Sponsoring soldiers to the promotion board

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 13:00:33 -0400

Okay so, first of all I want to say I just got promoted to Sergeant about a month ago. And tomorrow I will be sponsoring two of my soldiers to the promotion board (they're good soldiers and I'm sure they'll be good leaders as well). I've had pretty good advice by my CoC and fellow NCO's on how to "sell them" but I'm trying to reach out on here to see what other advice I can get on setting them up for success before they even walk through the door. Any suggestions?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 1:03 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 13:03:13 -0400

First and foremost, congratulations on your promotion.

Second is a question; are they your Soldiers? This will influence my response further.

Third: what information have you gotten thus far? This will also influence my response further.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 2:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 14:07:07 -0400

As an sponsor ensure you have a pen and notebook by hand so you can take notes for the feed back afterwards the board. Also if you had an leader books with you with their info I it like or/personal data sheet etc. would be good as well. Yes agreed fundamentals are important as well the confidence.. I'd share with them the purpose of this board so they can realize what situation they are in. Was there an MOI withy the board ? Also double check uniform inspection not only on the uniform but if an There DA photo is align with their uniform of course applicable..

Response by 1LT Jonathan Cowan made May 28 at 2015 2:28 PM

1LT Jonathan Cowan — Thu, 28 May 2015 14:28:59 -0400

I spent 2-3 months flash card drilling my soldiers before I took them to a board. checked uniforms the night before and the day of. but the reality is also this. I never took a soldier to a board that I didnt feel was ready... If you truly believe they are ready then tons of preparation isnt required. You trust them this far, trust them the rest of the way. I even had a soldier who had a troubled past that NOBODY would take to the board, but I felt he was ready...1SG and PLT SGT said I couldnt take him... I ripped my rank off my chest and put it on the table and said I bet my rank he is ready... they let me take him...he passed...and was an OUTSTANDING NCO... If your taking them trust them...