Posted on Sep 14, 2016
Can a soldier be forced to attend an Audie Murphy board?
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I have an NCO who is being forced to compete in an Audie Murphy board 8 days after notification. Is there any justification to get him out of it? The 1SG is relentless, and the CSM is unresponsive pertaining to the situation.
This is a good NCO, who doesn't want to make a fool of himself at a prestigious Corps level board.
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Note: Photo added by RP staff.
This is a good NCO, who doesn't want to make a fool of himself at a prestigious Corps level board.
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Note: Photo added by RP staff.
Posted in these groups: 
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC)
Mandatory
Sergeant Audie Murphy Club (SAMC) Mandatory
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 361
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I was ordered to compete for membership in the SAMC as a condition of keeping my position as PSG as a SSG. Did it, made it, kept it. I was pulled from the field to compete at Corp. I didn't like it but I didn't like a lot of stuff I had to do but I really thought I was a good PSG and the platoon would benefit.
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I personally do not like boards, even though I sat on many as a company First Sergeant, and again you can be prepared, but how you handle yourself under pressure is the main key to a successful board appearance. Nothing can prepare you for your nerves acting up, know you have been selected to compete and try and relax. When you answer the boards questions be firm and convincing with the answer you give, and most of all believe in yourself that you have been selected because you are the best because that is why you are there in front of the board. As a company First Sergeant I didn't force anyone to compete if they truly had a desire not to. It would show poor leadership on my part and the unit as a whole.
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Well, being a sailor vise a soldier, I'm not familiar with this board. I take it that it is an evaluation for a prestigious award or opportunity. He may fall on his face today but he gained the experience and knows what to do and not do if he gets another crack at it later. If he wasn't ready for it and was forced into it seems to me the board would know that and question the superior who pressed the issue as to why.
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Boards are a joke, anyone can sit and study manuals and all that stuff, it proves nothing. The best way to see what kind of soldier you have is see how he performs in the field and in real world situations. Anyone can memorize for a board and then brain dump when it's over.
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SSG Ray Murphy
1SG (Join to see) - Maybe not it's intent, but when it becomes a mandatory exercise, that is what it has become. Poor leadership forcing these things on soldiers to make themselves look better, waters down the prestige of the award.
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1SG (Join to see)
SSG Ray Murphy -
I get what you are saying, but regardless of the manner in which an NCO appears before the board, he/she still earns the award. To the point of a "Mandatory" appearance, I don't agree with forcing anyone to attend. I am sure that with this story there are two different sides, with the truth lying somewhere in the middle.
The SAMC is a tough board, I went as a SFC and it wore me out(physically and mentally). It made me a better NCO though. I studied deep in regulations so I could understand the concepts not just regurgitate infomation. It really pushed me to be better and I'm grateful to have been selected. Being a SAMC member doesn't guarantee that the NCO is top notch, I've met some members who are questionable, just as I've met Questionable Rangers and Group guys, BUT there is a much stronger correlation between SAMC NCOs that ARE top notch than those that are not.
Just some food for thought.
Best Regards
I get what you are saying, but regardless of the manner in which an NCO appears before the board, he/she still earns the award. To the point of a "Mandatory" appearance, I don't agree with forcing anyone to attend. I am sure that with this story there are two different sides, with the truth lying somewhere in the middle.
The SAMC is a tough board, I went as a SFC and it wore me out(physically and mentally). It made me a better NCO though. I studied deep in regulations so I could understand the concepts not just regurgitate infomation. It really pushed me to be better and I'm grateful to have been selected. Being a SAMC member doesn't guarantee that the NCO is top notch, I've met some members who are questionable, just as I've met Questionable Rangers and Group guys, BUT there is a much stronger correlation between SAMC NCOs that ARE top notch than those that are not.
Just some food for thought.
Best Regards
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SPC Anthony Molnar
1SG (Join to see) - Hey Top, got one I wanna bounce off ya for this one.
1LT Audie Murphy was so dedicated to his country that he falsified information just so he could enlist and serve his country in time of war. He went on to do amazing things, and basically was the real life "Captain America" when it comes to his heroism under fire, ect. When I think of 1LT Murphy, I envision an man who embodies our values, which from every shred of information I've found pretty much supports that, with some roughneck aspects.
To me, this board shouldn't be purely about being a good soldier, knowing things, performing things, squaring things away, or whatever other tasks are on it's list. I feel that a forcing someone to go, against their will, is in direct conflict with the character of 1LT Murphy, whom was a selfless man, which passion so fierce he broke USMJ just so he could go risk his life, fighting the good fight.
The soldiers whom are considered for this board, should embody some level of the character of whom the board is dedicated. The people considered, should be all but fighting one another for the slot, anything it takes to prove that not only can they do it, that they will do anything just for the chance.
Anything less that an inspiring motivation, that drive that pushed 1LT Murphy to do what he did, to push through everything thrown at him, is unworthy of the board as it is, but even worse to "force" people to go just to "fill slots" is a slap in the face of the man. 1LT Murphy never forced anyone to do anything, he was too busy leading the way. The same should be said of anyone honored with a nomination to said board.
The actual question
With that in mind, do you feel that forcing someone to go, to test their character, or more likely just to fill slots so they can hold that board that year, upholds the Army values?
I personally feel that since 1LT Murphy was one in millions, broken mold, the same should be said for anyone even considered for that board. To do less in his name, reflects that we are forgetting our tradition, and one of our most decorated soldiers ever to serve in the U.S.Army.
1LT Audie Murphy was so dedicated to his country that he falsified information just so he could enlist and serve his country in time of war. He went on to do amazing things, and basically was the real life "Captain America" when it comes to his heroism under fire, ect. When I think of 1LT Murphy, I envision an man who embodies our values, which from every shred of information I've found pretty much supports that, with some roughneck aspects.
To me, this board shouldn't be purely about being a good soldier, knowing things, performing things, squaring things away, or whatever other tasks are on it's list. I feel that a forcing someone to go, against their will, is in direct conflict with the character of 1LT Murphy, whom was a selfless man, which passion so fierce he broke USMJ just so he could go risk his life, fighting the good fight.
The soldiers whom are considered for this board, should embody some level of the character of whom the board is dedicated. The people considered, should be all but fighting one another for the slot, anything it takes to prove that not only can they do it, that they will do anything just for the chance.
Anything less that an inspiring motivation, that drive that pushed 1LT Murphy to do what he did, to push through everything thrown at him, is unworthy of the board as it is, but even worse to "force" people to go just to "fill slots" is a slap in the face of the man. 1LT Murphy never forced anyone to do anything, he was too busy leading the way. The same should be said of anyone honored with a nomination to said board.
The actual question
With that in mind, do you feel that forcing someone to go, to test their character, or more likely just to fill slots so they can hold that board that year, upholds the Army values?
I personally feel that since 1LT Murphy was one in millions, broken mold, the same should be said for anyone even considered for that board. To do less in his name, reflects that we are forgetting our tradition, and one of our most decorated soldiers ever to serve in the U.S.Army.
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I was not ready for that first rocket attack. The higher ups would not let me out of that either.
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I was informed I was going to my SSG board 5 days before it was held. This may not be as hard as an Audie Murphy board. Regardless, I went in and rocked that shit. Now I have my rocker. Confidence is key, and what's the worst they can say? You didn't pass? Grow a pair and go in as prepared as you can, because in my experience you are never fully ready for what the board members will ask.
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It will be a good expierence. MOSTLY situational situations/ questions. He is already a leader, perhaps this would motivate him to hone his leadership skills more. Induction will further his opportunity to advance. This isn't a board designed to make a fool out of you rather an opportunity to become elite amongst your peers. The only failure is the failure to try. 8 days is a challenge but doable. BEST foot foward, AIRBORNE!
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PO2 Van Curry
This is not about a job this is about being a true military leader under pressure. If your questioning how to get out of this maybe its time you moved on. Maybe its not for you. At this point you should know who you are and make the right choice for those who will serve under you. There is no bad choice just a decision.
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As a member of the association I can honestly say I am glad I was pushed to my limits by my NCO's.
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SFC Steven Townsend
SSG Erik Barbrick - Honestly all NCOs start they day the get to basic. I took advantage of the E6 board, and just kept rolling with it. My first try I didn't make it past BDE, pissed me off and gave me the fire to go "all in".
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Sorry, it happens when a unit is slotted an attendee and someone who outranks you forgot to tell anyone about the commitment. This usually happens when you're CSM is on the board and doesn't want to be embarrassed by his peers with a no show. They pick the best NCO they have that's eligible, with the knowledge that NCO won't say no. Your future humiliation by a board CSM or two is the price you pay. Nothing new here. The irony is, that now the selected NCO will never volunteer to be part of the Club. Welcome to Audie Murphy quarterly politics.
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I made it on my second try, no shame in failing, the tactics are strong arm ones, but I agree that they have to think pretty well of you to send you on short notice. Close your eyes, step off the ramp and count to 6 thousand....Hint: Break the bio into sections like the NCO Creed, it is too long for one bite.
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