The new promotion system, will it hurt ambitious Soldiers?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 11:42:48 -0500

I'm looking at this as a member of the Recruiting Command, but you can translate this in to squad leader/platoon sergeant instances. If the change is made to where you're an E-7 until 20 years, won't this take away the incentive to take on challenging roles? For instance, being a recruiting center commander is considered a "proponent challenging assignment". It's the most stressful, and is a direct leadership position, like a platoon sergeant, or in some cases, like a first sergeant. It's always been smiled at by promotion boards that you didn't take a break from being on the grind, on production, held accountable by the recruiting mission's numbers. The magic number is 3 years to run a large recruiting center to be eligible for special assignments and to be looked at as completing a good run in your leadership position. So after I completed 3 years, I was asked if I wanted a trainer position, operations, etc. I took on another recruiting center in order to continue to strive to make MSG. I consider myself an outstanding leader (pat on the back) and wouldn't feel right not being in a direct leadership position regardless of the stress that comes with it. If the promotion system is changed, what happens to Soldiers out there with the same drive and ambition? By the way, this is just a discussion, I'm not complaining nor will I ever stop being a leader based on the promotion system, I say again, discussion purposes only!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 11 at 2014 11:57 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 11:57:16 -0500

Wouldn't it just give you more time to do those challenging assignments?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2014 10:46 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 22:46:19 -0400

I completely understand. I made E-6 in 5 years and boarded for E-7 in 10. I'm approaching 3 yrs at E-7 this year. Extending promotion to E-8 up to 20 years is motivation for me to hit 20 and stick to my civilian job. It almost seems like a counter-productive strategy if you truly want to select the best and most productive NCO's for senior Leadership positions. I understand decreasing number of slots, but limiting your selection pools doesn't seem like an overall great idea, in my opinion. Especially for Soldiers like myself who have very promising civilian careers. I stay in because I love it & promotions are certainly a motivating factor. I would love to retire as a SGM, but if I have to wait 20 years to make E-8 I don't many Soldiers who would want to make that commitment.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2018 12:36 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 00:36:50 -0400

If the proposed change means a SFC selected ar 10 yrs svc, so would have to wait 10 years before he is eligible for MSG. 10 years is too much time in grade.
I believe the current system has been successful. Maybe the source be provided so we can better understand.