1st Look at SSG and I am no where near ready for the board?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 16:16:54 -0400

I was told last week I am getting my 1st look at SSG this week and to prepare for the board. I was given very little to go off of and this is my first board ever( I came from the Marines.). Would it be frowned upon if I went to my PSG and tried to get put on the next one so I can have more time to prepare? I haven’t had a Mock board, we’re in the middle of EIB testing/ work up so time to study has been minimal?

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made Jun 16 at 2019 10:03 PM

CSM Carl Cunningham — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 22:03:19 -0400

Here is what I will tell you.....if THEY are telling you that you are going, it's because THEY think you are ready. And if you are in the middle of EIB testing, then you should know some of the answers they are going to ask. I would focus studying to the Army programs that you may be unfamiliar with. Either way, you are already a leader, time to show them you are a leader of other NCO's, which I am sure you did in the USMC. I wouldn't worry, however, that PSG better show the board procedures before you enter next week.

Response by SFC Michael D. made Jun 17 at 2019 10:27 AM

SFC Michael D. — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 10:27:01 -0400

First get that EIB. It will help on the board. Get your hands on 22-5, brush up on land nav, and current events. Know your chain of command. If you don't remember the answer to a question, at least know where to find it. Know all answers about your assigned weapon. I've been to a board where a SGM had his name tag on upside down on purpose to see if you notice and say something. I've also seen them leave a piece of paper on the floor to see if you will pick it up. Attention to detail. Your Platoon Sergeant should be mentoring you to prepare for the board. When ever I sent one through, it was a reflection on me so I'd have them over for dinner and after we would go in a room, close the door and I'd grill them over and over until they didn't even stumble over a question. You gotta put in the work to. You want it? Go get it!

Good luck to you.

https://www.unl.edu/armyrotc/HandbookChapters/Chapter5.pdf

Chapter5.pdf

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Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2019 11:02 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 11:02:41 -0400

When you're in your primary zone for the board, you (and your command) don't have a choice, you must appear before the board at least once.

Response by 1SG Ed Bernas made Jun 17 at 2019 2:11 PM

1SG Ed Bernas — Mon, 17 Jun 2019 14:11:28 -0400

Promotion board out comes are based on the needs of the army, just like criminal offenses Asvab scores, and weight. If the army is “slimming” down you better study, or have a skill, or Tab. If its not then just dont be a douche.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 18 at 2019 2:07 PM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 14:07:55 -0400

If you are on the list to appear in front of the SSGs Board there is a reason. Your leaders more than likely think you are ready for it. Here are some pointers that'll help. Know the board procedures. When you knock on the door right before you appear, knock on it like you mean it. Know your BIO. Practice saying it in front of others. This will help you not say ah or um.Address all NCOs asking you questions by their correct rank (trust me Soldiers say the incorrect rank all the time and it doesn't help them) Look at whomever is asking you the question in the eye and don't interrupt them, even if you know the answer until they are finished. Get your ASUs cleaned and pressed (even you you haven't worn them since the last time). Put your awards and decorations on by using 670-1. Don't wear a clip on tie and make sure the tie you wear has the correct knot in it. BE CONFIDENT WHEN YOU TALK.

BTW, there are no fucking MOCK boards. They are pre-boards. Just a pet peeve. It always pissed me off when someone would try and call one of my boards a mock board.

Response by SSG Keith Evans made Jun 19 at 2019 8:42 PM

SSG Keith Evans — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 20:42:21 -0400

Ask your orderly room or Platoon SGT for the MOI (Memorandum of Instruction). There should be a new one for every board. This will tell you exactly what you need to focus on to study. Best wishes!

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jun 26 at 2019 8:41 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 20:41:28 -0400

I do not have any meaningful advice here but will say I am impressed at your ability and desire to critically self evaluate.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2019 11:52 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Jun 2019 11:52:05 -0400

I found myself in a very similar situation with less than 10 days to study and half of those days spent in a very intensive training exercise. I didn't try and get my board date pushed but I can offer some study tips.
1. defiantly start bugging someone about obtaining the MOI for the board, this will help you narrow down what topics you need to study.
2. If nothing else make sure you know all the FMs and ARs that you will be asked about. at the very least if you really don't know the answer to a question you can say "1SG/SGM, at this time I am unfamiliar with that question but I do know the answer can be found in FM/AR..." obviously you don't want to do that very much but I defiantly used it a few times during my board.
3. Armystudyguide.com was instrumental in providing questions to study, all units are different but it seemed mine asked their questions directly off of those question sheets. I printed off the first three pages of all the MOI topics and stared with those. if you are able to learn all that then of course continue to the other pages but I feel like that gave me a good baseline for the subjects I was unfamiliar with.
Long story short, I am also prior service this was also my first promotion board and I was able to prepare for it and pass in a relatively short amount of time. Hope this helps and best of luck!