Should community service (volunteerism) be worth anything at a promotion's board?

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 19:39:21 -0500

I know time is pressing in many jobs and volunteering may be a further distraction, do you think it should be a requirement?

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 24 at 2013 7:47 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 19:47:28 -0500

In the Army, if you earn the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) it's worth 15 promotion points to SGT and SSG.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Nov 24 at 2013 7:57 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Sun, 24 Nov 2013 19:57:50 -0500

MOVSM is 15 points. Pretty sure it is for all the services...

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Nov 25 at 2013 7:07 AM

CSM Mike Maynard — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 07:07:50 -0500

When I hold promotion boards, volunteerism is absolutely considered. <div><br></div><div>To be recommended for promotion, I could really care less about your ability to do rote memorization. I'm looking at whether you have the capability and desire to train and take care of Soldiers.</div><div><br></div><div>Additionally, we're looking for future leaders that display great character. I believe volunteerism is one way to determine who gets "it" - giving back and being a servant leader.</div>

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 12:43 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 00:43:35 -0500

Isn't the MOVSM worth promotion points??

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Nov 28 at 2013 7:49 AM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 07:49:40 -0500

I believe volunteerism makes up the "whole person" concept and shows overall character. It should not be a requirement/mandatory, but should be considered for promotions. Obviously, mission comes first, so if an individual does his job very well and is able to also do volunteer work; he/she has demonstrated proper prioritization, balance, etc. When military personnel volunteer their off duty time with local communities, they also represent the military in a positive way.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 28 at 2013 8:51 AM

CMC Robert Young — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 08:51:04 -0500

Because the USCG's advancement system is based on performance evaluation (EER)and academic testing, there is no way for volunteering in the community to impact the process directly. A member's EER may be stronger in the Work, Life Balance category because they have demonstrated commitment to some positive activity outside of work but since it's only one category any improvement in promotional potential would be too small to be meaningful. However, all special assignments are made by review boards that determine a member's fitness for what are typically high profile tours. Because

these assignments garner so much attention, it's almost a requirement to demonstrate some community involvement. Earning the MOVSM is always a plus when going to a special assignment board.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2014 2:01 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 14:01:09 -0500

As several have mentioned, the MOVSM does count towards promotion to SGT and SSG but earning promotion points should not be the primary reason for volunteering. Soldiers should volunteer out of a sincere desire to help their community.

Of course, if offering a handful of promotion points gets a Soldier started in volunteer work then it is well worth the little bit of time and effort it takes to fill out the paperwork to recognize them. Once they start, most people get hooked on volunteering.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 3:18 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 15:18:21 -0400

For a regular promotion, no, however for a meritorious promotion absolutely. They are taking time to better themselves as a member of their community and do deserve some credit.