Posted on Jan 22, 2014
Is it really that important to make Distinguished Honor Grad, Commandant's List, etc., in the NCOES?
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Some people in my class don't think it's that important, however I have been told that it's something that could potentially get you selected for SSG-CSM over your peers if you do that well in the NCOES, from WLC to USASMA.
Posted in these groups: 
US Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA)
NCOES
US Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA) NCOES
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 39
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At each NCOES there are numerous awards a Soldier can earn - High APFT, Commandant's List, Leadership Grad, Distinguished Honor Graduate, Research Paper Awardee, etc.<div><br></div><div>Less than 25% of each class will excel and earn some type of recognition.</div><div><br></div><div>I have to believe that those folks who earn some type of honors set a goal, prepared and then disciplined themselves to achieve one of those honors - I can't believe it is just luck, it is hard work.</div><div><br></div><div>That means they invested the extra time in their career and made themselves better, their unit better and the Army better.</div><div><br></div><div>I say we have to reward them for that - hence, the additional column on the ERB to help the board panel members more easily identify those folks who earn honors at NCOES. Sometimes stuff gets buried on the 1059s and it could be missed.</div>
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CSM Mike Maynard
SFC Andrew B. That is not Army policy/regulation and that would not be a correct interpretation of Army policy/regulation.
We will always "benefit" from the great things we do - points, pats on the back, coins, assignment consideration, selection for promotion, etc.
Getting a benefit is not the same as receiving an award and should not be construed as you "award double-dipping" on a single accomplishment.
We will always "benefit" from the great things we do - points, pats on the back, coins, assignment consideration, selection for promotion, etc.
Getting a benefit is not the same as receiving an award and should not be construed as you "award double-dipping" on a single accomplishment.
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SSG Kristell Lee
SGT Andrew, I graduated DLG from WLC and my unit gave me an AAM. We all thought it should've been an ARCOM since Commandants list usually get AAMs but at least I got an award for it. I take what I can get.
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SMSgt Lawrence McCarter
Nothing wrong with getting a coin, that and immediate Hello, thanks, glad to meet You, nice but nothing official about it. The award had nothing to do with a gesture like receiving a coin and nothing in the Army Regulations or Regulations or instructions of any service say it is. Something in black and white written word in a regulation is official policy if so stated if not there its NOT official policy. Even a supplement to a Regulation cannot change anything just add to it but then again that can't just be added there is a procedure to follow before a supplement can even be added and that not authorized at a local level. Any local policy cannot be in violation of the Regulation or its supplements but must fall within the framework of those mandatory directives.
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Bottom Line: Do your best at each and every school you attend (and current and future assignments, for that matter). If Commandant's List is an option - you should aim for it. In fact - aim for Honor Graduate at each course. Exceeding Course Standards is NEVER a bad thing…and each 1059 is reviewed when it comes time for promotions. (At least briefly)
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It really depends on your overall record and MOS...NCOES awards/achievements are not unilateral centralized promotion board factors, but they can put an individual record over the top of another if all other factors were similar.<br><br>Yes, like others have stated, you should always strive for these achievements because you should always do your best...should 4-weeks out of a 12-month rating period make or break a promotion potential? Not at all. If one does not achieve top 20% or greater, don't dwell on this, but do more in other areas, based on DA PAM 600-25.<br><br>Note: I have never earned NCOES commendations, but I would like to during the Sergeants Major Course, and have been selected for promotion in each first look in the secondary zone...that's why I say it depends on your MOS and overall record.
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CW2 Louis Melendez
SGM Quick,
I have always believed the same. I told some my peers that it depends on your MOS and overall records.
On the flip side, I do believe that the process to determine honors at NCOES needs to be updated/changed.
My experience in ALC was an eye opener and confirmed what others have said with time.
We are looking for the “overall good” Soldier/NCO and not the person with just the highest GPA.
Next thing I’m the student 1SG for my class and temporarily for the other ALC class, 96% GPA, no negative counselings, no re-tests, and graduated with NOTHING. Not even Commandant’s List.
When I asked the SGL, she said that I could’ve been the DHG with the other ALC class.
I still can’t believe how biased and/or subjective the process was during ALC
I have always believed the same. I told some my peers that it depends on your MOS and overall records.
On the flip side, I do believe that the process to determine honors at NCOES needs to be updated/changed.
My experience in ALC was an eye opener and confirmed what others have said with time.
We are looking for the “overall good” Soldier/NCO and not the person with just the highest GPA.
Next thing I’m the student 1SG for my class and temporarily for the other ALC class, 96% GPA, no negative counselings, no re-tests, and graduated with NOTHING. Not even Commandant’s List.
When I asked the SGL, she said that I could’ve been the DHG with the other ALC class.
I still can’t believe how biased and/or subjective the process was during ALC
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