Recent SFC Selection Board

2014-05-08T19:00:50-04:00

I know that after the board they publish an AAR and I also read the reports as to how many NCO's got selected in the primary and secondary zone and there background.

My question is will they publish something along the lines of what separated you from your peers? I have heard for example that "maybe this year they were looking for NCO's who were SHARP ASI 1B Qualified".. or they decided that any NCO who was a Drill Sergeant got picked up. I know the Infantry Branch does something similar to this and I heard my branch "Engineer" does it also but no one seems to know when this is published or where to find it.

Any information would be appreciated. I felt kind of bad when some of my battles on the trail with me did not get picked up seeing as how for some of them it was there third, fourth and or fifth look. We all sat down and talked about what ASI's they had, certain awards they had, and any schools they went to. I compared myself to most of them and I really didn't see to much of a difference. I was just curious over this and if anyone has any information about this please feel free to let me know.

Thanks in advance

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 8 at 2014 7:07 PM

2014-05-08T19:07:22-04:00

Ahhh the eternal question that no one EVER can successfully answer to anyone's satisfaction.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 8 at 2014 7:12 PM

2014-05-08T19:12:08-04:00

I was a SSG for 8 years, 10 months when I pinned on SFC(OCT '02); I had been branch certified since '95, BNCOC, I mean ALC graduated, 6-months as a PSG....for me it was the 3 years I was a recruiter and the first 2 NCOERS I received where the 1SG 3 blocked me as the Sr Rater out there that caused me to have to wait longer than I should have. All I can say to someone in the same position is continue to be the NCO you are, strive to improve yourself when you can and always take care of your Soldiers!

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2014 8:54 PM

2014-05-08T20:54:49-04:00

Some boards are geared towards certain branches. This year's board seemed to be spec ops heavy.

However as much as everyone talks about what was looked for this year it is really based on demand. How many above you got out or promoted and opened up spaces to get back filled?

Keys to getting promoted -

Successfully work outside your MOS for a year or two (not recruiting or drill). This shows the Army you can be put into any job and be successful

Continue to educate yourself both civilian and military. Never stop learning.

Make sure your records are straight (I mean be real anal about them).

Talk to your peers at your current level and the next level. What have they done that you haven't? If they have all gone to a specialty school and some haven't it is very hard to be competitive when you aren't on top.

Ensure your NCOERs show the Army and your bosses what you can do (quantify and qualify).

I am sure if you act on the above things you will find yourself getting promoted.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2019 7:10 PM

2019-10-11T19:10:57-04:00

In the current promotion system, no. As an individual you will not be informed of your shortcomings; however, each branch analyzes the board results and gives a percentage breakdown of who had what and selection percentage. For example: of the 957 SSGs considered %25 slected served as drill sergeants, etc. This breakdown is different form the AAR. I found mine at my branches home web page. I'd reach out to a senior mentor in your branch to try and get your hands on this document. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Hope this helped. Caveat, I have no idea how the new promotion will work in the near future. We will all learn together.