USAR Promotion Vacancy Board - Any insights on one's chance for selection if going before the board?

I suggest that you read up on the guidance and the hoops a unit has to go through to ask for a position to make it to the board. There are a lot of caveats involved with the process, making the chances a crap shoot, and by that I mean the odds are very random. You can focus on getting "that one position" at your unit, but you can forget the board if a person of a higher grade is available and willing to take the position before the board convenes.

I've known of two people who got selected through a Vacancy Board, and they can call themselves lucky. The timing was perfect (amidst the mobilizations of the mid 2000s) and it happens that their MOSs were low density (medical service and acquisition). Of the two who got promoted, I can realistically say that only one was ready for the promotion.

Again, read up on the guidance, make sure you meet the minimum qualifications (time in grade, schools, etc) and good luck!

Selection on any board is based on numerous factors. However, it is surprising the number of officers who appear before selection boards unprepared. As one would not appear before a job interview unprepared, similarly it is one's responsibility to ensure one's board file is completely up to date starting with the DA photo. Your board file should reflect the best representation of yourself. BLUF, put your best foot forward and make sure you have complied with all the requirements of the MOI or LOI for the vacancy promotion board or any board for that matter. Best of luck to you and keep moving forward.

I didn't know one could do that. How does that work, and does it apply to Warrant Officers?