Posted on Nov 24, 2013
Should community service (volunteerism) be worth anything at a promotion's board?
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I know time is pressing in many jobs and volunteering may be a further distraction, do you think it should be a requirement?
Posted in these groups: 
Promotions
Volunteering
Promotions Volunteering
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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When I hold promotion boards, volunteerism is absolutely considered. <div><br></div><div>To be recommended for promotion, I could really care less about your ability to do rote memorization. I'm looking at whether you have the capability and desire to train and take care of Soldiers.</div><div><br></div><div>Additionally, we're looking for future leaders that display great character. I believe volunteerism is one way to determine who gets "it" - giving back and being a servant leader.</div>
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In the Army, if you earn the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) it's worth 15 promotion points to SGT and SSG.
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SSG (Join to see)
Getting this medal is kind of tricky. Say you do all of the volunteer work you normally do it is up to your command to recognize your helping out the community. Although there is no set guideline to receive one. I personally volunteered over 150 hours over the last two years and my Unit didn't even know about it.
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CPT (Join to see)
SPC Yelle,
The MOVSM IS a tricky award. I have volunteered fairly regularly over the past 15 years for dozens of charities but never bothered to document any of it for the medal. By the time I knew a medal existed, I was already a SSG and the points did me no good. Additionally, I never volunteered for recognition. With all that said, every unit should try to monitor and recognize Soldiers who give back to their communities. As a Company Commander, I am processing almost a dozen MOVSMs right now for Soldiers in my formation. We feel it is important to recognize these individuals so my 1SG and I have made it a point to find out who is volunteering and MAKE them get recognized! :)
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I believe volunteerism makes up the "whole person" concept and shows overall character. It should not be a requirement/mandatory, but should be considered for promotions. Obviously, mission comes first, so if an individual does his job very well and is able to also do volunteer work; he/she has demonstrated proper prioritization, balance, etc. When military personnel volunteer their off duty time with local communities, they also represent the military in a positive way.
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