As a prior service Specialist, is it possible to join the Reserves as a Sergeant with no promotable status or BLC?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:00:06 -0400

I was a specialist in the active duty army I have been out for about a year now I just recently had a sergeant first class career counselor emailed me about joining the Army reserve in a e5 slot. Is this even possible can I join the reserves as a sergeant with no promotable status or BLC or would I just be a specialist in a sergeant position like a team leader or would I actually wear the rank of sergeant?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2020 8:00 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:00:47 -0400

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Sep 24 at 2020 8:15 PM

SSG Steven Borders — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:15:52 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Yes, in the Reserves we can slot 2 up 1 down. So, yes they can stick you in an E5 position on the UMR (Unit Maintenance Report). You would not join as a SGT, you have to put in a promotion packet and go on the PPRL before you can become a SGT. You would have to be green across the board meaning HT/WT, APFT/ACFT and all medical meaning not flagged.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2020 8:17 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:17:00 -0400

You can fill two slots up, or one slot down. Your unit once you get there can move you around on the UMR willy nilly once they get you on the books.

Don't worry, you'll have to earn SGT just like anyone else. If he implies you're going to get SGT as part of this deal I think you are being sold a bill of goods.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Sep 24 at 2020 8:28 PM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:28:14 -0400

The Career Counselor is correct, He can get you into the E-5 SLOT, keyword SLOT. You still have to do the work for the rank. He did not promise the Rank itself, using your own words. Have fun, I did 39 years getting paid to have fun getting free travel and education. Make sure that you read the whole contract before taking the oath

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2020 8:53 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 20:53:22 -0400

A SLOT is a position and line number on the MTOE or UMR (unit manning report). Soldiers can hold slots 2 grades up - doesn't mean they get the rank (automatic promotion). You still need to do the work (i.e. SSD and BLC)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2020 9:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 21:17:47 -0400

You can hold an e-5 slot but that doesn’t make you promotable by an means. You will have so much time to get welcome completed and submit a promotion packet. So if your going to do it make sure you have a wlc course slot. And put together your promotion packet. Board meets twice a year

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2020 10:21 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 22:21:56 -0400

The others already hit the nail on the head.

You can be slotted up, but it really doesn't matter at all. You can also be slotted down, and it doesn't matter.

You're a SPC until you submit a packet, get "P" status, and complete BLC.

Also know this, often times, when people are promoted in the Army Reserve, they are often promoted out of the unit they're currently in. We've had several promotion this year, E4-5, 5-6 and 6-7, and only one stayed in the unit.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 24 at 2020 11:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 23:47:29 -0400

You can fill the slot but still have to take the required steps to earn the rank

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 25 at 2020 12:02 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 00:02:43 -0400

Recruiters easily convert to being used car salesmen. Be wary. Position yes, award of E-5 rank will be later.

Response by SGM Gerald Fife made Sep 25 at 2020 6:54 AM

SGM Gerald Fife — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 06:54:02 -0400

take the slot as an E4. Show you are fit to lead. You'll get promoted, I would say, in a year. All depends how you perform during your first Annual Training. Good Luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2020 7:50 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 07:50:17 -0400

AS most have already pointed out, you can hold the slot, but that does not give you the rank, even in the reserves you will have to have the schooling for that rank to be eligible for promotion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2020 9:06 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 09:06:53 -0400

you would be a SPC in a SGT slot until you get promoted. I was a CPT in the guard and transferred into a MAJ slot in the reserves. the benefit here is you are already in a para/line number E5 slot on the UMR so when you become promotable you don't have to find a slot to get promoted into.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Sep 25 at 2020 10:18 AM

MAJ Ronnie Reams — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 10:18:06 -0400

Yes, as others have said. The CO could make you an acting Jack SGT. You wear the rank, exercise the authority of the rank, can join the NCO club, etc You draw E-4 pay though.

I was an acting Jack CPL for a year as an E-2, Not a bad gig. Outside of CO, XO and 1SG, no one really knew.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2020 1:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 13:29:14 -0400

You can be put into an E5 slot, but you will need WLC/BLC, passing PT & HT/WT & promotion packet to make E5.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 25 at 2020 4:52 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 16:52:44 -0400

Yep. I got out of active duty as a SPC, did just under three years break in service, decided to join the reserves in January 2020, got promoted to SGT in May 2020