How to help a Soldier when the NCO support channel fails him or her?

I went through something like this twice. The first time I had to go to my SGM. He called my NCO in and asked for one good reason why I should not go to the board. Failing to explain why I was "not ready" to be an NCO with anything more than "i just know" , I went to the board . He ended up getting kicked out of my board for being disrespectful. Then I lost my "P" status on a technicality. I was deployed and 12 months without a PT test did me in. The second time was because my leadership kept changing and they ALL wanted the 90day evaluation period. It seemed just as one would say yes we would get a new one. I explained my situation to the 1SG. He pulled my counseling packet and I went to the board.

You just have to be persistent while being respectful. I advocate for using the chain of command as long as you don't go in being insulting and putting down the leader that is failing you. It will only make you look bad. I advise taking your counseling packet with you just in case they ask to see it. Be prepared for backlash if your leaders truly are wrong. We all know it is not allowed but no one likes to be told on. The soldier also needs to be squared away. If you go in with minimum PT scores, "you done good" counseling's, and very little evidence of the soldiers effort to advance themselves chances are you will not get the best result.

This can lead to a slippery slope... I would recommend standing back for a second and look at the larger picture. Is there something they might have done or do that might make them "not ready" that you're not seeing because you know the Soldier? Have you asked others in their platoon why the Soldier hasn't been to the board? Is there a technical reason such as not in zone, not enough time in grade or service, maybe flagged? Apft? Soldier not telling the truth about the counsellings? Etc...

From what I've seen in the past, the best results came from talking to the CSM or IG. Because the CSM might not be seeing each and every counselling for non-recommendation and isn't aware that it's not being done. The IG should contact the CSM and inform them of the same. Both do the same, one just uses a 3rd party.

Be cautious when appealing to a CSM and prepare on being asked about the relationship with the Soldier and how you came upon the information, essentially you are saying the squad leader, platoon sergeant, first sergeant, and/or even the CSM for not doing their job....

Do keep this in mind, article 92 does protect individuals against repricusion and retaliation. Most division and below have been implementing this through policy letters.

Hope this helps, be cautious and good luck!

SFC (Join to see) I'm going to suggest this only as a side note. Be aware that you're setting yourself up for retribution by this soldier's entire chain of command to include the CSM and unit C.O. Be aware of this, prepare for this. You are not just challenging his platoon leadership, but you're challenging the entire chain of command. You will be subjected to some sort of retribution - trust me. No matter what the chain of command states re: no retribution - you cannot challenge the chain of command without retribution. No CSM can control the people below them that well - someone will strike back in some sideways manner.