SFC Private RallyPoint Member 112794 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just want some feedback, experiences and whatnot to see if people really get prioritized over the standard 10 year no extras naildriver, sittin in that line unit with 5 deployments and on his 5th look for SFC. 2014-04-27T10:57:16-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 112794

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just want some feedback, experiences and whatnot to see if people really get prioritized over the standard 10 year no extras naildriver, sittin in that line unit with 5 deployments and on his 5th look for SFC.

2014-04-27T10:57:16-04:00 2014-04-27T10:57:16-04:00 Sgt Randy Hill 131707

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>From the point of view of the Vermont Army National Guard, it seems that recruiter duty is almost a square to fill in order to make SFC. All the recruiters I know are SFC or above.

2014-05-21T10:08:26-04:00 2014-05-21T10:08:26-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 131709

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was told early on that if you wanted to see E7 you needed to do one of those 3 jobs. They are all special assignments and can help you. I'd also recommend trying to get Battle Staff.

2014-05-21T10:10:12-04:00 2014-05-21T10:10:12-04:00 SFC Michael Hasbun 131715

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If this last board is any indicator, no ;) Apparently you need to be Airborne and serving with SF support, at least in my MOS =)

2014-05-21T10:18:26-04:00 2014-05-21T10:18:26-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 131753

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Dont forget AIT PSG. When I was there every SSG made SFC. We even had one with 0 college credit hours to make it also.

2014-05-21T11:10:49-04:00 2014-05-21T11:10:49-04:00 SFC William Swartz Jr 131827

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>In today's ever-changing Army, who the hell knows...in the pre-GWOT days, if you were a SSG and wanted to be selected for SFC you needed to have that specialty assignment on your record...as the GWOT went on, it was more about deployments and what position you held during those deployments....as we wind down from the GWOT it will probably swing back. I can tell you of the two assignments I held, recruiter and PLDC SGL, the latter was the more satisfactory for me personally and professionally.

2014-05-21T12:16:41-04:00 2014-05-21T12:16:41-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 131829

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I just left USAREC. I don't think recruiting helps, based on what I saw in 3 years. I think it really depends on your NCOERs, that is all. You must have quantifiable bullets. In recruiting, that's extremely easy to do. If you want to volunteer for a poison, volunteer for DS. At least being a DS is applicable to being a leader. Recruiting will just leave you bitter, at least it did for me.

2014-05-21T12:18:28-04:00 2014-05-21T12:18:28-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 131932

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I come from a small MOS (total enlisted about 700). Very hard to see E-7, most 20 year Soldiers retire at E-6. I made E-7 at 11 years TIS and on my first look. I know all things being equal among my peers (deployments, civilian and military schools, NCOERs, Duty Positions, Duty Assignements, etc.) that the cards were fairly evenly stacked for everyone. However, I am convinced that if I was not in my current Special Duty that I would not of made it on my first look. This Special Duty Assignemnt is what seperated me from the rest of my peers.

2014-05-21T13:47:31-04:00 2014-05-21T13:47:31-04:00 MSG Martin C. 132009

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It's my personal opinion that it does, however reading DA PAM 600-25 for your particular CMF will specify what is considered a broadening assigment. As far as a general rule if thumb seek a mentor within you career field read every AAR for the previous boards to include SFC, MSG and SGM this will guide you a window of knowledge of what the board is looking as favorable towards progression. I however after doing all of these I did a simple test I google search images of the word Signal CSM and I read all of the bios of the CSMs in my field I also counted how many had DS badges or Recruiter badges, how many had degrees etc.... Get to know your specific CMF all the answers are within that DA PAM

2014-05-21T15:05:59-04:00 2014-05-21T15:05:59-04:00 SFC Osvaldo Vazquez 132021

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I wish. I think that with all the reduction in the force, assignments take a lower cosideration for promotion. In my case, I have been a SGL at an NCO Academy for almost 3 years, yet I keep getting overlooked. With the new promotion progression chart put by DA they want SFC's to have at least 14 years, which puts me on a though spot soncidering I have 12 years TIS but been a SSG for over 6 years. In this case, being high speed and getting promoted fastracking is working against me now. <br /><br />In a way I wish I had spent more time as a SGT to get more squad leader time rather than have SL time as a SSG. I could not get a PSG slot because of other SSG's with higher TIG/TIS so although high speed, I am at the mercy of the new system. <br /><br />When I think about it like that, I am alctually illegible for QSP, even though I been a good Soldier, and serve in various positions. So, I am considered "stagned" in my rank but not yet ready for the next rank. Total oximoron.

2014-05-21T15:23:29-04:00 2014-05-21T15:23:29-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 132036

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I always hear that thise duties will help you get promoted to E7, but those of us that are AGR do not really get that option unless you get recruiting duty. There are so many AGRs including myself that would like to have the opportunity to be a Drill Sergeant or an AIT Instructor

2014-05-21T15:45:58-04:00 2014-05-21T15:45:58-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 132059

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>There has been a lot of great feedback and insight provided here. I'll say that in order to stand out amongst one's peers requires attention to many different pieces in one's career. Ah yes, I'm a poet! If anyone reads Senior Enlisted Promotion Board Analyses, each CMF has different things that are considered more favorable than others. However, most if not all give considerable weight to: college credit; quantitative and substantiated NCOER bullets; broadening/unique Special Duty Assignments (SDA) and deployment history; SQIs &amp; ASIs and lastly but likely most important Leadership experience/potential. <br />If one looks at the trends and these key points from an Operating vs. Generating Force perspective, you'll see Soldiers having spent time in Generating Force positions are having equal and increasingly more leverage over those with just Operating Force experiences. What do I take away from this? Generating Force positions offer the ability to cover a significant amount of the things favorably considered. More so than Operating Force positions due to the amount of time SMs spend either in deployment or refit/training rotations. I'm not saying one is better than the other, but there is credible evidence to support one simply has more opportunities to leverage if a Soldier is forward thinking and motivated. <br />I'd take differing conjecture from others with a grain of salt. Instead, do an honest self assessment and evaluate which path bests suits you that you will likely excel in. Every assignment has its pros and cons. If you don't like how something is being done or a situation that you are in, seek to better it or improve your plight. Use tact &amp; strategy, seek out &amp; be a mentor and be informed more than your superiors or subordinates. You will get further and do great things being a Leader this way.

2014-05-21T16:18:22-04:00 2014-05-21T16:18:22-04:00 SSG John Bacon 132066

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As far as I know it is still a rout to "fast track" to SFC Just as Airborne, Air Assault and Pathfinder schools assist in the process of selection.

2014-05-21T16:24:10-04:00 2014-05-21T16:24:10-04:00 SSG Jeremy Siebenaller 132124

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My personal belief is that 1) Yes it does matter. Definitely Pre-GWOT. And again I think it will in the near future with the draw back. and 2) I think its a HUGE load of crap that schoolings as such come into play when promoting someone to what will more than likely be a indefinite re-up. I still can't figure it out how a class and our a schooling has anything to do with ones leadership ability. If you have people skills, no matter how good/bad you are as a leader in the military...you can be a damn good recruiter. As goes with Drill...If you have the ability to teach a soldier how to march and show them basically how to be an "infant" in the Army world...You can be a damn good Drill. It doesn't necessarily show any leadership and or lack of leadership. It was always and will always remain baffling to me why certain schools like that should even be considered for moving up in your MOS. Why wouldn't your ability and/or lack of your ability to do your job and ensure mission success with the soldiers amongst you be called into play?

2014-05-21T18:07:05-04:00 2014-05-21T18:07:05-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 132127

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I honestly believe it's why I made this past list. I did a 3 year stint as a recruiter, dealt with all the bullshit, and left with stellar NCOERs. This year was my first look for the SFC list and I was selected with a very low sequence number. I truly believe it was the recruiting duty that led to the selection!

2014-05-21T18:11:50-04:00 2014-05-21T18:11:50-04:00 MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member 132257

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This question is is one that's been asked year after year for decades. It just depends. It depends on who's sitting on your board, what they're focusing on that year and, of course, your overall track record. With the deployment draw down, you need to find the "hard jobs" since deployments were "where it was at" a few years ago in reference to getting promoted to the senior ranks. With 4 deployments under my belt and holding every position I could get someone to give me, I made E-7 on my first look. I tore my ACL, couldn't go to sunny Afghanistan with my platoon and was put on Rear D. I had to go. I called branch, got a special assignment as an Instructor and made this past E-8 list. Again, on my first look. So yes, I DEFINTELY believe special assignments gives you a leg up over your peers. But if you go for that type of assignment, be prepared because TRADOC is a whole different animal. Trust me!

2014-05-21T21:51:42-04:00 2014-05-21T21:51:42-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 132483

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well SSG Ledbetter, like with anything you do in the Army, simply doing will not set you above your peers. Doing it, and doing it well, will. <br /><br />You have to excell in the positions you listed and not just have them. I made SFC in 10 years and MSG in 15 without having any of the positions that you listed. I was assigned as an Instructor writer when I got selected for MSG though. I also have multiple deployments. Your NCOERs are what are going to make or break you. Honors achieved during NCOES will also set you above your peers. SAMC and SGT Morales club will also set you above your peers.

2014-05-22T11:27:38-04:00 2014-05-22T11:27:38-04:00 SFC Walter Mack 132660

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The short answer is, it can. The weight a special duty assignment holds varies significantly not only with your MOS, but more importantly with the board members and their own personal bias.<br />The most important things you can do to get promoted to SFC do not vary much. First and foremost, ensure your DA Photo and ERB are spot on perfect with all documentation in your OMPF. So many don't that that one single act will set you above your peers. Most importantly, your ERB/Photo/OMPF lets the board know who really wants to be promoted.<br />Next, read your board AARs for SFC and MSG. They will most likely mirror each other and will give you everything you need to be as competitive as you're going to get.<br />The wild card is what leaders are sitting on the board. My CSM at my unit after recruiting told us all that he felt recruiting was a waste of time and he felt it didn't hold any weight on the board. I later found out that he was sitting on the SFC board, which made me sad, but I still made it. I'm sure that my recruiting experience had little to do with at least his judgement of my record.<br />I personally was very pompous about my promotion. I wasn't proactive about researching the AARs, didn't have any mentorship, and felt my NCOERs spoke for themselves. I had accomplishments that I felt were way above my peers and always carried a 1/1 on my NCOERs, yet I was still passed over. The first time, I felt that I didn't pick up because it was the secondary zone look (&lt;

2014-05-22T17:44:52-04:00 2014-05-22T17:44:52-04:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 134228

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The short answer is Yes! <br />As a six, you need any and everything that makes you stand apart from your peers! <br />Going to ABIC and becoming SGL is the easier of the three. Drill Sergeant Duty is highly rewarding, but long &amp; aggravating dealing with recruits while Recruiting duty is paper stress.<br />Pick your poison wisely!

2014-05-24T16:04:29-04:00 2014-05-24T16:04:29-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 137412

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Definitely

2014-05-28T22:40:20-04:00 2014-05-28T22:40:20-04:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 160912

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just my guess/opinion.<br /><br />You are assuming lots of responsibility well above your pay grade. In most cases you are an E5 or E6 that is overseeing just as many soldiers as E7s and E8s do throughout the regular army. I just see those individuals as lower ranking NCOs taking on the daily responsibilities of the ranks 2 and even 3 tiers above their own. If I were a CSM on a selection board I would definitely take that into consideration. I believe and will try to achieve both sides of the coin. After deploying a few times and getting the experience you mentioned of the line unit NCO then DS, SGL, or something along those lines surely doesnt hurt your resume! Might as well do both if you can.

2014-06-22T15:13:20-04:00 2014-06-22T15:13:20-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 161018

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>No doubt it makes you look better for SFC. I remember my SGLIs in WLC said if I was ever went Recruiter, Drill or did WLC/ALC/SLC instructor it would look great in the eyes of the Army. Why? Because you're in a position where you're teaching and educating the force the latest and greatest of the standards that make up. the Army. The hours may suck but when that board comes rolling around, you'll have a better chance of being selected

2014-06-22T16:50:46-04:00 2014-06-22T16:50:46-04:00 1SG Michael Blount 209122

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Boards these days are looking for promotable people with multipile skill sets. The SGL and SSGL designators are the kinds of signs boards are looking for.

2014-08-19T07:25:15-04:00 2014-08-19T07:25:15-04:00 SFC Mark Merino 256168

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Diversity brother,it never hurts. I made it below the zone without those qualifications and only an associates degree. The best I figured, it was because I was a prior ground guy that went air cav and got moved around a lot (not my doing). By the time I was looked at, I did the gamut of aviation positions. that was available as a SSG. I think it is better to be well above average in more positions than excellent in just one. At a minimum, see if you can get a different position prior to the board with enough time for your 90 day "Complete the Record" NCOER to show you are excelling. I just noticed this threadis 5 months old....................Do you have any updates for your military family? Keep the faith! Mark

2014-09-26T00:55:44-04:00 2014-09-26T00:55:44-04:00 SSG Jim Husselman 439874

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Those additional duty's help but education and the right MOS matters more. It almost seems any more it's not your skill in your MOS but more that you have the education and promotion points. I am from the old school Soldiers where your ability to execute your job well and lead your troops properly to get the mission done and improve their skills was what it was all about. Soldiers first Mission always. HOOAAH

2015-01-27T21:19:57-05:00 2015-01-27T21:19:57-05:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 439905

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was DA selected for Recruiting Duty in 1982. Tried everything I possibly could to get out of it as I was in the process of extending my overseas tour with the 11th ACR (Blackhorse) in Fulda Germany as I was finishing up my 2nd 3 yr tour in the Regiment. The Border between the East-West Germany was considered back then the most not sought after duty in the Army except for those of us who grew up in the Army there, enjoyed the tough duty of being in the field (Graf, Wildflicken, Hohenfels, Border duty/Border Patrol, etc or getting ready to go from one to the other.<br /><br />Anyway, DA got their way. I was a SSG at the time and went to Charlotte Recruiting Battalion. I was taken off of my TTE Program after 5 months and became a Station Commander of a 3 man Station and was also on production as well.<br /><br />I was selected for promotion to SFC on my 1st time being considered for promotion. Only 2 Soldiers in my MOS (16S) were promoted that year and both of us were on Recruiting Duty. So my answer is definitely YES. <br /><br />I realize times have changed in Recruiting with shared station mission and was told no individual monthly mission box ( I do not know this for sure). The Army realizes these special duty assignments are tough, which makes for the requirements to have DA Selections for NCOs who have a record of outstanding performance in their MOS.<br /><br />I hated Recruiting Duty my entire time out there (3 yrs); though there were parts of it I enjoyed (interaction with the young folks, working in the schools, the JROTC Programs, community officials; and local businesses); USAREC as a command was a different story (there was very little of taking care of the Soldier; Making mission was the ONLY priority; and seen some outstanding NCOs sent back to the Army because they could not master the Army's sales pitch and put young men and women "in boots"....be sent back to the mainstream of the Army after 12 months with a Relief for Cause NCOER. Fortunately I understand it has changed and I hope so.<br /><br />So after all that was said...again YES, Recruiting Duty can help you get promoted to SFC. At least it did back in my day.

2015-01-27T21:36:36-05:00 2015-01-27T21:36:36-05:00 SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. 439917

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was a Drill Sergeant and a Recruiter (DA select for both) and I really believe it helped me make the list in 13 years as a 44E (Machinist/Welder).

2015-01-27T21:41:05-05:00 2015-01-27T21:41:05-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 440232

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would like to thank everyone for their awsome input on this topic. In my own personnal opinion it is very effective to communication with your peers, supervisors, and leaders. as a SSG the army expects us to be squad leaders, complete ALC, SSD3 and such but going beyond that is what will put you ahead of your peers. Giving myself as an example I have completed SLC, SSD4, done my Squad leader time, served as EOL for my company and worked in BN S-3. My next goal is to choose a detail assignment and become a platoon sergeant.

2015-01-28T01:54:34-05:00 2015-01-28T01:54:34-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 440742

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I would say so. <br />At some point it stops being about what you can do for your unit, and more about what you can do, or have done, for the ARMY as a whole...<br /><br />Those types of impacts are what can separate you from your peer group.

2015-01-28T11:37:43-05:00 2015-01-28T11:37:43-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 500899

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a former NCOA Instructor (SGL) for WLC, myself along with most peers got selected for SFC on first look. Anything really as a special duty EOA, SGL, DS, recruiter, Career Counselor, MOS Instructor etc. Even 2S battle staff positions and SHARP is career enhancing. Anything to set you apart from your peers. ASI, SQI and additional dutys help too. Of course exceeds in any 1059 producing school helps as well and the good ol' college degree. So based off experience yes to your question. If you were to compare your self to others in your MOS/Grade where would you stand and also do you have an MOS that is not over strength. Hope this helped. <br /><br />SFC Vancuren, OUT!

2015-02-27T01:45:12-05:00 2015-02-27T01:45:12-05:00 SSG Leevon Leggins II 518187

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I will say it depends on what the board is looking for during that session. I retired as a 7yr E6 with deployment, Recruiter, and Instructor (MOS and General) time. For my MOS I had a pretty diverse duty position list but did not get picked up. My best advice is to continue doing your job and strive to be the best

2015-03-07T20:37:40-05:00 2015-03-07T20:37:40-05:00 SGM Private RallyPoint Member 1021447

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SSG Cody Ledbetter, All of the above.

2015-10-06T16:54:42-04:00 2015-10-06T16:54:42-04:00 1SG Private RallyPoint Member 1433122

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Drill Sergeant, Recruiting and SGL does look good in your records for E7 especially if you are in a Soldier heavy unit or a training unit, but what I believe really helps you make E7 is: 1. Good constructed, meaty NCOERS with no fluff, 2. Your DA Photo is on point! Current and flawless, 3. 2-1 and 2A current, completed and correct, 4. NCOES current and completed, 5. You are not a homesteader. If you been in for 10 to 15 years and you have only been in 1 or 2 units, that could be <br />a "put that packet to the left and look at this guy/gal with many assignments, MOB, and a deployment". I've seen it. 5th look might simply be your MOS. I had 5 looks for E7 to E8. (3x FOOT STOMP) I was going to put in a Warrant officer packet and them I made it. If you are motivated and you want to be here, don't let nothing or no one stop you from progressing. Not getting promoted on time, research your next option to acquire your desired outcome. PCS, change MOS, go OCS, go Warrant, Drill. Many of us get caught up in friends and the unit and location and flexibility. There is a <br />motivational saying in the business world. " You cant keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result". Good luck.

2016-04-06T08:33:40-04:00 2016-04-06T08:33:40-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 1433131

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Any of the schools will help you out promotion wise I know now that combat deployments doesn't count for promotion points just Rifle qual. PT extra circular course, badge schools, college education etc.

2016-04-06T08:38:53-04:00 2016-04-06T08:38:53-04:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 1433394

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>These are the challenges that make you stand out!

2016-04-06T10:21:03-04:00 2016-04-06T10:21:03-04:00 2014-04-27T10:57:16-04:00