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

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 18:00:16 -0400

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

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 18:52:20 -0400

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

SGT Javier Silva — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 19:01:10 -0400

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

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 19:15:51 -0400

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

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 21:10:54 -0400

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

1SG Frank Boynton — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 21:30:40 -0400

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

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Sep 2019 21:51:58 -0400

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

SFC Christopher Taggart — Sun, 08 Sep 2019 07:10:32 -0400

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

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 05:10:44 -0400

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.