Can a Specialist be denied promotable status at the board for not having enough correspondence hours?

SPC Nathan Yoncher — Thu, 28 May 2020 19:42:50 -0400

Anybody heard of a specialist being denied promotable status at the board for not having enough correspondence hours? He had only 7 hours I think

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2020 7:49 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2020 19:49:10 -0400

Yes, i have heard of this. The board looks at potential for advancement and leadership. If you haven't put in the time to complete correspondence courses which help in professional development, what makes you ready to be a leader?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2020 8:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2020 20:20:23 -0400

Best way to advance whether officer or enlisted? If there is a course they suggest you do for your career do it! Education education education. It always helps and never hurts.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2020 9:22 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2020 21:22:11 -0400

You were not denied promotable status- you were not recommended for promotion.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 28 at 2020 10:04 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 28 May 2020 22:04:52 -0400

It speaks to personal motivation, drive, discipline, all indicators of Pete tidal leadership.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2020 12:02 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2020 00:02:17 -0400

I was told that boards are mainly on how your top shirt recommends you lol

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2020 2:30 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 May 2020 02:30:19 -0400

Depending on what the members of the Promotion Board is looking for/at...I've seen SOM board members weigh more on appearance than knowledge and vice versa. I have to ask...what did the rest of the packet look like? Was it filled with just the basic requirements? Minimum standards met? Nothing that stands out? Bare minimum Soldier? I ask because if this was the kind of packet I was looking at as a Board Member, then I would not recommend them for promotion.

Response by SSG Adam Taylor made May 30 at 2020 8:31 AM

SSG Adam Taylor — Sat, 30 May 2020 08:31:59 -0400

The board can decide to not recommend a Soldier for promotion for a variety of reasons. Lack of initiative as demonstrated by the low correspondence course hours could be a reason. If a Soldier only has 7 hours after three years, it's because that's all he's willing to do. You can get 7 hours on a weekend.

Response by SPC Nathan Yoncher made Jun 4 at 2020 10:03 PM

SPC Nathan Yoncher — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 22:03:33 -0400

Soldier in question was one of my junior specialists, I can easily see how his packet would not have been competitive compared to another junior enlisted with more hours. Thank you all for the great responses, we will be focusing on some of the great points brought up here for the next board!

Response by CPL Patrick Holbrook made Jun 5 at 2020 3:06 AM

CPL Patrick Holbrook — Fri, 05 Jun 2020 03:06:09 -0400

Dude if NCO’s will Article 15 decorated combat wounded soldiers for missing a medical appointment by five minutes they’ll deny you the board for not doing correspondence hours. Grab a beer or two and knock it out.

Response by SFC Kenneth Hunnell made Mar 18 at 2021 4:22 AM

SFC Kenneth Hunnell — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 04:22:23 -0400

If a promotion board decides not to recommend you for promotion that is their right as they can recommend you for promotion, the board is a evaluation of potential