The Dreaded Promotion Board. Any tough questions or scenarios that stick out?

2013-11-15T04:11:27-05:00

For those Soldiers and NCOs who have ever had the nerve-wracking experience of going to a promotion board, what was the most challenging part? Any tough questions or scenarios that stick out? 

Response by SGT William B. made Nov 15 at 2013 4:18 AM

2013-11-15T04:18:49-05:00

SGT, I think mine was
"What would be your first steps in a new unit if you were to be promoted tomorrow?" Given, I'm a reservist, and we rarely have traditional boards, but that one made me stumble for sure. It was good though, because it really highlighted to me that I hadn't really considered a whole lot of what would happen beyond getting the rank. Definitely made me think.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2013 5:16 AM

2013-11-15T05:16:58-05:00

Believe it or not, my promotion board for SPC to SGT was harder than my board for SGT to SSG.

The most nerve-racking part was sitting in front of the leadership. Because my 1SG was a member and she knew me to be a bit of a troublemaker, my initial thoughts were what did she tell the other leaders about me and what were they gonna think when I came in? I kept thinking that the CSM was gonna NO-GO me on that alone.

The most challenging questions were the scenarios involving deployment operations they had me answer.....those scenarios coming from my 1SG of course, because when I prepped for the board, the things she asked me I did not study for (imagine the "deer in headlights" look I had on my face) so it kinda threw me off and I thought I'd blown my chance at getting my P status and I'd have to come back.

Turns out.....the S-1 NCOIC told me I received a perfect score across the board from all members including my 1SG. Imagine how much that had blown my mind when I found out.

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Nov 15 at 2013 6:43 PM

2013-11-15T18:43:32-05:00

Y'all definitely have great examples. My SGT promotion board went well but I was thrown off from the beginning. My NCOIC told me "you better knock on that door and let them KNOW how bad you want your stripes!!!" Since I knew my knock would sound pitiful I just used my foot. I accidentally busted the door off the hinges, my BN commander ran out and said "what the hell did you do to my door??" As if I wasn't already nervous enough to begin with...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2013 7:12 PM

2013-11-15T19:12:06-05:00

My most challenging part was using my "big girl voice" continually and remembering my bearing and not smiling so much.  My voice was super shakey.  Boards are daunting to me, unsure why because I teach classes regularly.  But I had studied like a maniac and worked hard on everything and I was not upset when the CSM said okay SGT Best, you're done.  Good luck on your future boards. 

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2013 12:52 AM

2013-11-16T00:52:25-05:00

I had to go up not before a promotion as NCO of the Quarter at Little Rock AFB. Inspite of being nervous I won.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 16 at 2013 1:47 AM

2013-11-16T01:47:58-05:00

I remember my Staff Sergeant Promotion Board.  The question I was asked was "Can POWs receive mail?"  Confidently I said "No."  The 1SG who asked me the question asked me "if I was sure."  At that point I knew I was wrong, but I did not want to change my answer and show any sign of uncertainty.  The CSM asked me to explain my reasoning behind my answer.  I told the CSM that "if POWs can receive mail, that means we have an address for them.  If we have an address for them, they should not be POWs.  We should be going to get them."  With that, the CSM said that he had heard enough and I was dismissed.  I was very much relieved when I my sponsor and I were called back in and I was told I had been recommended for promotion to SSG.  My 1SG told me later that the entire board got a kick out of my response to the CSM. 

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2013 6:15 PM

2013-11-16T18:15:03-05:00

Well, I would have to say I constantly remember tapping my fingers on my legs out of nervousness lol. And the main nerve-wracker, was I am in a very small community in USASOC, where everybody knows everybody else, so everyone that was on the board, I knew, so I was nervous because I KNEW they were going to mess with me. And they did, while one board member was asking me a question, I could see two other board members in the corner of my eye would be whispering and pointing at me and giggle, not to be mean, but to see if they could break my concentration. I thought it was funny afterward, but I was sweating like, well, a certain member of society in church...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2013 7:18 PM

2013-11-16T19:18:22-05:00

I remember my SGT Board.. The toughest question I ever had, I was asked to name each of the awards I was wearing on my uniform without looking and what each was earned for. Wasn't expecting that one.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2013 8:36 PM

2013-11-16T20:36:15-05:00

On my SSG board, the CSM asked me a DA6 question. "If you had to put together a DA6 to mow the grass with SFC X and SPC Y, who would be the first to do the duty? " I said I wouldn't put SFC X on such a duty, he would supervise the SPC. Boy was the CSM frustrated because he asked the question a couple of more times because I would give the same answer. It was a bad example for that question.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2013 7:06 PM

2013-11-17T19:06:22-05:00

My most difficult part of my SSG board was that our unit had just been realigned under the 2nd Infantry Division, so I had a whole new chain of command and NCO support channel to learn, despite the fact that I was PCSing just two days later. I walked in, they made me do the Soldiers Creed, NCO Creed, and Fiddlers Green, grilled me on the chain of command, asked me one question each and kicked me out with a 149. I was stressing, but it was the easier of the two boards I have been to. I would say know your Soldiers, and know how to help your Soldiers. More boards are becoming situational (YOu have a Soldier who admits to having a drinking problem, what do you do?)

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 4 at 2013 2:06 PM

2013-12-04T14:06:01-05:00

The one thing that sticks out in my head happened when I went to the promotion board at Fort Campbell.  CSM's biggest thing was the boots.  He expected your jump boots to be so shinny he could his bald head in them.  He wanted them done with just kiwi, water and a towel.  "None of of the cheap cheating crap." he would say.  Knowing this, I spent 3 hours shinning the heck out of my boots and they looked amazing.  I even took my PSG's advice and wore a separate pair with me and changed into them boots when I got to the BN Area.  While waiting for my turn, I got talking to another Soldier and her boots looked really good so I asked how if she also spent 3 hours working on them.  To my surprise, she told me know, it only took 15 minutes to PAINT her boots.  I got freaked out because I knew she was going in right before me and I knew CSM was going to be heated so after she was kicked out of the board by a very angry CSM, I knocked, reported and had to stand there as CSM walked up to me and checked my boots.  After that, it was on and thankfully I nailed it and got my promotable status.  And yes I still have those boots and they are still highly shinned.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2014 12:42 PM

2014-07-06T12:42:17-04:00

In a BN I was in once you reported to the president of the board they would have you start with the NCO Creed, while reciting the creed they would give you marching movements to conduct while your saying it. It defiantly throws a lot of people off reciting the Creed and trying to count the number of steps they want you to do.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2014 9:13 PM

2014-07-07T21:13:31-04:00

I had a pretty good SGT board. I was Mosul, Iraq. I was in the 18th ABC Long Range Surveillance Unit. We were attached to the 101st at the time. So I was not a member of the 101 but went to their SGT board. I get in there and they ask me who the first GEN of the the 101 was. I replied that I didn't know. They another question about when the 101 was first activated. I, once again, replied that I didn't know. Eventually one of the CSMs saw my unit patch was the 525th MI and not the 101. He just told yelled at the others on the board that I was not in the 101 so I wouldn't know anything about them.

One of the questions was "What are the five cold weather injuries?" I only knew frostbite and Hypothermia. I was in the Iraq. I didn't' study that.

I made points and got recommended. I made SGT. I later saw the packet that had the results of the board. One of the CSMs wrote on it that I still should have known the 101 history regardless if I wasn't with them. I was glad the Army really really really needed Infantry SGTs.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2015 3:27 PM

2015-08-17T15:27:44-04:00

This one time....

http://youtu.be/gopnph81tVw

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Sep 11 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-09-11T13:16:40-04:00

First of all, a positive attitude is a must because that helps maintain focus, keeping away such adjectives like dreaded....A Promotion Board is the best environment to sell yourself so You can be promoted, so see it as The Welcomed Promotion Board.......

Response by SFC Josh Billingsley made Feb 10 at 2017 12:33 PM

2017-02-10T12:33:57-05:00

We had a Specialist answer his phone during his board...don't do that. I was outside of the building and could hear the First Sergeants and Sergeants Major yelling at him to get out. Other than that, study the MOI, be confident, and have a positive attitude.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2017 1:16 PM

2017-02-13T13:16:48-05:00

Is this code word for, "BS questions that have no bearing on being an NCO?"

Response by SFC Kevin Ireland made Feb 13 at 2017 2:14 PM

2017-02-13T14:14:46-05:00

My E-5 board was horrible. The CSM had been my 1SG before. He had been relieved from 1SG in some part due to me. Now as my CSM he had it out for me. Three times I went before the board. The first time I walked in, saluted, and he said "Get the hell out of here! Your salute lacks confidence". The second time I answered all of the questions from the 1SGs, only to be given impossible questions from him. Afterwards, he stated to me that there was no way I was ever going to pass the board as long as he was there. I gave up at this point and didn't even attempt to go to the board. Months went by and one day, I was called to 1SG Morrow's office and told to go change into A's. I was going before the board in 30 minutes. I asked "why should I bother?", and he just repeated himself. Well I walked into the board, without even studying, knowing I was doomed for failure. I went in, saluted, and instead of the CSM sitting there, our OPS SGM was President of the board. It seemed the CSM had to go to Regiment and so missed the board. SGM Knight, asked me how I was doing, if I had any plans for the weekend coming up, then asked the 1SGs if they had any questions for me. A couple asked me very simple questions like "How many trucks are on post?", "What are your General Orders?" etc. Then they dismissed me. I received max points from the board. Needless to say that CSM Salas was pissed when he found out.

Response by SSG Johnnie Vaughn made Feb 13 at 2017 2:40 PM

2017-02-13T14:40:09-05:00

I was stationed in Panama back in the early 80s, and the 193rd was known for doing things “differently.” So nobody was surprised when our CSM thought it would be good to add a hands-on component to the SGT promotion board. It was just a few select tasks, spread out in the back-40, but it basically turned the promotion board into a 2-day affair. The idea was to have a quick in-ranks inspection on the first day, and then move to the training area. The next day would be the formal board in dress uniform.

Six other board candidates were standing there in crisp, starched jungle fatigues and their “inspection LBE.” There I was in a fluff dried uniform, with my regular field gear, clean and serviceable, but obviously worn. The 1SG that had been tasked with this part of the board looked me up and down, then looked down the rank, then looked me up and down again, and asked if I knew that we were going to have an inspection.

I answered in my best command voice, “Affirmative, First Sergeant! I made sure to follow the regulations. AR 670-1 states that the Hot Weather Uniform, Tropical Combat, will not be starched.” Then I leaned forward a little, looked down the rank, came back to attention and said with a perfectly straight face, “I guess not everyone reads their regulations…” The 1SG just smiled, and continued with the inspection.

I did get dinged a point for having a “rock in my barrel” … a grain of sand had gotten in there after I last rodded it. Apparently after much discussion with the other members of the board, it was decided to dock all the people with starched uniforms 5 points. Of course, that didn’t really hurt anyone since everyone was recommended and the cut-off points for the infantry were super low anyway. But there were a few Blue Falcon comments being bantered about for a while.

The funny thing was that I was the battalion commander’s driver/RTO at the time. I probably had more starched uniforms hanging in my closet than anybody else there.

Response by SGT Gary Clark made Feb 13 at 2017 3:06 PM

2017-02-13T15:06:15-05:00

I got assigned into the weapons cage temporarily (SOP required a Scout), like a week before the board. First question was how well I knew the weapons. With all the schools I had been to, I was confident as ever I had this. Followed by by who makes the M2? I answered right away, Browning. Oops. First thing I did afterwards was go to the cage and look, knew I stepped on my dick when I said it.
Next question (this was late 1986), what was the name of the crew member shot down and captured in Nicaragua yesterday? I couldn't believe I knew it, and pretty sure neither could the board, I still remember to this day, Hasenfus.

Response by SPC Wade Phillips made Feb 13 at 2017 3:26 PM

2017-02-13T15:26:16-05:00

Not a promotion board question but a Soldier of the month board. i was asked to recite the officers creed, Drill SGT creed and Soldiers Creed. Nailed all three of them perfectly, only because two days before the board, my 1st SGT made a bet with me to memorize them.

Response by SFC Kevin C. made Feb 13 at 2017 6:02 PM

2017-02-13T18:02:29-05:00

I worked for a couple years in the S-1 as the Battalion Promotions NCO. I was responsible for setting up and recording the results of the board each month. I wish I had a better memory because I would have a bunch of stories to tell. I've seen SM's enter and be sent out because they were so ate up they had no business coming to the board. And there were those that aced the board. I truly enjoyed the time I spent working as the Promotions NCO, ensuring each soldier received all the promotions points they had earned was fulfilling. I hope I made a difference in someone's career.

Response by SSG John DeLore made Feb 13 at 2017 7:33 PM

2017-02-13T19:33:04-05:00

I was asked by the CSM/Board President; "Why the "F" should I let you appear for the SSG board via VTC? Just because you are on a remote COP, under near constant IDF, and there's been a snow storm for the past 3 days and no flights out? Suck it up Sarn't. Wait till you get back Stateside". True story.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2017 8:08 PM

2017-02-13T20:08:45-05:00

All I can tell you is study as much as you can. Use http://memorylifter.com - Knew over 2000 custom made flash cards when going to my E5 board. You can create you own chapters and it tests you on the cards you keep getting wrong and can print them out. The program is free. Got many 4 day passes when a SPC for Soldier QTR boards with this program.

Response by SSG James Hunt made Feb 13 at 2017 9:53 PM

2017-02-13T21:53:56-05:00

As a Dog Handler at Ft. Carson. I was Asked how to House brake a puppy. I was dumb founded and said my dag can go any place he wants as long as he is doing his job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2017 1:37 PM

2017-02-14T13:37:51-05:00

Best response I'd heard, that stopped the board for 5 minutes due to laughter was in response to a question on the E4-E5 board. "What is the responsibility of the Battalion Sergeant Major?" He paused a few seconds then said, "To keep privates off of his lawn." Caught us off guard and was hilarious in the moment.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2017 6:00 PM

2017-06-26T18:00:22-04:00

E5 promotion board was nerve wracking. I was a SPC in a Battalion S4 so I knew everyone on the board in a somewhat personal level. I thought that would be to my advantage. Boy was I wrong. They grilled me harder than I thought was possible. I was weak kneed by the end of it. I got called back in afterward and they asked if I thought I deserved it. I confidently said "after that, I deserve it more than ever before". Got it.

Response by MAJ Luca Luca made Jun 26 at 2017 6:01 PM

2017-06-26T18:01:55-04:00

I was not long for the we enlisted world, this was known by everyone on my support chain. I think they decided to screw with me during my promotion board. I was asked about how many holes in a MRE cracker, what type of moss is edible, how many rounds can a cargo pocket hold. I was asked regular for point questions, but a few threw in some craziness to kink my swerve. I was asked by a CSM why I wanted to throw away a great career as an soldier to become an officer. The correct answer is:
"As an officer, I will always be able to be led by and work for great NCOs like you Sergeant Major", by the way.
Sometimes, you have to play along to get along...

Response by SSG Chris Morrison made Jun 26 at 2017 7:20 PM

2017-06-26T19:20:40-04:00

Any Promotion board with SGM Burns on it

Response by SGT Eliyahu Rooff made Jun 26 at 2017 8:36 PM

2017-06-26T20:36:55-04:00

The most memorable one for me was back in ROTC when one of our guys was asked to give a class on the M1 rifle. In the process of demonstrating it, he managed to get an M1-thumb. (If you're unfamiliar with the M1 or M14, it's an injury where you inadvertently let the bolt slam forward while your thumb is still in the chamber and often results in the loss of the thumbnail.)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2017 9:01 PM

2017-06-26T21:01:21-04:00

I had a stacked board (in my favor) and knew the MOI material inside and out. The CSM, seeing how well I was doing threw me some questions that were not on the MOI. Three were military related, two sports related and two more from "current events" All in all, I think I missed a grand total of 5 questions (though with two of then, I knew which reg to look in)

Missed the current events ones, but gave a snarky response about what constitutes "current" for people of different ages, lol.

The sports ones I missed on purpose. He's from Cincinnati, OH and I'm from Northern OH. So he asked who was going to win the world series, I told him the team with the best chance hails from Ohio, and that we had a 5 game advantage per our little sister in Southern Ohio, lol.

As soon as the board had completely convened, the CSM went to the smoke put. I went out there and gave him the correct answer to every question I missed.

When he asked why I did that, I told him that I said I would get back to him with the answers when I was at the board...

Got my 6 about 6 months later.

Response by SSG Martin Brown made Jun 27 at 2017 4:39 PM

2017-06-27T16:39:22-04:00

I was once asked "What word is mils an abbreviation for". I was happy to know that it is short for miliradians. The President of the Board then asked who invented miliradians as a system of measurement. I did not know it at the time but it turns out some dude named Dapples invented it in Switzerland.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 7:37 PM

2017-06-27T19:37:39-04:00

When I went to my SSGpromotion board one of the 1SGs that every one feared had weapons and NCO creed. He was the first one after the CSM to ask his questions. After the CSM he asked me of the weapons in the table what was my assigned weapon. I told him the M9 9mm pistol (tank commanders assigned weapon). He proceeded to go on a rant about wouldn't I want an M4 in combat as my assigned weapon. I calmly answered that it didn't matter. As a tank commander if it came to me using my assigned weapon I had already failed. He said no further questions and I was dismissed from the board with none of the other 1SGs even asking a question. Come to find out I had passed. The 1SG that asked the question came up to me after the board and told me I was cocky but he'd go to war with me any day.

Response by SPC Richard Stevenson (Munden) made Jun 27 at 2017 9:18 PM

2017-06-27T21:18:26-04:00

Not a promotion board, but "soldier of the month." I was a PFC and I'd been the recorder for every board in the battalion since being assigned to PAC because I knew how to turn on a computer. So our CSM and 1SGs had been seriously in a rut when it came to questions. With the exception of current events, they pretty much asked the same things over and over. PAC NCO tells me I'm going to be in the soldier of the month running. No problem. Not like they'll ask me anything new, right? I've got this in the bag.

Unfortunately, that day we had a power outage on the post (Camp Castle, Korea, which had exactly *ONE* battalion of Combat Engineers and therefore wasn't high priority for getting anything fixed) and I had no way of getting a haircut before the board. And since I was working in PAC, I looked like I was in the Air Force with how long it had gotten.

Get into my Class A's (how did they get so small?? It couldn't possibly be all the beer I've been drinking since I got in country!), head to the board. The moment I walk in, I knew I was done. The CSM (who I also drove for) and my 1SG were shaking their heads. The other 1SGs, who were all stone-faced, also knew me but weren't particularly fond of me (I was in charge of OERs and NCOERs, and I was considered something of an uppity PFC for being on our 1SGs about getting them done). Long story short, I went on auto pilot, answered every question perfectly, and walked out of there embarrassed as hell. My supervising NCO didn't even chew me out about it. He knew I beating myself up already. It was the last time I ever failed a board of any kind.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 10:22 PM

2017-06-27T22:22:28-04:00

I was told to sit and look at my knees. I was then asked what was written on the white board behind the board members. I had no idea. It was the BN motto, if had situational awareness I would have known that.

Response by SP5 Roger Sedell made Jun 28 at 2017 1:35 AM

2017-06-28T01:35:37-04:00

On the E-6 board the CSM ask 1 question that still today I will remember , " what are the Duties of a NCO " I had no clue, he then told me that as a nco mission , men and myself are the 3 things to remember at all times, first you take care of the mission, when that is done take car of your men, after they are taken care of the it is your turn, he asked me this 3 times and told me the same answer 3 times until it sank in, I passed, when I left the board I was laughing my ass off after the door shut, the NCO in front of me just got kicked for being a D-bag in front of the board, that was over 25 years ago, what a impression he made on me.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2017 12:00 PM

2017-06-28T12:00:07-04:00

At my SGT board in 2001, a First Sergeant asked me who won some bowl game. I don't like football so I didn't know. Got promoted anyway.

Response by SSG Chris Suttinger made Jun 28 at 2017 12:47 PM

2017-06-28T12:47:21-04:00

I was going to the E-6 board for the second to add points. Tha SGM asked me one question regarding the 23rd of March, 1993. The date of the plane crash at Pope AFB. I spent 15 mines explaining my day.

Response by SGT Scott Coughlin made Jun 28 at 2017 5:20 PM

2017-06-28T17:20:18-04:00

My best board story is actually a Soldier of the Quarter board for the Presidio...it also has historical significance as well...Let me start out by saying i smoked this board...Prior to the board, i had been asked to fill out a little bio questionaire that i thought was for my unit where i knew i was being awarded for winning soldier of the month...i had put down that i did an Elvis impersonation...well at the Post Board, they were all CSMs and the pres of the biard was from Memphis...after i had answered all of the questions, the pres asked me for my Elvis impersonation...i was totally caught off guard and i looked over at my NCOIC for guidance...he offered nothing...so i looked back at the pres, and in my best Elvis i said, "Uh..you got any jelly donuts?". They loved it...Now the Historical part...teo things...only the board winner received awards...nothing for second, except this one...turns out the winner and me had scored higher than any other before us...by like a lot...i was awarded a 4-day pass and a CSM coin from the pres with verbal accolades at the ceremony in front of everyone, including my command...second, The winner was Spc Jose Zuniga..he would soon after get promoted to SGT and go on to win the 6th Army board all the way to the SGT Morales board...come back to the Presidio a real celebrity after winning these boards...1 week later he goes to diwntown San Francisco at a gay rally, in his dress blues, and comes out of the closet...he literally was a celebrity on Mondsy and in Jail by Friday while be processed out under the "dont ask, dont tell" law under Pres Clinton...he was a good guy...i wonder if he remembers me. lol

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2017 9:54 PM

2017-06-28T21:54:20-04:00

They told me to give them my best command climate opinion

Response by SFC Pat Mattson made Jun 28 at 2017 10:26 PM

2017-06-28T22:26:34-04:00

Went to the E-6 and the NCO of the month board during an ARTEP and was told to haul my ass to BN and they would have my A's brought to me. Well, they didn't make it and I Was pretty sure I was going to bomb. The CSM asked me how the ARTEP was going and the asked how far can a person walk into the woods. I said "all was good and half way CSM". The rest of the board had nothing and said I needed to get back to the field. Maxed my board and was NCO of the month.

Response by SPC Chad Forquer made Jun 28 at 2017 11:12 PM

2017-06-28T23:12:38-04:00

We have n enlisted records hated promotion boards. Every NCO would wait till the last minute and want us to completely retype their 2-1. Back in those days it was all done on a typewriter and took forever.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Jun 28 at 2017 11:54 PM

2017-06-28T23:54:30-04:00

The toughest question I ever heard was asked of a Soldier I took before the E-5 promotion board. He was asked which Army Value his sponsor (i.e., me) had the hardest time upholding. I don't recall now what he blurted out after a few seconds of "Um... uh..." and a deer-in-the-headlights look, but after thinking that over as the years went by I've come to the conclusion that there is no "good" answer that doesn't make your NCO sound like a complete dirt bag.

Response by CSM Rik Williamson made Jun 29 at 2017 11:58 AM

2017-06-29T11:58:42-04:00

Soldier needs to be asked why he/she should not be selected. 9 out 10 times the Troop will spill the beans on why they shouldn't be selected. Board's job is nearly done at that point.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2017 12:07 PM

2017-06-29T12:07:30-04:00

Both of mine were pretty easy actually. My mock board for SGT with my 1SG was much harder than the actual board. I was deployed for both. The SGT board we had to go in full gear with our weapon - I had a 249 at the time. So that was fun when the CSM inspected it. But I did pretty well. I got a 148 and they said had my PT been higher I would've gotten 150. But I was so nervous and CSM said "calm down."

The SSG board I found out about right after I got back from an extended R&R. I had to stay an extra week at home because I found out I had MRSA after I got home and I had a huge gaping hole from a boil in my side and the doctor didn't want me to go back until it was better healed. I get back and get told from S1 "Oh yeah the promotion board is in a week." Thanks.

That one I went in and first off, I had gone from the 249 to M16 but hadn't had a chance to qualify on it yet. So S1 changed the date on my 249 qual. Then CSM asks my 1SG "Why does she have a 249 qualification and has a M16 here?" She said "I don't know." I got through like at least one board member and CSM says "I can't do this when you don't have a current weapons qualification." He said if I could qualify before it was due to BDE I would be promotable. If I didn't, come back next month. Forget that - I went to S3. Found the next unit going to shoot. It was a Reserve infantry unit. Went with them, qualified, done.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2017 12:14 PM

2017-06-29T12:14:02-04:00

Got a question for you Rangers, a guy that works down the hall was a Ranger, he said at his Sergeant's board they only asked him one question, recite his creed. Could that be true, when I was prepping some of my guys, I was giving a 3 page list of possible subjects they should be versed on at Ft. Hood.

Response by LCpl Mike Richtarsic made Jun 29 at 2017 4:02 PM

2017-06-29T16:02:18-04:00

How about finding out you were supposed to be in front of a bunch of Marine officers..for meritorious...in 15 minutes. Ahhh no I didnt get the promotion lolol

Response by MSG Brian Pauley made Jun 29 at 2017 4:41 PM

2017-06-29T16:41:06-04:00

Not cussing with my answer

Response by FN Charlie Spivey made Jun 29 at 2017 7:46 PM

2017-06-29T19:46:27-04:00

Navy - Coast Guard didn't have that. Once out of Basic, to adavance to E-3, you had to takke a course that covered what you were supposed to know. You send your Lessons in and they were graded. Once you completed the course, then you would, then it was on to Practical Factors. There were questions, A lot of them. Once complete, you were recommended for promotion. Moving to NCO, you took the course and once passed, Practical Factors. once through that, you had to do the Service Wide Exams. You score determined where you were on the list. If you were #61 and they only had 60 open billlets, you were SOL and had to wait until a billet opened up. If none did before the Service Exams came around ( think they were done every 6 mos, or maybe annually, forgot ), you would have to retake the exam. It has worked for some as they scored higher the second time around and was within the frame and got their promotions. E-7 was a bit different in that once you were promoted, it was provisional for two years, then you were made permanent. I think that was the case from E-7 thru E-9.

Response by SGT Michael Bryers made Jun 29 at 2017 8:46 PM

2017-06-29T20:46:45-04:00

Learned the hard way to lose a soldier of the month board-have a pen blow up in your pocket just prior to entering. Was a big joke around that I lost it "by an ink stain".

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2017 9:53 PM

2017-06-29T21:53:06-04:00

Enginemen 1st class (E-6) Jeremy Henry.
I have been in the Navy almost 18 years now and I wish our promotion boards were like yours. It is frustrating to take written test over and over until you get to where I am now and even worse when you are up for Chief Petty Officer (E-7) where you don't even see the board. They select you based off a test you take and your service record it is really tough. I am currently up for Chief right now and am sweating because they only selected 70 out of just over 200 to END so for me it is a waiting game. I wish I could see the board and have them ask me questions maybe then they would see the real me and not what's on paper...

Response by SSG Timothy Hedman made Jun 29 at 2017 10:37 PM

2017-06-29T22:37:38-04:00

Had a SPC that worked for me in Texas in the early 90's. He must have had some piss poor leadership before me because all he could think of was getting the hell out. He was an outstanding soldier and to this day, I think he had the ability to read my mind. I would say, "SPC, this needs done or that needs done" and he would reply already done sarge". I informed him I was sending him to the SGT board and he said hell no, i won't go. I made it my mission in life to constantly grill him with board questions along with my other peers. He was spot on with all answers. I paid for his tayloring, ribbons, everything for his board. I forced him to go. Day of board I escorted him up to the 2nd floor waiting area. I had to use restroom and asked my PSG to keep an eye on him so he wouldn't leave. Upon my return I saw he had tiger striped his face with cammo thinking I would not send him in. Wrong. I entered the boardroom first, instructed the members as to what they were about to see and waited for the "knock". As soon as CSM said enter, the door
flew open, and my soldier combat rolled into the room and reported. Everyone froze stiff with disbelief. Finally the CSM said without taking his eyes off my soldier, " I don't know what the hell I just saw 1SG, but if I see it again your done!" Told my soldier to get out. Not a single question, maxed out the board (only one to pass that day) and was promoted 3 weeks later. Sad to say he did not re-enlist and left military service a year later. What a loss to our military service.

Response by SSG John Goulart made Jun 29 at 2017 10:47 PM

2017-06-29T22:47:36-04:00

I was a Spec 4 going through Soldier of the Month board when I was asked by a SGM what article covered the wear of the uniform and color of socks when wearing class A's and what was that color to be worn. Confused, I answered "Article 670-1 and Black would be the color SGM". He then asked me why I had blue socks on. Dammit if I had not gotten dressed in the dark I would've won SOM. Lol

Response by SSG Daniel Ward made Jun 29 at 2017 11:04 PM

2017-06-29T23:04:48-04:00

I don't know about worse but my best was my e5 board. I walked in, reported to the board, SGM had me recite the NCO creed. Looked to his left and right and asked the 1SG if they had any questions. They didn't so he said i was good to go and dismissed me. My sponsor about crapped his pants till i told him it was the same SGM who sat on the soldier of the year board that i won the month prior.

Response by SGT Steve Davis made Jun 30 at 2017 3:10 AM

2017-06-30T03:10:28-04:00

When CSM asked his question!! He farted!! All tops laughed!! One said your ass stinks!!!

Response by Cpl Wm Johnson made Jul 1 at 2017 6:45 PM

2017-07-01T18:45:11-04:00

For my SSG promotion board I was a supply guy in Field Artillery Divarty. I prepped and reported to the board. I rattled the door with my knock and I answered all the questions. This was back in the early 80s so I got a 247 outta 250. I asked why I did not do better and my 1SG said the President of the Board, Divarty SGM said their was no way a Supply puke would max his board, as it was I did better than anyone else on the board. SMH

Response by MSgt John Smith made Jul 1 at 2017 7:19 PM

2017-07-01T19:19:13-04:00

I was prior AF and the E-6 board was interested in that part of my career. The CSM asked me, "What is the difference in the Army and the Air Force?" I gave the a quick response, "The are not very great services but the Army is more combat ready." The CSM's eyes lit up and I was number one on the board. Oddly enough they also recommended I go before the Officer board. Got that too but turned it down as the had no caree fields I was interested in

Response by SSG Anthony Jennings made Jul 1 at 2017 7:28 PM

2017-07-01T19:28:04-04:00

It wasn't my board but I was a board member. My partner had asked a question on current events about the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting. The question asked want the shooter did between shooting sprees. Answer he made his manifest video. Answer we got....He reloaded. Instant winner...lol

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2017 7:36 PM

2017-07-01T19:36:52-04:00

In the U.S.A.F. It's called 'below the zone' I went one time and one question was, how often does an airman need a haircut?

Response by SSG Steven Mangus made Jul 1 at 2017 8:13 PM

2017-07-01T20:13:51-04:00

When I was stationed in Korea 2001 I went to my E-6 board. I was assigned to a Divisional Cav unit and had to attend the panel at Camp Gary Owen. My board consisted of all Armor MOS senior NCO's and I was Aviation MLS, 15S. I was doing fine until I was asked one current events question by the CSM, who coincidentally lived and breathed basketball. The question was "Duke won the final four, what teams did they play?" Considering I was not a basketball fan I thought for a moment and replied "I don't watch basketball." Looking as me as if I was a communist the CSM said "what sport do you watch?" I responded "street louge." Again I got a crazy look and was told to get out. I ended up getting 198 out of 200 points. Moral of the story be honest, do your best and sometimes it is OK to have a little fun..however laugh on the inside and don't show it on the outside..Out Front, Air Cav!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2017 8:44 PM

2017-07-01T20:44:25-04:00

I was at a Soldier of the Year board at USARC level. My 1st 2 answers were CSM I do not recall the answer at this time. Even worse than that it was my CSM asking. I felt about 2 inches big and wanted to crawl into a whole and die. I kept my head and my cool and nailed every remaining question on the board. So don't lose your head, keep calm and move on. If you don't know an answer don't say you don't know, just that you don't recall at this time.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2017 2:52 PM

2017-07-02T14:52:32-04:00

For my E-4 to E-5 board, I remember telling the CSM that the 1st ID had been established in 1972. Why? Nerves, I guess. He then asked how they were part of the Normandy invasion that occurred in June of 1944 if they didn't exist until '72... I just replied, "CSM, I, in no way, shape or form, want to change my answer." I got the "P" status lol...

Response by Cpl Todd Nelson made Jul 2 at 2017 7:20 PM

2017-07-02T19:20:20-04:00

Yeah, in front of 7 or 8 first shirts in the USMC, and asked what are the effects of marijuana. This was in 85 by the way, and my answer was increased apatite, and dry mouth....hmmm. well, I got a couple raised eyebrows. But picked up corporal anyhow. Jesus...dry mouth.

Response by SGT Christopher Erickson made Jul 2 at 2017 10:41 PM

2017-07-02T22:41:17-04:00

In my promotion board I was asked who was awarded the first medal of honor. I am terrible with names and said the first name that came to mind, George Parrott. When asked if I was sure I answered absolutely. The thing is George Parrott is an outlaw that was killed in my hometown before Wyoming was a state.

Response by SSG Kristen Covieo-Peterman made Jul 3 at 2017 12:50 AM

2017-07-03T00:50:40-04:00

Mine was that I was the training NCO and worked directly for the 1SG. So there I was, going for E-6 and Brigade CSM, Top, the S-2 NCOIC (who was a friend), my PSG, and the PSG of 3rd platoon were there. They had a f'n donut and coffee set in front of CSM because they knew I would do well. I was the only one going to the board that day and it was a complete farce. Top even told me to pick out what questions I wanted him to ask. Thank God I got that donut and coffee at the end of it!

Response by 1SG Albert Harshman made Jul 3 at 2017 9:10 AM

2017-07-03T09:10:05-04:00

The trickiest question for my E5 board was (I'll bring it up to date a little) "What was the President's name in 1982?". Most would stand there and try to remember WHO the President was during that time period, not what was the current President's name was then. Attention to detail was the key.

Response by SGT Johnny Owens made Jul 3 at 2017 12:54 PM

2017-07-03T12:54:02-04:00

1SG that had become friends with asked me several NBC questions just to harass me.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2017 8:45 PM

2017-07-03T20:45:46-04:00

I was always pretty good at boards but my singing voice never impressed the board members!

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2017 12:27 AM

2017-07-04T00:27:45-04:00

So, as some sort of sick joke, my 1SG tells me that "In this Brigade, we say the NCO Creed at top volume. You better practice it that way." Household 6 wouldn't allow that because we toddlers at the time. So, I drove around Killeen for two months screaming the NCO Creed in my soft top Jeep. Saying it at top volume is totally different than a random recital. I get to the board and I'm first up. I walk in and sound off as loud as possible. I was greeted with dead silence for about two full minutes. 1SG had a crap eating grin on his face, and I knew I'd been had. Finally, the CSM says, "Well, that was interesting. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say the Creed like that." The door that led to the quad was open, and About ten seconds later the CG's driver walks in and says, "excuse me Sergeant Major, but the Boss says to give whoever just said the Creed like that one of his coins." Turns out, then MG Odierno was doing a re-enlistment in the quad. Everyone outside heard me sounding off. The CSM dismissed me without asking a single question. just as I got to the door, Top says "Hey Ed, make sure you keep the shop turning those actions in 48 hours or less." Unbelievable.

Response by SFC Dean Allen made Jul 4 at 2017 6:37 PM

2017-07-04T18:37:41-04:00

When I went to a promotion board for Sgt. in Saigon, the Women's Army Corps was a separate entity and there were very few females in the regular army. The members of the board liked to fire questions at you rapidly. You not only had to answer the question correctly, you called officers Sir and senior enlisted were addressed by their rank. Don't dare address a Sgt Major as 1SGT.

Back to the women's Army Corps. If the question was who is the Commanding General of the Women's Army Corps, you had to know the name of the old gal who was the Brigadier General in charge of them. Several rapid fire questions later, on other subjects, and someone would ask you again what her name was. Several more questions and someone would ask "Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Women's Army Corps?" You better not hesitate. The correct answer was "Sir, the Commander-in-Chief of the Women's Army Corps is Richard Milhouse Nixon, Sir!" I don't know why I needed to know that to be promoted to E-5, or whether I would have failed if I did not know, but I was scared to death and that was one of several dozen useless facts that had been drilled into my head before going before the board.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2017 7:57 PM

2017-07-04T19:57:55-04:00

DRB is worse. Stay sat

Response by SGT John C. made Jul 4 at 2017 8:33 PM

2017-07-04T20:33:09-04:00

a friend of mine years ago answered all but one question correctly for his E-5 board. It was funny because he should have known the answer. I knew the answer and it floored him because I was only a PFC. Even today over 30 years later I still remember him asking me as we walked down the hall of HHC headed back to our barracks. He made E-5 but that question peeved him off good.

The question was as follows..."You are in a POW camp. You have an Army, Air Force, Marine and Navy Captain in the camp. Who is the senior officer and is in charge of the POW's?"

I know the answer and I'm sure others here know it also.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2017 9:31 PM

2017-07-04T21:31:30-04:00

Placement of the awards badges etc on the female class A's.

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made Jul 4 at 2017 10:29 PM

2017-07-04T22:29:23-04:00

Not a promotion board, but a Soldier of the quarter board. I walked in, was asked a question on the UCMJ, and in my respnse I called it the Universal Code of Military Justice, the CSM then pointed out that my fly was open.

Needless to say, I was not soldier of the quarter.

Response by SFC Homero Tamez made Jul 5 at 2017 12:16 PM

2017-07-05T12:16:28-04:00

I took a Joe to a soldier of the month board and they asked him if he knew what article 31 was. He replied with a confident "yes, 1SG!" They asked him to elaborate and he replied with 2 article 15s and a bad counseling statement. I got smoked!

Response by GySgt Stephen Adams made Jul 6 at 2017 6:35 PM

2017-07-06T18:35:26-04:00

Yes. I was going up for meritorious corporal. I had a hard time explaining the dark blue smudge on my shirt. It got there, when the company clerk pushed past me with some carbon paper in his hand. It just so happened that his bestie was going up too.

Response by SGT Ralph Griffin made Jul 7 at 2017 1:27 PM

2017-07-07T13:27:33-04:00

Confidence is the key, and being knowledgeable, without those two you don't warrant a promotion.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2019 6:41 PM

2019-09-02T18:41:16-04:00

I dont really remeber the questions, but I got told leaving my SSG board by one of the board members that they loved the robticness of my responses. Very crisp, precise, and quick, and my level of confidence was extremly high.... passed my E5 and E6 board first time goes both times.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2019 7:58 PM

2019-09-02T19:58:26-04:00

When I went up for the E5 board, I was new to the Army and I really didn’t know how the Army promotion system worked. They started off asking your typical board questions, and then started asking me off-the-wall weird questions. Later I would find out that was just to see if I could keep my bearing.

Response by SGT Luis Quinones made Sep 3 at 2019 12:19 AM

2019-09-03T00:19:34-04:00

In th mld 80s I was in Korea went to the E-5 board and the csm was the brigade sm, he ask question about the wear of the female uniform,I though he was messing with me since im a man , later he said to me that I needed to know these things

Response by SPC Randall PeQueen made Sep 3 at 2019 2:18 PM

2019-09-03T14:18:18-04:00

I remember a board that I went in front of (can't remember if it was SOTM or promotion) but it was in those old WW11 barracks on Ft. Bragg that had a door in the room to the outside but we entered via an inside door from another room. I had studies my ass off and I was as confident as I could be. I dared them to ask me anything that I didn't know. My uniform was as squared away as it could be and I had a swagger to me as I stepped into the room. Made my movement and my bearings were spot on. I knew I had aced it until...............
The SGT Major who was head of this particular board asked me to step outside while he and the other board members discussed something. He gestured to the side door and not the door I came in.
Again, this door lead outside.
I stood up, executed my left face and headed for the door and when I got to the door.....
I did NOT have my cover. Left it in the other room before I came in. Not by accident but didn't ... need... it... Ugh......
About face... "SERGEANT MAJOR, SPECIALIST PEQUEEN TRULY REGRETS TO INFORM THE BOARD THAT I DO NOT HAVE MY COVER AT THIS TIME AND REQUEST PERMISSION TO STEP TO THE OTHER ROOM AND RECOVER IT IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE REQUEST OF THE BOARD" ...
His response ... "That will not be necessary, please come back and have a seat".
That sucked. He noticed and got me good. I thought it was kind of unfair at the time but it did help me to realize the whole picture after that.
Was my last board and I ETSed not long after that as an E-4 P.
I will never forget that.
Good eye SGT Major... good eye. hahahahahahaha

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Sep 22 at 2019 4:22 PM

2019-09-22T16:22:07-04:00

Glad we didn't have this BS back when I was in. I would never been promoted.

Response by SFC Bill Snyder made Sep 22 at 2019 5:45 PM

2019-09-22T17:45:13-04:00

Never went before a promotion board until E7. Reported in; they asked how I could stand doing what I did every day (another story). After a few minutes, the Post SGM told me to be at the NCO Club next week and bring my wife. Sometimes, life is good.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 10:33 PM

2019-09-22T22:33:14-04:00

Tough no, embarrassing ... On my first E5 board (that says it all right there huh).
1SG: SPC Davis, what is esprit de corps?
ME: First Sergeant, it's French.
(Giggle heard from the recorder and an MSG)

Response by SFC Don Ward made Sep 23 at 2019 12:04 AM

2019-09-23T00:04:06-04:00

A friend of min had an old fashioned "murder" board with the Cav - it came time to demonstrate Map Reading and as he bent over the map his name tag fell off of his Class A's. He moved the name tag off of the map, continued with the resection he was performing, and then returned to his seat with the name tag in his pocket. Selected for promotion and complemented on his "professionalism".

Response by SFC Francisco Rosario made Nov 18 at 2019 5:11 AM

2019-11-18T05:11:13-05:00

For me it was telling the diy between Intersection and Resection. I always got them mixed up.

Response by SFC John Coffindaffer made Nov 24 at 2019 6:28 PM

2019-11-24T18:28:29-05:00

I looked forward to going to my E-5 and E-6 boards. I was a 96B and spent eight of my twelve years in the Army at the Battalion level S-2 shop. I was lucky enough to go to Ranger, Airborne, Air Assault and Pathfinder which created an instant friendship/professional relationship with my Infantry, Armor, and artillery brothers. As a 96B I was in charge of physical security, and clearances; which the senior NCO's were aware of and had seen me numerous times checking their key logs, communications gear, and enlisted rooms. Every Battalion and Company within the Battalion received the highest scores by Brigade and Division Inspection teams. So, I did my part by ensuring I scored the most points on the PT test, rifle marksmanship, education, and any other area that I cound control, and they took care of me at the boards. I was always promoted ahead of my peers, and gained nothing but the utmost respect for the enlisted troops in combat arms.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2020 6:11 PM

2020-04-17T18:11:53-04:00

Who won the super bowl?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2020 7:36 PM

2020-04-17T19:36:55-04:00

My E5 promotion board was done while I was deployed to Afghanistan. I was well past the half way point of my year long government paid adventure vacation and as a line medic I went outside the wire near daily. This lead to my uniforms becoming sun bleached and the portion of my ACU top normally covered by my armor not to match in color to anything else. Going into the board I did the best I could to find the cleanest, least worn, best matching set of ACUs but it was a lost cause. The first question one of the 1SGs asked me was why my uniform was as it was. Before I could give my answer another 1SG jumped in and saved me, stating out loud the obvious that I was a line medic who had spent an excessive amount of time outside the wire and my uniforms reflected that. That man was a saint, and thankfully I was able to dodge that laser beam and go on to pass.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2020 8:26 PM

2020-04-24T20:26:30-04:00

saluting at the end of the board, the dammet from my AASLT falls off, loudest thing I've ever heard. Make sure they're secure!!!

Response by SGT Kyle Bickley made Jul 27 at 2020 1:47 PM

2020-07-27T13:47:43-04:00

They bait you! I had one 1st Sergeant who was asking questions, the others were telling jokes to one another laughing it up. Pretty good ones too! That was actually part of the test to see if you broke your bearing! If you relaxed, drifted your eyes and attention to them, responded to them buddy, buddy wise, you failed! The guy that went in before me told me the board was no big deal, that they were cutting up, didn't ask him but maybe 15 questions at best. Said he Aced it! Wrong! I didn't break, I got hit with 60 questions. 10 EA from the line companies, 10 from HQ, and 10 from the SMG. I passed first time in! Pay attention to detail and maintain your discipline before the board! Those guys are sneaking! From the moment you step in, report, sit, answer, stand, and exit is being judged and graded!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2020 6:42 PM

2020-07-27T18:42:12-04:00

Did my board downrange so I was brought in off patrol sweaty from my IBA and no haircut for about 8 weeks. Luckily there passed with only my 1SG giving me crap.

Response by SFC Robert Kohlberg made Jul 28 at 2020 10:58 AM

2020-07-28T10:58:26-04:00

On my Sgt board the first sergeant of the company we shared the building with asked the question “who sprayed my hallway with orange paint 2 nights ago”?”
I responded with a thundered “I don’t know that answer First Sgt”.
As actually we had snuck down 3 nights ago and did it, I gave an honest answer. Being top could not prove it, I was recommended for promotion.

Response by PO1 Raymond Foster made Jul 29 at 2020 12:16 AM

2020-07-29T00:16:01-04:00

Up for sailor of the year board, made it through my command, at the high headquarters, 40 E-9 on the board, Navy has red stripes and gold for being good, mine was red at 17 years. This MC added when I would turn gold, I told him after I make E-7. Was dismissed and retired as E-6.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2020 9:00 AM

2020-07-29T09:00:54-04:00

I was about to knock on the door for my E-5 Board when someone else jumped in the room to tell the board something... the board got postponed because we ended up watching the towers fall in NYC on the news.

Response by SSG Daniel Frankell made Jul 29 at 2020 9:01 AM

2020-07-29T09:01:54-04:00

These promotion boards are humiliating, degrading and just plain stupid!! The entire
E-5/E-6 promotion system needs needs to be done away with and we should join all the other branches. Everyone should be recommended (which should not be done because you have enough TIS) and you should have to pass a written test. 80% of the NCO’s should’ve never been promoted. Most have a difficult time reading let alone comprehending an FM or AR!!

The NCOES should be revamped. We need to go back to being a military who doesn’t care whose feelings get hurt. All these snowflakes crying boo hoo and pulling out a stress card while crying like a 3 year old have no business being in our military.

Response by SPC John Hubbard made Sep 7 at 2020 8:57 PM

2020-09-07T20:57:47-04:00

As an E-4, going to the E-5 board. During Deployment for Desert Shield/Desert Storm. There was a Female Acting 1Sgt. At the point of the questioning things were going good. I had maintained my bearing until 1 question lead to another. Asked ways to keep sand out of my weapon. I responded 'condoms". They had passed these out to help do just that. Then she asked other uses of condoms and the proper way to use 1. It was all over. Every member of the board lost it. Here I am straight faced, reading the instructions on a condom packet. Needless to say I passed with flying colors.

Response by SGT Joe Workman made Sep 8 at 2020 1:22 PM

2020-09-08T13:22:51-04:00

When I went to my promotion board. I practiced looking at every members forehead. So I looked like I was looking at them. I had practiced reciting the NCO creed, but they had me do the soldiers creed. I messed it up so bad. But I had answered almost all the questions correctly, and with confidence. I passed. It's all about how you present yourself as a confident leader who can find the answers.