U.S. Army Cuts SSD-1 Promotion Points What do you think about this change?

2014-01-12T22:08:04-05:00

<font color="#ff3333"><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 14px;">ON OR ABOUT 2 DEC 13, SSD-1 WILL NO LONGER QUALIFY SOLDIERS FOR EARNING 16 PROMOTION <br soft="">POINTS FOR COURSE COMPLETION AND WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE EMILPO CORRESPONDENCE <br soft="">COURSE TABLE.</span></font><span style="line-height: 17px; font-size: 14px;"><font color="#666666"> SOLDIERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED SSD-1 WILL NOTICE A DECREASE OF 16<br>PROMOTIONS POINTS DUE TO THIS ADJUSTMENT.<br></font></span><font color="#666666"></font>

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 12 at 2014 11:29 PM

2014-01-12T23:29:24-05:00

SSG T,

I think this is just another notch that is being checked of for the wholesale changes that are taking place and will continue to be implemented for the RIF to take place and be accomplished to the desires of the current administration and Congress.

Instead of making the cuts where they need to be, within the legislative and executive branches of the federal government, they both will continue to look at chopping up and dismantling many functional and necessary parts of the military services, they have already hit the veteran/retiree pensions, as well set the next generation of retirees up for phenomenal losses to their benefits as well and while on AD.

It is only going to continue to grow in ridiculousness and hurting ways for all involved, especially the potential leaders of the future before it gets any better. All I can say is I think we will all see the country and government crash and fail in our current lifetime with the path we are currently on, it is unsustainable with what the government is doing to all aspects of not making the proper financial and logical cuts and adjustments as needed all for the sake of them not losing their financial power and control.

Response by SSG Andrew Dydasco made Jan 13 at 2014 4:12 PM

2014-01-13T16:12:01-05:00

SSG Turkezer, I don't see the issue with it, personally.  Completion of SSD-1 is required to become a Sergeant anyway, so why get points for something that is required?  Some say, "Well, APFT/Weapon qual is required, but that still counts for points." <div><br></div><div><br></div><div>True.  But that is something that can be competitive, and measured.  SSD-1 is pass or fail.  The 16 points can be made up elsewhere by doing 80 hours of Correspondence Courses.</div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2014 4:18 PM

2014-01-13T16:18:41-05:00

I agree with PFC Dydasco. Earning points should be based on areas that one can improve on whether it's military/civilian education, APFT, marksmanship, or awards (which are individual achievments anyways). Giving out points for something basic is asinine. Why not give points for competing basic training too? SMH!!!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2014 7:55 AM

2014-01-14T07:55:14-05:00

It sucks for some Junior Enlisted that are working hard to get promoted but Soldiers still can complete other online training like Skillport, work on their PT if they haven't max out, go to some Qtr boards or volunteer their time to get some awards/COAs, work on civilian education, take the DLPT test if your are proficient in a certain language and get technical certifications that are aligned to a MOS.

There's always room for improvement and they just have to be patient. I waited 30 months to pin SSG. During those 30 months only 2 other NCOs got promoted.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 15 at 2014 9:29 PM

2014-01-15T21:29:12-05:00

SSG P.,

Remember we talked about something similar to this awhile back, more smoke and mirrors to thin the herd, it will be the new tool utilized on E6s and above who were promoted before the new systems took place, but now they will be forced to either take the pre-promotion training/classes or be handed their walking papers.

I would check with your S3/G3 for clarification and then push through as needed or required to protect yourself and your future. Good luck.

Response by SSG Andrew Dydasco made Feb 3 at 2014 10:46 AM

2014-02-03T10:46:47-05:00

Not 100% positive if it is true or not, but I've heard from several people that the decision to cut SSD-1 for points has been reversed, and will now count for points once again.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 2:18 PM

2014-03-20T14:18:27-04:00

I was instructed to complete SSD 3 so that I would be eligible for the promotion list, even with ALC PH I and II completed prior. I am sure your regs are a little different, but for any other Guard Soldiers who read this take a look at PPOM 13-037, ARNG Clarifiction of Army Directive 2013-15.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 2:43 PM

2014-03-20T14:43:34-04:00

No. Your next SSD requirement is SSD3. You are grandfathered in and don't have to do SSD1 since you went to WLC and got promoted to SGT before the requiremements were established.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2014 5:38 PM

2014-04-17T17:38:56-04:00

As long as people thats done it allrwady going to be grandfathered in.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2014 8:29 PM

2014-04-17T20:29:54-04:00

SSD-1 title itself is self explanatory. Self Structure Development is a course that was primarily created with intention to develop young soldiers into quality leader of tomorrow. The fact that SSD-1 allowed promotion points actually encouraged soldiers to finish SSD-1 with intention to gain promotion points rather than trying to learn something out of this course.

When I went to WLC, I noticed that many of my classmates attended WLC so that they could get "promoted" or "keep the e-5 rank". I had found only few peers whose intention was to develop themselves into a better leader for their soldiers by attending WLC.

I don't mind the change at all. The Corps of Noncomissioned Officer is the backbone of the Army and NCOs needs to live up to the creed of the Noncomissioned Officer by example. In order to develop individuals into a better leader, I believe that we need to gain something out of every courses that Army has to offer.

Finishing SSD-1 for promotion points makes you nothing but a point-chaser/rank chaser to my eyes.