How do you think promotions should work?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 02:56:21 -0500

What do you think the most effective way to promote JR enlisted soldiers to the NCO corps is? I have looked at the Promotion Board for the Army, the Promotion testing in the airforce, and I have thought to myself why not make the Army promotion work with a promotion board, a written test, and a couple of leadership tasks and lanes? I think that represents more of a total Soldier than just a board. What do you think?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 3:46 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 03:46:33 -0500

Are you suggesting to make it like a Best Warrior Competition layout?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 4:59 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 04:59:43 -0500

As a BN CSM I was required to conduct a promotion board every month, unless the mission does not allow. I have rarely not conducted the monthly promotion board. In conjunction with that promotion board I must also hold the Soldier and NCO of the month board.

Even with limiting the board members to about two questions per subject and working through lunch, the promotion board usually takes the entire day. If you added a written test and "hands on" (both of which are unauthorized by regulation) it would probably take a week or at least a couple days.

The Soldier has been recommended by his/her chain of command as having the potential to serve in a position of greater responsibility. The promotion board is a chance for the CSM and the senior NCO board members to ensure that the Soldier/NCO demonstrates that capability. The job or MOS is not the question it's the ability to assume duties as a NCO which is far more than just a job.

I think the Army's semi-centralized promotion system could be slightly improved but I like it better than some of the other services NCO promotion systems.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2015 5:37 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 05:37:21 -0500

I think you are on to something with the total soldier concept. Boards are great and should be a primary piece. However, as you get into your career you will gain all kinds of knowledge ranging from experiential, institutional

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2020 3:25 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jan 2020 15:25:32 -0500

In my opinion the only thing that really should matter are evaluation reports. So I would create a Junior Evaluation report or the likes.