Should promotion from PFC to SPC be automatic?

2015-06-24T00:11:19-04:00

I am under the impression that promotion from PFC to SPC was automatic, good behavior considered. I already have 34 months tis and 32 months tig. I've spoken with my chain of command, but they seem to "yes me to death" but nothing has changed. I'm not sure where to turn here.

Edit: This issue has been resolved with my chain of command, I thank you all for the advice and input.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 12:15 AM

2015-06-24T00:15:48-04:00

Are you flagged? That will stop it.

Response by SPC David S. made Jun 24 at 2015 12:19 AM

2015-06-24T00:19:48-04:00

Just keep bringing it up. If your first line leaders do their job, you'll get it.

Response by SSG Keven Lahde made Jun 24 at 2015 12:22 AM

2015-06-24T00:22:00-04:00

PFC Alex Rivers Talk to your Team Leader and if nothing is done talk to your Squad Leader. But keep bringing it up until you get it. But it is automatic. Pass your APFT correct?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 12:24 AM

2015-06-24T00:24:30-04:00

Check your erb if it's on there then you are promoted and are getting paid as an SPC and just need to get pinned.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 12:24 AM

2015-06-24T00:24:34-04:00

You're probably being paid as an E4. Check your LES. I know in my unit the 4187 required for your promotion takes forever to go through S1.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 12:24 AM

2015-06-24T00:24:39-04:00

Take control of your career because nobody else is going to just hand if down to you. Get the paperwork that says how long you've been in and time in grade you have and bring it with you. Respectfully go up the chain of command until the issue is solved. Sometimes persistence goes along way. It's not nagging especially since it's your career and livelihood on theine. Good luck!

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 12:26 AM

2015-06-24T00:26:30-04:00

Talk to your base PAC or personnel section. If you're at Bn go to Bde etc. Make different people tell you no.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 12:28 AM

2015-06-24T00:28:28-04:00

Under AR 600-8-19 the TIS required to advance from PFC to SPC is 24 months. Though you are eligible, your leadership makes the decision for your promotion.

Response by SPC David Isakson made Jun 24 at 2015 12:28 AM

2015-06-24T00:28:37-04:00

How far up your chain of command have you gone? If they can't give you a definite answer ask for some time to go see finance.

Response by SPC Larry Buck made Jun 24 at 2015 12:31 AM

2015-06-24T00:31:41-04:00

Good question, mine was a lot of stepped up effort just for the sake of need, I was better then the others.

Response by SFC(P) Jonathan P. made Jun 24 at 2015 12:33 AM

2015-06-24T00:33:00-04:00

So you have a passing APFT score with in the last 6 months, have you been or are you flagged. These are things you would like to find out

Response by SSG Melvin Nulph made Jun 24 at 2015 12:50 AM

2015-06-24T00:50:18-04:00

Have you falied a AFPT, failed qualify at weapons, are you on profile, under any type of UCMJ pending action, missed drills or a number of other things that could be holding you up from getting promoted & it pinned on?
No matter what, do not get a negative attitude that could make a clerical error be turned against you.
Use the Chain of Command and NCO Support Channel to get it fixed or an answer why. Always be professional at all times.
I know you have heard the saying, "Shit Happens", its normally used when thing's don't go right, Remember, all wrongs can be corrected. Stay in the right frame of mind so the response dosn"t change to, "Shit doesn't happen, you make it happen".
Good luck with this and keep us up to date on the outcome.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 1:11 AM

2015-06-24T01:11:47-04:00

There is no such thing as "automatic" promotion. People still have to say "yes" or "no" .
Work hard. Talk to your s1. And keep going up.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 1:55 AM

2015-06-24T01:55:11-04:00

It is not necessarily automatic. As a team leader, there were a few times I had to counsel soldiers on why they weren't receiving their E-4 rank. Once you come up on the AAA(automatic integration list) your leadership circles yes or no. However, they should be counseling you on why they selected no if that is the case.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 3:21 AM

2015-06-24T03:21:41-04:00

PFC Rivers, tha'ts a more of a positive than a negative that you don't want to sound like a nag. You want to find a balance between 2 contradictory proverbs "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" and"The squeaky wheel gets replaced" Which one is true? depends on how you present yourself. First of all show you are professional, a team player, eager to contribute to the mission. Make sure you get all your required soldier things done. Wpns qual, PT, MOS qual etc. Continue to work on your military and your civilian college education (using your GI bill and perhaps state benefits) Secondly, i've learned long ago in the military to check your records. You can be surprised what is missing or in error. Related to that any training, evals, awards, promotions or other documentation, always keep a copy. If you find errors you can use your copy to correct it. If you dont have a copy, work with your chain to get it corrects. Also talk to your career counselor about your options and get his/her advice on how to manage your career. When you do present your concerns say in a professional, tactful way. Ive had to learn the hard way, as I got older and wiser, how to always be assertive yet respectful. Speak your concerns with a tone of a professional soldier who desires to advance and proud to be part of the time. Hang in there and don't get discouraged. Good luck in your Army National Guard career.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 6:37 AM

2015-06-24T06:37:40-04:00

Ar600-8-19 chapter2

If a CDR elects not to recommend a Soldier for promotion on the automatic promotion date, the CDR must
annotate “NO” on the AAA–117 (RA) or GRA–PO1 (Advancement Eligibility Status Roster) (USAR), then the CDR
(or BN HR) must prepare a DA Form 4187 denying the promotion. A DA Form 268 will be submitted no later than the
20th day of the month preceding the month of automatic promotion. The first-line leader must counsel the Soldier,
using DA Form 4856 (Developmental Counseling Form). The DA Form 4187 and the DA Form 4856 must be attached
to the enlisted advancement report before it is forwarded to the BN S1 HR specialist.

I just went through the same fight and this is your backup straight from regulation now- use your commanders open door policy to talk to him about these documents denying your promotion and request copies... if he doesn't have it... where's the promotion??? If nothing happens... go to IG!!

Response by SPC Ryan Su made Jun 24 at 2015 6:45 AM

2015-06-24T06:45:11-04:00

Keep checking on your paper works from S2

Response by SPC Ryan Su made Jun 24 at 2015 6:45 AM

2015-06-24T06:45:36-04:00

Sorry I meant S1

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 6:49 AM

2015-06-24T06:49:11-04:00

Yes, it is "automatic", yet your chain ultimately has to hack off on it. There must be something that is looming in the background that precludes you from the list. And, truthfully, it may be a straightforward as you rubbed someone the wrong way and they do not think you are ready.

Here is where you have to start thinking like an NCO. You are quite right, nagging or whining will definitely fly in the face of what you hope to achieve in advancement. I would advise that you present it constructively. You have the right to now why you are not moving up. ((If your supervisors are tippy-toeing away from telling you, then that is an indicator of their piss-poor leadership.)) Ask your Chain of Command what is stopping it as you would like to improve on that facet of your eligibility.

You simply cannot unf*ck what you don't know is f*ct.

And even if it continues to delay, continue to do good work. It will all come to fruition.

Keep us posted to your progress.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 7:12 AM

2015-06-24T07:12:32-04:00

Technically, if one is "eligible", meaning one meets all the requirements--a key point for all promotions, appointments, awards--- and there is no objection for cause (determined by rules of eligibility, supervisors, commanders) one is administratively "advanced" rather than "promoted" just as from Pvt to PFC, or just as a Major General is "appointed" and not "promoted" to Lt. Gen or General , etc per se. Of course, an advancement is effectively a promotion in terms of pay and general military or even command authority. A main difference is there is no promo board requirement; the advancement (or appointment) is up to the designated authority (in this case, the unit commander and 1SG).
We used to have temporary and permanent ranks through the 1980s which made this topic a lot more fun....

Response by SGT William Howell made Jun 24 at 2015 7:56 AM

2015-06-24T07:56:13-04:00

Acording to AR 600-8-19 (Something you need to get a copy of and learn so you can continue to make yourself ready for promotion)
(2) Promotion to PFC is 12 months TIS and 4 months TIG.
(3) Promotion to SPC is 24 months TIS and 6 months TIG.
(4) Soldiers must meet eligibility criteria in paragraph 1–10.
(5) Any Soldier previously reduced (for misconduct, inefficiency, or cause) must be fully qualified (without a waiver) for promotion to the next higher rank.
d. If a CDR elects not to recommend a Soldier for promotion on the automatic promotion date, the CDR must annotate “NO” on the AAA–117 (RA) or GRA–PO1 (Advancement Eligibility Status Roster) (USAR), then the CDR (or BN HR) must prepare a DA Form 4187 denying the promotion. A DA Form 268 will be submitted no later than the 20th day of the month preceding the month of automatic promotion. The first-line leader must counsel the Soldier, using DA Form 4856 (Developmental Counseling Form). The DA Form 4187 and the DA Form 4856 must be attached to the enlisted advancement report before it is forwarded to the BN S1 HR specialist. The BN S1 HR specialist must submit a Flag transaction in the personnel system to block the promotion as described below.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 8:27 AM

2015-06-24T08:27:02-04:00

PFC Alex Rivers See my comments to others input on this thread. Also, when the opportunity presents itself, transfer to another unit as your NCO chain has failed you. If you are lumped into a support platoon (i.e. HQ) you have to be your best advocate as more often than not the PSG tends to be from whichever low density MOS is the largest representation in the PLT (usually food service or motors)...this is no excuse but I have seen the smaller slices forgotten about under some PSGs.

On a more pointed note, you need to get in front of your Readiness NCO and find out what in the system is holding up your auto advancement. One of the unique (and maddening) things about the Guard system is how all of the admin pieces fit. For example, if you do not have a current PHA your orders will not publish. The system sees it as a deficiency and will not release your promotion until your unit goes through a SRP/PHA. You need to go straight to the source as he/she will also know what is on the AAA-117 discussed below.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 24 at 2015 9:00 AM

2015-06-24T09:00:35-04:00

PFC Alex Rivers Nothing in the military is automatic. Even if you meet the minimum TIS/TIG requirements to be eligible for promotion, your CDR can circle no on the AAA-117. If you haven't received any counselings on why you are not being promoted, your CoC is failing you. I don't know your entire story, so if you feel strong enough that you should be promoted, use the open door policy and go see you BN CSM.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 9:09 AM

2015-06-24T09:09:30-04:00

PFC Alex Rivers I noticed you are in the National Guard. Would that have anything to do with your not being promoted? Do the other soldiers get promoted in the guard automatically or do they have to wait for a slot to open up? I'm a little ignorant on the promotion process for guard and reserves.

Response by SFC Joseph Bosley made Jun 24 at 2015 9:19 AM

2015-06-24T09:19:38-04:00

OK I've been out for a few years but when I was a PSG no promotion was automatic. The Chain of command was still required to recommend you; the "yes" answer mentioned earlier. There are also, or at least when I was in there were 2 different requirements for TIS/TIG; for waiver and without waiver. You could get promoted with a waiver if the unit had them available. If the unit was at its limit of allowed waivers then no matter how badly I wanted to promote someone it just wasn't happening. Even at the time of promotion without waiver I still had to say "yes" and I could say no . The 1SG I worked for had a rule that if you said no in these cases he wanted to see signed counseling on the soldier within a day or 2. I had to hold a PFC back on rare occasions for various reasons, but i always made sure the soldier was clearly counseled as to the reasons why he was being held back. Of course I retired in '09 the rules may have changed since then.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-06-24T09:29:39-04:00

I actually do this stuff for my company. Some people have already said it but if you have been in as long as you say and have as much time in grade you should be a SPC by now. If your command is not promoting you on purpose there should be a paper trail backing up why. I realise this is YOUR rank and this might be a sore topic for you but you have to remember to approch this professionally. Continue to bring it up to your 1st line supervisor. What does your LES say? If you are not flagged or under any type of ucmj there should be no reason you didnt get picked up at 24 months. let me know maybe i can help. Also if your chain of command continues to ignore the problem there is always the IG office or ICE.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Jun 24 at 2015 9:55 AM

2015-06-24T09:55:16-04:00

It also has a lot to do with how long you have been in the unit and how many are ahead of you on the list. Get the SSD I completed and all the other schooling you can get for points.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 9:59 AM

2015-06-24T09:59:34-04:00

even if you have tig and tis it doesn't mean they should give it to you. if your chain of command feels as if you are ready to take the next step then they will pin you

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jun 24 at 2015 10:14 AM

2015-06-24T10:14:33-04:00

PFC Alex Rivers - Based on your description, somebody's not being honest with you. Of course, the problem MAY be the UMR. Sometimes, your MOS is full for the next level you're looking for in your unit and the unit can't double-slot. If that's the case, change units.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 24 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-06-24T12:15:53-04:00

As I was promoted to E-4 back in the day when it was not automatic (1984), I am of the opinion that Auto E-4 was a horrible idea. It has lessened the overall effectiveness of the force. E-4 used to have clout, now they have none what so ever (except for corporals). E-4's used to be able to tell troops what to do, and they did it. Now it is a hollow rank and it is affecting the E-5 grade as well.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 2:56 PM

2015-06-24T14:56:54-04:00

Step one (if no one has stated it yet), is to ask your Team Leader why you haven't been promoted yet, and if there is something that has stopped the promotion process that you can remedy. You say you have spoken with your chain of command, but did you ask that specific question?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2015 3:18 PM

2015-06-24T15:18:26-04:00

Ugh, almost about 8 years ago, it was automatic. The whole yessing to death, has your pay changed or anything to that nature? Heck you might be getting paid E-4 without even knowing it. And then there is just the pinning. . . Hmm, Good luck!

Response by SPC William Weedman made Jun 24 at 2015 4:47 PM

2015-06-24T16:47:34-04:00

Have a talk with your unit clerk, if you can between drills. I got held up a few months myself, I had 2 years active duty without being promoted early, active component was holding SPC over me as a carrot to reenlist. So when I found a home in KYARNG they held me up a couple of months waiting for my files to catch up from St. Louis to make sure I was a decent soldier and there was nothing holding me back from being promoted. When I went in to ask, they pulled my file and looked and realized not only was I overdue for promotion there were about 6 or 7 other folks who had spent their entire time in the Guard and no one had bothered to put their promotions through, so the next month, a bunch of us got promoted and the unit clerk kept up with promotions after that. I liked my chain of command, but realized they were not compelled to make sure I got promoted, that was my job. Also once you get SPC, find out exactly what you need to get SGT. In the Guard it is a bit different, you need an E-5 slot as well as WLC and whatever else may be required for your MOS. I hassled my unit for years for a slot to PLDC and when they finally got it, 6 months after my ETS I was so burned out (5.5 years of asking, begging & dealing plus doing a squad leaders job) I turned it down and left.

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Jun 24 at 2015 5:03 PM

2015-06-24T17:03:00-04:00

Mine came late, the back-pay was great. Didn't change anything about how I did my job.

Response by SPC Don Stringer made Jun 24 at 2015 5:16 PM

2015-06-24T17:16:49-04:00

Ask your Platoon Sgt. what you need to do to advance to Specialist. It will show you are not asking for something to be given, but how to earn it. It demonstrates a mature professional outlook.

Response by SPC Chris Early made Jun 24 at 2015 6:05 PM

2015-06-24T18:05:06-04:00

mines was when i was in and it should be your still a lower enlisted.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 24 at 2015 6:12 PM

2015-06-24T18:12:41-04:00

Well, for me it was automatic; however, I had graduated from a university, with a BA.

Response by SFC Glen S. made Jun 24 at 2015 8:42 PM

2015-06-24T20:42:07-04:00

Promotion to E-4 is based on the amount of allocated E-4 positions a command has available due to projected losses and manning. Commanders are provided a list of soldiers who are eligible where he/she will select yes/no to promote. Each unit has a UMR which identifies how many E-4s, etc. are authorized in a unit. If you have only 20 SPC positions command wide available and there are 40 soldiers all meeting TIS and TIG like yourself, then only 20 will get promoted. I think this would be the case for your scenario. It wouldn't hurt though to see your NCO Support Chain for their recommendations and support in getting promoted. Hope this helps.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2015 12:59 AM

2015-06-25T00:59:33-04:00

The lack of weapons Qual shouldn't be an issue, unless your command has counseled you on it. You can still promote.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 25 at 2015 1:25 AM

2015-06-25T01:25:11-04:00

No, not in my opinion. There may be an allocation issue... That is, all the positions/slots may be full... or they may not want to promote you. What has your chain of command said? Nothing is ever really automatic...

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jun 25 at 2015 1:28 AM

2015-06-25T01:28:49-04:00

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Jun 25 at 2015 8:24 AM

2015-06-25T08:24:32-04:00

It is automatic. It looks like someone in your unit is not doing his or her job. Completely unacceptable.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2015 10:22 AM

2015-06-25T10:22:45-04:00

Yes, you should be promoted to E4 automatically assuming that you meet APFT/HT/WT, TIG, TIS requirements. If all those requirements are met, there shouldn't be any reason you're not advanced yet unless for some reason your Chain of Command has disallowed it.

I would look in to a retroactive date of rank, because you meet TIG/TIS requirements, and I'm going to assume that you meet APFT/HT/WT if you're asking the question. Retroactive DOR will entitle you to back pay as well.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 25 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-06-25T11:29:51-04:00

It is automatic. Here's the thing, if your COC isnt promoting you at the TIS/TIG timeline, then either:
They are wrong
Or
You have displayed some type of misconduct or quality that causes them to believe you havent earned the leadership position and authority that comes with it.
While it is automatic, the COC can, and will, hold your promotion status until they feel you have earned the duties and responsibilities of the rank and position. Trust me man, I'm facing the same thing right now too. I came up for waiver in March, but dont hit TIS until September. But I hld an E6 position. But here I am, little ol' PFC, trying to do an NCO job without any kind of leadership anything on, except a patch that IDs me as a cadre member.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 25 at 2015 7:57 PM

2015-06-25T19:57:45-04:00

It is supposed to be automatic. Your S1 probably lost some paperwork.

In my opinion SPC rank should be earned as it has some added responsibility, but I'm not in charge.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 12:10 AM

2015-06-28T00:10:33-04:00

What is the status of your security clearance? Make an appointment with your units S-2. On occasion, if there are serious security clearance issues, the command is not at liberty to discuss the delay in your promotion. Although they could discuss it under certain circumstances, they would probably not.

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jun 28 at 2015 12:15 AM

2015-06-28T00:15:14-04:00

Alex in your case yea.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 28 at 2015 12:22 AM

2015-06-28T00:22:44-04:00

First, look at your ERB. You might be flagged and not even know it. if you need to, Google, "ERB codes" to find what those mean if you have any. Also, someone referenced AR 600-8-19 for enlisted promotion and reductions. Make sure to review that as well.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 3:41 PM

2015-06-28T15:41:48-04:00

Are you getting paid as a specialist? If so, fuk em. As long as you are getting paid for where you are supposed to be I say damn the rank....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 7:17 PM

2015-07-01T19:17:43-04:00

PFC Rivers, I am also in the NH National Guard, and was in the Battalion & Brigade S1 at different times, so I am quite familiar with the promotion system in the NH National Guard.

I am guessing that your are counting your TIS & TIG from your date of enlistment. For Active Duty Soldiers this is the correct process, but for ARNG the clock for promotion doesn't start until the day you ship to Basic Training. I'm guessing that you were assigned to the RSP in Center Strafford, NH for a while, and this means that you haven't reached 24 months since the date you shipped to Basic yet.

This is always the drawback to enlisting as a PFC, you will be a PFC for two years from your ship date before you are eligible for promotion to SPC. Hope this helps!

Response by SPC Benjamin Izaguirre made Jul 9 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-07-09T13:54:10-04:00

There suppose to be but I had no problem since I got my E-4 when I went to Desert Storm.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 3:05 PM

2015-07-09T15:05:24-04:00

Check your erb for possible flag, plus your LES to ensure you're being paid as a SPC

Response by SPC Jason Gilmer made Jul 10 at 2015 6:12 AM

2015-07-10T06:12:39-04:00

Yes it is automatic if you have no field grade articles. Mine was automatic though that was 3 years ago

Response by SPC Ken Sawyer made Jul 11 at 2015 11:07 AM

2015-07-11T11:07:45-04:00

lmao not really i was such a pain in the rear to my 1st sgt that he tore my spec 4 orders up lol i hadn't been in trouble i just pushed the rules a lot. I didn't get spc to i was out and in the National Guard

Response by SPC Steven Depuy made Jul 14 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-07-14T15:35:43-04:00

Been a long time for me, but I thought there were two issues, minimum time to be eligible for promotion, so you can't get it prior to a certain time. I made SP4 in 18mo back in the 70's, which was the minimum time you had to serve to get promoted. My boss liked me and I guess it did not affect any type of slot or position. There used to also a point in time if you do not reach a certain, rank , you could be kicked out of the service when I was in. I did not stay in long enough to hit any of those mile markers. I never heard of any automatic promotiio, but like I said, that was 40 years ago, times change.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 9:42 PM

2015-07-14T21:42:50-04:00

The fed rec may already be in and it is just a matter of pinning the rank. Check your iperms. Whatever you do, DO NOT promote yourself.

Response by MSgt William Lucas made Jul 16 at 2015 5:56 PM

2015-07-16T17:56:51-04:00

I don't know how the Army promotion method works, but promotion from E-3 to E-4 happens automatically after TIG/TIS and skill level requirements are met. That's provided there's no detected crime.
Unit Commanders get a print out from MAJCOM or AFPC and have to red line troops that are ineligible.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 16 at 2015 7:36 PM

2015-07-16T19:36:06-04:00

All promotions should be based on merit. Automatic promotions don't prove ability.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2015 3:23 PM

2015-07-21T15:23:41-04:00

Has this been resolved yet?
If it hasn't, here are a few 'Guardisms' that may be effecting you.
Did you spend time in delayed entry/RSP? If you did you can wipe out all that time in service. For 1st promotions in the ARNG, your TIS doesn't start counting until you report to basic. And if you were a split-op Soldier (worst program in history of the reserve compnents) then you are really screwed. If that is the case then your TIS didn't start until 6-7 weeks prior to your AIT report date.

If your State uses an automatic promotion system then you may not appear in that system until APFT, HT&WT are reflecting in SIDPERS. It could be as simple as your RNCO/TNCO put it in RCAS and it didn't update in SIDPERS and they are only looking at the auto-advance system instead of doing the manual calculations.

Or you could just have a really bad Admin/Readiness NCO that hasn't dropped the 4187 into iPerms.
Your M-Day Leadership should be able to push the issue if this is the case.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 10:54 AM

2015-07-24T10:54:17-04:00

Sorry there Shock Trooper, but in my opinion NO promotion should be automatic. Every promotion should be earned.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 24 at 2015 1:22 PM

2015-07-24T13:22:24-04:00

Keep in mind PFC rivers that half the state is deployed right now. With the other half preparing to following the same shortly. Most leaders are putting your promotion on the front burner, so to speak. They have much larger takings to take care of.

Response by SFC Glen S. made Jul 24 at 2015 10:31 PM

2015-07-24T22:31:44-04:00

Here is some information that can give you a little insight of what might be happening. All comments here are great. What I am going to do is refer you to the following: As your affiliation indicates you are in the ARNG. If this is correct, please take a look at AR 600-8-19, dtd 2 Feb 2015, Table 2-1, Step 8. It specifically says; " Step 8, Unit/BN CDR, Select eligible Soldiers by annotating the AAA–117 YES for select or NO for denial of promotion. Prepare DA Form 4187 for those promoted with waiver, or promoted after the automatic promotion date. Prepare DA Form 268 for those denied promotion on automatic promotion date. For ARNG Soldiers a promotion instrument must be produced and only when there is a vacancy. Keep in mind the words, "only and vacancy". Keep a positive attitude, keep plugging along and strive to always do good. Maintain your administrative, moral, physical, and educational requirements. Only you can make a difference. Your hard work will pay off in the long run. Good luck!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2015 5:39 AM

2015-08-10T05:39:53-04:00

A unit only gets so many slots for each rank. There was a time where you could hold a slot one rank above or two ranks below your current rank, but with drawdowns and cuts, they've put a stop to that. When I first joined the Guard back in 07, they were generous with E3 to E4 promotions. By the time we left Iraq, we didn't have anyone below the rank of E4. It was good for everyone's bank account at the time, but in the end it screwed everyone because it created a log jam. It only gets worse as you ascend the ladder too. You end up waiting for someone to die or retire.

Response by SPC Jay F. made Aug 10 at 2015 5:58 AM

2015-08-10T05:58:18-04:00

I had to prove I was worthy of the rank of Specialist. That meant, leading soldiers in tasks within my MOS, giving classes on component theory of operation, showing initiative and a passing APFT score of at least 260. I excelled in all of those quite proficiently!

Response by SPC William Del Valle made Nov 10 at 2015 8:20 PM

2015-11-10T20:20:24-05:00

PFC Alex Rivers
If I was you I would look at your ERB like someone already said, sometimes you could be flagged. Then I would look at your Date of ranks to see if you did get promoted. Sometimes it happens when you do get an "automatic" promotion and this could be a mistake, there has been times when PFC's are getting SPC pay and don't even say anything. This is where it becomes a problem because the ARMY will get their money back. Another thing that might happen would be someone in S1 didn't catch the mistake and it goes unnotice. So after checking your ERB and your Mypay, talk to your first line and ask them how can you get promoted. He might reply with something like, you have to be at the right place at the right time with the right uniform. He might also say soldier of the month boards. This is where you should ask to go to one, right now it seems you are off the radar and you need to get noticed, the boards are a good way to do that in a good way. I was always told that if TOP knows your name its because you did something wrong. So do something good and try to win the board, this way all the other units know your name. Also whatever you do, DO NOT GO over your first line, it's not good and you will need to have him or her on your side. If they don't want to help you and you can tell if they are by giving you excuses. If this happens ask him or her for a meeting with your next person in your NCO support channel. There are many reasons why this is happening but you need to go about it the right way!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 10:58 PM

2015-11-12T22:58:40-05:00

What does your LES say?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 12 at 2015 11:26 PM

2015-11-12T23:26:14-05:00

PFC Alex Rivers One question, is your shit straight? If it is then you could explore the situation w/ your chain of command! Be truthful to yourself, are you Soldiering?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2015 2:37 PM

2015-11-13T14:37:43-05:00

We have had guys bring in LES in to prove that they got their promotion. It's enough for my unit, yours may request something more.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Oct 22 at 2019 5:18 AM

2019-10-22T05:18:46-04:00

The only time I’ve seen it automatic is when it is part of your enlistment contract! Mine was automatic based upon the fact I Enlisted in the Army with a BA Degree! At 601-210 Rule E -4 brought me in as an E3 with auto promotion after four months Active Duty providing I had no infractions, flags, and AR 15’s. Never saw auto promotion to E4 during my entire Active Duty career. Promotion to E4 is actually based on a percentage of soldiers in a unit or a SPC can be issued hard stripes (Corporal) if they hold a ‘command’ billet! I was offered ‘Acting Jack’ sergeant stripes in Germany because I was NCOIC of Enlisted Promotions! If you want me to appear th be an E5 NCO, then promote me and/or pay me E5 salary!!! Just my two cents with some Army refs to support my two cents!!!