How to be seleced below the zone for CPT and above.

Now that the board has been released, and I was promoted BZ, I can answer this question. First off, I am an AGR officer, but I don't think there is a serious difference with the boards after talking to both AC and RC O-6s and former board members. Second, I've been an S1 and BDE DCO in units with a high number of CPTs, MAJs, and LTCs. I have had success in getting packets together, and mentor officers, to be put on the right track for BZ success. So here are my thoughts. I also helped mentor the raters/SRs so
they know what to write/not-write so they don't kill a career. Biggest damage comes from Raters and SRs that don't know how to or what to write to make an OER a success.

There are several main items that in this current environment are more true
than not. Remember, you are in a downsizing environment and everything is
being looked at. Obviously, you will have some who get through that makes
you scratch your head, but the board is good at weeding out those that don't
need to move forward. Remember, we don't see the board file of "that guy" so
we shouldn't second guess the results. If you look over the stats, they are very good at weeding out

1) Take jobs that show you to be in charge. These include Commanders, dep cdrs, XO, S3, or a chief in some department. Assistant "whatevers" doesn't show leadership or the umpf the board is looking for at least for Field grades. Like CPT Cowley said, take the hard assignments but you have to do good in them. Hard jobs with OK ratings doesn't do you any good. Show some diversity as well. Field grades need to be well rounded as they are going to be in charge or in charge of staff and need to know what's going on.
2) Completion of the next level of PME. Captains complete CCC and enroll/complete ILE-CC. Majors should achieve ILE-AOC/CGSC complete. LTC should have SSC. Even better is getting AJPME for RC members.
3) Master's degree. Not required but starting to be a delineation at higher ranks.
4) Combat tour (just need one)
5) Recent picture, updated and accurate to your OMPF. Make it look good. Wear your ASU, not your Greens. First impressions and all that.
6) For field grades, at least two MSM or higher awards.
7) A letter to the board talking about something that isn't in their eval, or just showing their enthusiasm for the promotion. Shows the board you want it more than your peers. Not required for the USAR but recommended.

The two big ones that I've seen/heard for your SR box.
8) make sure your SR uses your first name in his comments. This shows a personal relationship with his officers. "Brian did a great job" instead of "CPT Maurelli..."
9) the phrase "promote below the zone" is essential for the SR to say. If he doesn't know you want it, why would he want to write it? If the board doesn’t see it, then why give you the extra push?

The final outcome to all this is to show to the board that you have mastered your current rank and positions and are working one level up in those level of responsibilities. Indicating in your evals that "Brian is working at a field grade level and is performing above his peer group in everything he does" is not a bad thing to wrap up an eval year with.

Good luck. Many people told me I wouldn't get BZ. My response is that someone will get it, why not me?

I first push to finish any applicable school then look for KD assignments. I also look at where I have been from operational to training to tactical. I was explained once how the process works but really don't pay much to it because that's too political to worry about. If I get selected great. I also don't focus on others careers cause they will eventually get what the plant. Sorry not much help but wanted to answer.

I'm tracking you can't get BZ'd to CPT