Posted on Dec 3, 2014
Do you think Promotion Boards focus too much on regulations and now enough on actual Soldier skills?
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I've been sitting on boards recently (mock boards at platoon) and am hearing/finding that leadership cares more about how many numbers you can memorize of regs and such, than content. More importantly, only one serviceman knew anything about weapons, and only book knowledge at that. No, I don't expect them to be infantry proficient with all things weapons. But they knew little to nothing about weapons, first aid (it was scary), land navigation, field sanitation, or other field skills. The one soldier who did know something about weapons knew the content of every regulation he was asked about, but not the number associated.
My opinion and belief is that the number of a regulation is irrelevant to leadership. A soldier who knows the material is way ahead in my books. Also, more importantly, a soldier who knows regulation but nothing of basic soldier skills or why we do what we do is not ready to lead. However, I'm hearing that 1SGs and SGM/CSMs are failing guys for not knowing reg numbers, and passing people who know reg numbers but don't know actual soldiers skills. Am I missing something? How do we change this? And how can I prepare my soldiers for something that is focusing on the wrong things/not requiring the general skills?
My opinion and belief is that the number of a regulation is irrelevant to leadership. A soldier who knows the material is way ahead in my books. Also, more importantly, a soldier who knows regulation but nothing of basic soldier skills or why we do what we do is not ready to lead. However, I'm hearing that 1SGs and SGM/CSMs are failing guys for not knowing reg numbers, and passing people who know reg numbers but don't know actual soldiers skills. Am I missing something? How do we change this? And how can I prepare my soldiers for something that is focusing on the wrong things/not requiring the general skills?
Posted in these groups: 
Promotion Board
NCOs
Promotion Board NCOs
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 13
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I've seen different boards from different CSM's I have served with. Most like to focus on regulations and the soldier knowing them. I have also seen CSM's focus on a varying spectrum of being a leader, to include APFT (270 or above), weapons assembly and dissassembly, knowing your job and regulations. I think if the leadership (PSG's and 1SG's) put a word in CSM's ear, he/she typically listens to the recommendations. Being a soldier and knowing your job is becoming a lost art in the Army. They focus too much on classes and regulations, rather than sitting down with the soldiers and showing them basic warrior tasks and drills. It's up to the NCO's now to make sure that it doesn't continue to die.
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PFC Sheila Harrison
115th CSH had a habit of giving Sargent rank to those soldiers who were on their way out in a couple months.
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I agree with you! At the last boards that I ran, I asked the NCO to recite the NCO Creed and stoped them and asked them to relate something in their career that shows they understand and follow the Creed. Very few could answer it because the memorized it and had no idea of the meaning. I always liked giving the soldier in the hot seat a life line. Their first line leader should be there with them and I gave them one chance to get the answer from their “Sergeant”. Like they should in real life.
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SGT Drue Rockwell
Reality is more than just a memorized quote or creed. Phenomenal to see someone put that into practice and require more than parroting from prospective leaders.
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Look up sgt morales board. I think if there is a board, this is what it should be lkke
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SSG Timothy Stevenson
I went to the Audie Murphy board at Ft Hood and it was mainly situation questions which I think relate more to the NCO. One of my greatest accomplishments in my opinion.
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