Does the current Structured Self Development course system efficiently promote Professional development? Seems unfair since all you really have to do is go to Wiki Answers and get the answers. The website seems like it is non-user friendly as well.

Does the current Structured Self Development course system efficiently promote Professional development?

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Posted >1 y ago

To be honest, I learn best when I grab a regulation, sit down, and actually read the thing. SSD leaves much to be desired in comparison to that in my opinion.

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SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

its just another online click click click click done, the Army should do more than create MORE boxes to check.

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SSG Robert Burns

>1 y

I think its pure laziness. What on earth is NCODP for? Why don't we just make a powerpoint test for everything we do? Pretty soon, basic training will be computer based.

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SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

lol, thats what ive been saying for a few years now,,, privits, (yes, privits) will soon just go to the recruiter, take their online tests they take now for promotion, go to meps, take a few more online tests, hit CIF and then get shipped straight to their unit... (no, not really) but it sure seems that its heading that way.

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SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

not to mention everyone know of some glitch with the system,, its flawed, there is more to being a professional Soldier than just taking numerous classes online someone made to beef up their NCOER/ OER

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SSG (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

While I agree that all of the SSDs are not without their difficulties, I do believe they are great learning tools.  Could they be employed differently....probably.  I believe this should be training taught in a classroom as opposed to online.....with the possibility of Soldiers getting more out of it than just sitting in front of a computer screen clicking the NEXT button repetitively.<br>

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SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

The SSDs are such lengthy training requirements; if what SSG Moore is proposing is to be effective then the teachings of SSDs by Leaders to their subordinates can be broken down by their modules and in order for the Soldiers to advance to the next module they have to successfully test out of the previous module.

Sir, as long as we the Leaders manage our time effectively (something we should be doing when it comes to taking care of our Soldiers) then I believe face to face SSD training can work.

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SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

Sitting down with your soldiers does not work well in the reserves.

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SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

Sitting down with your soldiers does not work well in the reserves.

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SGT(P) (Join to see)

>1 y

Sitting down with Soldiers would be great, in an ideal world, free of SERE 100, AT-Level 1, GAT Survey's, SHARP training, EO training, MAL's, UMR's, LAYOUT's, and regular details like...Area Beautification, common areas, ASP guard, and DFAC register. The list goes on forever, because when they're not doing anything, YOU have things to do like counseling, fixing packets, prepping for training, inspecting for training prep, CQ, Staff Duty, and supervise all of the things that your guys are doing.

Even if you could get them all together in one place long enough to start this, you would have to travel to a place with multiple computers(library, computer lab, but good luck teaching above a whisper in there), internet that actually stays on for more than two minutes.

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1SG (Join to see)

Edited 11 y ago

Posted 11 y ago

When I get my monthly eligible Sgt promotion list it states if they don't meet the des/Mel requirement. That is a clear indication usually that they have not completed SSD 1. I have my platoon sergeants allot a Soldier time during work to complete their SSD. I have gone as far as setting a type of OML for Soldiers to have time to complete it. Most complete it in about 2 days. That's giving them about 4 hours a day to work on it. (Still need to get some work out of them also). If a Soldier doesn't want to take the time to do it, then they get it mentioned on their monthly performance counseling. If their not eligible for promotion because they have not completed it then they are counseled on why their not attending the promotion board. Another thing is no SSD 1 = no WLC. It is irritating to watch Soldiers not want to progress. If not to get promoted then to at least better themselves until time to ets. With that I agree with 1SG Hansen, Don't want to progress then impose a Bar. Makes the decision of telling a Soldier he doesn't make the cut to reup that much easier. Anyway, my two cents.

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SFC (Join to see)

11 y

Fully agreed 1SG. We've scheduled time and provided a DL classroom for those soldiers who want to get it done and qualify for promotion. I don't think we had a single soldier pass up the opportunity, and if they do it certainly could be an indicator of their career intentions.

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SGT(P) (Join to see)

11 y

I agree, but at the same time it distinguishes soldiers who are self motivated to advance in the ranks compared to those that do not.

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1SG (Join to see)

11 y

True, but sometimes Soldiers need a push to better their careers. Make sure you get to know your Soldiers and what's going on with them. Sometimes they may have a family issue, marriage problems they might be embarrassed to share. If I hadn't been pushed into some requirements in my younger days I might not be where I am today. Of course some just don't care and nothing you do will change them. Try to find what gave them that bitter taste in their mouth and try to make them believers. With the draw downs commanders and first sergeants have this wonderful tool to not allow Soldiers to Re-up if they don't "make the grade".

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SFC (Join to see)

Posted 11 y ago

No, they shouldn't be forced to complete the SSD commensurate with their rank, or future rank. They do need to be counseled though as to the negative effects this will have upon their career in the Army, or lack there of. Soldiers are adults, some more mature than others, regardless they need to be treated as such. We are all responsible for our actions, good and bad.

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SGM Matthew Quick

Posted 11 y ago

Yes...Soldiers should be forced to complete to be competitive for promotion to the next higher rank.

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SGM Matthew Quick

11 y

I understand and can appreciate your passion.

Think back when we were young(er) Soldiers...did you always have enough discipline, self-drive, and motivation to complete everything on time?

There may have been times that I needed motivation in my career or times I really didn't understand the second and third order effects of something that I didn't see as important at a certain time. We are older and wise now and can appreciate the importance of just about anything.

Soldiers need to be pushed...some more than others. SSD should not be the sole determining factor for promotion recommendation.

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WO1 (Join to see)

11 y

I think SSD1 should be required and forced but after that if an NCO doesnt have the discipline, self-drive, and motivation to complete the required training they dont need to be considered for promotion.

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SSG (Join to see)

11 y

No, SSD should not be forced. If a Soldier takes this job seriously, then they will do the work. If they dont, they get pushed out. I agree with putting the information on the counseling statement, but forcing an unmotivated, uncaring service member to be competetive for promotions in a time when the Army is looking for those very same unmotivated people to push out seems counter productive.

The Army is drawing down, we all know this. If our top leaders are saying identify them so we can get them out, then we should identify them. Let them be lazy and uncaring, they'll be shown the door while those who want to get promoted do the work. This process leaves the door open for better Soldiers to fill those positions.

A case in point, I have a Soldier who wants to go to the promotion board, says hes ready. But hes not competetive, barely breaks the minimum point requirement in an MOS that averages promotions at points 150-200 above what he owns. Should I send him to the board because he meets the TIS/TIG requirements? I dont think so. Hes been counseled, we worked out a plan together and hes working on that plan. The point being, if I can be motivated (and I was), then so can those behind us. And to hold those behind us to higher standards will only strengthen the force while we face uncertain operational requirements in the future.

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SGM (R) Antonio Brown

11 y

Months before the promotion board (MSG to SGM) convenes I received an email that showed me the number of MSGs(CMF 74) that were being looked at for promotion. Out of that number the email showed the number of MSGs that completed SSD IV. If the board were held on the day that I received the email 25-30% of the MSGs would not have had their records seen by the board members. This is at the Senior level. When do we stop holding the hands of individuals? I believe in motivating Soldiers, mentoring, coaching, teaching, and what ever else I have to do in order to have a Soldier live up to their potential. But we have to hold Soldiers, regardless of rank, accountable for their actions. I have spoken to my counterparts from other branches of service about SSD/promotions. These leaders have told me that they make the personnel aware of what must happen in order to advance. They make sure that the personnel have time and the tools needed to study and complete the DL lessons. If the personnel fail to meet the standard then the personnel are counseled for it. My counterparts made me aware that the personnel are not forced to complete DL lessons. I do not feel that Soldiers should be forced to complete SSD because those that fail to complete SSD are showing that they have no desire to advance.

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1SG Steven Stankovich

Posted 11 y ago

SSD is the hot topic of the Army these days. I received an email a few weeks ago that outlined the numbers for the MSGs who were ineligible to be considered for promotion for the upcoming SGM board because they have not completed SSD IV. For my MOS alone, it was almost a third of the population who would not be looked at if the board convened today (it convenes this June). So this is not just a Soldier issue, it is a leader issue also.

I do not believe in the "mandatory" piece though. I, much like 1SG Hansen, believe that SSD and how it is linked to promotion and NCOES should be outlined in monthly/quarterly counseling's. A plan of action should be developed to complete the required SSD. If that plan of action is not followed, then that should be recorded. Afford your Soldiers and NCOs the tools needed to be successful. If they choose not to use them, then so be it. The direction the Army is moving nowadays, natural selection and attrition will weed those folks out who do not want to complete what is required of them for advancement.

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1SG Steven Stankovich

11 y

Self Structured Development sir. On-line training that is tied to selection for schooling and promotion on the enlisted side of the house.

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SPC Scott Dennin

11 y

I am about to re-enlist into the National Guard. Is SSD something I should be prepared to do for promotion or does the NG not participate?

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SSG V. Michelle Woods

11 y

SPC Dennin

I HIGHLY recommend you reference the link below. SSG Carl Beutler does the best job explaining SSD in the most basic yet accurate and brief terms.

Trust me, you'll want to understand this new-ish Army training requirement before you reenlist.

RallyPoint | PH 1 and PH 2 ALC and SSD 3 Question

I have a fellow NCO who is trying to get promoted to SSG.  Preparation, he is working on getting more military schooling completed, and he would like to get enrolled in SSD 3.  He emailed th...

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SPC Scott Dennin

11 y

SSG Woods,

Thanks for the info and the link.

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1SG Alan Bailey

Posted 11 y ago

I agree with we should not force them to complete SSD, when I was told that inorder to compete for SGM Academy I had to complete SSD4 or 5 which ever it is I did it took be about 2 or 3 days in Afghanistan. If the Soldier does not want to do it that is fine helps with the cutting of numbers that we have to get to. I agree with 1SG Hansen, lets use the BAR and Flags to matbe motivate them to complete it or they go do something else, some place else.

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SFC Michael Hasbun

Posted >1 y ago

I absolutely LOVE the new SSD's! My first look is in February, and as of now there are THOUSANDS of NCO's who couldn't be bothered to do it, thereby taking themselves out of the running for promotion.

Anything that helps my odds is great in my book!

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SSG (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

Sir, it isn't very user friendly, nor is it browser friendly. Also a lot of good knowledge is stored in the program, but entirely too much information to absorb. In my opinion, it should be revised.

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SGM Matthew Quick

>1 y

So, make it easier?

I understand the compatibility and technical issues, but TOO MUCH information?

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SSG (Join to see)

>1 y

MSG, it's too much information compiled into one (probably expensive) program that doesn't work a lot of times. I believe a lot of that online training should be used with a more reliable platform. If not, take it back to hands on training.

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CPT (Join to see)

Posted >1 y ago

to quote a former 1SG who is an awesome leader

"Module 2 of SSD-4 complete, as an average Infantry First Sergeant I am now fully qualified to interact on the theatre and multi-national level with host foreign ambassadors and the Joint Chief of Staff. I am still waiting for the part that covers being a First Sergeant, you know like taking care of soldiers and running a company mission CCP? No sign of those things yet."

That pretty much sums up everything I've heard about SSD.

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