedly put me on the spot as to answer my CSM and let him know what my idea of being a leader was and conveyed the type of leader I wanted to be since there was no preparing for that question the answer came from me not a study guide.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 2:08 PM

2015-07-15T14:08:06-04:00

The purpose of the promotion boards is to test the soldiers knoewledge as well as his decision making. Someone can tell you the answer to the questions you ask that are from the book, but when you ask them a situational question they freeze and don't know what to say. That's all part of the entire leadership outlook. What good is all the knowledge that you gain if you don't know how to utilize it to the full potential.

Response by SGT Jesse Velasquez made Jul 15 at 2015 3:31 PM

2015-07-15T15:31:34-04:00

It's a mind set, I excelled quickly after basic training, along with my cohorts. A few of us went from E-1 to E-4 in a year. I maintained that rank for another 3 years before I sent to the E-5 board, up till then, I did everything that was expected of me, and being in the infantry you go through a lot, physically and mentally. I never spent a lot of time wandering what it would be like to be a Sgt., when I was told that I was going through the E-5 board, and what I was expected to know, I studied for two weeks, not knowing what they were going to ask me spacifacly, which I thought was messed up cause I couldn't retain everything in two weeks, so I did the best I could. to this day, I don't remember exactly what they all asked me, but I remember feeling relieved that it was finally over. Of course, NCO rank was on a point system anyway, so it really didn't matter that I passed cause I remained an E-4/P for another 2 years before the points dropped low enough to finally earn my rank, and that was in Bosina. 1996 on Camp McGovern, Bosnia, a lot of us were promoted. In 1998 I was sent to the E-6 board, where the HHQ 1st Sgt. let me in on what he was going to ask me, so I made sure I was prepared, and to this day I remember what that question was, cause it was the only question he asked me...."what we're the 8 troop leading procedures?" I ended up passing the board, but didn't make my 6 cause I fell down 30 ft. cliff and injured my back and the Army put me out. Since my discharge, I've used those board techniques in job interviews, and have always gotten the job I want. I now work for the VA. Does it serve a purpose? I believe on some level it does.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 4:22 PM

2015-07-15T16:22:13-04:00

When I went to my first board when it still used a point system, I think it served more of a purpose. It provided the Sgm and senior leaders within and outside a soldiers support channel the opportunity to evaluate and rate a soldiers knowledge confidence and bearing. With the go-no/go promotion system the board has lost that honest rating and assessment. Before going to the board a Soldier has been (our should have been) vetted by the leaders of their company, from 1st line through 1SG. So it's not a question of is the individual ready to be a Sergeant. The boards that I have been to recently (and this is only from my perspective) are harder on the sponsor than the candidate. Sponsors are quizzed on their Soldier knowledge, leaders book and training schedules along with any flaws in the promotion packet followed by the Soldier answering very little questions and A Creed (not necessarily the Creed of the Non Commissioned Officer) /Army song. Units taking time away from training to force soldiers to complete correspondence and ssd takes away from individual responsibility. I wanted my promotion so I spent my weekends and off time completing these actions.

So between losing the actual rating system, harder testing of the sponsor than the candidate and a lack of a requirement for individual responsibility. I must say the board has become another checked block.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 5:06 PM

2015-07-15T17:06:12-04:00

I concur with fellow NCOs. The promotion broad is designed to test your knowledge on Basic Army Skills as to observe how one preforms under pressure.

Response by SGT Edward Halstead made Jul 15 at 2015 6:39 PM

2015-07-15T18:39:43-04:00

Another thing we forget when studying for a board! Is current events! Every board I went to ask about current events! If your head is too deep in the book! You may not know what's going on around you!

Response by SGT Terry Ryan made Jul 15 at 2015 6:42 PM

2015-07-15T18:42:26-04:00

I belive the promotion board serves a multiple purpose.
1. To see how a soldier reacts to being put on the spot . How well they act under pressure. A good NCO must be able to make critical decisons on the fly often in difficult situations without the benifit of consulting higher authority.
2. To see how the soldier looks and acts. Do they have pride in them self. Are they confidant and direct. Do they speak well.
3. To measure a soldiers ability to learn and accept military history and customs and especially military regulations and standards.
**** A great leader holds himself to a higher standard than his subordinates and comrads.
That's what I think anyways.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 6:49 PM

2015-07-15T18:49:41-04:00

I have no disrespect for the board but in all honesty no matter what the army telks us in my honest opinion the board should go away and here's why. Number one we are the only force in the United states military that I know of that still uses it if I'm wrong then please correct me but as far as I know that's true the airforce for instance they use a test that test their knowledge of their job. I've seen leaders in the airforce in my experience that are more disciplined than our leaders in the army. I believe the Marines use about the sane system and their leaders for the most part speak for themselves. You say the board is not for getting people to memorize things but I'm going to tell you thus in its currant state it is. All you have to do to pass a promotion board now is have a squared away uniform be able to march and answer questions that are asked of u and you don't even have to get all them right. For the most part if your professional and squared away you will get recommend. I know the army sees being able to do those things as a good way to tell whose a good leader but quite frankly it's not. Tell me just because a soldier can memorize you are going to recommend hI'm or her to be a leader? That doesnt mean they know their mos well. I'm going to be honest I got picked up for e5 automatically and I been given cap fir it ever since with things like I'm not a real no because I didn't go to a board. Well let me tell you this just because a soldier memorized things from a book and can quote regs doesn't mean he's going to be a good leader in his job. Their are many ncos that I know that went to a board that don't know the job as good as I Do. I will always have a straight uniform but I shouldn't have to go to a board and raddke off memorized answers to prove that or to proven that I'm a good leader that should be based on performance and it's not anymore. The army needs to realize and admit that the board isn't building good leaders across the board. I know the army is afraid of change it seems because the board is tradition but if we are ever gonna have leaders across the board that are good leaders I'm their mos not just in army knowledge then we need to ditch the board. If a soldier doesn't know his or her job well enough then they shouldn't be a leader in that job yet. A board is no way to tell this. The army in my honest opinion and trust me I'm not the only one with this opinion needs to go to a test I know that's seems easier but if done the right way it would actually be harder. I see I'm a later comment that the board is about confidence and the soldier should al ready know the job but the problem is there are soldiers that are relevant recommended just because they volunteer a lot and things like that I respect them fie that but that doesn't mean they will be a good leader. There areally soldiers that become leaders who don't know there jobs. You asked for our opinions CSM so heres what I would propose as far as confidence in being a leader I think the better way to Guage that would be for example I'm a aviation mechanic and as a leader I have to know how to lead various tasks. The way I would like to prove confidence as a leader is if I see a soldier that I think shows promise and really seems to know their job then I would take that soldier and put them in charge of tasks for a period of time. After that period of time say maybe a few months I should be able to tell if they can take leading those tasks and if they have the confidence. In my opinion evaluating them in the real world is a better way to tell if they are confident enough to be a leader and you can also evaluate how they react among their superiors better that way because in my opinion there are soldiers who fake the funk in the board then as soon as they get pinned they act differebt. If you evaluate them in the real world they won't be able to fake it because the best way is to not tell them they are being evaluated. After they are evaluated and they pass that test then things like uniform and erb inspections should happen. After all this I would propose a written test not multiple choice on army regulations and basic army knowledge on various subjects. Then they should be called I'm by their leaders to recite word for word the army values and what they mean the soldiers creed the army song the unit son and the nco creed and do some basic marching. I understand that's part if the board but I belive it's better broken up like that. Then if their leaders pass them on this they should then take a written test on their mos knowledge up to the rank and grade they are going for. If they pass an this they should then be given a has in knowledge test if their job and leading a task in that job. CSM In no way mean this as disrespect towards you or the army but you asked us our opinion and of my experience I'm the army I be level that what I stated or at least something like it I'm my opinion would be a better way to Guage a good leader but that's just my opinion.

Sorry for the long response but I just wanted to answer the question best I could. Thanks
respectfully Sgt Matthews.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 6:55 PM

2015-07-15T18:55:57-04:00

I honestly think the board is pointless. If a reservist can rise through the ranks just by submitting promotion packets and have reviewed without appearing in person so why does active components (AC & AGR ) have too. The board appearance needs to be terminated.

Response by SGT Allan Budde made Jul 15 at 2015 6:56 PM

2015-07-15T18:56:26-04:00

SGM, I feel that the best answer for this question is more dependent on the board members. My promotion board had some very simple general knowledge questions, but it was the scenarios, objective questions that you face at the level of skill you should have. Confidence in the method of delivery and ability to solve complex problems at lower levels. When the board members are seeking to test the skills outside of regurgitating information from various publications, Soldiers can demonstrate the temper and integrity of their actions.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 8:04 PM

2015-07-15T20:04:28-04:00

SMG I believe it should be MOS based. We have ADP's FM'S and TM's to reference any issues or questions we may have to a issue or topic. If it's a UCMJ issue theres JAG and TDS.

I have five MOS's ranging from Infantry to a Bradley Mechanic to Signal. September I hit 15 years time in service and been to quite a few boards. Everytime Im asked questions that dont relate to my everyday duty's .

As a NCO I should be focusing on completing my mission and developing and mentoring my soldier to be the best Soldier and future leaders in there job field. I shouldn't be coming to work worried about who am I going to kick out of the Army today. Its are job to keep are soldiers moving forward focused on there MOS and the over all mission not someone else's job.

I think boards are more focused in the wrong area's. As a signal soldier in a Cav Scout unit I am the subject matter expert on my system. Every person that sits on my promotion board knows very little to nothing about my MOS. So I get asked questions that relate to theres or to something they found in a book and I have to remember for the board and never use out side of it. If they focused more on MOS based questions they may learn something about my job that they didnt know and that directly effects the mission. They would be more rounded as leaders them selfs knowing what everyone below them does to a point.

Response by SGT Erin Wofford made Jul 15 at 2015 8:38 PM

2015-07-15T20:38:24-04:00

Whatever the original purpose of these boards was, it has been lost. I have seen alot of responses claiming that if a soldier is recommended for the board, they can already be assumed to be proficient in their MOS. This premise is completely false. There is a ton of pressure to get eligible soldiers to the board no matter whether they are ready or even if they want be there. I did not have any interest in promotion. I was taking college classes and applying to Medical school and my priorities were elsewhere. My leadership was well aware that I was planning to ETS, and they forced me to go to the board just because of my time in service/time in grade. There were five in my board cohort, two of whom I had personally worked with who were NOT proficient at our MOS. We were all five promoted. When you ask soldiers outside the board why they want a promotion, most of them will say for the money, but in the board they will regurgitate whatever BS information they are told to memorize in order to make the best impression on a group of people who don't know crap about them. I am on transition leave right now, so I don't really know why I have bothered answering, but I think an honest question deserves an honest answer, and it is my honest opinion that the board serves no purpose... the promotion system is broken and rewards butt-kissers and people who are willing to lie to get what they want.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 9:03 PM

2015-07-15T21:03:16-04:00

I believe that the board is all about reacting under pressure and representing yourself in the best manner. Questions will simply come from anywhere and I think it's about what you know and not what you remembered, and about what you have done, and at your rank and the rank you are trying to achieve, what you should be doing.

If anything the point system is what needs to change. I have seen 300 APFTs on no so great soldiers and great soldiers struggle to get that 798 and 799. Now the economy or the representatives say that the group of you in that 40,000 troop count that can't get that 798, 799, or 800 are no longer worthy of military service. Last time I checked anything above 60 was exceeding the standard but someone outside of the Army says that is not good enough so 10,000 or so of you careers end right here.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-07-15T21:25:20-04:00

SGM before I went to the board I didn't understand the importance or reason for it but now that I've been a SGT for awhile I understand it's to help you in performing under pressure and to give the senior NCOs a look at if you have the ability to lead and research the knowledge you will need to lead.

Response by SSG Earl Coolman made Jul 15 at 2015 10:16 PM

2015-07-15T22:16:19-04:00

SGM,

I'm not sure how I got in here as I am retired and this seems geared toward active duty. That being said, I'm honored for an opportunity to way in. I agree with others in that the board does check for an air of confidence at the board and a grasp of general knowledge. I also believe it is a traditional right of passage. I say this because as a SGT who wants a promotion, they should already be performing as an SSG before recommendation to the promotion board.

Response by SGT Tim Fridley made Jul 15 at 2015 11:19 PM

2015-07-15T23:19:25-04:00

The boards look at several areas prior to the boards I think the boards are to see how well you do under pressure and how well you interact with others your military bearing and your knowledge of common tasks and your MOS

Response by SGT Christopher Hamman made Jul 15 at 2015 11:25 PM

2015-07-15T23:25:48-04:00

In my very limited experience, one purpose of the board is to assess the amount of respect that the prospective candidates will have among the soldiers they will be supervising. I've seen any number of SP4s, who if promoted to Sergeant, many soldiers would not give the time of day, unless given a specific direct order to do so. Granted these SP4s had been mired in E-4 for years, and likely had no asprations to be Sgts, and most of them were not in line platoons at all, but were in support roles. However, a contradiction to that was our mess section, where a SP4 for my first few years did make Sergeant. He was a squared-away soldier named Bongfeldt, but I doubt that I've spelled that correctly. My own promotion to Sgt came just maybe a year before, maybe less time before, my car crash that ended my career in the USAR.

Response by SGT James Halstead made Jul 16 at 2015 1:10 AM

2015-07-16T01:10:46-04:00

Fromy experience and perspective; The Sgt and SSG boards are to see how well rounded the prospect is. As I was being groomed for the board I was told that not only do I need to know my tasks but I should know a little about other unrelated topics as well such as sports, world news, finance, and fitness. The reason for this is to better lead and support soldiers in any given situation whether it be down time or trench time. A leader needs to be able to talk with his/her subordinates in a professionally respectful manner to build team cohesion. An NCO needs to be a leader not a boss!

Response by SGT Stanley Bass made Jul 16 at 2015 1:17 AM

2015-07-16T01:17:18-04:00

I have not read to many of the other responses on this one, I have two fold. I went to the E-5 board twice, mainly because the person in processing me in both Korea and Washington lost my file (yes same person both times). The board is only part of it, you need commanders points and PT test and all that. But the board is to check your proficiency not just knowledge. The way the questions are asked much like SGM Oldsen below, is to see if you have taken steps to find out information about other resources in case you are put in a leadership role. Not just book smarts but situational smarts. Just because a person has the points to be promoted doesn't mean they are ready to be promoted. They might know the regulations because they studied them, but do they follow them and do they know where to go, or where to send somebody under them in rank if they need help weather you do well or nto so well. They are checking your confidence level in yoru answers and the answers to the follow up questions. To see how the individual might fair under pressure situations. Also in answering questions and follow up questions, if individual going before the board, says "I will get back with you." Do they actually get back with them after researching and finding the answer.

Response by SGT Roger Liedeke made Jul 16 at 2015 7:44 AM

2015-07-16T07:44:28-04:00

It may have changed since I was in, but I made SGT E-5 before I got out. The questions asked were "What is the maximum effective range of the M-16" "Who won the superbowl" "What do the emblems on your unit patch signify" None of which has anything to do with leadership. I went to the E-6 board with only 2 days to study. I was set up for failure on that one. I admit I was never good and being questioned by my superiors. All I am saying is that in the 80's the only people that got promoted are the ones that could regurgitate information from a study manual. There were never questions like "What would you do in this scenario?" or "How would you set up your squad in a bounding overwatch?" Or "Facing 2 enemy machine gun positions, How would you approach?" So Yes I have to agree that the purpose of the board as I experienced it was to see how much you could memorize and regurgitate

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 7:55 AM

2015-07-16T07:55:48-04:00

I believe SGM that the point of the promotion boards is to in a shorted concise clear fashion to be used as a tool by the senior NCO'S of the battalion to be able to judge the knowledge, leadership potential, and the ability to communicate to and train others on what they know.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 8:29 AM

2015-07-16T08:29:09-04:00

SGM as a newly promoted SSG i believe the boards are a good thing they show that someone is able to retain knowledge and be able to convey it in a professional manner, I am in the national guard and we do not go before a board of senior NCO's due to time constraints so our 4100's and NCOER's go before a board and we are judged on what is written on our NCOER's so in this regard i have seen alot of soldiers get promoted who were not ready to be and it backfired on the chain of command but i believe the board is a good thing and can be a useful tool for all NCO's to make it into a learning experience

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 9:17 AM

2015-07-16T09:17:39-04:00

SGM, for me the purpose of the board is to measure the leadership potential and confidence and military bearing of the NCO (or potential NCO). I don't think it should be a measure of how well you can memorize and regurgitate facts.

My SGT board was oriented around how well I could answer the questions, but not so much on what those questions meant or what my answers meant. I really didn't get a lot out of that board and I soon found out how little I actually knew about being a leader.

Contrast that with my SSG board. This board was almost all situational questions designed to test my ability to critically think about a problem and come up with a solution. Often, I didn't make the best decision, but the reason I succeeded, according to the members, was that I made a decision. Some questions I was not very prepared for and it showed. With other questions, I drew on my experience and was able to give a very good answer. The pressure was always on, though. If I made a move one of the board members wouldn't have made, they grilled me about why I did it. That's when your military bearing shines through. It was a very good experience and gave me confidence in my own abilities rather than just spouting off some answers from a study guide.

I believe the board should be much more designed to test a Soldier's leadership ability rather than rote memorization.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 9:45 AM

2015-07-16T09:45:58-04:00

SGM,

For my board the questions were about about programs available to Soldiers when in need. Then the questions turned to military history between all branches. I think the reason behind only being asked on those topics was so that they new I would be able to help my Soldiers. Then the question regarding other branches was to see how I would react out side of my comfort zone.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Jul 16 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-07-16T12:53:26-04:00

Some Soldiers walk into a board and we, the board members, know. Without a doubt this stud is ready or conversely, how the heck did he get here – as I give his 1SG the gaze…

The vast majority fall in the middle. They’ve BEen vetted and prepared, yet have the stressed induced adrenaline flowing freely at board time. Most in the middle will step up. Should you KNOW everything, that’s tough…but should you be in motion, yes. Know how to move to assist a Soldier and/or his family, to educate fellow Soldiers, to correct deficiencies , to accomplish the mission…

Those Soldiers moving forward, by and large, will become promotable. It’s part of the fire that creates the backbone of the army that we are. The SGT and SSG boards are the necessary intermediate steps of our profession. Soldiers expect actions and results from their NCOs.

Lastly, those boards not only measure the Soldier, but are also another tool to measure the leadership of the organization. Which companies/platoons are DOing the training, mentoring, and preparation and which are not? Where are my organizations strengths and weaknesses?

Now, Soldier of the month, quarter, year boards -- different animal...lol

Response by SGT Drake DeLucca made Jul 16 at 2015 1:57 PM

2015-07-16T13:57:59-04:00

Professionalism. Being able to present yourself professionally is a key component of being an NCO. If you don't know how to enter a room with authority, speak with confidence and command, etc. you will never LEAD people. If you don't think that appearance and presentation are more than vanity, look at the weigh and tape standards. You get flagged for more things if you fail weigh and tape than if you fail the PT test because you have to LOOK like you mean business or you will never be taken seriously by the enemy or anyone else. Wow!!! Learn to look and sound like a professional and you will go far in this world. I have seen completely incompetent individuals in so many leadership positions because they know how to present themselves. It may not be "right" but it is the way it is for very good reasons. My advice is to BE professional and at the same time LOOK professional.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Jul 16 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-07-16T14:55:21-04:00

That a young, up and coming NCO knows basic soldiering skills. Ultimately, every soldier is an infantryman at his or her core, the board ensures these future leaders know these skills, and how to implement them if needed. Also need to understand the history, heritage and traditions of the Army itself, this gives a better understanding of the core values of the military...

Response by SGT Robert Andrews made Jul 16 at 2015 3:04 PM

2015-07-16T15:04:42-04:00

What I have always believed is that not only is being proficient in your mos but also being able to have the courage and take a stand when something is blatantly wrong. As an Nco it os your job to make sure you protect your soldiers so they stay healthy. Things that are a deterrent to that are excessive grass drills followed by forced hydration so the soldier pukes. I have seen e1 to e4 grades subject to that as well as profiles being written by an 0-3 bn aid station that reads run at own pace and distance. The problem was that I personally observed this soldier struggling to walk every day for a week prior to him getting into my formation to go to profile pt. I stood in front of my 1st Sgt having to explain my actions and why I kicked him out of my formation and sent him to patients advocate. Once I explained that it was ultimately his soldier and that by enforcing a profile that was obivously wrong it was not just me that would be standing in front of medical explaining themselves. He was mad but relented. I didnt get my promotion to e6 but was seen as a problem NCO. Things happen in a line unit that are considered to be normal. The problem is that when the normal is wrong it takes a person to say something and fix it. The problem being that by not going with the status quo and being willing to say when something is wrong then odds are you dont get promoted. That needs a desperate change.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2015 6:02 PM

2015-07-16T18:02:30-04:00

I did not agree with the promotion board at first. I felt that if my leaders that I worked with everyday felt I was good enough to be a leader, I should get promoted. There is this thing that we hate to admit is a common practice in the Army that has lead to some people getting promoted to NCOs. That one thing is favoritism. I think the promotion board helps to take that away a little. Some leaders send soldiers and SGTs to the promotion board because they like them. When the "board candidate" is in front of people (1SGs and CSM) that do not know them at that level, will see them from one perspective and that is the advancement potential perspective. This will give a more accurate evaluation of a soldier's leadership potential.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 16 at 2015 6:57 PM

2015-07-16T18:57:46-04:00

SGM Steve Wettstein, In Afghanistan the board was task to ensure that we had the best NCO's leaders selected.

Response by SGT Jack Kelly made Jul 17 at 2015 1:36 AM

2015-07-17T01:36:02-04:00

When I became a sergeant in the 82nd Airborne 2/504 it was in front of all the battalion first sergeants and the battalion sergeant major. It was a lengthy preparation of several months and they reviewed everything. Evaluations, pt test score, schools and recommendations from direct chain of command. Some people look good on paper but don't know what true leadership and mentoring are about. Never mind responsibility. It seemed to me at least at the time they were looking beyond points to what you were really about. Substance over accolades. I was all for it

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 6:30 AM

2015-07-17T06:30:16-04:00

SGM being prior Navy I think the Army is doing an unjustice for Soldier's by not focusing on the MOS. I notice how a lot of Soldiers don't know there job as they move up in rank. Which actually places more responsibility on those of us that are proficient in our job. By the time you reach SSG board your knowledge of the job should be high enough to properly lead lower enlisted and your proficiency at basic soldiering should not even be a questioned. Just my opinion.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 17 at 2015 10:30 AM

2015-07-17T10:30:43-04:00

SGM Steve Wettstein This is not a great answer, as I never really understood the required knowledge questions, aside from that is why they always did it. That said, aside from me attending in like 1983... along with things like Soldier of Month, Quarter, Year etc... my insider view and knowledge of boards was/is limited. I depended on 1SGs/ CSMs to ensure the right Soldiers/NCOs went to the board, and that right ones were recommended for promotion. The key, to me, is who is recommend for the board. The board should simply verify the recommendation. I like the way CSM Private RallyPoint Member handled this; that makes good sense. I know one of my CSMs in Battalion Command did his boards in a similar fashion. I know, also, the board I went to for OCS selection was about leadership, not how many things could I remember. I think SGM Oldsen has the right answer... But, ultimately, yous guys need to make this work. My only concern is that our team leaders and squad leaders are the right Soldiers.

Response by MSgt Manuel Diaz made Jul 17 at 2015 11:33 AM

2015-07-17T11:33:19-04:00

Practice for when you go up the ranks, the better you get the better you look

Response by MSG Martin C. made Jul 17 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-07-17T13:55:41-04:00

A promotion board to me is more than an assessment of how well can you retain information. To me is like a job interview, and what I mean by that is a culmination of collective tasks that would determine how would the future NCO will react to a different kind of pressure. The problem with boards is that the outcome of the Soldiers performance depends in several factors.
1. Is the panel there to interview the individual or to stomp the chump?
2. Are board members there to make an assessment of the Soldiers military jacket, overall presence of the individual or solely to be the gate keepers?
3. Some of the best Soldiers suffer from stage fright “test anxiety”
We must remember that the concept of the promotion board should be to validate the individual readiness and the recommendation of the chain of command. In my eyes if the NCOS in the chain are doing their job by counseling, mentoring and testing; going to the promotion board should be the final job interview.
Soldiers should only attend a promotion board after they have being properly counseled, trained and mentored. Soldiers should attend Platoon and Company level boards to assess knowledge and continue preparation. A Battalion or Brigade level board should be only to assess who is the best of the beast, who is grinding and standing out from his or her peers. A promotion board should be an assessment (verification) of the qualifications on the Soldiers file. If we are constantly finding at promotions boards that Soldiers are not ready, than we should look at what those companies are doing at the Squad and Platoon level.

Response by SSG Gerald Hodge made Jul 17 at 2015 3:12 PM

2015-07-17T15:12:43-04:00

I think the board should be 3 days long. Day 1, APFT in the morning, just a 180 with 60 points per event. Graded by the board members. followed by a 12 mile ruck 30 lbs of course in the afternoon. 2nd day, is a skill level 1 tactical portion, got some MOS'S are different but the future leader should be able to lead/teach Soldiers how to manuver under fire and clear a building. Simple battle drills. 3rd day is the board. That way you have all the bases covered in what a leader should be. I've seen so called "Leaders" who can't pass a PT test, or an E6 teaching a class on Battle Drill 6 and was clueless. When I was a Scout PSG, I had a skill level test they had to take. Pass? You go to the board. Fail? You didn't go. That was for everyone that didn't outrank me. But that was me. It thinned the ranks . But it worked,now all my old lower EM Soldiers are now E6s or E7s.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Jul 17 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-07-17T19:06:07-04:00

As far as I could tell, it was to find out whether I knew the content of the current day's articles in the Stars & Stripes that was delivered AFTER we departed for Bn HQ.

lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 10:33 PM

2015-07-17T22:33:50-04:00

I think rhw promotion board should be more of a job interview type thing. Where you have to prove to the board members that you have what it takes to fill the shoes if a SSG. Anyone can read and remember things from a regulation or field manual. Anyone can also open that same regulation or field manual, hit ctrl+f and type in whatever they are looking for. Bottom line up front is, can you train and lead not can you memorize these words on this paper.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2015 11:13 PM

2015-07-17T23:13:23-04:00

We always need the oral board. Leaders need to see that the people they are considering for leadership responsibility can not only learn that kind of information and recall it, but that they can do it under pressure. Maintaining composure is one of the most important parts of handling any situation. The last thing anybody wants is a Leader who chokes when the going gets tough, or when a wrench gets in the works. Leaders need to be able to face down higher ranking individuals and not freak out, use profanity, or be too nervous to actually display any kind of confidence.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-07-18T09:29:02-04:00

SGM
It is to evaluate if soldier has the ability to move up to the next rank. The Army promotes of potential so to say every soldier is already an NCO is not accurate. Some soldiers might do well on the answering of questions but not be proficient in their technical and tatical skills. Others might not be as comfortable in front of people answering questions but they know their job and can lead soldiers. This evaluates to see if a soldier has the capability to do both.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 11:16 AM

2015-07-18T11:16:45-04:00

The purpose of the board isn't just on memory. It is also on composure and confidence. I've been in boards where the CSM really tested how you maintained your composure and your confidence.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 3:29 PM

2015-07-18T15:29:26-04:00

Always has been and always will be a measure of demonstrated leadership potential. It says so in your promotion orders. If your chain of command and NCO support channel alike feel that you are ready for the next level of responsibility, that is it. I have seen guys be so nervous that they forget everything that they study. As long as they keep military bearing, and professionalism, a board member can look past the nerves of sitting in your dress uniform in front of so mush rank. The first time I went to a board was 3 days after returning from NTC as a PV2; didn't learn hardly enough to warrant walking in the room, let alone sit down and make it all the way through the board, but I won. I knew from then on, with less than one year of active time that I knew on some level what to expect every time I walked into a board. Topics change and board members change, but the attitude and demeanor you carry as a Soldier or NCO is your first impression, and it better be a good one. And the GI Joe slogan fits, knowing is half the battle. Exuding confidence, even when you know you are wrong is the rest.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 7:35 PM

2015-07-19T19:35:19-04:00

To put it in laymans terms, it's used for vetting the qualified/ unqualified NCOs who meet the TIS and TIMIG. for weedingg out the Sgts from the E-5s and the SSGs for the E-6s.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 2:42 AM

2015-07-20T02:42:47-04:00

SGM I think we should go back to the old school army about 15 years ago with some of the newer policies in effect. Just have everyone be completely upfront and honest and if they have an issue with it the two individuals can settle it any way they seem fitt.

Thanks for your time SSG DODD

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-07-20T23:33:07-04:00

When I was first learning the process of semi-centralized promotions, I was kind of bitter about it because I considered it to be nothing more than a test of memory. As my knowledge of Army subjects expanded, I began to see the method behind the madness. I had some good NCOs who always asked follow on questions and wanted to know a more detailed answer than what the study guides would provide. This forced me to actually read and understand the source documents (aka the regulations). I didn't experience much in the pressure side of the house. Honestly, that just may have been arrogance for me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 7:01 PM

2015-07-21T19:01:43-04:00

It's not only showing that you know the information (or know what manual to get it from), but showing that you can speak in front of senior rank with poise. Seeing those CSM's and Diamonds sitting across from you can rattle a lot of people. You can know the answer, but if you don't know how to deliver it or deliver it convincingly, it makes you appear lacking not only poise, but confidence in your ability to lead.

It's more of a mental test than anything. I think all up and coming NCO's need to go through that process (and others) instead of checking off YES/NO, TRUE/FALSE and A,B,C,D questions to get promoted.

Response by SGT Jason Weisbrich made Jul 22 at 2015 12:54 AM

2015-07-22T00:54:33-04:00

Some boards are more about regurgitation of what you read in a book when they told the soldier to study for the board. I do like SGM Oldsen's version of the board. My biggest concern is while they may be able to tell you the specifics of AR 670-1, and tell you how their MOS should function, what is there to test their character. I have seen too many get into heaps of trouble because of their lack of moral fiber. My old CSM and I used to have discussions about this all the time. I am curious what some of the soldiers might have to say about that issue.

Response by SGT Daniel Rohe made Jul 22 at 2015 9:10 PM

2015-07-22T21:10:42-04:00

SGM Wettstein,
The purpose of the promotion board from SGT to SSG is to ensure that the Army is promoting NCO's who have developed the technical and tactical abilities to lead not only soldiers, but to also set the example for junior NCO's. I believe this is a pivotal step in one's career because being a SSG is the last step before before becoming considered a "senior NCO", as a SFC.

SGT Dan Rohe

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-07-26T22:03:05-04:00

I believe that promotion boards are a past it's time tradition. If a SPC serving in a leadership position performs his job, meeting the criteria of his leadership to progress to the next rank then what is the board for? Rather you are a SPC or SGT there are atleast 2 Senior NCO's above that soldier whom posses the knowledge and wisdom to accurately project the Soldiers potential. Performance and results is what allows you to progress from SSG - SGM and from O1 - O10 and I don't see why E4 to E5 should be any different. Just imagine SFC Hopeful going to the 1SG Board in front of Div and Corp CSM, people that he does not work with or for, answering questions that have no real assessment of his leadership capabilities or job performance. His CSM knows the hard work and dedication that he has put forth, he does his best to convey that to the board members. SFC Hopeful does his best but the Board Members feel that he should go back and work on being "more confident". So what is the point of the Senior NCO, does he not have the ability to properly assess, potential and performance of that candidate? Of course this isn't what happens in all promotion boards but it does happen, it happens more often than it should.

Recommendation: Leave promotions to the 1SG of the Soldier being recommended.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2015 1:26 PM

2015-08-01T13:26:24-04:00

Nowadays if you're a mason you're going to get promoted wether or not you're proficient in your MOS. I've seen it happen MULITPLE TIMES

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2015 11:50 PM

2015-08-07T23:50:48-04:00

SGM,
The purpose of conducting a promotion board is to remove the Soldier out of his/her element. This way the senior leadership can see how well the selected individuals perform under intense pressure. Also to evaluate how serious the soldier took his/her own promotion. Did he/she shine their shoes, shine the brass, Awards match ERB etc. Attention to detail and Confidence and of course knowledge of the MOI.

ARE YOU SQUARED AWAY OR NOT

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2015 9:34 PM

2015-08-11T21:34:51-04:00

I have eyed this topic for a couple of nights SGM. I will tell you my take on the boards. Let me say that I am NOT a good board person. I am not one that will volunteer for any board that I do not HAVE to do, I just do not do well on them (I obviously did well enough to get where I am but that is that, I do not know what else to say about that).
My take on the purpose of the SGT/SSG board. When I was the Platoon Sergeant in HI and decided to send someone to the promotion board first off, they had to be someone that I was positive was an asset to the Army. Yes of course the unit, but I knew that they would be gone once they were promoted, therefore I had to look big picture. (An example of this, we had a SPC an 11C that my PSG at the time would not send to the board. Then for some reason he just kept getting overlooked. Finally when the time came I was able to talk my new PSG to send him to the board. Once again KNOWING that we would lose him as the policy of the CSM was to move all new NCOs from their current companies to new companies). He went and demonstrated that he was competent both in his MOS and more importantly in his leadership abilities. Then he came down on orders for Italy and the last I heard from him, he had since been promoted to SSG. It was a good investment for the ARMY.
Everyone gets so wrapped up in the songs and the creeds that it seems as though they seem to miss the IMPORTANT stuff. This may be an unfair blanket statement, but it is what I have seen. If someone does not perform the songs or the creed to the standard that the 1SG or the CSM wants they tend to "Not Recommend." Again, this is a BIT of an over exaggeration, but still it is frustrating because it seems that we miss out on some good investments in the ARMY. Then some DOOF, comes in, recites everything perfectly, recites everything that he memorized perfectly gets recommended and then he is out there trying to lead Soldiers, but has NO idea what he is doing because he is NOT a leader.
The PURPOSE of the boards is for the CSM and the 1SGs to SEE the POTENTIAL in that Soldier. Not that he/she can recite everything perfectly. They need to see if they can think on their feet. Understand that they are GOING to make mistakes, yet can they COME BACK from those mistakes and CORRECT those in that SAME board (not come back to the next one). If a CSM and 1SGs have a potential leader in their board like that, then THAT is what the board needs to be looking for.
This being said...I am not saying that a board should just recommend someone who comes in unprepared and knows NOTHING, but can simply answer with "Currently I do not know the answer to that question Sergeant Major/First Sergeant, but I will find the answer and get back to you." I AM saying though, that the board needs to LOOK deeper into the character of that Soldier, maybe ask the sponsor etc.
The Board should be for sorting out those that should be a servant leader and should just remain where they are. Too many times, I have heard and SEEN horror stories of people not being held back "because we cannot hold back their career" although good evidence was presented. Then they are terrorizing the Army with their incompetence. They couldn't get sent to the board and then they get on the automatic integration list for example (but that is another rant for another discussion).
I cannot tolerate incompetence in the leadership positions and when the board loses sight of ensuring of the CHARACTER of the possible leader in front of them and simply gives them a Go/NO GO just based on a song and creed and a few memorized answers. It drives me insane.
Just my take on it.

Response by SSG Louis Novak made Sep 30 at 2015 8:07 AM

2015-09-30T08:07:50-04:00

SGM, I think the purpose of E-5/E-6 promotion boards is multifaceted. It's not just to see how much you can remember. In my opinion it is a way to see how some one can remain composed under pressure (if you can't perform in an air conditioned room with nobody shooting at you, you probably shouldn't be leading soldiers in combat), pay attention to detail, and to see that you know how to research when presented with a question that you don't know the answer to (i.e. How is the name plate worn on the female class A uniform? I was in the infantry for 20 years so I haven't got a clue but I know the answer can be found AR-670-1).

Response by SSG Vik Polivka made May 7 at 2016 9:38 AM

2016-05-07T09:38:00-04:00

Well, in garrison it's to see me in a dress uniform. Deployed, it's to shake my hand, and say "good job" about two minutes into it, then follow with something like, "I didn't know the Army had divers".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2018 8:14 AM

2018-02-09T08:14:37-05:00

Not sure if this is true, but I work with a gentleman who was a ranger, his SGT board asked him to recite the ranger creed and that was it. He got promoted. I find that to be insulting to all the young men and women I worked with at Ft. Hood and prepped for the board if this is true.

Response by SP5 Ana Himmelwright made Feb 20 at 2018 11:41 AM

2018-02-20T11:41:38-05:00

I agree that is amazing that you serve in the army are you a Christian?

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 20 at 2018 12:54 PM

2018-02-20T12:54:23-05:00

I always thought it was just to check how you deal with pressure and how you hold up. The answer to a question like "what are the specifications for x,y or z" isn't as important as knowing how to find the answer in an efficient manner.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2019 1:25 PM

2019-02-05T13:25:41-05:00

SGM Wettstein,
This is a question that is more than likely to open up a whole can of worms. As a 1SG sitting as a member of the promotion board each month, I have the opportunity to ask questions that I would want my future NCOs to know and understand. Its all fine and dandy to be able to walk into a board and regurgitate a bunch of information that you studied. Kudos for being able to memorize important information. I want NCOs that know what it means to be a leader. NCOs that aren't just collecting a paycheck. NCOs that can process a problem and at least come up with a partial solution(I don't expect SGTs and SSGs to know every answer to every problem). More often than I'd like to see, NCOs are just not what they used to be. I still remember my Drill Sergeants. two of them were outstanding, the other not so much. DS Addie only really smoked us twice, not because he was a candy drill, but because he was an effective communicator and an outstanding leader. He taught us that the best NCOs are the ones that never forget what its like to be a private. If you never forget then you understand how to effectively communicate, you understand the confusion, you are able to teach better. In short, to me, the purpose of a promotion board is to allow those outstanding SGTs and SPCs to move up, the ones with potential to be given the opportunity to prove their worth, and for those that are lacking to be retrained.