Is anyone concerned with how they will base the promotions (centralized) on talent and not Seniority?

When referencing the centralized promotion system change - I believe you are discussing the change in the sequence number assignment. The boards will still grade on a 1-6 (+ -) system evaluating performance and potential, but the way that those “selected” for promotion are assigned a sequence number will be changing. I believe this change is much needed, as I feel it aligns more with talent management rather than simple longevity. Personally, I was selected for promotion to SFC and now MSG both in the secondary zone, and I waited 15 months for promotion to SFC and likely another 15 months for MSG. Under the proposed changes, the most qualified Soldiers will be promoted first, rather than simply the most senior. I hope this was on target with your discussion, and these are just my opinions on it - if others have differing opinions I would love to hear them.

One of the problems that I see with the statement that the "army promotes based on potential and performance" is when the army needs it goals met. I have seen points for Combat Medics and Practical Nurses drop to 39 to fill the void when they stayed at 798 so even the people with the best performance and potential could not get promoted through out the year. Yes they have to attend a board... yes they have to complete NCOES... and yes they have to make the points... that doesn't mean they have great potential or performance. I have seen "board soldiers" get DUIs the next day, college educated personnel ill equipped to handle common sense problem sets, and Enlisted personnel who did nothing but go to schools. So if you are telling me the army promotes based on potential and performance that is about 50% true. Sometimes it opens the flood gates to anyone when it is needed regardless of if they are ready or not. You have people that make SFC in 7-8 that end up losing it within a year for drugs, SHARP, EO, etc. I have seen great NCOs that were peers who i have fought with and would again, who never got selected and ended up just giving up. I mean these guys/gals were Drill, Recruiter, Instructor, PSG, Detachment SGT, no AR 15, max PT, max weapon, max school, max everything and still never got picked up. It's a lot more than a flawed system. God love them, but I would never want to work at HRC. How do you know... i mean really know... you picked the right person? By saying oh man... his performance and potential look great on paper... unless a message comes out saying we need 5000 SFC now, then youre in the same boat opening the flood gates and there goes most of the performance and potential. It's a broken system but it is all we have as there is no way to tell the future or monitor someone 24/7. Through experience I am unable to verify the full efficiency of the P&P scenario. But thats just my thoughts.

The talent vs seniority is to stop those Soldier who think that just showing up is enough to earn a promotion. Both the soldiers you described sound talented, albeit in different arenas but they have both done something to advance their career and increase their value to the military.