Are you allowed to submit a letter to E6 promotion board without being on adverse action?

2017-02-03T18:51:42-05:00

I am trying to find out if it is allowed to submit a letter to help my promotion packet, but I hear different things that you can only submit a letter if you have an adverse action or something that needs to be explained like a gap in service etc. Can someone help lead me to the answer and reference the AR so I can confirm and show others. Thanks!

UPDATE

I am in the national guard, so we do not stand in front of a board so it is all paperboard, meaning anything on paper, NCOER's, ERB's, etc. I thought I would point this out since some of the answer are regarding more active durty. Thanks!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2017 6:56 PM

2017-02-03T18:56:32-05:00

AR 600-8-19 Section 5-10 c1

Response by SFC George Smith made Feb 3 at 2017 6:59 PM

2017-02-03T18:59:10-05:00

AR600-8-19...
never Mind ... already posted...

Response by CH (CPT)(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2017 7:39 PM

2017-02-03T19:39:29-05:00

I was encouraged to write a letter to the president of the board if there was something you wanted the members to know that wasn't in your file. I don't believe there is anything that says you cant.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 3 at 2017 9:47 PM

2017-02-03T21:47:37-05:00

The cited AR does allow you to write the board, but you can only provide certain information. It talks about pointing something out in your record. Make sure it's record information that the board actually sees. Pointing out stuff the board isn't allowed to look at demonstrates your ignorance. Most important is to make sure the stuff that actually gets looked at is accurate. There's an easily Googled web page that talks about what to pay attention to. My board experience is obviously with a different service and at this time rather dated. I don't know if the board staffs screen out letters that don't comply with guidance. One thing for sure, take a look at prior board precepts and get a drift on the points of emphasis the convening authority wants out of that board. They change over time but typically not much from the most recent year.
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Response by 1SG Al Brown made Feb 4 at 2017 7:51 AM

2017-02-04T07:51:39-05:00

The E6 Board is local. You will be in the room, and the first thing they say is "tell us about yourself". If those 1SGs really need to know something, there's your chance. The senior NCO boards are held remotely, so letters are more prevalent and essential.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2017 7:57 AM

2017-02-04T07:57:36-05:00

Sure, but unless you are really in need, or have a damn good understanding of the Army Writing Style, it typically does more harm than good. You're not going to impress a board if you can't spell, your grammar is horrible, and your letter flows like you forgot your ADHD medication.