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So I have been thinking lately about the promotion boards that we have been having. Most of the board members based their decisions off of their 300 pt score.
I was actually surprised as I thought that they were supposed to look at the whole soldier concept such as work ethic, soldier character, apft and so on.
I just wanna know some feedback about this issue please.
I was actually surprised as I thought that they were supposed to look at the whole soldier concept such as work ethic, soldier character, apft and so on.
I just wanna know some feedback about this issue please.
Posted in these groups: FORSCOM
Promotions
Promotions
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 18
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SGT Siasea, its been a long time since I wore Chevrons, but we had the same concerns back then...Rifle Score and PT Score were the primary driver of promotions in our eyes...Things we (as junior NCOs) saw as important as well were leadership ability, MOS knowlege, and the basic ability to get the "job done".
Now, as a former 2x Commander I can say that if leaders are basing promotions today of the same factors, its a failure of leadership, at least up to the Company/Battery/Troop Command level. The Squad Leaders, PSG and PL should know (very well) who inside their formation is ready to be promoted; the 1SG and CDR should not only demand the PLT level leaders do this, but should get their input as the Company looks at promotion decisions.
I have no idea what your organization looks or acts like, so take this reccomendation for what its worth, but I would take your concerns and package them into a professionally-worded concern (not emotional...speak to the good of the organization) and bring them to your 1SG and Commander. (I know many NCOs will disagree, but I think most Commander's want to hear "truth data" inside their formations that isn't filtered by multiple leaders before it gets to them).
Now, as a former 2x Commander I can say that if leaders are basing promotions today of the same factors, its a failure of leadership, at least up to the Company/Battery/Troop Command level. The Squad Leaders, PSG and PL should know (very well) who inside their formation is ready to be promoted; the 1SG and CDR should not only demand the PLT level leaders do this, but should get their input as the Company looks at promotion decisions.
I have no idea what your organization looks or acts like, so take this reccomendation for what its worth, but I would take your concerns and package them into a professionally-worded concern (not emotional...speak to the good of the organization) and bring them to your 1SG and Commander. (I know many NCOs will disagree, but I think most Commander's want to hear "truth data" inside their formations that isn't filtered by multiple leaders before it gets to them).
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This is not a new concept some leaders do. The concept of basing how good a Soldier is based mainly off their APFT score is a very old concept that refuses to die.
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SFC (Join to see)
I agree. It just recently started again because I thought it died. Apparently it still hasn't
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Who said or why do you feel the decisions were based soled on the other score. In most cases, board members know the Soldier to begin with. The members already know the character, work ethic of the individual. Also, you recommended for boards. Your leadership is essentially endorsing you either directly because you're good or indirectly because they didn't the soldier to tell them they weren't. Additionally, your records are reviewed prior to the board. Even without asking questions at a board, a realistic assessment can be made about the "whole Soldier".
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COL Vincent Stoneking
It is also important to acknowledge that "what you see depends on where you sit." As I'm sure anyone who has ever served at multiple levels in the Military, there is a process at every level of finding out "wow!, that's totally not how I thought it worked." I could write a book on things that turned to be other than I thought.
It may be that this board focused on APFT scores. It may be that it focused on other factors which aren't obvious from the outside looking in. It may be that PT Studs tend to have a strong reputation as "good Soldiers" due to discipline that leaks in other areas. (For the record, my relationship to running will forever bar me from being in the PT Stud category).
It may be that this board focused on APFT scores. It may be that it focused on other factors which aren't obvious from the outside looking in. It may be that PT Studs tend to have a strong reputation as "good Soldiers" due to discipline that leaks in other areas. (For the record, my relationship to running will forever bar me from being in the PT Stud category).
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SPC Tim Thompson
To go along with the previous commentS I too was hampered by my run time (12:32 for 2 mile run). I even had a commander rub it in my face that my score of 274 meant I wasn't worthy of a particular duty. So... I was a great soldier except.... oooh wait you only got a (LOL - Yes, she laughed in my face)....
After my public humiliation I still received the duty assignment (I went from the 608th ORD CO to the Audi Murphy Fitness Center, at Ft Benning. Turns out I was recommended for the assignment by other soldiers... My CO was one of those people who judged a soldier by how well they qualified at the range and their PT score. Thank God I was a better shot than she.
After my public humiliation I still received the duty assignment (I went from the 608th ORD CO to the Audi Murphy Fitness Center, at Ft Benning. Turns out I was recommended for the assignment by other soldiers... My CO was one of those people who judged a soldier by how well they qualified at the range and their PT score. Thank God I was a better shot than she.
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