Posted on Feb 12, 2019
Should the Army use the same sort of promotion system as other branches?
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I'm sure this is already a dead horse topic, but indulge me, I constantly hear the phrase "we promote based on potential" in regards to a soldiers leadership ability, however, as we all know the Army promotes using Boards, as opposed to the technical tests of other branches.
As a 42A, I sit in on these said boards and watch as countless SM's are promoted, sometimes, in my opinion, way before their ready. Joe Snuffy may have a near perfect firing card, and a 300 APFT score, and can cite everything in AR 670-1, but working for an intel unit, I see a lot of shut ins, introverted personnel who don't seem to have the social skills, to hold a conversation, let alone guide soldiers beneath them. I know points are huge part of the process, but you can rack up near 500 points with a solid PT card, Weapons Card, and a Degree.
I guess my concern, and question overall is, should the Army switch to the way the other branches promote? Using technical tests, that grade you on the knowledge of your job, regulations regarding your job, etc? Keep in mind the tests are not PASS/FAIL, you usually have to score in a certain percentile (ex. only the top 10% get promoted) or should we stay the course and continue to promote using the Board System?
As a 42A, I sit in on these said boards and watch as countless SM's are promoted, sometimes, in my opinion, way before their ready. Joe Snuffy may have a near perfect firing card, and a 300 APFT score, and can cite everything in AR 670-1, but working for an intel unit, I see a lot of shut ins, introverted personnel who don't seem to have the social skills, to hold a conversation, let alone guide soldiers beneath them. I know points are huge part of the process, but you can rack up near 500 points with a solid PT card, Weapons Card, and a Degree.
I guess my concern, and question overall is, should the Army switch to the way the other branches promote? Using technical tests, that grade you on the knowledge of your job, regulations regarding your job, etc? Keep in mind the tests are not PASS/FAIL, you usually have to score in a certain percentile (ex. only the top 10% get promoted) or should we stay the course and continue to promote using the Board System?
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
I am in the Air Force, and tested up to MSgt(E-7) and I can assure you people will do the same AR670-1 cites you refer to in those test. For instance, you will end up with someone making the test looking to get the "aha, gotchu" style questions. They are not always good questions, and we test 100 questions based on our job materials and 100 on the Air Force. If you don't know what our CMSAF favorite color is you might be missing a question. I do think the promotion boards can help rectify some things and have merit. I think as you pointed to, you tend to promote Type A personalities with in person boards, especially with the PT and weapons points reflecting that type of person.
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