Best advice or tip for hopeful SSG'S in regards to this year's SFC selection board

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 09:37:07 -0500

We all know the basics of updating ERB'S and photos. What I'd like to hear is the little things that may get missed while getting your packet together.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 9:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 09:55:50 -0500

Updated DA Photo. No incoming personnel or duty assignments on ERB that do not match NCOER rating periods.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 10:00 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:00:36 -0500

Spend time to get your 2-1, 2A and ERB updated. Your S1 or your UA can help you out on this. Also iPerm all your certificates especially the ones that are 40 hours or over. If you have not done so yet, talk to your PL, PSG, 1SG or CDR and start holding a PSG position and responsibilities (this is a long term investment). Last but not the least, continue your education. This could be towards a college degree or obtaining certifications. The whole goal is to show the big Army that you are continually seeking ways to improve yourself through academic and challenging positions. Good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 10:02 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:02:22 -0500

Another 35F good to see that good luck to you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 10:02 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:02:46 -0500

In todays age of technology its all about what you look like online. Ensure all your documents are straight and your DA Photo matches your ERB perfectly. If you are missing any documents no matter how trivial it may seem submit a memorandum for record explaining the reason. Also make sure in the future that you are taking an active role with your NCOERs. I've seen a lot of NCO's sign and accept a NCOER that definitely did them no justice. Especially if you are serving as a platoon sergeant then more than likely you have Lt's that barley have to shave writing your eval. Make sure that if you have any unrated time that you have a memo in their explaining why you have unrated time. Also view your iPERMS entirely. Open and review every document in your record. When you open a record it puts a check next to the document showing that you viewed it. I spoke to Seniors on boards and one of their pet peeves was NCO's that didn't care to view their records before boards. Good luck on the next board!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 10:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 10:40:38 -0500

If it's anything like last year's board, don't be an 89D. Not one was even looked at last year.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 12:13 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 12:13:42 -0500

Are permanent profiles looked at during the SFC selection board?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2016 3:23 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 15:23:33 -0500

Make sure your Bio, ERB, DA photo and iPERMS record match. Your bio is an outline, just because you put it on your bio doesn't make it official. A memorandum for missing documents doesn't excuse the missing document, its still a missing document. Also, make sure you review your iPERMS record. I've seen packets where SMs have not opened any of their documents to review. Last, do not ever let your military career go stagnant, never allow repeat NCOER bullets, and for God's sake look in the mirror before you stand in front of that DA photo camera.
GOOD LUCK!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2016 9:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 09:59:36 -0500

Along with the basics of making sure ERB matches your ompf and uniform , check your erb monthly throughout the year , it makes it alot easier when preparing your records for the promotion board. Get a new DA photo yearly. Definately have 1SG and CSM look at your file. They are the ones sitting on these boards and know exactly what criteria they are looking for. Good luck.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 1:40 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 01:40:10 -0500

Leave no stone unturned, no gaps in your records, go all the way back. Do everything you can to recover any missing documentation, have evidence of your efforts to recover any outstanding information.

Response by SSG Ronald Colwell made Feb 18 at 2016 9:09 PM

SSG Ronald Colwell — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 21:09:50 -0500

Have your CSM review your board file, they would like to see that your making an effort and having CSM showing what's not right or what can be fixed. I had CSM in Germany that reviewed mine. They like when a troop takes the effort to prepare

Response by SFC Steven Harvey made May 24 at 2016 5:13 PM

SFC Steven Harvey — Tue, 24 May 2016 17:13:20 -0400

Not that it's helped me but:

Goto your board file and make a SFCFY16 folder. Download each individual file and put it in its corresponding folder (Education, Performance, etc.) along with a Board copy of your ERB and most recent DA Photo viewable on your board file. Zip the files and email your CSM and other Senior Leaders.

Print everything out and file them in vanilla folders. Cross reference every single file in your records. Review your DA Photo against your file then do the same thing for your ERB.

Change the names of Section IX assignments so they make sense. Base every single line on what your NCOERs say. If your in the same or very similar position combine them. Dates should match on NCOER through dates and ERB. Ensure months match as well.

Don't send a memorandum to the board if it's anything below an MSM.

Make changes ahead of time, when the board file opens if you have to do a lot of fixing you're doing it wrong and won't catch everything.