What are the best tips for promotion to E-5 Sergeant in the Guard?

2LT (Join to see) best way to be promoted period is to do your job to the best of your ability and always improve yourself. Seek opportunities for responsibilities, additional duties, additional schools, maybe teach a class. Also the key is balance. Try to get BLC when you hit SPC and do your SSD and other online training as well college. These are "easy" points that can add up fast.

I won't repeat everything that was already said....but I will say this: Keep in mind that in order to make SGT (and higher), you may end up needing to transfer to a different state if your state does not have an open slot for your MOS in whatever rank you are wanting to be promoted to.

I've been reading everyone's comments and I agree with most. Put in the work and dedication for your job. Also, one of the biggest things is slots. You might have to move around in your state or take advantage of switching your mos to one that has an E-5 slot in your state. I've seen soldiers leave the state to get promoted.

the best way that worked for me was college courses and correspondence courses . I was a 26v E-4 competing with over 500 other E-4's for 2 slots. this was in the 80-90's so I maybe out of the loop

What I found out is that deploying isn't the asset we'd think it is when it comes to promotions. Saw a lot of guys get promoted that didn't have combat patches. Biggest thing that can help is who you know, I went to Afghanistan, earned a Bronze Star for Valor, lost my right leg saving a soldier in my unit and I still didn't get promoted till I met the CSM of the Army National Guard and the Sec of the Army.

It's the guard, so max your APFT, kiss plenty of butt and hope that 59 y/o E5 that's been sitting in that slot for 40 years finally decides to retire.

Possess the knowledge and skills of an E-7, and make sure your abilities don't go unnoticed. Have the answers that would cause your fellow soldiers to seek your advice. If your superiors are doing their jobs, they will notice... if not, then a gentle nudge might be needed.

It's not only the Guard, but active duty and your MOS. Certain MOS' can hold up to only so much E5s.

Build up your points and be willing to reclass or transfer to another unit.

Everybody's giving you good advice especially about the schools. Do not turn down any opportunity to go to a service school. The biggest thing that kills most people in the garden is the minimum standards such as PT and height and weight it's pretty sad but that is the truth, one person also told you you may have to transfer to another state because of the slots that is very true so keep that in mind when you pick where you were willing to Travel.