Posted on Jan 22, 2014
Is it really that important to make Distinguished Honor Grad, Commandant's List, etc., in the NCOES?
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Some people in my class don't think it's that important, however I have been told that it's something that could potentially get you selected for SSG-CSM over your peers if you do that well in the NCOES, from WLC to USASMA.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 39
I would recommend anyone who questions this to self-assess. Do you want to be in the middle of the pack? Or do you want to finish strong, or in the top? The competition to making D/HG is extremely similar to the competition for promotion to SGM/CSM. You are putting your abilities against your peers. Only the most squared away, with the potential to rise to the top, are selected. It's rarely only about what you have done as much as it is what you have the potential to do. Your academic record while attending an NCOES is a large part of the resume that is looked at when being considered for SGM. It tells people what you CAN do in an academic or intellectual capacity in comparison to your peers.SGM/CSM is highly academic and intellectual in nature. Your poise, writing and speaking ability, intellectual capacity, and ability to process a lot of information quickly are the skills relied on in those positions.
Would you be considered for hiring into senior management if you're competing with a guy who graduated magna/suma/cum laude and you sqeaked by with a 2.7 gpa?
Nope. Reach for the top and that's where you'll find yourself.
Would you be considered for hiring into senior management if you're competing with a guy who graduated magna/suma/cum laude and you sqeaked by with a 2.7 gpa?
Nope. Reach for the top and that's where you'll find yourself.
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When I attended BNOC and ANOC 1983 -1985. I don't think they even call it that anymore! During Basic I did not excel above any of the other members. Graduated in the middle of the class. Written on the wall at the head of the classroom was the following: "Nothing worthwhile has ever been achieved without diligent endeavor, some pain and constant application of ambition." Those words were an inspiration to me as I thought of all those throughout the past wars that were examples of that. When I entered Advanced, I applied myself and to my surprise graduated Distinguished graduate. I cannot express more how that one event catapulted my career.
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As has been said YES! if it wasn't important in the grand scheme of things then the honors wouldn't exist. I look at it like this: For my MOS there are 4 classes a year for ALC which means there are only going to be 4 distinguished honor graduates per year, (if every class has one), my SLC there are roughly 40 classes per year and the same would apply there. If one were to attain distinguished honor grad in both then that will definitely set you above your peers when being considered for promotion to SFC and MSG. The Army went the extra mile to add the ACH column (achievements) next to the schools to allow for any honors earned, to be listed there. Why would they do that? Simple, now the board doesn't have to even look at your 1059's to see that you were one of only 4 (in the ALC class) in a year to distinguish yourself from the rest of the Soldiers in your MOS.
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I would always try my best no matter what NCOES attending. Though I believe your 1059 is important I wouldn't bank on that getting you selected for promotion at a centralized promotion board though graduating with honors can't hurt. I would put more focus on Job Title and performance.
It can absolutely be seen as a "discriminator" when being looked at during a promotion selection board. Depending on your CMF (Career Management Field) or MOS, the pyramid at the top gets really really small. If your records are getting voted against another NCO's record for one promotion slot, it could very well come down to one difference between your records and the other NCO's records. Other leaders here have made spot-on recommendations: strive to be the best at any schools or training you attend.
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Achieving one of the top 20% spots in NCOES can substantially help your career. That being said it also depends on what the criteria for the Board is for your particualr CMF. Each year the Regimental CSM for each proponent publishes board guidence for the members to follow. Sometimes that inlcudes criteria for selection to the next rank, education, and other factors they see are important. Bottom line up front....always try to achieve the top spot and you can never go wrong. Don't just do the minimum and expect to excell.
SFC Rice
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CSM Mike Maynard
SFC Rice - the Regimental CSMs do not publish "Proponent Packets" anymore.
Board panel members utilize the DA Pam 600-25 in it's place now.
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SSG Jeffrey Spencer
If you are not there to try, you are probably not there for the right reasons. I made distinguished, but not honor grad. There can only be one, but make an effort!
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It is important and not just for promotion. When I was in Germany, I was assigned to a unit, and originally was assigned to a outline unit, when the commander found that not only did I attend additional training, but was a honor grad in a couple of programs, I was moved to HQ command to work in a higher position and office. I got to work on a level that at the time I was not ranked for, in a higher position. Commanders want the best working at HQ, at least when I was in. The higher responsibility translate well on a resume. But also when applying for a job when you are out, though many can not understand what a Property Book Officer Course is, they do understand Honor Grad.
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It could be what separates you from other NCOs. Personally, I've never been distinguished honor grad in any of my NCOES schools (WLC thru SLC) but that doesn't mean I won't ever be selected to my next rank. Perhaps if you do go above and beyond your peers, you will reach it faster than me. People notice that.
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