Striving to become a (outstanding) noncommissioned officer,seeking advice on how to achieve my goal.

SPC Morales, Congratulations on your promotion and best of wishes in your endeavor to achieve the rank of SGT. I would ask that you think about your correspondence. I think the question should actually be "What can I do to put myself on the right path for earning the rank of Sergeant?" Too often as enlisted soldiers, we address ourselves as E-something, which is a pay grade, versus the rank of Sergeant, which is a noncommissioned officer. The philosophic difference is tremendous. As far as the minimums you should shoot for include 90s in all categories of the APFT, Expert in weapons qualification and attempt to maximize your points in both military and civilian education. I would ask that you think of yourself as a Specialist, not an E-4. We never say someone is an O-3, we say a CPT, a leader of men and women. We should also call ourselves a SGT/SSG/etc., direct leaders of men and women. Best of luck.

Anything to get your reputation, face and name at the top of your Commander's mind when he thinks of good Soldiers or needs something done:
1. Volunteer for special events and duties.
2. Volunteer for unique projects - Arms Room, NBC Room Soldier, Orderly Room Soldier, COMSEC Rep, etc.
3. Go to the Soldier of the Month Board.
4. Cross Train - learn someone else's job.

Bottom line - Stand out among your peers and earn that waiver. Make your Commander want to fight to get that next waiver from Battalion.

First of all man, don't call it E-5... Everyone wants to be an E-5, no one wants to be a Sergeant anymore. Stand out from your peers in the right way, take initiative, show your leaders that you want to be a sergeant and not just another turd that drinks with joe on the weekend and last but not least, take pride in yourself and your unit. Show others what right looks like and be the model soldier. Study study study for the board- best of luck