How much weight do Selection Boards put into Generating over Broadening Assignments?

2017-05-06T10:08:30-04:00

Whenever someone says "What do I have to do to get promoted to SFC?" the answer is almost always Recruiter, Drill Sergeant, SGL, AIT Platoon Sergeant, etc. My main question is how much weight is put into Generating over Broadening Assignments.

The ACT Career Maps which were recently updated break them down nicely, but do not break down their weight or track. What I mean is generally the assumption is 2 years rated time as a key leader in a line unit then 1 year in a staff assignment makes you competitive so far as it gets you looked at. Then you have to set yourself ahead of your peers with quality ratings outside the Operational realm with other assignments.

I've seen many NCOs who were continuously passed up for promotion (including myself) while at a Broadening Assignment. It wasn't until they requested a Generating Assignment that they were picked up their next look. It seems like Generating Assignments trump most anything, college, certifications, NCOES 1059's and I'd even say NCOER's to an extent.

I'm sure I can't speak for everyone, but why would anyone go to a Broadening Assignment these days?

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made May 6 at 2017 10:11 AM

2017-05-06T10:11:29-04:00

SFC Steven Harvey great topic, from my experience you can broaden your career and navigate it with your career advisor at DA. The more the better leverage you can persuade at the unit and DA level IMHO.

Response by MSgt John McGowan made May 6 at 2017 6:46 PM

2017-05-06T18:46:34-04:00

I spend most of my career in the maintenance career field field. I also was a First Sgt for a couple of years. First Sgt was a good job but when much one try every thing in the book to get promoted. What is wrong with a outstanding maintenance NCO for 20 years. I had some tough time as a First SGT because of experience, in other words the lack of experience. More than once I did have to ask a fellow First Sgt for advice. That was when I first started.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made May 7 at 2017 12:05 AM

2017-05-07T00:05:22-04:00

Tough question as each board focus is a little different. Try not to stay out of your MOS for extended periods of time, many "opportunities" are looked at as taking a knee.... Your best answer is to understand the board process, ensure EVERYTHING is updated (especially your photo!!!!!!) and be very critical on the AAR's AND how you really rack and stack against the comments (review the AAR's over the last several years)! Ensure you are making yourself as marketable as possible by being eligible for the next rank as well as challenging yourself to be separated from the rest of the field by competing for and gaining admission in the various NCO clubs (SGT Audie Murphy & SGT Morales), civ ed, NCO of the month winner (you ought not be done with these boards yet), PT/HT/WT/Weapons qual... Lastly, swallow your pride and reach out to a couple on the list that you trust and ask them for their help, look at their records and qualifications.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2017 9:20 AM

2017-05-07T09:20:58-04:00

It's a great question that no one can honestly answer. Stay competitive and keep your records current. Use "my documents" on the HRC website to validate. Every year print it and compare it to your ERB. Validate with your me book. Definitely have a mentor go through it with with and maybe a few others. More eyes the better.
No one really knows what anyone is looking for. The board members don't have much time. Your photo will carry a lot of weight. It's going to depend on what the board members believe should be selected for the next level. Not everyone has the same ideas or thoughts. Find a way to stick out from your peers. Best wishes.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made May 7 at 2017 2:01 PM

2017-05-07T14:01:43-04:00

I am assuming selection boards to mean promotion boards and it was answered perfectly by MSG Anonymous. Individual board members hold prejudice and importance based upon their career and experiences in the military. Each is completely different from the other in opinion allowing a balanced recommendation for promotion. Aviation has basically ditched OUTSIDE of branch broadening due to shortages in primary assigned personnel. To combat that, broadening is encouraged and conducted WITHIN the branch in positions such as CTCs, TRADOC, BCT's and other assignments for all ranks. Again, it's individually based and not directed by the Secretariat.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made May 7 at 2017 10:55 PM

2017-05-07T22:55:32-04:00

Interesting but the evidence is more anecdotal that's cited. One thing would be to take a look at board precepts and see what is the flavor du jour. I'd presume they're published similar to the Navy by the HR side. In general, they talk about the elements that are measured for promotion. If there is an imbalance in the bodies on board, they may favor certain pedigrees, experiences, progressions, etc. They also talk about what isn't fair game. Then there's the middle ground of the "shall not be disadvantaged" items. The Service Secretary signs out selection/promotion criteria that gets used at the varied boards. I've sat ENL, JO, and Senior boards. The focus at the higher levels shifts because you're looking at a smaller group, know the jobs they're headed for, and you're looking for best fit and best chance of success.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2017 1:27 PM

2017-05-15T13:27:12-04:00

What is the NCO guide for? Have you looked at DA PAM 600-25? What is the must do in your branch? What about the field AAR for the previous SFC selection board? Have you seen the statistics for your branch? I think you should do more research before making assumptions. The position can be worthless if you have below the standard ratings. Sometimes the DA photo itself could be the issue. Is your ERB clean and matches all your records? Too many variables to blame it on broadening assignments alone.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 12:34 PM

2018-10-11T12:34:50-04:00

There is no cut and dry answer. The board is based off of points, the points are based of whether or not your rater can write. The Sr Rater comments are also worth point, if you have an inexperiened SR than you probably won't get the max. Assignments, deployments, and what you really did to benefit the Army mean shit. I've seen MSG's and SGM in my MOS who have never deployed or deployed once to Operation lets chill. There is nothing you can do except get all exceeded standards, get the 1 out of how many and hope there are authorizations. Knowing this type of information is far more valuable than what you've actually done. If promotion was based off of merit, than Ft. Gordon 25B promotion rates wouldnt be in the 90%, while the 25B's in combat Installations are about hmmmmm 0%.

Response by LTC Ken Connolly made Oct 11 at 2018 7:50 PM

2018-10-11T19:50:49-04:00

Things to consider. Review your personnel at least annually to make sure it is complete to include your photo with ribbons, etc. are in proper order. Meet with records manager to verify your file is in order. Finally let your assignments representative know that you will immediately accept that choice bullet as soon as it becomes available. You'd be surprised how often those short notice become available.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 9:50 PM

2018-10-11T21:50:05-04:00

I was told, anonymously, that I had the best packet submitted for a board and when the list came out the anonymous source said they were VERY surprised at where I landed. At least I knew I did my part, I can't control what I can't control, but I will continue to allow the government to send me TDY to educate me in lieu of promotion.

Response by CPT Jeff Robinette made Oct 11 at 2018 10:24 PM

2018-10-11T22:24:48-04:00

These assignments are beneficial to both the Army and the NCO.
After I ETSd , in 1984, I interviewed with several companies. In onterviewing with one company the manager asked me "why I thought it was important to have a college degree?" I had an answer within seconds. Before I could say a word he answered his questions saying, " your BS. shows me that you have the ability to learn!"
The Broadening Assignment shows your future commander and a Board member that you are not a One Trick Pony. A Drill Sergeant can lead , train, and motivate trainees. A Recruiter can sell a wet beind the ears civilian on himself and the Army.
Both jobs are hard and stressful. But they are both necessary for the Army and to you!

Response by SFC William Huse made Oct 12 at 2018 7:19 AM

2018-10-12T07:19:56-04:00

You don't see many Soldiers promoted to E7 that didn't go above and beyond at some point. You can tell the ones that just put in their time and got lucky. When your promo packet is reviewed by someone you have never met, there, in my mind, needs to be something in it to jump out and catch their attention.

Response by SFC Siva Williams made Oct 12 at 2018 9:03 AM

2018-10-12T09:03:00-04:00

I deciphered part of the code for SFC promotion for 68W. Personally I chose the SGL broadening assignment. When I went to BNCOC back in 94 this assignment was very useful for promotion. Most of the SSG SGLs were picked up. I got the chance to teach 4 years later and things had changed. I missed the tidal wave of promotions by 2 years. We had fat list for E7 97 and 98. Then talk of shrinking the force began plus mandatory reclasses put the brakes on promotions. Things were so bad that our ANCOC crew had to cancel a couple of classes because there were not enough students. So my sure fire broadening assignment didn't do me much good. Fate was looking out/cursing me though. I came down on orders for Korea. I am a flight medic and was tagged to fill a 20 slot since the theater was critically short flight medics. You can guess what happened when I hit 8th Army reception.G1 sent me to an area support medical company instead of a MEDEVAC unit. I immediately called the CSM for the medical evacuation battalion and he told me he would handle it. That was in Dec 01. I didn't hear a thing about the situation until February 02 when I was told I was transferring to DUSTOFF. Well the area support medical company offered me a deal I couldn't refuse. They slotted me in a 40 slot and rated me as the ambulance platoon Sergeant. I was picked up by the next board after my tour ended. I knew about the Korea option since 1989. I knew a few medical SSGs that went so they could get a coveted 40 slot and get promoted. I used to counsel my SSGs to volunteer for military transition team assignments. 68W30s were guaranteed promotion after taking this assignment. Every volunteer was promoted. So promotions revolve around assignments, end strength, operational needs, and the strength of your packet.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2018 9:08 AM

2018-10-12T09:08:17-04:00

To each his own and to each, his/her own priorities. I understand that I will probably never be promoted to E-7, because that is not where my priorities are. I was pulled from pre-Med and ROTC (by my Gaurs Unit) when 9/11 went went down. At that time, based on my 10 years of civilian trauma (ER, EMS, TACMED) I thought the mil could use some of that experience. As an enabler, I have spent most of my time back on active duty in positions that keep me gone most of the time. I came back into be the best medic that I could be for my team and our people. By pulling out of that, I feel like I would be throwing away the very reason I came back in the first place. I’m happy with that. We all make sacrifices. You just have to make that personal decision as to what you are willing to sacrifice to get where you want to be.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2018 9:10 AM

2018-10-12T09:10:44-04:00

I recommend you look at the past Senior NCO centralized promotion board’s after action reviews on the Human Resource Command website. And review chapters two and three of DA Pam 600-25.

Each board is different, but if you complete yourbkeybdebelopmental position, and have diverse background were you perform well in all assignments you will be viewed favorably.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2020 3:49 PM

2020-03-22T15:49:15-04:00

Where does old guard stands on this list because I heard that an automatic e7 slot because it a great assignment.