Do you have to be promotable to SSG to STEP into an E-6 slot?

2019-09-07T18:00:16-04:00

There’s currently a statewide vacancy in my unit for an E-6 position. I want to fill it and my NCOs want me to, problem is I only have 39 months TIS and 6 months TIG. I want to offer up the idea of using the STEP program, but I don’t know if you have to be promotable in order to utilize STEP?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2019 6:52 PM

2019-09-07T18:52:20-04:00

Let's put it this way, I was once a SGT filling a SFC slot.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Sep 7 at 2019 7:01 PM

2019-09-07T19:01:10-04:00

No, you do not. If it is in the same unit, and command wants you to, have them put you in the E-6 slot of the unit's MTOE. If you're looking for another unit, look for ones with E6/E7 slots in your MOS. Remember the Army allows for 2 up / 1 down.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2019 7:15 PM

2019-09-07T19:15:51-04:00

I was once a SPC filling in as Squad Leader. And my team leader was a CPL. I've been a SL since but isn't that position "supposed" to be an E-6?

I think as long as you prove you can do it, your command trusts you, they can put you in that position officially. Maybe if someone above your rank shows up they may then replace you, but that's only a guess based off experiences in my unit. Lots of that happening.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2019 9:10 PM

2019-09-07T21:10:54-04:00

I have seen E4’s apply for and be selected for open vacancy E6 positions.

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Sep 7 at 2019 9:30 PM

2019-09-07T21:30:40-04:00

Seems like it's been the same for a long time. I was in an E-6 position as an E-5, then an E-7 position as an E-6 and an E-8 position as an E7. I got my squad leader time, truck master time, platoon sergeant time and finally, I held a General Staff SGM position for my last year in the Army as an E-8.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2019 9:51 PM

2019-09-07T21:51:58-04:00

If there is no one on the E6 promotion list for that MOS in your state, then yes.

Response by SFC Christopher Taggart made Sep 8 at 2019 7:10 AM

2019-09-08T07:10:32-04:00

If the Company Commander or Brigade Commander, depending on level of responsibility, allows you too, their should not be a problem. I've known Specialists, who ran Company S-4s and Sergeants who ran Brigade S-4s...it's all about manpower or the lack their of.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2019 5:10 AM

2019-09-09T05:10:44-04:00

Not to my knowledge. If that is the case, my last unit was seriously ate-up. As a SPC, I was filling an E-6 slot as a duty position.