How should I pursue going to the promotion board when my squad leader doesn’t want to send me?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 16:05:34 -0400

I’m an E-4 that switch from National Guard to active duty. I’m already on my primary zone to attend the promotion board but my squad leader doesn’t want to send me and gives me a generic counseling to sign every month on why he doesn’t want to send me. I asked him why he won’t send me and he said that I spend too much time with the other Spc’s and Pvt’s. The reason for that is that I’m very approachable and most of them come to me for answers or clarification because the NCO’s at my platoon will make fun of them or tell them the (you already should know this). I really want to get my P status but I feel like he’s holding me and they keep sending the Spc’s that always hang out with them or you could say they’re the favorites. I tough that the 2018 directive said it’s now mandatory to attend the promotion board once eligible and it’s not on command nominations? Any insight on how I can address this is appreciated.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2020 4:52 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 16:52:54 -0400

Have you tried talking to your Platoon Sergeant, or 1SG, or CO before running to a social media site? This problem can only be solved in house.

Response by SFC David Dean made Apr 4 at 2020 4:57 PM

SFC David Dean — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 16:57:59 -0400

First of all, I surmise from how you've couched your question that your immediate supervisor have not approached you. Whether true or not, you should seek out a one to one with them. Prior to your meeting you need to assemble some factually accurate information about your preparation for a desired promotion. It should spell out specifically what career-related courses/schools you have completed. Correspondence courses, civilian education and you have a loose explanation of why you know and feel you fully ready to tackle the next level of leadership. Hope that helps you some.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 4 at 2020 5:20 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 17:20:29 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member So he has counseled you, what was the plan of action on the 4856? What were you to do to improve and what was his support of those actions? Pick a month, and write on your 4856 that your goal is to attend that board and need his direct assistance getting there. If you can do this, respectfully put it back on him. He is supposed to be getting you ready to advance everyday anyway, regardless of boards.

Last time I checked, SPCs are supposed to associate with other SPCs and enlisted soldiers, as associating with SGTs and above was fraternization.

Have you tried going to the SOM board to get board practice? This would demonstrate your aptitude out side the Team/Squad level. If you face plant, it's on you.

Get your uniform ready and keep it ready. Study and prepare now. If you keep putting this on the front burner, he'll eventually relent and send you but may be on short notice. Now is not the time to bolo PT, weapons, or ABCP. It'll end with a "see I told you".

If there is a high visibility detail that comes up, volunteer to lead it. Especially if it's for the 1SG or PSG. As long as it ends well, they'll be asking why you don't board.

If they bring you in to bar you, that is the perfect time to lay out this issue and tell them you are ready right now.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2020 6:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 18:47:44 -0400

I’m going to say we are not getting the whole story here. I see posts like this all the time and I’m sure there is something that you are leaving out and you are trying to paint yourself as this exceptional soldier.

Technically they aren’t doing anything wrong. They are providing you a counseling as to why you are not recommended to the board. Also, you just switched to active duty and you probably have not had enough time to show leadership potential

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 5 at 2020 12:40 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 12:40:31 -0400

I would advise you to closely read AR 600-8-19, chapter 3. I will give you my two cents to hopefully guide what needs to happen:

Your squad leader does not have the authority to prevent you from creating and submitting a promotion packet, or appearing before the promotion board for that matter. They can advise the commander and 1SG on your readiness for promotion or if there are disqualifying circumstances to appearing before a board, but the signing authority is ultimately the commander and 1SG. The same works for mandatory list integration. If you create a packet (to standard) and are qualifying per the AR, the signing authorities cannot deny you the opportunity. Have you appeared before a board or created a packet yet? If not, then this thread was silly because that’s your first step to solving this.

If you were denied at the promotion board, that’s when you are supposed to get counseled and remediated. This is a function of a squad leader. I would insist on specific remediations and benchmarks. If your squad leader did not do this, then he is wrong. If he cannot give you actual, measurable benchmarks to demonstrating leadership potential, I would gently inquire with the rest of your NCO support channel (first line leader first, not 1SG first unless you cannot get actual answers) about what you need to do to get promoted.

Response by SGT Robert Wager made Apr 6 at 2020 7:13 AM

SGT Robert Wager — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 07:13:49 -0400

Ok, Ian going to be as gentle as I can. You want to be promoted. Have you expressed your interest to attend the board with your Squad Leader? Have you asked him what he wants to see in you for his recommendation? Have you talked to your Platoon Sergeant? In my experience that counseling that you are getting about not going to the board is coming from someone above your first line. Using the term “favorites” indicates something to me. It sounds like maybe you are being judged by the company you keep. If you look to your left and right and all you see are privates and PFC’s and all the other Specialist are seeing sergeants and staff sergeants to their left and right, then maybe you need to change the demographics of who you are associating with. It’s hard to get mentored by people without the experience to mentor you.

Response by SPC Charles Jocson made Apr 7 at 2020 6:13 PM

SPC Charles Jocson — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 18:13:22 -0400

Ask him what you CAN do to get promoted.

Response by SGM James Pepple made Apr 25 at 2020 4:47 PM

SGM James Pepple — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 16:47:52 -0400

Chain of Command, Career NCOIC. As long as you've met all the requirements to be promoted. Time in Grade Time in Service all Leadership requirements PLDC BNCOC Battle Focus Training APFT pass. What Army Regulation supports your promotion Unit Policy Procedures. Education/Knowledge is Power and points for promotions... should be no reason other than generic counciling statements.

Response by SGT Michael Koukaras made Apr 30 at 2020 4:10 PM

SGT Michael Koukaras — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 16:10:40 -0400

On your da 4856, section 4 is reserved for you and yoursquad leader to give your assessment of the previous months plan of action.. that is not optional. your remarks on the counseling are your chance to document that his plan is not working. If you have already done that, then take it up with your Platoon Sergeant. Too many first line leaders phone it in when it comes to counseling. If your leaders come to you with a monthly counseling and doesn't also have the previous month's counseling with them they are doing it wrong.