How to deal with the slowing promotion rates?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 07:39:16 -0400

Here is the scenario: CPL(P), been promotable for going on 24 months. WLC Complete. SSD-1 and SSD-3 complete. 35/40 at Weapons Qual. 230+ APFT score and improving after 3 surgeries (Elbow/Knee). Currently in taking college courses and working on Correspondence Courses while on 2nd deployment. In a stagnant MOS, but enjoys MOS. Staring at RCP in a couple years and Branch isn't going to be promoting within MOS for at least the next 18 months. Points have been maxed out except for one month in past 24. Reclass is an option but is having thoughts about leaving the service. Was approached about possibly getting a Battlefield Promotion, but now it looks as if it will not happen.

Yes, I'm talking about myself.

I'm at a crossroads in my Army career and I'm really stuck on what my next move should be. I really want to stay in, because I enjoy what I do, but in order for me to expand my horizons and opportunities, I NEED to make SGT. As each day passes, I'm losing hope that it will happen, but I come to work every day and do what I have to do....

Any helpful professional/personal advice would be greatly appreciated...

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jun 2 at 2015 8:09 AM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 08:09:53 -0400

I do not know historically what the promotion points have been for your MOS. Reclassing is an option, but right now almost every MOS has high points. My points were at 39 for a few years, and became 798 at the beginning of 2015. I'm slowly seeing them drop back down, but unless you're going to reclass into a cyber, psyops, civil affairs or SF you still might have to deal with promotion points that won't drop. The best you can do is to get as many points as possible so when they do drop you'll be the first picked up. Your promotable status transfers to the reserves/national guard with the new policies in place. So that's also an option. You can go to the HRC website and look at the promotion trends for the last six months to see roughly where you are sitting on the list.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jun 2 at 2015 8:36 AM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 08:36:43 -0400

Ok, I see part of the problem now. You're in a STAGNANT MOS. And because it's stagnant, you're not getting promoted and because you're not getting promoted, you're thinking of getting out. THAT'S ABSOLUTELY STUPID - it's a classic case of the tail wagging the dog. When's the next time you're going to quit when life throws you a curve? I'd strongly suggest reclass. After a year of two of wearing the rack, then, I'd recommend either Recruiting or DS duty. Then stand back and prepare to be amazed.

Response by SSG Steven Borders made Jun 2 at 2015 8:42 AM

SSG Steven Borders — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 08:42:55 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member You are not the only one. I have been promotable for two years now. Same boat as you. Going to school, weapons, pt etc.. Points are maxed out. You just have to keep plugging away or reclass.

I would just stick with it. Trust me we are not the first to go through this and not the last either.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 9:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 09:35:52 -0400

I understand that you love your MOS, but if your MOS is not promoting, you might have to take the hit and reclass to another MOS that has better promotion opportunities. I was a 42A in a previous life, but reclassed to intel in order to get promoted. If you want to make the Army a career, I suggest that you consider reclassing.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 11:17 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 11:17:33 -0400

You may have to jump ship to another MOS. It took me going into my 3rd MOS to make my stripes.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 2:29 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:29:13 -0400

Your first question is obvious, 'why are you serving?' If you enjoy serving your country and accept the sacrifices necessary to serve, then how you serve becomes secondary.

So, once you can answer why you are serving, then you can consider how best to serve and where do your skills suit the Army best. You have proven that you can perform in your current MOS but there are so many in the career field (not your fault), promotions are slim.

If your goal is to continue to serve beyond your RCP, you have to get promoted or move to a different path. Moving to a different MOS has the greatest opportunity and provides a broader set of skills for when you re-enter the private sector. You become more marketable and your transition after military service may be more beneficial. Or, you can continue to ride that one horse.

If you are just seeking the next promotion and a bigger paycheck, then service isn't your primary goal and this could be a negative. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of incompetent and unfit service members getting promotions in the military. They look good on paper, they meet the minimum standards and somehow continue to move through the ranks. But one of our core values is selfless service, despite the harsh reality that our organization does not always promote those who live this value.

If you are looking for that next promotion instead of serving, stay in your MOS. The worst case scenario is that you will leave the Army because of RCP, then you can really begin to enjoy life! Good luck

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 2:30 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:30:36 -0400

I was inyour exact position when I was a SPC for 4 long years with more civilian and military education than most people in my Unit. After I reclassified to an MOS with better promotion opportunity I was promoted to SGT the same year. Take SFC Ricardo Dominguez and my advice- go reclass. By the time my enlisted time was over I had 3 MOSs

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2015 2:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 14:42:12 -0400

This is the new Army. The slower promotions are because the Army wants you to become a good leader and not to rush promotions, as they consistently did during the early combat years. The Army wants to ensure you're qualified as a leader before putting you in a position to fail. I know it's frustrating. Many moons ago, I had to complete PLDC (now WLC) prior to promotion to SGT. I never agreed when the Army switched to the "let's promote you and say you have a year or two to go to school after the promotion." You should be taught how to be a leader before you are made a leader. If you like your MOS, stay. But the Army has released the new career promotion timeline, I believe they'll make us follow it. I was looking forward to E8 board, now they want me to wait several more years for it. Just gotta deal.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jun 3 at 2015 7:27 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 07:27:23 -0400

Have you spoken to your Career Counselor? I hear 10th Mountain Division has some pretty good Career Counselors.

If you're approaching RCP and you cannot earn enough promotion points, you have two options: reclassify or ETS. Based on your post, you should reclassify.

Reclassification will be based on your ASVAB scores and training availability. Would recommend talking with your Career Counselor (he's deployed with you) to see what's available for you after your deployment.

Response by SGT Jeremy Reese made Dec 18 at 2015 6:10 PM

SGT Jeremy Reese — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 18:10:46 -0500

If you decide to get out or go reserve, look into DISA Tech Control jobs, You have already been trained on all of the equipment. You can always serve as a civilian, and at a higher rate of pay. GS10+