I’ve been chosen to go to a board, I believe a Soldier of the month. How do I possibly prepare in just 4 days?

2020-10-25T10:04:38-04:00

I am in AIT as a PFC. I got chosen to go to the board. Pretty sure it isn't a promotion board. But more like a soldier of the month thing. I have no clue what to do or what's going to happen or how it works. My drill sergeant isn't here. Barely is here. I think I wear ASU's. The board is on October 28th, 2020. They gave me a really short notice. I bought a book about the board. And my drill sergeant just gave a binder full off pages to study. Is it possible to do all of this in 4 days? I have classes on weekdays and it takes up all of my time throughout the day. And the guy I am competing with isn't even in class. He already graduated and just has been stuck here for months due security clearance. I'm at Fort Lee. 266th QM Battalion. This is really stressing me out. Because I have classes, and i'm the student first of this company... I tried to tell my Drill sergeant i want to back out, he just told me no and that i have no choice

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2020 10:06 AM

2020-10-25T10:06:29-04:00

Also, they want me to memorize the NCO Creed. That thing is 3 paragraphs long. Are you guys crazy? This is really hard haha

Response by SGT(P) Abner Lozano made Oct 25 at 2020 10:27 AM

2020-10-25T10:27:50-04:00

Here’s the thing about Boards. Its all about confidence. If you aren't confident about your answers, the board will more than likely not choose you. My advice, study whats on the MOI and try memorizing some things. We’re human. Not all of us are board babies. Its important to just keep your military bearing, discipline, and be confident in your responses. Otherwise, “at this time I do not know the answer that question 1SG/CSM. However, I know that I can reference that in (insert regulation here)” is always a good answer, as well! Good luck! Let me know if you need any help.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2020 11:09 AM

2020-10-25T11:09:24-04:00

You want to do WELL on the board, not GOOD. Words like that can affect the board's opinion and choice.
You can absolutely learn the creed in that amount of time, just takes practice. One sentence at a time, repetitively.
Like others have said, be confident in your answer, even if you're wrong.
Many others have been exactly in your position regarding prep time.
What's the worst thing that happens? You get experience. That's the worst thing that happens.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Oct 25 at 2020 11:32 AM

2020-10-25T11:32:04-04:00

It is your first board in the army. Who gives a shit whether you do great, good, or just bomb it. Do your absolute best and learn from the experience. Always aim to do better than the next rank and even if you bomb this, you are preparing today for your next board. That NCO Creed, if you bomb it this time, you will be all that closer to saying it from memory when you absolutely need to nail it. Successful people are always busy, always have some sort of stress level, and learning how to adapt and overcome is growth. Somebody is pushing you for a reason, accept this, and do as good as you can. I had a four hour oral board to become a critical care nurse and remember this is preparing you for future challenges.

Response by Sgt Jordan Foster made Oct 25 at 2020 12:02 PM

2020-10-25T12:02:51-04:00

It’s not about answering correctly. Poise confidence. The NCO Creed is important but there is a reason why YOU are nominated don’t change yourself.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2020 1:44 PM

2020-10-25T13:44:13-04:00

Graduating AIT is your #1 priority. Don't lose sight of what the bigger picture is. Don't fret, this is not a promotion board. There isn't one for SPC's. So at the end of the day this is a dog and pony show.

Finishing #1 in your AIT class is more important than this Board.

You were selected because no one else in your class was a better choice to represent the best of what your instructors have to present to the Board. At the end of all this you are probably competing for nothing more than an Army Achievement Medal (an additional ribbon on your ASU), or a certificate of achievement signed by a LTC (which is worth a few promotion points) This can be a big deal mind you, I certainly was envious of those getting additional ribbons while I was in training. However, all this only matters NOW. The moment you step off the stage at AIT graduation it won't mean anything anymore.

The NCO creed was thrown in there as a extra goal to separate out tie breakers or clear winners. Not knowing the NCO Creed as a PFC is not going to look bad on you. Do your best, but DO NOT memorize the NCO Creed at the COST of the Soldier's Creed and the Army Values.

It would surprise me if the NCO creed is asked BEFORE the Soldier's Creed or Values.

Study what you can, but not at the cost of being a better QM soldier. Remember, there were mortuary affairs soldiers that were screwing around with a training casket and flag, and found themselves on national news. Be the soldier no one remembers, not the one folks remember, and can youtube what not to be.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 25 at 2020 1:53 PM

2020-10-25T13:53:10-04:00

Do your best. Keep a small version o the creed in your pocket but curl it over so you have to remember one line at a time, then reveal the next line after you think it out.

This can't be a promotion board if you are a PFC, or at least "boarding" for specialist would be highly irregular. You board for SGT and SSG.

Take the binder, read through it and do the best you can. It Will teach you a few things:
- when you are NCO, give your soldiers lead time
- when you are an NCO, ensure you are continuously training your soldiers instead of "saving it up". Even if it is one simple thing everyday.
- the board just makes you think on your feet.
- if you don't know the answer, dont BS. Simply state how you would find that answer. Especially if you know what regulation it's in but don't remember exactly.
- the best NCOs do research and ensure that they are coaching, training, and mentoring properly.

Things in your control:
- your uniform. That should be to standard.
- you have control of the information in that binder. Whether you study it or not is up to you.
- your attitude. If you go in with a bad one, this is on you. This is simply a training opportunity.

TIPS
- anything Uniform and Appearance is 670-1 and amplified in DA PAM 670-1
- the REGULATION that governs the APFT is 350-1. TCs and FMs govern the conduct of PT. FM7-22
- Army Body Composition Program AR600-9
- anything Company level organizational property is AR735-5
- The Maintenance Regulation is AR750-1
- Equipment needs to be PMCSed IAW the -10 TM for that equipment on a 5988E which the motor pools prints out. Vehicles need to have a valid dispatch, PMCS and. 5988E to leave the motorpool. Part of that is ensuring the safety and Basic Issue Items BII are in the vehicle. Operator must be licensed on the equipment.
-all awards = AR600-8-22 including overseas and service bars. Except Shoulder Sleeve Insignia For Wartime Service (SSI-FWTS) aka combat patch is in AR670-1. If it's not in AR600-8-22 because it is new, you would check a MILPER message from HRC.
- pay and allowance questions don't usually get answered out of an AR, it is subject to DFAS regulations.
- Pass and leave AR600-8-10
- Enlisted Separations AR635-200
- Army Command Policy AR600-20, which also covers fraternization, good order and discipline, and the authority of NCOs.
- Counseling ADP 6-22.1. leadership FM 6-22
- DA Form 4856 documents a conversation, and should not be viewed as "punishment" or agreeing/disagreeing with the content of the conversation.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2020 2:08 PM

2020-10-25T14:08:58-04:00

PFC Private RallyPoint Member I like the the great sentence provided by MAJ Byron Oyler
"Successful people are always busy, always have some sort of stress level, and learning how to adapt and overcome is growth." In life you will have many challenges to overcome. Along the way, you will make some mistakes, so learn from them and do not make the same mistake twice. Good luck.

Response by SMSgt Billy Cesarano made Oct 25 at 2020 4:28 PM

2020-10-25T16:28:51-04:00

A purpose of the board is to determine who is best qualified out of a group of candidates previously vetted for the competition. The competition is for KSA's associated to your specialty and level of military history, doctrine, structure, regulations, drill and ceremony, etc. That is not always what happens. If you were selected without your knowledge of competing for it, it may be a set-up of one kind or other therefore, you should respectfully withdrawal and not be a part of such a thing. Otherwise, if you have the KSA's, qualities and characteristics that are obvious to your peers and superiors, you may just be humble and actually a great candidate that is prepared to advance to the next level by your example of excellence in your job and that of the next level, as well as display of the qualities of leadership you'll need. As for preparing in four days? Check your uniform and shine your brass. If you're not pretty well ready now, it won't matter.

Response by SFC Wilfredo Ramos made Oct 25 at 2020 8:37 PM

2020-10-25T20:37:07-04:00

drill sergeant? are you in basic training? good luck...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2020 8:40 PM

2020-10-25T20:40:39-04:00

Try and study your best. Look at it this way, you aren't the first and you won't be the last. Win or lose being in AIT, this will give you experience and confidence going to boards in the real army. I was in the same boat in OSUT. Got a roughly week notice that I was going to the Student of the Cycle board. My platoon mates helped me study and even though I was a PVT going against PFCs and SPCs from around the company I came out on top for 2 reasons: confidence, and took every chance I got to study or ask the Drills questions. Remember this, they selected you because they see potential in you. Remember what you've been taught, study up, and make sure you can stay calm under pressure and you'll do fine.

Response by SGT Tiffanie G. made Oct 25 at 2020 8:59 PM

2020-10-25T20:59:22-04:00

You can do it. As the others have said, it's good practice at the very least. And yeah, the first couple of times is pretty scary, but that gets better, too.
I won my first soldier of the month. Moved to a different post. A year or so later tried again.
Won my next soldier of the month, won the quarter, won the year. Then go to go compete in CONUS. It's a lot of fun. Go for it!
You got this!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2020 9:51 PM

2020-10-25T21:51:52-04:00

Just know the NCO creed or Soldiers creed, Mos song. In my case signal core song. And you'll be fine. Questions were hard for me too. Remember to just know what each ADP is and what the title is. EX. First Sergeant ADP 3 is Unified Land Operations. Since its AIT there not expecting perfection just that your confident and stand out from the rest.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 25 at 2020 10:14 PM

2020-10-25T22:14:29-04:00

Just do your best.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Oct 26 at 2020 8:12 AM

2020-10-26T08:12:47-04:00

Congratulations on being selected to appear. The fact you were selected means you stand out as exceptional in the minds of your leaders. First, find out what uniform you will appear in. Second browse through the notebook that was given to you to refresh your memory. Third, whatever the board is about, you have nothing to lose. This is an opportunity to gain some recognition your peers won't have, but there will be many more in the future. Relax and be prepared to respond in a confident, respectful and natural manner. If you aren't selected, regard it as a learning experience

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2020 9:09 AM

2020-10-26T09:09:40-04:00

Bottom Line: You are a PFC who hasn't even completed AIT, there isn't really a whole lot at this point that they can expect you to know. LOL

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 26 at 2020 10:04 AM

2020-10-26T10:04:12-04:00

You can do this! Get into the binder and make sure you know the proper uniform and wear it correctly and proudly. I’ve heard Army boards ask Soldiers some memory stuff like the Soldiers Creed so get that stuff inscribed in your brain. Be prepared to answer question about core values and your work at AIT. The worst that can happen is you won’t be selected. But you will gain valuable experience with these types of boards. Good luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2020 12:46 PM

2020-10-26T12:46:38-04:00

They do boards in AIT now? Weird. I don't remember ever doing any boards in AIT and mine was 16 weeks long. We had an honor platoon competition but that was all D&C.

You just do your best - and I would say this will probably happen again but I don't know how the Reserves do things.

Just do your best that's all you can do.

Response by CSM Carlson C. made Oct 26 at 2020 4:19 PM

2020-10-26T16:19:33-04:00

When I was a SGT... My 1SG had really come through for me on a personal matter and said that I owed him. Well, one day, he walks up to me and says: " Cox, I'm cashing in... NCO of the Quarter Board in three days and YOUR GOING!" I was horrified, but we had a deal, and I was going to follow through. For those three days, some of my buddies help me cram 10lbs of knowledge in 2.5lbs of space. Got my uniform ready, practiced facing movements... I was going to do my absolute best in the little period of time I had.

On the day of the board, I tried to psych myself up (had lowrider playing in my head). The junior Soldiers went first, and then I went in. I did pretty damn good, but when asked where we currently have forces deployed, I drew a blank (remember I only had but so much free space....). The CSM shook his head a bit, said I did pretty well overall, and the other 1SGs gave their critiques. I was then congratulated on being the NCO of the Quarter. I was so nervous that I didn't even realize I was the only NCO that participated.

I say all that to say this, even if your one of 20 or the only one that shows up. Do your absolute best to prepare and present your best foot forward. ArmyStudyGuide.com is your friend, and review the topic list to the best of your ability. Make sure your uniform is squared away and practice reporting. Be confident and professional. Even if you don't win, you would have tried because many don't even attempt, and when you compete again, you won't be as scared as you are now because you will know what to expect.

Good luck Soldier!

Response by SPC Bobby Rule-Lowe made Oct 27 at 2020 9:08 AM

2020-10-27T09:08:29-04:00

I was stationed at the same 266th ages ago lol I don’t remember this particular board you are referring to but obviously you were chosen for a reason do your best let them see all your confidence and potential to move up in the ranks remember you will learn from any mistakes you make good luck

Response by CSM Carlson C. made Oct 29 at 2020 3:23 PM

2020-10-29T15:23:36-04:00

So PFC Private RallyPoint Member, how did your board go? I for one am genuinely interested in how it turned out.

Response by PFC Tom Hornsby made Oct 31 at 2020 1:14 PM

2020-10-31T13:14:33-04:00

I did one and won because they asked me a current event question and I was the only one who knew the answer but I was PP at FT Riley

Response by SFC Billy Todd made Nov 18 at 2020 9:43 PM

2020-11-18T21:43:53-05:00

My apologies for missing your message . How did you at the board?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2021 9:31 AM

2021-01-18T09:31:41-05:00

What kind of board?