Can you be barred for not going to a promotion board in your secondary window?

PFC Wynn Johnson — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:25:39 -0500

A soldier in my unit was informed that if he does not go to the promotion board he is slotted for in his secondary zone he will be barred. He had expressed desire to not be promoted because he is working on becoming an officer and is also not ready for the board and wants to go in his primary when he is more prepared.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2021 8:36 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:36:10 -0500

Simple answer, yes.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2021 8:41 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 20:41:10 -0500

You can be barred for failure or lack of desire to progress. Also, his reason is nonsense. He can spend a couple minutes prepping for the board and it will certainly make his chances of being selected for the commissioning program he's applying for much better

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2021 11:58 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 23:58:08 -0500

Why refuse? It won't hurt. I would much rather submit a packet for commissioning as an E4 than an E3, or an E5 than an E4 (if successful). If not successful, at least the opportunity to learn about the process and one's self was taken. That's the key.

When I was enlisted I went to every board available and authorized. I went through an E3 board (eligible under TIG but not TIS and the unit had only a few useable waivers) and an E4 board (same parameters). Those prepared me for the E5 and E6 boards, and other "Soldier" competitions (SOY, SOM, NCOY, NCOM, etc.). They also taught me how to speak professionally and in front of my superiors in a formal setting. I agree with SFC Jason Boyd, SFC Stephen Hurst, and 1SG Fred "SARGE" Bucci (the first three, and only three, responses I read).

Going to the board is great prep work. It demonstrates a desire to grow, improve, and gain useful and constructive feedback. It enables us to identify our weaknesses, demonstrate our strengths, and engage at a different level with Sr. leadership other than the typical day-to-day operations. Boards are essential for Soldier personal and professional development. To refuse to go to a board is equivalent to not caring about one's self, one's career, and other Soldiers. It is complacency and demonstrates a complete lack of leadership desire and/or ability.

If a SM is asked to go to a board, it is an attempt by that leader (who has run the gauntlet) at mentorship and development of that SM. The response speaks for itself. Acceptance and the leader has identified someone who has the desire to practice the military as a profession, not just a job. Refusal and the person is in it for themselves and not for the profession.

I would love to see how this person is received as an Officer. Would that person dictate to the NCO what, and how, something is going to happen? Would that person work with the NCO, gain knowledge from the NCO, and be a team player in accomplishing the goals of the Commander, the organization, and the military branch in which they serve? We, no matter what branch, are a team. My brothers and sisters are in all five branches (or is it six now with the US Space Force) and all three components (Active, Guard, and Reserve). We all have different ways of doing things, but we are all a part of one team with one common goal, "To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic... and our way of life". One team, not one team and... oh... "that guy".

Get that SM, the one you reference, a special class.

To answer your question, yes, the Soldier can be barred. It may not be a direct bar due to not performing the act of going to the board, but it can be a direct bar for failure to advance, or the failure or lack of desire to progress (grow, develop, and learn) within the military profession. There might even be a case for willful disrespect to an NCO or Officer for refusing an order... maybe not a direct order, but an implied order is still administratively punishable. The Commander is the one who makes that determination.

Response by SGT Christopher Hayden made Mar 11 at 2021 11:50 AM

SGT Christopher Hayden — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 11:50:30 -0500

Just what I'd want, and Officer too lazy to do his current job.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 11 at 2021 4:53 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 16:53:27 -0500

When I was a young SPC, I was VERY good at what I did. I maintained a high personal and professional standard and I was an excellent peer mentor. But... I was not personally ready to lead Soldiers in an official capacity. I am STILL just a little bit bitter about being forced to go to the SGT Promotion board before I was ready and willing to take on that added level of responsibility.

So.... I completely understand where that Soldier is coming from. However, if that Soldier is working to become an Officer, that Soldier has identified a desire and willingness to lead Soldiers. If he is unwilling to prepare for a promotion board, which is designed to identify and showcase his leadership skills and potential, then he is honestly not ready to contemplate becoming an Officer.

We expect our Officers to have all of the leadership skills and knowledge that we expect our NCOs to have. And then some. And to do it under more stress, at a higher level, and in a greater capacity. If a Soldier is not ready for the SGT Board, they DEFINITELY are not ready for OCS.

Response by MAJ Mike Middleton made Mar 11 at 2021 5:16 PM

MAJ Mike Middleton — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 17:16:27 -0500

He should be barred; soldiers not showing progression - and someone wants to keep them? Going to the board will not negatively impact his chances or succes in getting selected for a pathway to become an officer.