Can a soldier be forced to attend an Audie Murphy board?

Two weeks before I was about to leave Vietnam, my battalion Sargent Major asked and pushed Mt to go for the board. I got through it, and was promoted to Spec-5, E-5, during my station assignment at Ft Riley. I'M glad he did recommend me.

The army pushes you to be ready to handle the difficult and unexpected. Personally these situations prepared me for my career and life situations. It gave me confidence, strength and courage to overcome didficulties.

Be truthful and answer to the best of your ability

Can they? Yes. Should they, no. One of my young sergeants was winning NCO of the month and quarter boards, so the 1SG told me to send her, I told him I didn't think she should go, because she (at the time) was not in a leadership position. My input didn't amount to much even though i continued to plead my/her case. Anyways, day of the BN level board, the group was led into the conference room, the CSM looked at everyone, then asked my sergeant if she had any soldiers in her charge, she answered no. Then the CSM told her and I to leave the board.

I say go, you lose nothing by not making it, but the the experience is what you're looking for

A similar situation happened to me as well while in the Marine Corps for a meritorious promotion board. I didn't complain, I just studied my @$$ off. I didn't get the promotion but I did gain experience for the ones that followed. However, I don't believe that it should be made mandatory in this case.

We can't always predict when events are going to occur, and as a high ranking non commissioned officer, this individual should be use to sucking it up and driving on. This is one of the greatest honors a soldier can be nominated for in the US Army. Who cares if you get it? Just kick down the door and rock it.

If they force people to go is it really that prestigious?!?

Well you have to have met the critier to be selected,if he had all the blocks checked then the question is why not?

SERGEANT you been to many boards to be forced the opportunity to attempt this prestigious board. Dig deep and ssck it in and remember there are troops who would kill to be in your shoes (boots now)