How do promotions work and what's required for them?

2020-01-06T12:39:41-05:00

I'm just trying to understand better what's needed to actually be an NCO as far as training goes. A part of the requirements being some online training you can do that I was told is in Iperms but I can't seem to find it. What's the online training required, where is it and can I get it done on my free time?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2020 1:18 PM

2020-01-06T13:18:14-05:00

Iperms is your electronic filing system, you won't find any training there. The training is located on ALMS. Every promotion requires that you complete a distance learning portion called Distributed Learning Course DLC, then you compete before a board. If selected you then go to the appropriate NCOES for that rank. After all that, then you pin on your next rank.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2020 1:44 PM

2020-01-06T13:44:51-05:00

This is an excellent question for your NCOIC. Ask them to show you your career management map.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jan 6 at 2020 1:51 PM

2020-01-06T13:51:05-05:00

Step one is being technically and tactically proficient. I understand you want to get the ball rolling, and yes, you should always be looking ahead. But right now, concentrate on learning your job, and take guidance from your first line. (S)he can give you FAR better guidance regarding proficiency, local customs, and unit policies. When looking at everything from PVT to SSG, it is all locally (unit) driven, so you need to be talking to local leaders to get the TRUE story.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jan 6 at 2020 3:09 PM

2020-01-06T15:09:42-05:00

OJT... go to a VA Hospital and walk the grounds.. talk with the disabled... Go to a VA National Cemetery and get lost within the thousands of headstones.. they each tell a story.. read the bios of KIA online list for the current wars... read Medal of Honor citations... then you will know what being a NCO means... young Grasshopper...

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Jan 6 at 2020 3:11 PM

2020-01-06T15:11:49-05:00

Your men and women come first.... you last.....

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2020 3:13 PM

2020-01-06T15:13:15-05:00

You need to do whatever the new DLC 1 is for Junior Enlisted. Pass the board and your PME(aka BLC)

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 6 at 2020 3:40 PM

2020-01-06T15:40:58-05:00

It is admirable that you want to know, it is best that you focus on learning your job, improving you basic Soldiering skills and get one grade at a time. Thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2020 5:02 PM

2020-01-06T17:02:52-05:00

Are you asking about doing stuff like correspondence courses online to start working on your promotion points points now?

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jan 6 at 2020 6:59 PM

2020-01-06T18:59:17-05:00

https://work.chron.com/army-automatic-promotions-work-29214.html

How Do Army Automatic Promotions Work?

If you have a clean record and are hard-working, promotions can be automatic, for up to 20 percent of the rank. The main requirements are time-in-service and time-in-grade. Some exceptions apply, including an early promotion, if it was stipulated in your enlistment contract.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2020 10:58 PM

2020-01-06T22:58:34-05:00

Thank you everyone for your words of wisdom and support!!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 6 at 2020 11:19 PM

2020-01-06T23:19:37-05:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member this may come as a surprise, but there are many people who have asked these and similar questions. Your first stop needs to be your NCO support channel. Research is a great help, and I applaud you for trying to figure these things out. Here a is a mature discussion on a similar topic. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-exactly-can-pfcs-do-to-guarantee-they-will-get-the-6-month-waiver-and-promotion-as-soon-as-18-months-tis-and-3-months-tig

What exactly can PFCs do to guarantee they will get the 6 month waiver and promotion as soon as...

I haven't had any leadership roles in Basic or AIT, so I don't have any promotion points currently. I'll be going to my duty station soon, and want to be sure that when slots open up to promote, I'll be at the top of my cadre's list. Also, any advice for 15R fresh out of AIT would be appreciated.

Response by SPC Michael Mullins made Jan 7 at 2020 11:16 AM

2020-01-07T11:16:30-05:00

The best thing that you can do is to make you self the best soldier that you can be including your physical fitness and education promotion is a competition you need to outshine your peers. In that spirit do your best also to not miss out on opportunities to expand your knowledge in your field as well as in the MOS's that either you support or that support you.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Jan 7 at 2020 11:37 AM

2020-01-07T11:37:57-05:00

Be

Know

Do
https://www.ausa.org/be-know-and-do

Be, Know and Do

To assist soldiers aspiring to noncommissioned officer ranks, several senior NCO's who recently served on NCO promotion boards and junior noncommissioned officers who have recently competed for promotion collected their insight to offer the following tips.