What do you think about promotions to Sergeant (E-5) without going to a board?

Boards are important, besides reviewing a packet a first look at the applicant is worth 1000 words. It analysis Character this way. Boards are important in the selection of all jr promotion along with Sr grade. Anyone can look good on paper but in person tells a different story the truth.

I believe that there should be a one process due for all mos's so either we stick with having boards or do away with them completely. I have seen my fair share of nco's that could remember all the AR'S and FM'S but didn't know crap about their job but the working soldier that couldn't remember that stuff got looked over even though he knew his job and could out perform his nco. I was that soldier and could still out perform most ncos out there just cause we do not have book smarts does not mean we are less qualified to lead soldiers.

I would take issue with this board at face value, because the board members are not in Class A, as are the soldiers being boarded. I say this, unless there was a reason that the troop came in with Class A, such as to set himself apart etc. Otherwise, if the requirement for the troop is for Class A, everyone on a board that I run will be in the same uniform. I believe that if everyone puts in the same effort, the Board has a more serious tone.

That is all.

Plus IMO. Centralized boards are out dated and biased. If the members of the board know you, know your past, and know how you Soldier they already have their minds made up before you even report to the president of the board.

I was an e-4 for many years because of my mos, and kept on seeing worthless e-4s promoted, after 20 yrs service i LEFT..!!!!

I don't think we should have boards. They are pointless and DOES NOT determine someone's leadership. There's plenty of soldiers that don't deserve to be a leader/ NCO but they are because they can memorize a book. Two not all MOSs does Army training because they have to do their MOS to keep everyone happy on post (riggers in 82 Division). So there shouldn't be boards, they are pointless and it definitely does not determine leadership.

I went before the board, and was finally promoted to sergeant when my points dropped to 596. I prefer going to the board because you are generally recommended by a supervisor when you meet all the criteria for that next rank. Plus, going before a board consisting of the CSM and 1SGs is nerve racking, but it's a good experience when you can handle yourself well while under a microscope.

SPC Drew Hunicutt,
I believe we are doing our junior managers a disservice when we do not se them up for success by conducting face to face boards. The best way to determine if a Specialist or Corporal is ready to become a Non-commissioned officer is through the board introduction, question and answer, and Soldier first impression process. Especially when his or her direct supervisor must personally be present to indorse them.

This is one of those standards and traditions that should be uncompromised. Promotion to SERGEANT is the first gate that an individual have to go through with leaders in his/her immediate chain of responsibility. They know the Soldier's talents, capabilities, and performance. There is no B.S.-ing your way through this event. Promotion to SGT and SSG are the only remaining times where the unit leadership get to select individuals from their units whom they believe will be strong leaders and have a bright future in the Army. I believe automatic promotions to either of the aforementioned ranks should not happen. An individual SHOULD NOT get a bye just because they change MOS. If there is a loophole, close it. Put a mandatory period of 6-9 months probation after an MOS change for evaluation of performance and potential before eligibility to attend a promotion board. LEADERS can also circumvent this from happening with good counseling that states: "You are under observation for the next (period of time) at the end of this period you will be counseled on your performance and readiness for promotion."
This is a bullet directly form a counseling I gave to a Soldier who came to me as a rehab transfer. He approached me after 1 week and said; "I am eligible for promotion and I want to attend the next promotion board. I haven't been counseled about why I have not been allowed to attend the board ." i promptly counseled him regarding the subject. Needless to say he never attended the board because he was not fit to be a leader.

I boarded for both SGT and SSG and this is my assessment after spending 7 years of a 13 year career in an MOS where upon completion of the school E4s are guaranteed E5.

This needs to be either done away with or seriously revamped.

The requisite training, knowledge, and experience required to become an NCO isn't provided and although, yes, we're "supposed to mentor and guide" newly pinned SGTs in the CI field, there are many skills, mannerisms, and base levels of knowledge and discipline that should be ingrained in a Soldier prior to ever being considered to wear stripes.

In my MOS's case, I understand the original intent behind doing this, but the execution is terrible. The original intent was that all agents should be NCOs - which sounds great on paper and makes sense with the myriad tasks we have to accomplish and level of autonomy we frequently operate with. However, there are quite a few auto-5s I've worked with and around who've shown that they would have greatly benefited from a bit more time as a Specialist or even a Corporal and some grooming from a seasoned NCO.

Just my two cents.