Will a SFC being placed back into a Plt Sgt slot (in which they already have ~40 months experience) make them less competitive for promotion?

2016-08-03T06:30:21-04:00

Response by SFC Richard Giles made Aug 3 at 2016 7:41 AM

2016-08-03T07:41:08-04:00

Are you already on the MSG promotion list? If you are it shouldn't matter. I've been out of the loop for a little over a year now so things may have changed.
I was on the E7 promotion list a few years back as a mechanic and I was a PLT SGT at the time and still made E7.

Response by SGM Bill Johnson made Aug 3 at 2016 8:58 AM

2016-08-03T08:58:05-04:00

Depends on their CMF. In general, I found the most competitive Soldiers were those working in positions above their current rank. If you are competing for Master Sergeant, then it is a stronger file if you are succeeding in a Master Sergeant position.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 3 at 2016 9:33 AM

2016-08-03T09:33:37-04:00

Leadership positions are always preferred. If you have not had the opportunity to hold a staff position that would be fine as well. Good luck.

Response by SGM Edward Lake made Aug 3 at 2016 10:26 AM

2016-08-03T10:26:36-04:00

No I think the soilders that stay on the line deserve to be promoted first.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made Aug 3 at 2016 10:35 AM

2016-08-03T10:35:23-04:00

a good mix of Leadership and staff positions with a heavy lean towards leadership position is almost always good. Commanders have a tendency to use strong leaders in these positions to keep forward momentum and to keep minimal performers from getting these positions and doing damage. My personal choice/goal has always been to stay in leadership positions when I was able. When I made MSG I served as a 1SG for 8 years out of 11 TIG. The only reason I held that position was because of my reputation, I was also selected for CSM but declined for personal reasons. Staff positions are a plus but I missed troops leading even if I considered myself fair. Your NCOER's in these positions are what hurts or helps you in addition to your reputation. Enjoy the Platoon Daddy time, one day it will go away and you will be on a staff cursing the day you went there :)

Response by MSG Michael Caldwell made Aug 3 at 2016 10:46 AM

2016-08-03T10:46:15-04:00

Back when I sat in a Sr. Enlisted position I had a real hard time explaining how the promotion system worked. I would pull all the notes from the last promotion board and break in it down, to have the next board not even promote from the criteria that was put out. And to have my subordinates ask why they didn't get selected when they met or exceeded the criteria. I've personally asked the CSM of the Army to get an answer of oh well. So someone tell me how I should of given this kind information back to my troops. Just to let you all know I never did tell my troops what he said.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Aug 3 at 2016 11:27 AM

2016-08-03T11:27:50-04:00

Nope, you should progress as normal. It just shows you've got the leadership traits needed and the Command has good faith in you and like the job you did before. You'll also probably be a little better off after some staff time. Getting the right combination of the two is a key to success.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2016 12:33 PM

2016-08-03T12:33:07-04:00

I don't think it will hurt your career, but it won't really help it either. Right now the focus is on soldiers with a experience in several areas. I you look at the new NCOER, you will see them talking about "Broadening" and that's because there is a real push to get you to do things like becoming a Drill Sergeant, Recruiter, instructor and so forth. It's not just about staff positions, or leadership positions anymore.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 11:10 AM

2016-08-04T11:10:03-04:00

It is always good to take on leadership roles. Take on the Platoon Sergeant job and responsibilities with pride. Holding the position will only help you. The thing you need to concentrate on is making sure your NCOER reflects how well you are performing in the position. Your NCOER as a Platoon Sergeant should look very different than a SFC that is not holding a Platoon Sergeant position.

Keep up the good work and know that holding leadership positions are what great leaders do.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 2:05 PM

2016-08-04T14:05:10-04:00

For promotion, the highest your records can score is 6+ The base score relies heavily on duty positions and NCOERs (performance/potential). Look at the last board AAR and you will see that those serving in positions of greater responsibility were considered favorably. Those serving and excelling as 1SG, detachment SGT, instructor/writer, IG, and other 50 slots will begin with a higher score. (look in DA PAM 600-25). Although they may begin higher, you can make up in other areas such as PT, military/civilian ed, awards, etc. A SFC serving in a SFC position is still competitive for promotion but must have something setting them apart from their peers. Years ago I was told to remain in leadership positions until I get promoted. Those days are over and again it spells it out in the board AARs! Don't look at the generic AAR that's posted on HRC every year, find the one specific to your CMF. Seek diversity, broadening assignments, special duties, etc. Best wishes!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 5:19 PM

2016-08-04T17:19:34-04:00

Not necessarily as long as you're making advancements in education both civilian and Military and moving forward you will always be competitive

Response by 1SG Ken Bedwell made Aug 4 at 2016 10:08 PM

2016-08-04T22:08:27-04:00

Cant see how leading troops would make one less competitive.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2016 10:40 PM

2016-08-04T22:40:04-04:00

I think most of the leaders hit some of the key points just wanted to add based off of your profile you were promoted to SFC in 2015, not sure how much of that PSG time was as a SFC but if the answer is little to none then it absolutely doesn't hurt to get more. There's always been the discussion of does SSG or SSG/P time count? Well, unfortunately that's all on the board member reviewing your records. Some might feel you're fast tracking some might feel if you're not in grade it doesn't count. Good rule of thumb is 24 months and move on. In your scenario, come in, work hard and earn the respect of your CO, 1SG and CSM. Because that's what will get you into those positions of increased responsibility. The army is always changing, it's simply about remaining competitive and energetic. Good luck

Response by CSM James Winslow made Aug 5 at 2016 4:05 AM

2016-08-05T04:05:58-04:00

Not normally. As far as troop leadership experience goes, more = better. It also depends on why you are being put into the unit. Most CSMs will put an experienced PSG into a unit that is: 1) anticipating a change in 1SG (or propositioning the sr. PSG as the new 1SG), 2) weak on experience at the PSG level, 3) have noticed a decline in discipline, and want to give the 1SG some additional backup at that level. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Of course the other reason is that you couldn't hack it on the Bn staff and the CSM wants to protect you. These types of moves are usually driven by necessity rather than personality.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2016 8:06 PM

2016-08-06T20:06:16-04:00

It all depends on the evaluations. In one's career the goal is to accept positions of increased responsibility, but if you want to get promoted accept the hard jobs and do them better than anyone else.