Do you think the Army should bring back the SQT (Skills Qualification Test) as part of a new revamped promotion system for NCOs?

SSG Todd Halverson — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 18:46:39 -0400

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 30 at 2014 7:27 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 19:27:06 -0400

I never thought that the SQT (later changed to SDT - no, not that one, Skills Development Test) should have gone away to begin with but was a victim of budget cuts.
The tests definitely had their problems (more so in some MOSs than others) but at least there was a common, standard measure across the MOS by which to compare.
Yes, I know... some people don't test well.. heard that all along too but I think the pros outweighed the cons.
Should it be brought back? I say yes. Do I think it will be brought back? No time soon. It would be a very expensive program to bring back, and at a time where the money just isn't there.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2014 7:30 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 19:30:41 -0400

With retroactive demotions for those who can't pass their current level?

Response by SFC Lamont Womack made Apr 30 at 2014 9:10 PM

SFC Lamont Womack — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 21:10:48 -0400

I think that is a great idea. I think for making E7 and above if you can't pass your test for promotion, your records should not be reviewed and you shouldn't be eligible for promotion. Plus even if a Soldier was a "dirtbag" they would be forced to at least know their job or they won't get promoted.

This would drastically weed out the Soldiers who slip through the cracks and get promoted because of "fluffed" evaluations. This would also allow the board members to take more time to look at the records to select the best qualified.

Oh and I hate that people don't do well on test argument. I personally believe that's an excuse. If a Soldier was tested on information about their spouse and children I'm sure they wouldn't fail it because they KNOW their family. If a Soldier KNOWS their job, being tested on this information shouldn't be an issue.

Response by COL Vincent Stoneking made Apr 30 at 2014 9:22 PM

COL Vincent Stoneking — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 21:22:08 -0400

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!
(I'm for it.)

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Apr 30 at 2014 11:09 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:09:35 -0400

Should never have left, too many people were promoted solely off of board proceedings that many time had nothing to do with their particular MOSs and individual Soldiers got away from taking the time to "LEARN" their jobs. I still have the skill level 1-4 19K Soldier Manuals that had every task a Soldier/NCO was responsible for learning and mastering as a tanker. Bring them back!!

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Apr 30 at 2014 11:52 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 23:52:32 -0400

In a manner of speaking. I think the promotion system for Jr NCOs should work like this. Supervisor recommends soldier for promotion -> Soldier takes and passes SQT -> Soldier appears before promotion board -> Board selects soldier -> Make points as is with the exception of earning points based of SQT score (No more than 50 points)

I believe this will take retain the best aspects of what we have already and improve it. The SQT verifies MOS competence while the board provides in person, eyes on assessment by senior NCOs as well as testing of general military knowledge, bearing, and ability to perform under pressure.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 12:10 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:10:34 -0400

I dont know but I do know there can never be a perfect promotion system. No matter what test or assessments there will always be a human element in the promotion system. That element allows for people to slip through the cracks. As we know so many people who have been promoted are being kicked out of positions of trust due to indiscretions they had in there careers. We all know NCOER's are inflated, people hook up there buddies, and who you know and worked for assist greatly in your advancement. A skills test would add another element to the system but like boards you can study for it master the material and dump it. I just think its impossible to get a accurate measure of those that actually live by the standards and put those skills to use appropriately.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 12:33 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:33:06 -0400

I agree. Especially in the TPU world. All promo boards are like looking at resume. And to be honest most NCOERs are written poorly to show performance accurately. These tests would be a good indicator of knowledge of MOS too.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 1 at 2014 3:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 May 2014 03:20:59 -0400

I remember the SQT test back in the late 1980s and I studied like crazy just to barely pass. I think that they should bring it back mainly as a tool to help Soldiers (especially NCOs) be more proficient in their MOSs and really understand their jobs.

Response by CPT Daniel Walk, M.B.A. made May 1 at 2014 3:21 PM

CPT Daniel Walk, M.B.A. — Thu, 01 May 2014 15:21:37 -0400

Yes, I do. However, their weight in the promotion system should not be as heavy as some would like. I also think that the data should be available to command teams.

In my opinion, the greatest value of the Senior NCO is their ability to ensure rigorous, high-quality training. Commanders, 1SGs and CSMs should have whatever information they can use to know how to use and how to improve subordinate NCOs.

I also think the employment of such information would reveal a great deal about the Officers to their own rating chain.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made May 1 at 2014 6:14 PM

SPC Charles Brown — Thu, 01 May 2014 18:14:59 -0400

I remember taking the SQT during my first tour of duty as a Vulcan Crewmember. Back in the day it was the primary method of determination for promotion to the next higher rank. The best part of the skills qualification test was that it was based on basic knowledge of the soldiers duties in their primary MOS, I understand the need for promotion boards, but the problem is that if you are not a member of the MOS conducting the board such as being a member of supply in an infantry unit there are damn few questions related to the 92Y MOS asked during the promotion board. So I say yes the SQT needs to be brought back in consideration for promotion, and not just for the NCO's but those who are working their way up from E1 up through Specialist and Sergeant. I thought it was a tremendous stepping stone to the next level of advancement.

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made May 2 at 2014 1:51 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Fri, 02 May 2014 13:51:53 -0400

They need to bring back the hands on tests though! Known many who could pass the written test, but could not apply it in the actual field!!!!!!!!!!!!

Response by SGT Thomas Lucken made May 2 at 2014 1:57 PM

SGT Thomas Lucken — Fri, 02 May 2014 13:57:00 -0400

The SQT also was worth 200 points if maxed! Based on the old 999 point system for E-5 and E-6. Made a difference in who did get promoted, depending how much the drop the points at the time.

But, like I said it needs to go back to hands on and not just a written test alone.

Response by SGT Frank Leonardo made May 12 at 2014 3:03 PM

SGT Frank Leonardo — Mon, 12 May 2014 15:03:15 -0400

Yes they should it would not hurt anyone and is a great idea if you ask me.

Response by SSG Toryn Green made Jul 28 at 2014 3:15 PM

SSG Toryn Green — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 15:15:24 -0400

Absolutely! A thousand times yes! I'm tired of seeing incompetent soldiers being promoted merely because they have a 300 PT score and can shoot half way decent. While those are both important attributes as a leader, those two things alone do not show that one is ready for a leadership position or know how to competently do their job.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2014 11:11 AM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 11:11:57 -0500

Its better than the antiquated hazing ritual for E-5 and E-6 now

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2014 2:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Nov 2014 14:52:21 -0500

The SQT has it's drawbacks for MOS's where soldiers don't utilize those skills learned during AIT, ever in their career, except for re-touching during NCOES. I will use my MOS, CBRN, as an example.

When I took the test back in 1990, smoke generator operations were part of the MOS. These machines were only used if you were part of a chemical company with a smoke platoon, or with smoke units. It had been over 2 years since I had even seen one, let alone put one in operation. Yet, there I was answering questions (guessing mostly) on the test.

The problem is worse for TPU (reserve) soldiers. There is just not enough training time outside of AT missions to remain proficient in every aspect of many MOS's to do well on an SQT. This is especially true for MOS-immaterial slots like instructor positions. Potentially strong leaders could be passed over because they can't test well on tasks that they may not have performed in years

Response by SPC William Bryan made Jul 24 at 2017 10:41 PM

SPC William Bryan — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 22:41:31 -0400

Yes!!! They need to be able to demonstrate they can do a job. They need to be able to demonstrate period!! For that is what a NCO is at any given time is a trainer and a leader.

Response by PO2 Jeffery Reiser made Aug 29 at 2017 7:40 PM

PO2 Jeffery Reiser — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 19:40:31 -0400

Uh...YES, Duh!

Response by 1SG Doyle McNeil made Dec 7 at 2017 12:45 PM

1SG Doyle McNeil — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 12:45:39 -0500

I retired at the Sergeant Majors Academy in 2005. I think the SQT was a huge indicator for technical expertise; and if it is not currently used in the Army, then a similar process should be implemented.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 1 at 2018 1:29 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 01:29:56 -0500

Yrz

Response by SSG John Farvour made Jan 3 at 2018 11:09 AM

SSG John Farvour — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 11:09:46 -0500

Yes !! I was always criticized for my counseling and promotion techniques but all of my soldiers that I counseled and promoted went far into senior Nco ranks to include a couple command sergeant majors! It was simple if you were not a proficient 19d at your level and the one above you no promotion you can learn to counsel but war fighter skills are critical no exception

Response by COL Ardis Ferguson made Jan 6 at 2018 3:42 PM

COL Ardis Ferguson — Sat, 06 Jan 2018 15:42:21 -0500

Yes, SQT helped to get the best and brightest promoted. We need leaders who are technically and tactically proficient, literate and able to think. Combined SQT and CTT would ensure Soldiers know their craft before making them leaders at the next highest level.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2018 7:05 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Feb 2018 19:05:02 -0500

Yes. It truly was a definitive line that help identify those who pocessed skills n those who needed the remidial training or reclass n those who were qualified be looked at for their leadership skills n determine what leadership schools they needed. Regardless a soldier could still progress through the ranks but accordingly to their qualifications. Ergo the Specialist vs the NCO Corps’ needs...

Response by SFC James Lahtonen made Dec 29 at 2018 9:05 AM

SFC James Lahtonen — Sat, 29 Dec 2018 09:05:39 -0500

Yes, it should be reinstated, with the hands on portions. The SQT used to be tied into the QMP system but I think that went away too.

Response by SSG Ray Murphy made May 8 at 2019 2:55 PM

SSG Ray Murphy — Wed, 08 May 2019 14:55:32 -0400

No, much like anything else the Army touches like this, it'll get corrupted and won't really accurately measure anyone's competency in their MOS. It'll just be another number used to promote some, not others without regard to actual competency. One of the reasons it went away, was it was useless for all but the absolute bottom of the barrel, but leadership knew who those were just by looking at them in formation, day-to-day and in the field.

Response by CW3 Kim B. made Jun 4 at 2019 9:36 AM

CW3 Kim B. — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 09:36:58 -0400

Absolutely but that means the Army needs to ensure that Soldiers actually work their MOS after leaving school. Too many times Soldiers are performing other duties reassigned and never get to work their MOS.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 4 at 2019 6:02 AM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 06:02:52 -0400

Yes, bring them back.

Response by SFC Tom Crenshaw made Aug 4 at 2019 1:52 PM

SFC Tom Crenshaw — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 13:52:08 -0400

Sad but true.
Before SQT , I carried the 50 Cal, and mounted them for over 4 years... Never knew about headspace and timing, neither did anyone else, thank God we never saw action. Our armorer use to always use the headspace and timing gauge, to sharpen bayonets with... No clue.
SQT saved the Army.

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Jun 21 at 2021 11:35 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 23:35:34 -0400

YES, they should soldiers need to tactically and technically competent in their field and or area of expertise!