How did you prepare for the Promotion Board/SGT?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 00:35:40 -0500

I'll soon be attending the promotion board and wanted to get some information and suggestions on study methods that have worked for you to attain your 'P' status. Also things you didn't expect that I can prepare for. Hooah

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 2:34 AM

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 02:34:00 -0500

My personal secret for studying for any test or promotion board has been to wake up very early in the morning hours on the day of the exam, do any reading I need to do, and go back to sleep for the rest of the night. Studies have shown this particular method improves memory retention in most test individuals. It sure worked for me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 7:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 07:25:26 -0500

First things first, get a copy of the MOI from your squad leader or FLL. If your boards are anything like the rest of the army, it will be mostly ADRP's and ADP's. Know where to find an answer if they ask one you don't know. Half of being a NCO is being resourceful and knowing where to find an answer. Stay calm and confident. Be loud and speak up, and speak clearly. Good luck!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 9:52 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 09:52:38 -0500

To piggyback what SFC Private RallyPoint Member said, IF you tell them you will find the answer and get back to them........BE SURE TO GET BACK TO THEM. Also, get that Creed of the NCO, the Soldiers Creed and the Army Song (all verses).......and while I hate to use this word.......memorized. Nothing will kill your board presence worse than being asked to recite the NCO Creed and you end up having a massive brainfart. Also, have people quiz you all day on board questions. Have them ask you at random....in the DFAC, PX, wherever. Oh, and when asked to recite the Creed(s), ensure you stand up at Attention.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2016 10:38 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 22:38:34 -0500

First thing first, confidence and competence!! Walk in that board with both and carry discipline in the way you sit, sound off with answers and report and dismiss yourself from the board. You control the board based off of how well you sell yourself with the NCO creed and you're bio. Ensure your sponsor knows you and knows how to present you to the board. Doing this will make everything else easy for you as long as you study! Study! Study! Index cards worked best for me. Nothing really surprises me at boards anymore but the more you do the them the easier they get in my opinion.

Ensure your Asu's are PERFECT! Your chain of command should look them over multiple times and give you mock boards continuously up until the day before the board. Good luck to you and take all these tips from these rally point leaders into consideration. I'm sure you'll do great.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 30 at 2016 8:59 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 08:59:35 -0400

Not sure if you are still looking to study, but there is a study group that meets every Tue and Thur in the BOSS room above the bus station.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Mar 30 at 2016 9:05 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 09:05:01 -0400

I studied and worked closely with an NCO (a sponsor) who helped prepare me greatly. He was a big believer in the idea of developing soldiers into leaders even at the lowest levels and firmly believed the Army was falling away from the task of developing the next generation of leaders, so he had a interest in helping me along the way.