How can I attend the promotion board if my CSM has a requirement I can't meet because of a medical issue?

Without reading through all the comments, couple of questions. Have you done everything you can on your end, i.e. SSD1, volunteering (yes I know don't volunteer...) to do the hard tasks that would be challenging and outside the norm i.e. making sure your vehicle and platoons vehicles are squared away, helping your peers and lower ranked Soldiers be squared away for field problems and getting them to follow your lead when leadership is called for? Are you teaching classes and leading PRT to the standard? Do you know, I mean really know, all the AWT for skill level one and most of skill level 2-3?

This list can go on and on, but the point is, your actions and their results will get you promoted far faster than trying to work around possibly unreasonable senior ranked people.

Not saying this situation may be unfair, I don't know the whole story, but be the go to SPC on your end and your leadership will push for your promotion on their own volition.

Before knocking on any doors, find out what waivers if any are available and how to go about getting one. (Again if available) after you have a Solution or a SOLID ANSWER to your medication issue go through the proper channels (or at least notify your chain of command) your going to request a date on the CSM Calander using the open door policy. Important not to burn bridges in the Army these days, not to mention this is the right way and respectful way of giving your Leaders the opertunity to fix a problem that they can keep in house. I hope this works.

Have you considered writing a memorandum describing how your medication and the circumstances of medical acceptance to Pre-ranger effectively close the door on promotion? That, submitted with a request for a waiver of requirement should not only get you there, but prove that you have the fighting spirit necessary to be a good leader. That being said, waivers are always easy to accept if everything else about the candidate is overwhelmingly positive. Make sure you've got everything wired tight, otherwise your attempt will most likely end in failure. Good luck!

I would request use of the open door policy to talk to him. Going to IG is only going to piss him off because you didn't talk to him first, and then he'll be told he's wrong and has to send you. You'll feel the heat sitting in the board. So talk to him first and outline your pitch to him. This is your chance to be your own used car salesman.

Take your 1SG, PSG, and Squad Leader with you to help back you up. Go in there, thank him for his time to see you, and start off with the all of the fantastic things you're doing with the unit. Use specifics on how you're knocking everything out of the park. Paint that picture on why deserve to be an NCO/Sergeant (Do not say E-5. You'll get tossed right then and there).

Transition into how you understand unit pride and where he is coming from with it. It's the same thing with 101st and AASLT//82nd and Jump Wings. But the Army set the requirements to attend the board. Tell him you want to go, but bring up your concerns about attending right now, and you'll submit your packet as soon as you can (because Ranger school, regardless if you pass or fail, will make you a much better soldier almost immediately and your peers & leaders will see how you change), but it's not a requirement to go.

However he responds, do not be combative with it. Listen to what he has to say, thank him again for his time, and move on to the next step with your NCO's & 1SG's advice.

Making such requirements is completely unacceptable. No unit or person is authorized to add additional requirements above what is required in the Regulation. Ref. AR 600-8-19.

I would just be direct about it. If they have an issue, they can ask the battalion medical staff.

SPC,
First realize that you need to write it as SGM (not SGT.MAJ) -- and the word is spelled "ineligible." Now that we have those minor points out of the way, you shouldn't worry about upsetting the "head shed" or anyone else. It's your career. Ask for a formal Promotion Counseling on a DA 4856 (counseling form). If the only reason stated for why you are ineligible for the Promotion Board is that you are not qualified for Ranger School, then you can take the issue to the next higher CSM (Command Sergeant Major). You need to have the intestinal fortitude to do this, state your case and why you think you should be allowed to go to the Promotion Board, and bring the counseling with you.

I recommend that you use your NCO support channel and request an exception to policy. One of the duties of your NCO support channel is to be an advocate for you. Your 1SG should be the one to talk to your CSM. If you don't get the problem solved then involve your chain of command. If you still don't get it solved at that level, then inform your chain of command that you would like permission to go to the IG's office. But you must give your chain of command the opportunity to fix it at the lowest level. If you go to the IG, the first question is "did you give your chain of command the chance to fix it at their level.

We had a similar issue here and a call to IG resolved the problem. I understand what your CSM is trying to do but unless there is an official policy or regulation that you must have attended and passed a certain voluntary school he is going about it the wrong way.

I'm not 100% sure they can do that.