My 1SG has announced me as the soldier selected for the Soldier of the Year competition. Any advice for this big event?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 17:52:34 -0500

Response by LTC John Griscom made Mar 1 at 2018 5:59 PM

LTC John Griscom — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 17:59:29 -0500

Study the material provided (you should have been given information on what to prepare for). Try to practice with one of your NCOS.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 6:08 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 18:08:46 -0500

Study and be on you toes, everyone in the competition does, and get your uniform ready.

Something that most competitors didn't know when asked in the 82nd;
If they ask you where is the Division Truck, your answer, "On the top of the Division Flag Pole."
If they ask you what is at the base of that flag pole, "Three rounds, 45acp, 30cal, and 50cal."
If asked which way are the rounds pointing, "North."
If asked why, "Because it points in the direction where the USA had never been attacked from by any enemy."
In other words, be ready for anything.
Have a great time, Salute!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 6:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 18:11:19 -0500

Find out what the competition consisted off and concentrate on those task. Start preparing, by using flash cards or using other resources that are available online. The clothing sales store has books that they sell also.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Mar 1 at 2018 6:11 PM

Capt Tom Brown — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 18:11:31 -0500

Congratulations you must be doing something right!!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 6:39 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 18:39:02 -0500

Congratulations. Be yourself and be ready for unexpected questions.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 6:42 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 18:42:34 -0500

One question I always asked in an interview was: Why should I not pick you?

The answer didn't matter. What mattered was how the person reacted.

Response by Col Rebecca Lorraine made Mar 1 at 2018 7:07 PM

Col Rebecca Lorraine — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:07:51 -0500

Congratulations and keep up the good work! Be humble!

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Mar 1 at 2018 7:28 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:28:32 -0500

Just relax and prepare yourself and enjoy the honor of being chosen. Take each board or situation one step at a time. You will do fine

Response by SGT Matthew Sesar made Mar 1 at 2018 7:31 PM

SGT Matthew Sesar — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:31:31 -0500

Study hard and don’t forget the BASICS!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 7:37 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:37:25 -0500

Yes. Read the other threads about "Soldier of the Month/Quarter/Year", improve your rucking, APFT, knowledge of your unit, Level 1 tasks, understanding of recent events, and board skills. That's the start.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Mar 1 at 2018 7:37 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:37:41 -0500

I can only speak for AF competitions and I see a lot of good advice here already. Very often they ask Current Events questions so make sure you have some idea of what is going on. One thing that can be helpful is to source cite...If they ask about the Middle East, say based on what I read in the Times/Newsweek/Army Times (pick) I think that...really makes you look thoughtful. And of course, if they give you material to learn, know it backwards and forwards.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 1 at 2018 7:51 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 19:51:23 -0500

Everyone will tell you what to study, questions to answer, proper wear of uniform, blah, blah. Bottom line, this is something new, so charge right into it and learn from it. Enjoy the challenge and experience along with your piece of Humble Pie. Even if you don't get picked, help the next candidate along. It will get noticed. People tend to think these types of "competition" have an "end". No, it's a new beginning. You move ever forward.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 8:33 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 20:33:00 -0500

Make sure you clean ur uniform. Make sure your uniform matches your web. Make sure your shoes have all the edge dressing. NEVER stop studying. Always try to read the preface of the ADPs they will be testing you on. ALWAYS know what regulation the topics come from. Keep physically fit because usually these events include 12 mile rucks. Obstacle course ranges apft maybe a 5 mile run mystery event and board.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Mar 1 at 2018 8:34 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 20:34:10 -0500

If you win and it's a Division level competition your going to get a lot of free stuff. I was shocked talking to the 101st Soldier of the Year, 7-10 years back. Holy crap the winnings were on league with a TV game show almost, free travel, free use of a new car until the next competition, representing the Division at PR events, meeting VIP's, coupons at local businesses........not to mention the impact it has on your promotion to the next grade. So yes you should do your best

Response by SSG Alan Pelletier made Mar 1 at 2018 8:38 PM

SSG Alan Pelletier — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 20:38:50 -0500

Be an expert

Don't use study guides, they're garbage. READ THE FM's and AR's...

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Mar 1 at 2018 8:40 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 20:40:58 -0500

Congratulations! Can't help you as I was Navy, but I know this is a big deal, so keep kicking butt!

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Mar 1 at 2018 10:10 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 22:10:55 -0500

Wow congrats, good luck!

Response by SSG Keith Amacher made Mar 1 at 2018 10:21 PM

SSG Keith Amacher — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 22:21:50 -0500

Your a specialist and I was but I moved from SP4 to Buck SGT still E4 and when I got promoted to E5 I was promoted to SGT in a soft specialty Intel then went to E6 SSG and 11B3P Paratrooper secondary. Always go for any schools your leaders offer and NEVER EVER QUIT Anything you are challenged with. Schools I went through all you had to do is say I quit I can't take it, Not Physical Mental Stress. If you quit and don't believe you have the fortitude to endure no matter what you will not pass and you will never ever get any training like that again... This is a post for all that think or aspire to Spec Ops in any of the services we all work under one branch now but price to pay to get in... and worth it.

Response by CW3 Jeff Held made Mar 1 at 2018 10:37 PM

CW3 Jeff Held — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 22:37:47 -0500

First, congratulations! You’ve been given a huge honor to represent your fellow soldiers and yourself. Certainly hit the books. But more importantly maintain your composure - keep cool under pressure. Remember to be honest and convicted with your answers but don’t fudge on them. Your integrity, character, and professionalism are much more important than fudging.

You’ll be just fine!

Again, congrats and be sure to let us know how it turns out.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 11:03 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 23:03:04 -0500

Find someone who went last year. Find someone who went to a promotion board the president of this board will be on. Learn as much as you can about whatever is on th MOI. Memorize your introduction. This is more important at a promotion board but still sets the tone for any board appearance. “I am RANK NAME and I am from HOMETOWN, STATE. I went to school at HIGHEST LEVEL ATTENDED and joined the Army in YEAR. I attended Basic Training at INSTALLATION and then went to INSTALLATION where I studied MOS TITLE and was awarded the MOS ##x. I reported to my first duty station on MONTH YEAR and was assigned to UNIT as a DUTY POSITION. (If relevant- After YEARS I was assigned to NEXT UNIT where I served as DUTY POSITIONS(S)... and/or In YEAR I deployed to DEPLOYMENT in support of OPERATION NAME.) If you have family, I am married to NAME, my SPOUSE of NUMBER YEARS and we have NUMBER of children, NAME, YEARD OLD and NAME, YEARS OLD. Wrap it all up with your short term and long term goals. You will get some conflicting advice here. Some will say to never mention a desire to be a warrant or a commissioned officer. I see where that comes from but disagree-but that’s a different post. A good example may be: My short term goal or to win BDE/DIV/INSTALLION Soldier of the Year and become a non-commissioned officer. My long term goals are to co,plate my bachelors degree in DEGREE and become a 1SG of (whatever your MOS is) company.

Now, if you are about to do something cool-get a pilot’s license or run a marathon or whatever, include that with short term goals. Maintain eye contact with all member of the board. Start with he president and finish with him/her, but look at everyone. If you go to look at someone and they aren’t looking, look a thing the next person. Maximize the time you are looking at people face to face. Besides showing confidence, eye contact builds empathy.

Most important thing-relax. The hard part is actually over. You have been selected. Your 1SG wouldn’t have selected you if you thought you’d bomb. You have been chosen for a reason. Have that confidence. OWN that confidence. Walk into that board link you’ve already won and this is just a technicality.

Win or lose, right after the board, knock on your first sergeant’s door, enter when told to, lock up at parade desk in front of his/her desk, and thank them for the opportunity to attend the Soldier of the Year board. Humility, attention to detail, and showing proper respect and customs and courtesies will only help you through your career.

Congratulations of your selection, now turn off the internet and study!

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2018 11:15 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 23:15:56 -0500

Congratulations! And good luck.

Response by SSG Tim Thornton made Mar 2 at 2018 8:21 AM

SSG Tim Thornton — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 08:21:50 -0500

Study Basic General Questions, look sharp, snapped when reporting, answer the question with confidence even if your wrong. It is better to make a decision then be indecisive. If your wrong tell them you’ll find out and don’t just blow smoke, find the answer and report back to them. Shows integrity for the next time and that you’ll admit your mistakes and learn from them.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Mar 2 at 2018 10:11 AM

SFC Robert Walton — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 10:11:35 -0500

Get off RP and get back to studying. Congrats and good luck.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Mar 2 at 2018 10:22 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 10:22:40 -0500

Congratulations! The board memo should list the areas you need to study on.
When I was competing I taped recorded questions gave a pause then recorded the answers. I would play the tape try and answer the questions in the time lapse in front of the mirror so I could work on eye contact, and just kept repeating that each night until I had the timing and the answers down. that worked well for the question and answer portion of the board.
The APFT and hands on portion is where I used to see folks stand out. You and your peers should all be pretty close on the Q&A and uniform inspection part.
-On the hands on, many folks could perform the tasks but couldn't perform them to the standard as listed in the SMCT manual which is where the evaluation standards should come from.
- The APFT is the APFT, you are either fit or not.
Again congrats and I wish you the best of luck.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 11:16 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 11:16:15 -0500

Hooah! good luck SPC!

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2018 3:07 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 15:07:43 -0500

I will defer to your own service for specifics but advice I give to all my Sailors standing a board is pretty universal. Know the stuff expected of you. If standing a live board, practice in front of a group of friends or family. Try to be comfortable but not too comfortable. Maintain your military bearing and always address board members by their rank (or service equivalent). Boardsmanship is not a joke, I have seen the board make or break a package and be the determining factor between very close packages. Also, make sure your uniform is on point. They will be looking for any detail. Have a supervisor or squared away coworker take a look over you to catch anything you might miss.

Response by 1SG Clifford Barnes made Mar 2 at 2018 9:38 PM

1SG Clifford Barnes — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 21:38:26 -0500

I agree and be prepared for anything hooah

Response by SFC Francisco Roman made Mar 4 at 2018 9:14 PM

SFC Francisco Roman — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 21:14:45 -0500

Just like the LTC, said.study your material that has been provided. You can't fail.

Response by SSG Eddye Royal made Mar 4 at 2018 9:18 PM

SSG Eddye Royal — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 21:18:31 -0500

Congratulations, on being selected and thanks for your service.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Mar 4 at 2018 10:35 PM

MSG John Duchesneau — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 22:35:33 -0500

Having never been selected for such an honor I am a bit cynical about the distinction of being a soldier of the year. It seems to me the Army's equivalent of a beauty pagent. You look sharp and can answer a bunch a tricky trivia questions. I suggest you get advice from a sharp NCO who has been a soldier of the year themselves. The most important thing, however, is not to embarrass your 1SG.

Response by SGT Larry Benson made Apr 25 at 2018 5:52 PM

SGT Larry Benson — Wed, 25 Apr 2018 17:52:36 -0400

Read the study guides aloud and if you can get old board questions from one of your senior NCO's then record the questions and answers onto DVD\MP3 etc.. and then listen to them in the car or anytime you can kill some time. I did this for about a week prior to boards to include the E5 promotion board and it did wonders for my preparation.

Response by SFC Sandy Blake made Apr 27 at 2018 4:22 PM

SFC Sandy Blake — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 16:22:33 -0400

The question that stumped me was "What command do you give when the troops you are marching are one step from the edge of a cliff". The natural command would be halt, but that is a two step command. The answer was "Minefield" The troops stop immediately. No two step, its stop now. Hope this helps. Good Luck. Proud to Serve!!

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Apr 30 at 2018 2:09 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 14:09:18 -0400

SPECIALIST: THAT IS HUGE! CONGRATULATIONS, KUDOS AND MY HIGH, HIGH PRAISE FOR YOU!