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!

SPC (Join to see), I would hope that no one in your chain of command could see this thread. I'd seriously consider rewording or removing this thread and get some advice off line.

When those NCOs come and take over your job, it might be because some Platoon Leader or Platoon Sergeant noticed that a Specialist was running the show and casually mentioned to the NCO, "Hey, why is that Specialist doing YOUR job?" Platoon and Company leadership aren't always vocal about what they see - but they do see it.

No worries...I felt the same way. But besides, it's your first lines responsibility to do this thing called counseling...that's where it all starts...counseling is key to success both for the subordinate and the leader...lousy keep working hard and doing what your doing...read into 6-22 and make it your life. It'll pay off in the end. But always remember, a leader who fails to counsel his subordinates, is neglegant towards his duties. The. You'll never see this problem with your joes

I say keep doing your job to the best of your ability. Tell your supervisor, you are more than capable of doing the task at hand. I have done it when I felt people were trying to take over and it went well. Your time to shine will come. Just be a little patient

Talk to your squad leader.

SPC O'Quinn, lI don't know you and I don't know want to be harsh but why are you only motivated almost every day and not every second? Why are joes giving any lip at all? I think as an SPC in the Army and the same for a P03 in the Navy, you can make mistakes because you're learning to be a leader. If you look up to someone in your company ask them to be your mentor and take their advice. If you're not comfortable doing that maybe you could observe them and learn from that. For some, it can be hard because 1 pay grade less and you were one of those joses. If they knew you as an E3 they might still think of you as one of them. You can break out of the pack by getting more visibility in the company by asking your NCO to give you an area of responsibility and lead so the joes see you're not one of them. Good luck soldier and I hope you aren't offended by what I said...just trying to help. Take care.

Have you gone to the Soldier of the month Board yet? This is good preparation and doing well will put in the spotlight of your NCO support channel.