On a promotion board, how should I answer the question "Why should you be promoted to SSG"?

2021-09-19T10:20:37-04:00

Hello everyone,
I’ll be attending my E5 - E6 board this Thursday and I’m having difficulty answering this question. I understand it’s generally a difficult question to ask because not many people like to talk about themselves. This is the response I’ve come up with, “ I feel i am ready to promote to SSG because i have been an NCO for over three years. In those three years I’ve held leadership positions across multiple sections, S1, CBRN NCO,and S6. I’ve been selected over my peers to cover down as acting PSG on more than one occasion. And finally, through my leadership I’ve been able to enhance the technical and tactical knowledge of my soldiers as well as others. This has lead to a great increase in efficiency and success within my shop and the unit.” Is this too much? Too little?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 10:32 AM

2021-09-19T10:32:14-04:00

There is no correct answer. The purpose of the question is to test your response. You receive open ended questions in a board to see how well you can adapt and handle stress

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 10:42 AM

2021-09-19T10:42:58-04:00

"Because it's the next step in taking your job."

Response by SP5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 10:56 AM

2021-09-19T10:56:25-04:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Just a suggestion. Shift "feel" (emotion) to "believe" (fact based opinion) for a positive perspective.

Response by CW5 Jack Gaudet made Sep 19 at 2021 10:57 AM

2021-09-19T10:57:47-04:00

Those are great answers, have a backup for what you will contribute in the future. You are being promoted for your potential to the next higher rank.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Sep 19 at 2021 11:04 AM

2021-09-19T11:04:33-04:00

IMHO you should say, in confident voice, "because I've already proven myself and my leadership ability at the SSG level". Let the board members know of your accomplishments at the SSG and above (PSG) level. They already know what you have done and what are capable of doing. They want to see how you handle yourself. That's all the SGT/SSG boards are for anyways, to see how you handle stress.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 11:24 AM

2021-09-19T11:24:02-04:00

All but Combat or Meritorious SSgt promotions were at HQMC for USMC. They see your record only. A good answer might be that as a SSG you can better perform your duties in support of the Army mission.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 12:20 PM

2021-09-19T12:20:28-04:00

You are thinking too hard and your response sounds like you are not ready for the next level. Keep it simple, you know what you have done and why you want to be promoted to SSG. Example: I have been performing as a 30 level for over 3years and have held various leadership positions such as PSG, CBRN NCOIC, etc. Let the board members know that you where successful in all those positions above your pay grade. Try to avoid talking in a passive voice. Good luck.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 2:05 PM

2021-09-19T14:05:10-04:00

From a 1SG's perspective that currently sits on plenty of promotion boards, anything that has to do with "my time served" is an immediate deal breaker. Promotions are merit based not just time, we need NCO's that are selfless, team players, that can articulate what contributions they can make or are already making at the next level to the NCO Corp holistically.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2021 8:27 PM

2021-09-19T20:27:18-04:00

“I have a passion for leading and mentoring Soldiers and the next higher rank increases my sphere of influence.”

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Sep 20 at 2021 9:16 AM

2021-09-20T09:16:08-04:00

Why do you feel you should be promoted to SSgt instead of your peers. You should have a reason or answer.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Sep 20 at 2021 11:05 AM

2021-09-20T11:05:07-04:00

Your answer is.... Not bad.
Having sat on a few boards, I would certainly not mark you down for that answer. But I wouldn't be very inspired by it either.

Don't tell me what you *have* done. Tell me what you are *going* to do. After all, you did that stuff as a SGT. So why do I need to make you a SSG? You can keep right on doing it at your current rank. What will becomeing a SSG empower you to do above and beyond what you are already doing?