What advice or pointers do you have for SSGs that are now eligible for the SFC board ahead of their board file opening?

Watch the fifty minute HRC video about board proceedings. It'll teach you how to prep your file. Read the board analysis for the past boards for your MOS. It'll let you gauge how competitive you are compared to your peers. They really need to harp on reading the CMF regs during blc/alc. They point out all the milestones needed to get picked.

Go through your OMPF and check for duplicates so that if there are any you can get it taken care of. Match your ERB with NCOERs. If you have a good S-1 sit down with them and have them re-write your originations in your assignments section from the "16 CAV 3 SQDN TRP A PP" format to "A Trp, 3rd Squadron, 16th Cavalry Regiment" format (if it's not already done).

Definitely schedule a one on one session with your Senior NCOs to review your board file. And be sure to bring a Sr NCO to your DA photo, preferably two, you would be surprised how many small deficiencies can be missed especially when you go alone.

SAMC

Make sure every section of your ERB is up to date. (Erase all incoming personnel in the assignments block) make sure your months served In each assignment coincide with your ncoer dates. Make sure you are not missing any documents from your ompf such as awards, badges, ncoers, 1059’s etc.

These days, getting picked up for 7 is like the running Oprah joke “ you get a promotion, you get a promotion, YOU GET A PROMOTION........ I wouldn’t stress about it your board file is squared away.

Ensure that you have your 1SG or PSG go over your ERB and OMPF with a fine tooth comb to make sure there aren’t any discrepancies. If there are make sure to get them fixed immediately. Other than that make sure your NCOERS are up to date and that you show up to the day of your DA photo with everything you need for your uniform.