Should Soldiers be promoted within or outside units?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 18:26:37 -0500

E2 through E4 many would agree you keep within the unit, but when promoting to E5 and above should a Soldier be promoted within the unit or be forced to promote outside the unit? Is your answer different for enlisted and officers?

***For the purpose of this discussion if they are deploying (have mobilization orders) or are deployed should they be promoted out of the unit once they return from the deployment?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 6:35 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 18:35:15 -0500

I'm voting wherever there is a slot, LTC Private RallyPoint Member. I was promoted to SGT in the same unit. No problem. We all dealt with it. Same for E3 to E4, and then E5 to E6.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 6:57 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 18:57:58 -0500

There are pros and cons. Ultimately, I think a soldier would prefer to stay in their home unit. However, this this situation may be problematic, depending on the unit.
For example, say a soldier has spent a few years in their units. You and your buddies are all E-4s together. And then...promotion time. Added responsibility for the ones promoted, and you have a responsibility to your new rank...but your buddies are still Spcs. Suddenly, you are in charge, as follows with the responsibilities of promotion. Luckily (I guess), in my case, I was already a senior E-4. My time in grade and service was respected. But what if all else was equal? I'd assume it would be slightly awkward.
But, on the flipside, you are promoting into a new unit. Many of these guys have served together for years...and here you are...an NCO who is outside the bounds of their camaraderie. From a leadership, especially upper echelon, it's of little significance. But among enlisted troops, it can create chaos. I think it's all about how you present yourself. On the one hand, you are aware that overt disrespect is going to earn that subordinate a wrath backed by Command. On the other hand...who wants to be the new guy with a chip on his or her shoulder? It's a balancing act.
And for my beloved Battles who realized that I have just found myself in this predicament, I will keep you updated :)

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 5 at 2014 7:06 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 19:06:28 -0500

AF promotions are centralized for E5 and above. E2 to E4 are based on TIG/TIS and commanders concurrence. E4 below the zone is competitive at the unit of at least 7 are eligible. If not, it rolls to the next HHQs till there is atleast 7.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 7:08 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 19:08:02 -0500

For the promotion from E-4 to E-5, I think once they are promoted, they should move outside of the unit, with the exception if they come in as a E-4 (P) (CPL) already and serving in the SGT billet, but if they came up in the unit, when they transition from SM to NCO, they need to move to another unit, maybe with the same BN, but different companies / troops / batteries.
For Officers, when LTs become CPTs, they should serve a year on the battalion staff, then go to school.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 7:38 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 19:38:33 -0500

I believe that it makes a more rounded Soldier when they move around to different units. I think that is what has made me into the leader that I am today is that I moved around a little bit to take promotions. I encourage my Soldiers to do the same. Being in the Guard usually we have to stay with the unit for a year before you can transfer out if you find you do not like the unit.

Response by SPC Dave St.Andrew made Dec 5 at 2014 7:39 PM

SPC Dave St.Andrew — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 19:39:50 -0500

I think they should be promoted outside the unit, I've seen guys that got ripped on while lower enlisted and suddenly become an NCO and lo and behold, power trip, getting everyone back that used to pick on them.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 7:41 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 19:41:07 -0500

As a Platoon Sergeant and First Sergeant I used to battle this issue with almost every Battalion CSM I had. They always seemed to want to promote them to SGT and then move them to another unit using the claim that it would be easier for them to transition into the new rank and responsibilities.

I was just the opposite. I trained them, cultivated them to the point the were ready for the new leadership responsibility. Therefore I was keeping them in order to continue their progression.

I knew them, their strengths/weaknesses; they would be able to transition into their new responsibilites in familar sroundings; Plus it would also be easier for them to bring any issues or problems they may have.

After a lot of hell raising I usually got my way!

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Dec 5 at 2014 9:14 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 21:14:22 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member Sir, for E-5 and E-6 I say let them stay. If a 1SG has grown this Soldier (as 1SG Private RallyPoint Member pointed out) that 1SG should have the ability to capitalize on his and his PSGs work. E-7 and above I have mixed emotions. In many cases an E-6 may be in an E-7 billet when selected for promotion. If, so their role is not changing but their pay grade is. In that instance, let them stay. The same for a SFC who is acting as a 1SG. But with ever shrinking MTO&Es, force structure being transferred, and with the goal being a RIF when an NCO is selected for a SNCO position they must take it. The same is true for a 1SG or MSG.

So I mixed this all up and failed to provide a direct answer. But for junior NCO I say within. SNCO I say within if possible, if not, PCS is your new best friend.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Dec 5 at 2014 10:26 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 22:26:27 -0500

LTC Private RallyPoint Member What do you do in the case of your Guard and Reserve guys? Example, I work for in my military capacity, a CMSgt who has been in that (single) unit for 42 years.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2014 10:30 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 22:30:34 -0500

I think the promotion can happen within. No Soldier deserves to be held back just because they are with the same unit.

I do believe after the jump from E4 to E5 is reached a Soldier should be PCS'd when practical though. Some of the Spldiers that served with the newly promoted SGT when he/she was a SPC will never develop the necessary level of respect for the NCO. It's a natural response.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 1:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 13:49:39 -0500

I agree with a lot of the senior NCOs responses. I was brought up in the same platoon and developed by good and bad leadership that I had and watched from PFC to SGT. The bad leadership brought me knowledge on how not to be a leader and the good ones taught me what it takes to be great. I was groomed and brought up by a section leader who became my platoon sergeant. When the group stays the same, it is a great experience and as 1sg McPherson said below, I was able to shine as a young leader because of my command groups knowledge of who I am and what I am capable of.

With that said, this may contradict, but, I do believe at some point a PCS is necessary, I served in my platoon for over a year as an E-5 team leader and Section leader at times both in garrison and deployed. Upon return from deployment as my senior NCOs PCSd I was left to fend for myself with a new command from the top down. I did not fare well, because of the group of leaders I was raised under. I will admit, I did not adapt well to a new style of leadership. A PCS was needed for me to continue to develop and maybe make SSG. I elected to leave the Army due to my inability to adapt to a new command group as I would not have had a chance to PCS due to deployment and a previous stabilization contract.

My answer: E-4 to E-5, within, kept in the platoon or company. after a time. 1 year or so, PCS in order for a leader to best prove their ability and right for promotion to E-6. Ive seen a lot of soldiers promoted within from E-5 to E-6, that should not have reached 6 just yet. The good ol boy club.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 2:33 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 14:33:09 -0500

I would say the needs of the Army overall.

Coming from the National Guard we have soldiers that have been in a single unit from PVT to SFC some times. I don't like it. I think you will develop a culture of favoring those that were there the longest. I have been a part of this. I was the new guy and was not shown any favor due to the fact that they other guys have been there for so many years. I understand that we all have buddies. That is fine but professional decisions in relation to promotion should never reflect any favor due to a personal relationship. A diverse background would only encourage the soldier to develop and not stay complicate with what they find familiar within the only unit the have served in.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Dec 7 at 2014 3:09 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 15:09:29 -0500

Something that comes to mind, when you sew/pin/velco on that new rank. Folks in your existing unit may see you as a "baby [insert rank here]" where when you at least change sections/units/assignments you come in with the rank already on, and most will not know how long you have be that rank without you telling them.

Response by SGT Brandon Baker made Dec 7 at 2014 5:11 PM

SGT Brandon Baker — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 17:11:57 -0500

I'll give you my two cents from the guard perspective.

I know a lot of soldiers that turn down a promotion solely because it is in another unit, often due to distance.

If in driving 30 miles each way to drill right now, why would I take a promotion to a unit that could be 220 miles away?

That was my option last year. I turned it down. I ended up having to reclass to find a promotion closer to home, or stay an E4 forever.

That has to be thought of when it comes to a reserve or guard soldier--sometimes the best interest for a soldier is to stay in the same unit.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 2:50 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 14:50:59 -0500

Other than with the Reserves, I've never heard of someone switching duty stations due to a promotion (perhaps with the exception of an officer or so). I've seen it happen the other way around, where someone moved due to a demotion, but that was usually also due to some additional punitive matter.

I can see merit in promoting a service member out to a new unit when they move from junior enlisted to an NCO because of the problems that can arise when you're a newly promoted NCO and all your buds can't see you as a leader/in charge because you're their buddy and you have partied together or whatever...

For me, the bottom line on this issue is that a service member should be used wherever they will have the most benefit.

Response by SPC John Decker made Dec 8 at 2014 4:52 PM

SPC John Decker — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 16:52:41 -0500

E-2 to E-4 were, in my day, basically automatic after so much time. After that we earned points for various things, including going before the promotion board. Then we waited. In my opinion, the military should not look at its members as people, but as assets. If the army needs an asset with a particular skill set and a particular rank at a particular location or installation, they find one that fits. If they have one that fits all other requirements but rank, they promote the next available asset.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 5:28 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 17:28:35 -0500

No one should be shooed away to another unit just to be promoted. If an Soldier can display and maintain the increased responsibility of the next rank, that should be suffice to promote as needed. Remember, AR 614-200 paragraph 3-10(10):
“Assign soldiers within the same grade or up to two grades higher if no higher-ranking soldiers are available. Utilization within the same or higher skill level should be considered. The higher skill level will include any other MOS to which the soldier would advance in the normal line of progression in the MOS career pattern…”

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 7:05 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 19:05:53 -0500

There always needs to be an "other" category on these. If you are talking about just promotion, then it's not an issue to do wo within the unit. If you are talking about maintaining them in the unit, that's different. A newly promoted E5 should not remain in his "unit." I think that means Company. Everyone in the Company knows him...as a lower enlisted member. Outside of the Company, in a larger sense, he is most likely non known. That gives him a fresh start as an NCO and separates him from those he used to hang out with. Same deal with platoon leaders becoming XO's. It's not a 2LT/1LT thing. It's about the roles. A Company should not have an XO who was a PL in the same unit. It's just bad juju. Even the best 2LT has made some mistakes and has looked like a noob at some point. If he's good enough to become an XO, then he needs a fresh start where he can be the iron-fisted maiden of doctrine that he needs to be.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2014 10:49 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 22:49:23 -0500

A bit of all of them really, after all, do we need reward effort?

Response by SGT Richard H. made Dec 8 at 2014 11:21 PM

SGT Richard H. — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 23:21:32 -0500

PCS is probably a bit more than needed, but I can see merit in moving someone to another platoon or even squad. One of the first challenges a new NCO faces is breaking the "buddy bonds" with the other squad members. With that being said, if he can't overcome that challenge, I'd be pretty concerned about how he would handle a REAL challenge.

Response by SSG Everett Wilson made Dec 9 at 2014 2:32 AM

SSG Everett Wilson — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 02:32:13 -0500

I was promoted to Sp5 within the Company which caused a lot of up roar from my peers as they thought Clerks or REMF's just sat around. I've seen it were a brand new Sgt is still to buddy buddy with his peers and continue that friendship. I was promoted to SSG from outside of the Unit, as I was being pinned the Reg't Commander told me that he was hoping that I would be coming to his unit and to assist the great job of the unit.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 9 at 2014 2:35 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 14:35:26 -0500

I prefer to promote from within, but sometimes there's not enough room and can lead to a certain inbreeding that's not good. At the SNCO level, it's needs of the Army - everyone by that point has worn his/her big boy/girl pants long enough to understand that.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 5:00 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 17:00:00 -0500

Depends on the position. A low density MOS can easily support in unit promotions without much potential for conflict of interest problems that can occur with a newly promoted NCO.

Response by CPL Ramel Franklin made Dec 10 at 2014 2:13 AM

CPL Ramel Franklin — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 02:13:20 -0500

Being in the same company for 4 yrs as a 92Y I noticed that depending on what kind of unit your in and your MOS can be easily overlooked so I think not only with in the company but also outside the unit perspective can help when it comes to promotions and recognition.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Dec 10 at 2014 8:20 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 08:20:32 -0500

Brian that is a good question and I feel it's a "Terrain dictates" answer. There was an earlier discussion on promoting an E4 to E5 within the same unit that has some applicability here for that rank. IMHO, the majority of E2-E4 and O1-O2 promotions can be handled within the unit. Once you hit the mid range ranks, it get's trickier. There's only 1 CPT in a line company so the next 1LTs promoted to CPT needs a home at a higher HQ until its their turn for command, similar with MAJ to LTC in a Bn. On the E side of the house similar issue but you have more slots to fill. I remember we had a bottleneck with E5 to E6 promotions for over a year. We were over strength across 3 MP companies and HHC on E6s. Finally after some retirement and moves we were able to unjam the pipe.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 10:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 22:34:00 -0500

I was promoted within my unit. It was terrible because dumb things that PV2 McEntee did still haunted SGT McEntee several years later. We're not talking big things either. It wasn't until I went to another unit that the wheels stopped spinning, and my career seemed to take off. I think it's good for a newly promoted NCO to be moved to another unit as soon as soon as possible. I think a clean start at that point in their career would be beneficial to the Soldier in the long run

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2014 5:10 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 17:10:54 -0500

Case by case based on needs of the Army.

Response by SFC Michael Jackson, MBA made Dec 14 at 2014 7:10 AM

SFC Michael Jackson, MBA — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 07:10:17 -0500

When you get promoted to E5 i think u should change units. Soldiers tends to bond personally, when they make E5, they're suddenly their friends boss. the same ones they hung out with, i dont think thats good

Response by SGT Jason Hartnett made Dec 14 at 2014 9:22 AM

SGT Jason Hartnett — Sun, 14 Dec 2014 09:22:01 -0500

I say promote then move to a different platoon. If this soldier is to become a NCO. You should never have a NCO leading his friends..

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 13 at 2015 3:32 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 15:32:07 -0400

It would be imprudent for a unit to allow their talent leave the unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 1:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 13:29:24 -0400

if you have a soldier who deserves a promotion, it should be offered to that soldier regardless of the unit. sorry to me this is a simple one..

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 2:42 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:42:28 -0400

If there is an opening for an E-5 within the unit and the soldier is qualified, he/she should be allowed to stay. as their career progresses that person will need to think about finding a new home, but E-5 is good for now. In the end it all depends on the needs of the Army.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 2:49 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:49:57 -0400

I understand that E5 is the hardest transition for soldiers to make. They are transitioning from being the led to the leader. They've got to try and bridge that gap and understand that now they are responsible for more than just themselves.. ITs a tough call. How I handle it is that I leave them in place unless they become a distraction for the mission and then move them. -nothing personal, but for their own development.

Some new E5s learn to accept it and thrive and the soldiers who they've grown up with already respect their technical and tactical ability. You skip the forming stage of team building, go right into norming and performing.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 3:46 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 15:46:58 -0400

Overall, promoting out is better.
It should be needs of the Army, then wants of the Soldier.
Change is good. Your new Soldiers only know you as your new rank, you get to spread the depth of knowledge you learned at the old unit with your new unit, you get away from any toxic people, places or things at your old unit, and are given a chance to grow.

After my promotion to E5 I went to a new unit to deploy, then afterward I transferred back to my old unit and came back with a much broader knowledge base then if I had just stayed with one unit the whole time.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 4:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 16:11:07 -0400

I think that it depends upon the unit and the soldier. Sometimes you have a soldier doing the roll of a higher rank and they have to leave the position for their promotion, you can also have soldiers who need to leave because they are to buddy buddy with the unit members and they can't take command of their friends. If there is a slot the current commanders should be alowed to have input.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 4:21 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 16:21:07 -0400

I agree that these young NCOs should move on from their first assignments. There is a tendency that they become compliance with those that grew up with them in the organization. I can see promoting E-1 to E-4 in the same unit but once a E-4 is promoted to E-5 he/she should move on to another unti.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 6:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 18:50:12 -0400

As an EW NCO with positions being SGT-SFC or MSG for a Brigade I think it's best for that NCO to be able to move. I can have a SGT to SFC in the same unit. I try to have the command team move them within Brigade or Division but I think as an NCO progresses from SGT to SSG they should move and from SSG to SFC they should move and etc.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 6:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 18:52:03 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 6:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 18:52:08 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 6:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 18:55:20 -0400

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 6:56 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 18:56:26 -0400

Response by SGT Bobby F. made Apr 15 at 2015 7:04 PM

SGT Bobby F. — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 19:04:46 -0400

There are too many differing situations and extenuating circumstances to make a blanket, black and white decision for within or outside of a unit for E-5+ promotions.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 7:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 19:39:39 -0400

Promoting the soldier outside the unit adds a significant cost to the soldier, the unit, and to the Army. Multiply those costs throughout the entire military, and it will show to be ineffective in its process. I was promoted outside my unit, it added 70 miles to my commute, my unit suffered because of my work ethic was taken out of the unit and it took four soldiers to do my jobs. The Army is not getting any benefit by disabling a unit, and my new unit under utilized my experience. No benefit to promoting me into another unit at all.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 8:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 20:47:35 -0400

If there is a vacancy within the unit, then by all means keep the soldier in the same unit unless they have specifically requested a transfer! It seems ridiculous to train and groom a soldier for more responsibility, and then when they finally gain the rank to go with that responsibility to lose that new leader. Enlisted or Officer should make no difference.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 9:17 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 21:17:54 -0400

For junior enlisted I'd say who cares? The difference between a private and a full bird private is the amount of rope they need to hang themselves. For the jump to sergeant, bump them to another platoon if possible. It lets the company take advantage of what they made and the new nco a chance to learn with a familiar cast of characters that he probably isn't overly buddy buddy with instead of walking in cold to a new unit or being faced with the conflict of leading his drinking pals.
At the senior nco ranks, go where the slot is. No brainer.
If you get a commission or warrant definitely go to another company, it's a new world, starting from scratch.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 9:35 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 21:35:52 -0400

The reason for promoting out is valid. Expand their experience and create a more well rounded soldier. However if there is not a unit within a reasonable commuting distance or they hold a certain mos within the unit that would leave the unit without that slot filled then they should be promoted within. I hold a dual status within my unit. I'm a medic and I'm a UAT. I think in my situation it should be at the soldiers discretion as to if they want leave or not. Just my thoughts.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2015 10:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 22:34:59 -0400

Most of my peers and myself either were moved or pcsd to another unit after being promoted. I think it allows more growth into the leader they want to be by giving them a fresh start. You get a new platform to build on. On the other hand, for those that help develop us, they never get to utilize us as leaders within their unit. So I think it's an as needed vote.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 9:47 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 09:47:29 -0400

I think of the soldiers and the nco that is getting promoted can keep things on a professional level, And are needed for the overall mission they should stay in the same unit.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 11:29 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 11:29:13 -0400

I think especially in the case of mobilization promote within. I spent all of fiscal year 2014 going through pre mobilization training with 1 unit, the day we got certified I got handed promotion orders that promoted me to a different unit. It really pissed me off to go through all that training and getting close with the soldiers of my old unit just to get forced to a new unit by promotion. It was a forced promotion, just because the new unit had an opening, I wasn't given a choice to refuse it was like " here it is, take it or take it"

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 16 at 2015 6:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 18:54:12 -0400

I would have to say it depends on there job. For instance I'm a infantry instructor and to promote someone into my unit to SFC from a non school environment would be a bad move. There would be E6's trying to train a E7 as schools follow TRADOC regulations and trust me it takes a little while to figure them out.

Response by 1SG William O. made Apr 16 at 2015 9:56 PM

1SG William O. — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 21:56:30 -0400

I really would like to choose two but I cannot. It's a tough call but too many reserve Soldiers are traveling well over 50 miles to take a promotion and then because of the price of fuel and distances they cannot make it in bad weather or when they have vehicle trouble. They they do not make enough money to but a reliable vehicle or the funds to pay for the repairs. Lodging-in-Kind is not guaranteed which means that they may have to foot the bill for a hotel for the weekend and meals. I am a Unit Administrator and I am finding that Soldiers who are promoted out of the units are asking the gaining units if they would release them back to the unit from which they were promoted out of. It should be a command decision but the safety and welfare of all Soldiers comes first.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 18 at 2015 2:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 14:23:47 -0400

I would promote trough E-5 with in a unit, from what I've seen this helps in the transition into leadership roles where a soldier can have an mentor with an established relationship. Beyond E-6 and above should come from outside units first. This approach prevents the development of the "good ol'boy" system, were personal relationships have significant influence over performance ratings and discipline. Moving soldiers trough different units also enhances Army wide doctrine, policy and procedures, by making these the "common language" of function and performance.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 12:57 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 12:57:40 -0400

I selected "promote within". It was tough to decide between promote within and promote outside the unit. As for my unit, I would say promoting within and retaining that soldier is a great way to ensure the success of the unit. This is best for my unit as we are a new unit and growing in scope and numbers. There are great soldiers in the unit that have been with it since the launch. These soldiers need to be promoted within because they already know the mission and direction of the leadership.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2015 2:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 14:19:25 -0400

I like the navy model. If you make E7 or get a commission you transfer. It's a lot more important when becoming an officer.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 12:10 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 00:10:28 -0400

I don't know where we got away from this at. When I was promoted to SGT, I was moved to another company. When I was promoted to SFC, I was moved to another unit. I think it is good for the Soldiers and it is good for the leader.
While we like to stay with the group we came up with and built camaraderie with, it makes leaders too comfortable. They need exposure to more of the formation and experience away from their former peers. It also helps the former peers see the separation and acknowledge the leader is now in another Peer group.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2015 12:31 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 00:31:29 -0400

Do it the way we do it in the Air Force.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 11:51 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 11:51:40 -0400

I think it depends. It's good for Soldiers to move around so there is no favoritism. On the other hand, it sucks to lose good Soldiers that you have grown with, know their pros and cons, and can help each other balance out. Transferring them, the unit starts over in an aspect. There also has to be a mutual respect though. I feel that if I tell you to do something, then I need to abide by the same rule. Respect goes both ways. Show the lower enlisted respect as well as the higher, and they will do the same. This all plays a part. Be honest with them if that's what you expect. If we go out for drinks, and you show up late the next - expect to be counseled. If it's roles reversed, then I need to be counseled. If you're lower enlisted, you take the trash out without complaining cause we have all done it. If I see they need help, I will gladly go help. Sorry for the rant, but I think it depends. It can help or hurt the Soldier/Unit. Depending on the current unit/ Soldier and where they get sent. I like that if slots are available, they can transfer back in a year.

Response by CPL Eric Allen made May 1 at 2015 11:51 PM

CPL Eric Allen — Fri, 01 May 2015 23:51:29 -0400

Sorry can't but help to laugh at this picture some standing at attention guy in front left is a parade rest and the douche with the stache in back left has his hands on his front belt wonder what is going on here

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2015 3:12 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 May 2015 15:12:57 -0400

Promotion to E-5 and above concurrent with PCS, within same post if at station for less than 3 years or to a different post otherwise.