Do you have any advice on going from E4 to E5?

I was told by a PSG many years ago that I may perceive that nobody is paying attention, when in fact more people are watching than you realize! I know it can be frustrating, and I agree with both SSG Palmer, and LTC Curlee. Let the NCO know that you got this (be tactful & respectful). Also ask your SQD LDR what you can do that you are not already doing. I know it is said a lot of times do not volunteer for anything, but I would argue that. Volunteer and let your leadership know you are willing to do what is necessary. Most of the time when you think nobody is paying attention is the time somebody has eyes on you. Keep driving forward and with your head up, and fully motivated and you will get your due.

I would begin by telling my soldiers stop trying to impress me and focus on doing your job. I can't stand brown nosers and would rather have soldiers that were more concerned with the, in my opinion, 2 most important things: mission and men. Then comes competence, learn every aspect of you job you can. Soldiers who demonstrated the desire to learn and lead by example got promoted first in my platoon. Finally stop trying to win awards and ratings. those come automatically when you do the above.

SPC O'Quinn, you're right SSG Ryan R. gave you some very solid advice. He pointed out some things that helped you realize that wanting a thing does not necessarily mean you are ready for it. He also made a great point about too many E-5s are really SPCs running around wearing SGT stripes just because the points dipped low enough.

A promotion is the Army (via your chain of command) recognizing that you have shown the ABILITY to perform at the next highest grade. Although you only have 9 months TIG, that doesn't concern me as much as you do not have a complete grasp of how your own promotion process works (how are you supposed to mentor the SPCs that come behind you if you don't know yourself?).

One of the biggest responsibilities of being an NCO is Soldier care. If you had a Soldier under you that had a financial problem, a drug/alcohol problem, PTSD, threatened suicide, etc...would you know what resources to get them to? These are things you will be expected to answer when appearing before the promotion board you mentioned.

On to points...how do you compare to your peers in the things that you have control over. The very first thing I ask when a Soldier comes to me about getting promoted is, "what do your correspondence courses look like?" These are free points (as opposed to a minimal cost to you on AD to attend college). Both show initiative (a required trait for a successful NCO) and can help you overcome areas where you may be weak (perhaps your eyesight keeps you from consistently shooting expert, maybe you have an ingrown toenail that hampers your ability to max the 2 mi run, etc.). Never underestimate the value of schools, whether NCOES (like WLC) or a course like ASIST that is a benefit to the unit as well as you...a future leader.

One thing that will benefit you is obtaining a mentor. This may not be your team leader, it may not be anyone in your chain of command, but who else to help you get to where you want to be than someone that has already done it. Approaching an NCO that you respect for career advice doesn't constitute "jumping the chain," and shows that you are invested in your own success.

Keep the faith & stay motivated!