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I see this question frequently on Social Media. When I was the Personnel Assistance Clerk in the Army. People would constantly come into my office with this question. What's funny is that they ask me and without even looking at my rank expect a PFC to know. However, because of my job I owe them the due diligence to research the answer and give it to them.
1. Weapons- Since we don't go to the range as often than what people think. You should go to your Arms room and sign your weapon out. Once you do so take 20-30 minutes to learn and familiarize with it. Why is it important? Most Soldiers haven't seen a M4 up close not to mention any weapons system. They have to understand how to adjust sight, windage and their trigger release. Ask your Armour for simple shooting drills to improve your breathing, steady grip, trigger pull and release. Dry firing can help you get that 40/40 and translates to max promotion points for the weapons portion.
2. Awards- It pays to be an outstanding Soldier. You're not going to get an AAM or ARCOM every time you pick up trash. But every bit counts, from COA to GCM understanding this can get you on the road to that next stripe. Also update your ORB to reflect your proper awards.
3. Education- Go to School. Either Military or Civilian those points can be the difference of you being promoted. Yes. Military life isn't easy, nor does having a family (families are cool) because both requires your undivided attention. So, you need to sit down with your loved ones and explain to them the reason your not home after work on certain days. Most Soldiers who're single take their time for granted and decide to skip out on school and wait til they ETS. However, if you plan on being in for 20 you must get this portion done.
4. APFT- This one isn't hard to explain. Let's face it you can be an expert shooter, a decorated Soldier and well educated but, you fail APFT none of those matter. Some old head once told me, "Look here fatass, one hour of PT isn't enough. Once you get off work go run, do push ups and situps. That's the only way for your Fatass to remain in this Army". Sadly, he was correct and most Soldiers only do the minimum but maximum partying.
Hope this helps feel free to add to this below.
1. Weapons- Since we don't go to the range as often than what people think. You should go to your Arms room and sign your weapon out. Once you do so take 20-30 minutes to learn and familiarize with it. Why is it important? Most Soldiers haven't seen a M4 up close not to mention any weapons system. They have to understand how to adjust sight, windage and their trigger release. Ask your Armour for simple shooting drills to improve your breathing, steady grip, trigger pull and release. Dry firing can help you get that 40/40 and translates to max promotion points for the weapons portion.
2. Awards- It pays to be an outstanding Soldier. You're not going to get an AAM or ARCOM every time you pick up trash. But every bit counts, from COA to GCM understanding this can get you on the road to that next stripe. Also update your ORB to reflect your proper awards.
3. Education- Go to School. Either Military or Civilian those points can be the difference of you being promoted. Yes. Military life isn't easy, nor does having a family (families are cool) because both requires your undivided attention. So, you need to sit down with your loved ones and explain to them the reason your not home after work on certain days. Most Soldiers who're single take their time for granted and decide to skip out on school and wait til they ETS. However, if you plan on being in for 20 you must get this portion done.
4. APFT- This one isn't hard to explain. Let's face it you can be an expert shooter, a decorated Soldier and well educated but, you fail APFT none of those matter. Some old head once told me, "Look here fatass, one hour of PT isn't enough. Once you get off work go run, do push ups and situps. That's the only way for your Fatass to remain in this Army". Sadly, he was correct and most Soldiers only do the minimum but maximum partying.
Hope this helps feel free to add to this below.
Posted in these groups: 
Promotions
Advice
Promotions Advice
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 27
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SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu Good advice, one other thing that I did, was ask for a counseling statement about why I have not been promoted, and 30 days later was promoted.
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SPC Aiumu, you are wise beyond your years! If you're junior enlisted, you'd do well to follow this advice. PT and weapons Qual and familiarization are critical not only to your promotion, but also to your survival on the battlefield. If you can't reach out and touch the bad guys, you better have a good running game! Make the time for classes, both professional and personal. Start mapping out your future and make it yours. Make a plan and work your plan. Set goals and deadlines for yourself. The sooner you start, the better
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SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu
Sir I appreciate the compliment as well as the advice. Its very true that setting goals whether short or long term can go a very long way. Thank you and much appreciation for the insight.
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Do Skill-Port Courses. It's the fastest way to get points! I have 543hours and Max out for E5 and E6, you can too.
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Talking about promotion, or in reality what we're really considering, the first line of the Creed of the Non-Commissioned Officer comes to mind: No one is more professional than I. We all know that we are in the profession of arms, and with that profession, most of us are tied into secondary professions as well (such as Aviation in my case). A professional never stagnates - they are constantly learning in order to stay on top of their field. A 300 PT test, 40/40 at the range, maxed out mil and civilian education, and a slew of awards are nice, but they don't mean a thing if you pin on E-5 or higher, and cannot lead soldiers within your subordinate profession. Case in point: one NCO I know is a "PT Stud," can shoot, has the civilian education, military education and correspondence courses. However, he always severely struggled when it came to the task he originally went to Advanced Training for: UH-60 Maintenance. As such, it was apparent to the leadership that he was incapable of truly leading his assigned soldiers, and he often found himself tasked elsewhere. While it didn't seem to bother him, he was surpassed by his peers and subordinates because of it, until the right leadership came in, and forced him to learn his job. eventually, he did excel, and went on to the board, where he did get his promotability status. However, it is still a struggle for him, since he is still trying to play catch up.
AKO has a link to a career tracker. Every one of us should be utilizing that, and asking ourselves what we need to do in order to take that next step forward. Further, we also have to consider that someone has to replace us at our current level when we do move up. As such, we should be training our subordinates to do the job at least as well as us, if not better (preferable), and recognizing those soldiers who do excel. It seems few realize anymore that once you pick up NCO and become a leader, it's no longer about just you anymore, but the soldiers you now have authority over as well. If your leadership does not see you working to progress them, or recognizing when they're doing well, then what motivation would your leadership have to try to advance you to the next level? It's really a give and take.
AKO has a link to a career tracker. Every one of us should be utilizing that, and asking ourselves what we need to do in order to take that next step forward. Further, we also have to consider that someone has to replace us at our current level when we do move up. As such, we should be training our subordinates to do the job at least as well as us, if not better (preferable), and recognizing those soldiers who do excel. It seems few realize anymore that once you pick up NCO and become a leader, it's no longer about just you anymore, but the soldiers you now have authority over as well. If your leadership does not see you working to progress them, or recognizing when they're doing well, then what motivation would your leadership have to try to advance you to the next level? It's really a give and take.
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SPC Eddie "Nemo" Aiumu
The horse can be lead to water. But its up on it to drink it. And I believe that's the problem facing today's military. A lot of "give me" and no "I'm going to work for it". Thank you for the Addition.
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I got promoted on my merits as my old buddy Aiumu said in what you need to do. The first thing I did was speak with my squad leader, and worked day and night to make SGT. My whole section left with the rank of SGT as we were all SPCs. Back in that time the Correspondence Courses were a dime a dozen to apply for and pass. I had 600 pts (old 998 system) and my MOS points were 500. you gotta grind if you want it!
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