Possibility of getting orders deferred for obtaining promotable status prior to PCS?

2020-09-15T17:53:48-04:00

I re-enlisted for fort Carson back in March. I plan on going to the SSG promotion board next month. If I get my P status prior to me leaving for Carson in late spring, what are the chances of me losing the opportunity to go to Carson ie getting my orders deferred? Should I just wait to go to the board? Should I still progress in my career regardless of this risk? What’s the chances of my orders getting deferred for this ?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 5:57 PM

2020-09-15T17:57:21-04:00

I think you can PCS with a "P" just fine.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 5:57 PM

2020-09-15T17:57:57-04:00

Go to the promotion board then when you get your "P" status go see your Career Counselor so that can validate the you are still able to go to Carson. You shouldn't stop your career progression for an assignment.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 5:59 PM

2020-09-15T17:59:03-04:00

HRC slots SGT non-promotable in E5 slots, E5(P) in E6 slots. There may not be an E6 slot for your MOS at your next duty station

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 6:03 PM

2020-09-15T18:03:34-04:00

I’d strongly advise you against waiting to go to the board. I did the same thing in 2015. It delayed my promotion by 2 years. Career progression over assignment. It’s not worth the risk. Also depending on whether you’re in Primary Zone or not, waiting my not even be an option anymore now that it’s mandatory once you hit Primary.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 6:14 PM

2020-09-15T18:14:25-04:00

Sgt Thompson go ahead and get your "Promotable" status before leaving. Who knows what your next command will do when you arrive on ground and may have you prove yourself again to go to the board. Also with your Mos, they will just slot you in a E6 position once you get on ground in a various brigade and then a battalion. Just because you get a "P" doesn't stop you from going to your next assignment. It's about career development and you being recognized for promotion is a crucial step in your development.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Sep 15 at 2020 6:31 PM

2020-09-15T18:31:10-04:00

If you plan to make the Army a career, you have to get promoted to Staff Sergeant. No way would I put off the board. It can send the wrong message to your Chain of Command and might reflect badly on your change-of-rater NCOER.
Follow the advice of SFC Private RallyPoint Member, also on this thread.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Sep 15 at 2020 7:18 PM

2020-09-15T19:18:06-04:00

I would recommend going to the board first where you are currently stationed. They know you better.
You can request a deferment of your PCS date. With a valid reason (promotion board), they are usually approved.
A deletion of a PCS is harder to get approved by DA HQ.

However, if your E7 packet has already been submitted to the board at Ft Benjamin Harrison, then simplify notifying the Selection Board with a copy of PCS orders should rectify the problem of your orders arriving at the appropriate location.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Sep 15 at 2020 7:21 PM

2020-09-15T19:21:27-04:00

Also request o copy of your promotion packet and a copy of the Promotion Point Standing List!!!
You CANNOT be placed on a gaining unit’s Promotion Standing List without proof you were on your prior unit’s Standing List! I encountered this issue the entire time I was NCOIC of Enlisted Promotions!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 9:32 PM

2020-09-15T21:32:51-04:00

You will still PCS, regardless if you are promotable or not. I left Fort Stewart to PCS to Fort Wainwright as a SGT (P) well after receiving orders prior to becoming promotable. It’s not a change in rank, it’s only a status saying you qualify to move up to the next rank. Your orders will still say whatever your current rank is, promotable or not. Even if you miraculously get promoted to the next rank, you don’t have to defer your orders, you’ll just need to go to levy and have your rank amended on the orders, which won’t defer it at all, just a new print out of your orders reflecting your new rank. Or just don’t, you will still be fine.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2020 9:39 PM

2020-09-15T21:39:50-04:00

I would also encourage you to talk with your Career Counselor/Retention NCO, or call or email Branch to see what they say as well if you want more guidance and answers to your question. My last comment was based off my experience and what I’ve seen with other Soldiers with a similar situation as yours. So I’m almost certain, but cases vary differently for Soldiers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2020 1:56 AM

2020-09-16T01:56:41-04:00

Unless you have a crazy low denisty MOS you shouldn't have any issues.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2020 5:50 AM

2020-09-16T05:50:45-04:00

The chances of all E6 slots in your MOS being filled on the entirety of Fort Carson are slim. Go to the board and keep your career moving.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Sep 16 at 2020 9:51 AM

2020-09-16T09:51:13-04:00

Do the board, and PCS. As an 88M, trust me Ft. Carson can use you.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2020 12:26 PM

2020-09-22T12:26:00-04:00

Is it possible to lose the assignment? Yes, anything is possible in the Army. Is it likely? Not really, especially if you reenlisted with the CONUS duty station of choice option for Carson. Go for the P. I had pretty much the same situation as you did. I reenlisted duty station of choice and ended up getting promoted 2 days before I started PCS leave so I had to amend my orders. Either SGT(P) or SSG, they'll find you a spot. There are plenty of 88M SSG slots at Carson.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2020 8:58 AM

2020-10-19T08:58:24-04:00

From what I'm aware promotable status won't change your eligibility for PCS as an E5

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2020 10:23 AM

2020-10-31T10:23:14-04:00

A majority of the time there are no issues PCS'img with a "P" status. You will more than likely be re routed to a unit with the available SSG slot. Do not put off promotion possibilities for a PCS.