Soldier's dismissed from Soldier of the Month/promotion boards for short/long term goals.

2014-04-28T21:22:13-04:00

What are your thoughts on Soldiers being dismissed from an enlisted Soldier of the month or promotion board for telling the board members that their goal either short or long term is to become an Officer, warrant officer, civilian etc.

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 28 at 2014 9:31 PM

2014-04-28T21:31:20-04:00

That doesn't sound fair. Becoming an Officer won't happen over night. Soldier should be given full opportunity excel where they are at.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2014 9:38 PM

2014-04-28T21:38:03-04:00

Well if the Soldier said civilian I could understand it. But to become a warrant or commissioned officer I think is a respectable career choice and they should not be dismissed from a local promotion board based solely on that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 1:32 AM

2014-04-29T01:32:35-04:00

Boot him out!

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Apr 29 at 2014 1:53 AM

2014-04-29T01:53:05-04:00

I have sat on boards where the CSM or one or two of the 1SGs give the young Soldier/NCO some flack for saying that, but I have not seen anyone get booted for it (not to say it does not happen). I believe that as long as the young Soldier/NCO can articulate why those are his/her short/long term goals, and not be rattled by the impending flack, maintain composure and answer questions, then so be it. Contrary to popular belief, not every Soldier/NCO who has went to a SOM/Promotion Board has the long term goal of being the Sergeant Major of the Army. To each their own.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 29 at 2014 2:14 AM

2014-04-29T02:14:06-04:00

If a Soldier has the courage to state this and this is THEIR goal, why would a senior NCO 'punish' a Soldier for this?

If I was a Soldier and this happened to me, I would lose any and all respect for these senior NCOs and would solidify my goal to leave such an abysmal NCO Corps.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 7:54 AM

2014-04-29T07:54:43-04:00

1SG,

I wouldn't have it. Why ask the Soldier if you didn't want to hear what he/she had to say? But you and I know how boards go.

V/r

MSG Haro

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 8:53 AM

2014-04-29T08:53:12-04:00

Until the Soldier pins on that bar (be it a gold one or silver and black one) s/he is still an Enlisted Soldier and must be treated as such.

Discriminating against a Soldier who wants to become an Officer in the future is unprofessional. Soldiers who have that goal are showing initiative and determination to better themselves. Why punish that?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 1:29 PM

2014-04-29T13:29:11-04:00

Wow. I wouldnt know what to think if my CSM kicked me out for saying that. Well i know what i would think but i wouldnt say it lol.
How do you as the sponsor talk to the Soldier when they start asking you about it?

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Apr 29 at 2014 4:35 PM

2014-04-29T16:35:00-04:00

A peron on this board is on it because of accomplishments prior to the board. If the soldier is performing to the standards that are set forth and is the best person on the board he/she whould win regardless of what their short/long term goals are. Three of the best Marines I ever had the privlege work with or work for me got out after their initial contract. The fact that they decided to seperate after 4-5 years of honorable service shuold not detract from what they did whil on active duty. Just as a soldiers future plans should not detract from what they did to be considered for the boards they are on.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 5:39 PM

2014-04-29T17:39:19-04:00

I think it shows poor judgement on the board members, especially the President of the Board. A Soldier that has been recommended for promotion and shows up prepared for the board has already proven a desire to succeed, lead, and that he/she can handle increased responsibility. It would be a disservice to the Army as a whole to disregard a Soldier's potential just because he or she has a different path in mind. Let's face it, being a career Soldier isn't for everyone and isn't necessarily the best thing going. Promote people because they have earned and deserve it and because they will be good leaders. Not because they tell you what you want to hear. The Army should embrace a Soldiers that set goals to improve themselves regardless of the path they choose!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2014 5:39 PM

2014-04-29T17:39:36-04:00