SSG Private RallyPoint Member 5966783 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Coming up in my career I’ve never really had any leaders teach/ explain to me how things work or tell me what I needed to do to be successful so i am reaching out.<br /><br />If possible, my goal is to make E-7 within the next 2-3 years.<br /><br />What courses/classes should I take, what will make me stand out, etc.<br /><br />Once I complete DLC 3, how soon will I be slotted for SLC?<br />How soon can I be looked at for E7? <br />And how does the E7 board work?<br />Is there a time and grade requirement for E7.<br /><br />I’m also in the process of joining SFAB. Thank you in advance. After just being promoted to E-6, what advice do you have on how to prep myself for making E-7? 2020-06-03T21:03:13-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 5966783 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Coming up in my career I’ve never really had any leaders teach/ explain to me how things work or tell me what I needed to do to be successful so i am reaching out.<br /><br />If possible, my goal is to make E-7 within the next 2-3 years.<br /><br />What courses/classes should I take, what will make me stand out, etc.<br /><br />Once I complete DLC 3, how soon will I be slotted for SLC?<br />How soon can I be looked at for E7? <br />And how does the E7 board work?<br />Is there a time and grade requirement for E7.<br /><br />I’m also in the process of joining SFAB. Thank you in advance. After just being promoted to E-6, what advice do you have on how to prep myself for making E-7? 2020-06-03T21:03:13-04:00 2020-06-03T21:03:13-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 5966822 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Depends on MOS. I just completed SLC in March but I was not selected for E7 on the FY19 board. I completed DLC 3 almost 5 yrs ago. Hopefully I&#39;ll be selected for E7 on the next board. Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2020 9:10 PM 2020-06-03T21:10:16-04:00 2020-06-03T21:10:16-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 5966901 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In two to three years....unlikely. Expect it to be 3-4 years from now. Time in grade requirements, non-waivable for selection to SFC is 36 months as SSG (per AR 600-8-19). I applaud your enthusiasm but right now, you should slow down as you have some work to do beforehand.<br /><br />The SFC boards are centralized. That means that DA looks at your jacket. So, you need to look at your ERB and see what is missing and what is incorrect. Get all of those supporting documents to fix the errors and plug the holes, submit them to your Admin. You will also need to get a DA Photo. Depending on how many new awards you get between now and when you get looked at, you may need to retake that photo a time or two.<br /><br />Based on STEP, you will need to complete your DLC 3 before you can even be boarded. So, get with your Training NCO and get that course enrolled and completed ASAP. <br /><br />After that, then you need to be boarded. Keep an eye out on the HRC website as they constantly update when the boards convene and what the ranges are for who will be looked at. If you are eligible to be boarded but won&#39;t be boarded, your name will appear on the RED Report. This is a spreadsheet of all eligible SSGs with issues that need to be corrected before they can be boarded. <br /><br />Once boarded and selected, then you have to complete your SLC phases. For your MOS, I don&#39;t know how many phases you will have...I know medical (68 series) has two phases. You will need to complete all of your SLC phases. Naturally, this will depend on seat availability. Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2020 9:28 PM 2020-06-03T21:28:02-04:00 2020-06-03T21:28:02-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 5966914 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There’s a bunch of info on the HRC Enlisted promotions page on the senior enlisted promotion system. I suggest you read up on that and look up the HRC videos explaining the promotion board process for how the board rates packets. It’s a good half hour class at least and way too much to explain here Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2020 9:30 PM 2020-06-03T21:30:11-04:00 2020-06-03T21:30:11-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 5967445 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Bust your ass, be kind but firm to others. Don&#39;t allow nasty people to get under your skin and make sure you are always keeping your records/SRB up to date. This way you aren&#39;t jumping thru hoops trying to square it away the last minute before submitting your board packet. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2020 11:46 PM 2020-06-03T23:46:33-04:00 2020-06-03T23:46:33-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 5967452 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In continuation to my first response. Go after the Battle Staff, EO, Sharp, and other classes that not everybody has. Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2020 11:48 PM 2020-06-03T23:48:22-04:00 2020-06-03T23:48:22-04:00 SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 5967524 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My first recommendation: do not make your career about promotion, and don’t communicate that your main desires are promotion. That’s a bit how this post reads. <br /><br />Your profile says your goal is to be a green beret? Hurry up and go to selection. 18 series compete by having time on an ODA. The longer you wait to go, the faster your potential peers will get promoted around you. <br /><br />If you don’t go SF, then just focus on being the master of your craft. Low density MOSs have the opportunity to absolutely shine, or be a grease stain. Volunteer for additional duties. If you’re airborne, go jump master. Keep your PT high. Excel beyond your peers. Keep going to college, even just a few classes a year to show continued progression. Keep your NCOER support form tight. Keep your records tight from now on. Don’t wait until your SFC board profile opens to “clean up your records”. <br /><br />Continuously seek a slot at SLC by working with whoever the POC for your schoolhouse is to obtain a slot, sometimes those who are scheduled defer for various reasons. Seek mentor ship in various subjects from senior NCOs Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2020 12:27 AM 2020-06-04T00:27:54-04:00 2020-06-04T00:27:54-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 5970455 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is why I believe we need to adopt the Marine’s system of centralizing SSG promotions. You shouldn’t be going in front of a DA Board for the first time at the SNCO level. I had the same mentality as you when I was working to make SFC. What school, award, badge do I need to get promoted? When really I should have been focused on seeking developmental assignments that would grow me as a Leader and NCO. To be honest, it’s your NCOERs that will get you promoted. Badges, MIL ED and training are great but your record is what will set you apart. In fact, as a new SSG this will the first time you will receive an NCOER with a restricted Senior Rate Block Check. The competition will be tight and you’ll need to learn how to develop a relationship with your Rater and Senior Rater. While SGT don’t receive a Most Qualified (MQ), SSG-MSG/1SG do. This will matter when you are competing for promotion to SFC in the next 4 years. Receiving an MQ in a difficult position (PSG, NCOIC, Battle Staff NCO, Recruiter, Drill Sergeant, Section SGT) will go much farther in showing the board that you have been developed as an NCO and are ready to work with an Officer Counterpart and possible mentor and develop them (LTs). Focus on doing a great job, supporting your Chain of Command and getting along with/supporting your peers. Good luck. Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2020 7:25 PM 2020-06-04T19:25:55-04:00 2020-06-04T19:25:55-04:00 MAJ Ken Landgren 5973193 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For starters observe what the E-7s do. Good E-7s will have their ears to the ground and have good situational awareness. Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 5 at 2020 1:54 PM 2020-06-05T13:54:54-04:00 2020-06-05T13:54:54-04:00 WO1 Private RallyPoint Member 5974351 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Congrats on the promotion! Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2020 8:28 PM 2020-06-05T20:28:41-04:00 2020-06-05T20:28:41-04:00 SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member 5977997 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In the Army Career Tracker, look up your MOS career progression chart. It will tell you which courses you should be pursuing. They look at the whole person as well so personal development such as continuing education makes you a better qualified candidate for promotion. Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2020 9:30 PM 2020-06-06T21:30:58-04:00 2020-06-06T21:30:58-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 5987406 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>E7 TIG is 36 months but can make it in 3-4 Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 9 at 2020 1:47 PM 2020-06-09T13:47:09-04:00 2020-06-09T13:47:09-04:00 SFC Keith O Auspland 6035705 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Join as many professional organizations as you can. VFW, American Legion etcetera. Become involved with community volunteer organizations. Not only do your military experiences count but many boards look at the overall picture of you. Being a critical member of your community counts greatly towards your promotion chances. Response by SFC Keith O Auspland made Jun 23 at 2020 12:37 PM 2020-06-23T12:37:15-04:00 2020-06-23T12:37:15-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 6036058 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Even if you don’t become a 18S. While supporting USASOC you have opportunities that others may not get. Take advantage of the opportunities others may not get by going to school jumpmaster. Pathfinder and air assault. If you have not done a rotation as a drill sergeant or recruiter those assignments can boost your career. Also as a 92Y work on your civilian education I recommend a school that has supply chain management. Complete the senior enlisted advisor course level 1 on JKO. Other schools that will enhance your career are Unit Movement officer course. Support Operations Course and battle staff course Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 23 at 2020 2:11 PM 2020-06-23T14:11:24-04:00 2020-06-23T14:11:24-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 6037653 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have a different strategy... in reference to school do your mandatory DLC you need to be eligible for SLC and forget about getting an SLC Slot “make the army chase you” when it comes to slotting you for SLC. Make sure your records are good to go of course. The strategy should be to add one major thing to the ERB every year whether it would be a deployment or school. That’s the answer to a quantifiable question of “what have you done?” Think about who your audience is whose looking at ur board file. I’ll give you the answer; E-9s in your career field and think about what they want to see. I think performance is something everybody overlooks when giving advice. Work very very hard in what ever position your in, deliver results fast with a good final product. Showing that you can do things other people can’t and being dependable will outperform your peers easy. I don’t think the money is in Competition based organizations where people are trying to boost like SFAB. I think the money is in crummy unorganized organizations where everything is chaotic, and a lot of people are useless. (This way higher ups will see you as the answer and you’ll be a beacon of light). The more customers you have the better. You want to make E7 your first look. Take advise from people who made it their first look. Good luck! Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2020 12:34 AM 2020-06-24T00:34:11-04:00 2020-06-24T00:34:11-04:00 SFC Joh Williams 6053331 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Become a psg and if you do not have jump wings, get them and go on status. Response by SFC Joh Williams made Jun 29 at 2020 10:19 AM 2020-06-29T10:19:55-04:00 2020-06-29T10:19:55-04:00 MSG Felipe De Leon Brown 6076688 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>First, congrats for advancing to SSG. Now comes the challenge of continuing on into the Senior NCO Corps. Expect to carry the rank of SSG for at least three years before even being considered for advancement to SFC. In the meantime, work on earning a slot to SLC and completing at least two years of college-level courses (You can complete a lot of it through the CLEP at your duty assignment). Once you&#39;ve accumulated 60+ hours, touch base with your personnel officer to start the process of acquiring the recognition in your records. If you already have two years of college-level study, pursue courses that lead to an actual associate&#39;s or bachelor&#39;s degree. Maintain proficiency in you MOS, your physical fitness and avoid every situation that could put your career in jeopardy. One slip has caused more career military members than you could imagine to lose their entire careers. Remember, that your will be in competition with all the rest of the SSGs in your MOS from now on... and the competition will become more and more intense as you advance.<br />Good luck. Sounds like you&#39;re leaning towards being a career military professional. You have my vote. Response by MSG Felipe De Leon Brown made Jul 6 at 2020 3:22 PM 2020-07-06T15:22:48-04:00 2020-07-06T15:22:48-04:00 2LT Private RallyPoint Member 6191139 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Honestly, take care of your people is the biggest thing, Don’t be a shitbag (there’s plenty out there), and be an effective communicator. Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2020 12:26 AM 2020-08-10T00:26:53-04:00 2020-08-10T00:26:53-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 6318492 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Hi there! I just seen your post and congratulations on earning Staff Sergeant. This moment of your career is not only challenging but rewarding. Yes, it is possible to make SFC on your first look. I did (just waiting to pick up) and there are many others as well. My advice is don&#39;t focus on that as your overall goal. Become an expert in your craft, take care of Soldiers, and get that Bachelor&#39;s degree. Evaluations are important as well. Do you have an SQI/ASI? Do you have ACH from PME? Broadening assignments? You have to stand out from everyone else so what is it that you are doing besides your job? Are you SAMC? ESB/EIB? Things like that. Not saying it&#39;s absolutely necessary but it most certainly helps. Focus on self-develolment and when you do submit your board file you will be fine. But please remember, there is nothing more disheartening than a senior non-commissuoned officer who is incompetent or lacks the ability to lead and communicate. So make sure you are ready, you are seasoned enough to make that next transition. <br /><br />Best wishes to you!!! Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 17 at 2020 7:05 AM 2020-09-17T07:05:10-04:00 2020-09-17T07:05:10-04:00 SGT(P) J Del Valle 6323947 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In my opinion You just got promoted, As 92y pursue a SEA first. Response by SGT(P) J Del Valle made Sep 18 at 2020 10:05 PM 2020-09-18T22:05:01-04:00 2020-09-18T22:05:01-04:00 2020-06-03T21:03:13-04:00