Does anybody have any tips for preparing for the E-6 Promotion Board?

2017-10-05T06:14:51-04:00

What should I expect before, during and after the board? Study aids?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2017 6:17 AM

2017-10-05T06:17:50-04:00

I always used D.W. Creech's giant book of board questions to prep.

Also: http://www.armystudyguide.com/

If you were boarded for SGT and not auto-promoted, the SSG board will be very similar to the SGT board. You'll be quizzed by a panel of 1SGs and a CSM and awarded points based on performance. Based on the particulars of your MOS, you'll have to wait to pin SSG until you make the minimum required points. Your promotion points vary based on awards, pt score, weapons qual, and other factors, plus you get points based on your performance at the board. Sometimes you immediately make points, other times you may have to wait until you either make the required number of points or the points drop enough for you to get promoted.

Of course, make sure your uniform matches your ERB with regard to awards and such and you present a neat, orderly appearance.

Confidence wins the day usually. Never stumble or go back on an answer, even if you're unsure whether or not you're right.

Good luck.

Also, be aware that if you grab that book - there have been some additions to the board dealing with the ATPs and newer Army regulations. I'd seek something more recent.

https://www.amazon.com/Soldiers-Comprehensive-Study-Manual/dp/ [login to see]

ArmyStudyGuide.com - A FREE Online and Audio Army Board Study Guide for U.S. Army Promotion...

A FREE Online and Audio Army Board Study Guide for U.S. Army Promotion Boards and Soldier / NCO Boards.

Response by SSG Alan Pelletier made Oct 5 at 2017 7:04 AM

2017-10-05T07:04:49-04:00

Purely personal in thought and philosophy.
Rather than study aids and YouTube videos, read the FM’s and AR’s, etc. The idea is to be truly knowledgeable as a leader during your transition and after. It’s your soldiers who will reap the rewards of an experienced AND knowledgeable leader.

Your leadership already believes your ready otherwise it wouldn’t come up, yes?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2017 8:16 AM

2017-10-05T08:16:56-04:00

Get in depth with the MOI topics. A lot of boards have gone away from the traditional armystudyguide.com material and moved towards comprehensive questions directed from ADP and ADRP'S. Ensure youve got the NCO Creed and your bio confidently memorized; that's the most important part because it's your first impression and where you truly sell yourself.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2017 9:40 AM

2017-10-05T09:40:23-04:00

Confidence is key. If you were recommended to attend the board your leaders already believe you deserve the promotion. Be confident when talking and answering questions to the board members. Be proud of your accomplishments. Your opening bio should reflect the career you have had so far. As far as study guides, I preferred using audio files to help me study. I listened to them in the car during my commute and I would listen to them when I was out for a run. Good luck!

Response by SGT Jim Arnold made Oct 5 at 2017 9:45 AM

2017-10-05T09:45:16-04:00

Do boards still have questions on current events? if so, that wouldn't hurt to brush up some related events say a 1 week back at the most

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2017 10:02 AM

2017-10-05T10:02:13-04:00

Own it! It's your board and you are on display. You have been recommended so you are there for a reason. The board members are there to validate. Over 4 years as a 1SG and many boards I can tell you confidence, appearance, tact, and knowledge go a long way. You can be successful without knowing everything as well.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2017 10:16 AM

2017-10-05T10:16:12-04:00

I would say that take the memory of your SGT promotion board and then kick it up about 5 notches. Confidence is paramount. For example, if the President of the Board asks you why you are standing there, tell them that this is the first step in taking their job. Not only get your hands on the MOI to know what topics to study, also get prepared to answer Leadership Situational questions. As for study guides, 1SG Private RallyPoint Member has great advice for listening to audio tapes. Also, during down time, have your NCOs AND your Juniors grill you on questions. You got this.

Response by SSG Russell Snyder made Oct 5 at 2017 1:04 PM

2017-10-05T13:04:17-04:00

What would you tell your SGT, SSG?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2017 5:06 PM

2017-10-05T17:06:41-04:00

As everyone has already said your confidence and how you present yourself is key. Say that creed load and proud. Other participants should be able to hear you from outside of the board room (obviously dependent on where you are). Ensure your uniform is squared away, haircut, know your bio, and be prepared for situational leadership type questions. I went to boards before they started implementing the ADP's so I can't really help you out there. They should provide you an MOI on the subjects they will be asking and who will be asking them. The web is your friend and ask other individuals in your unit if there is already a study guide in place.

On a side note your sponsor has more or less validate to the board members on why you should be there. I have been to boards that are very easy and ones that are very hard. I went to boards where I was asked to do one thing and that was it. You also cannot expect that and stil have to study your hardest regarless to prepare for the worst case scenario.

Remember if you are going to a promotion board that you could be asked a lot of leadership questions. This could include EO/Sharp issues, NCOER's, counseling, and others. Good luck on studying and wish you the best of lluck on your board.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2017 9:18 PM

2017-10-05T21:18:06-04:00

Control your nerves the best that you can. Tact, uniform/haircut, and knowing what you're asked is huge(NCO Creed). Be proud to know your command team believes in your potential and show the board members what you're made of.

Response by SSG Rob Edge made Oct 7 at 2017 2:37 AM

2017-10-07T02:37:45-04:00

Nco say it like u own it believe every word. I did mine my CSM said damn sgt hell you made me believe in that creed even more. Lol but say it with conviction

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2017 2:21 PM

2017-10-09T14:21:40-04:00

Depending upon your functional area, I would have the Lord's Prayer etched on the lenses of your glasses.

Response by SSG Francis Hiebler made Oct 11 at 2017 1:20 PM

2017-10-11T13:20:10-04:00

SGT allen, start with the board MEMORANDOM from s1. That will explain the subjects. Second ask those that went prior withing your Bn. Most CSM follow yge same format however each one has specific things that are tgeir unique way of conducting a board. BE CONFIDENT! Best inyour ventures.

Response by SSG Dirk Rasnic made Oct 18 at 2017 2:10 PM

2017-10-18T14:10:36-04:00

Talk to your 1STGT the battalion should have a study guide. Prep with your squad leader and go to the soldier of the month board before going to the promotion board.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Oct 18 at 2017 3:55 PM

2017-10-18T15:55:37-04:00

Realize that you have been in a position where you are the expert that sends others to the board. More will be expected from you for this reason.
You will be expected to be relaxed while attentive. Nervousness should be replaced with confidence. You should know more about NCOERs, NCO specific supervision, task delegation, and plan of action follow through. In short, you should be the NCO you expected to become when you took your last board.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2017 9:02 PM

2017-10-19T21:02:59-04:00

You can never “fully prepare” for a SSG board. They’re made to put you in uncomfortable positions. Sometimes asking you a situational question that has no wrong answer. They wanna see you show that you can be a leader and make a decision. Whether correct or wrong. Just study the MOI. Answer the questions to the best of your knowledge. Go in there confident. It’s just some guys asking you questions. And all people do boards differently. I’ve seen people go into a board and get asked one question and leave. I’ve seen people get grilled. It really depends. Just prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I hope this helps at all. Remember, it’s your board. Not the board members boards. They don’t wanna see a weak minded soldier. They wanna see a future leader.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2017 9:05 PM

2017-10-19T21:05:03-04:00

Also make sure your board packet, ERB, and your uniform all reflect the same awards!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2019 10:19 AM

2019-05-12T10:19:14-04:00

Yeah...stop calling it an E6 board. So you want to be a pay grade? No...you want to be a SSG!!!