Enlisted Promotions are slowing down; so are some of the Officer promotions.

So we like to see Soldiers get promoted in our ranks.  At the same time do we insure they understand what goes along with it?  Our NCOES system is minimum training in most fields and NCOs do more then just bullets and beans.  As a PSG I had to train a new West Point PL on the basics, and as a OC I had to do this a lot more.  There is a world of difference between SGT and SSG; that learning curb only gets bigger at SFC.  So I dont think it's really about how hunger you are, but how much money and look at me does one person want.  Do we over emphasize competition to much in the enlisted ranks?  I think it has become a point to for every enlisted member to be SMA at 20 years and leave ravaged bodies below us... just a thought

The thing I've sort of come to realize about senior promotions is there are a lot of individuals that qualify to sit in the next postion, and the process is hard to select individuals that will fit the next rank best.  In a sense and lack of better terms, it's damage control in some regards.  No matter what wheel, belt, or nut that goes into the machine, the machine will still keep going.  Senior level leadership is right when they say a over haul is needed with evaluations and awards.  It's okay to be successful on your NCOERs if the process was followed as intended.  I've worked ourside my job scope and above my pay grade several times.  Reading the last MSG board results, in reference to what they were looking for, I fit the bill, but was not selected in the secondary zone.  It happens, right?  So what I've told myself not to expect it but just keep preparing for it.  I know I'm not looking to be in more then 24 years, as there is so much more to life.  I'll be successful and leave a lasting imprint on the military, the Army, and the Soldiers I worked with.  Plus the retirement until elected officials decide to cut the legs out from under that.