What's the promotion system like in the USAR/ARNG?

SGT Benjamin Dutill — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 10:24:05 -0500

My ETS date is not too far from coming (July 2015) and I have no intentions on re-enlisting as Active Duty and I do have intentions on going into the Reserves or National Guard so I can finish the 20 years (retire) and I can also finish college. I was just wondering what the promotion system is like - is it different from Reserves and National Guard or is it the same? I don't have plans to stay in Kansas, I have very good incentive to move to Washington State and join the Reserves or NG there. So insight would be very helpful seeing how my other resources cannot give me any straight answers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 10:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 10:33:08 -0500

promotions are done once a year. and you are compaired to everyone in the state with the same rank and MOS based on your erb, so no formal board. and be prepared for boredom, low standards, lack of discipline, and missing football for no real reason. it is an easy pay check.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 10:54 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 10:54:36 -0500

For the USAR, the Junior Boards are held locally and its similiar to an Active Board. The Senior NCO are held once a year and are based off slots that are available and how far you are willing to travel to accept a promotion. This is based off MOS availability. For example, if you are an 11B, you would have to go into a O1A slot or agree to reclass. The Senior Board is managed by the supporting RSC and the packets are reviewed digitally. So far WA State, the 88th RSC out of Fort McCoy, WI would be the supporting RSC.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2015 1:24 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 13:24:37 -0500

I don't have any experience in the USAR. My experience in the NG is that promotions can be challenging as movement upwards will depend to some degree on available vacancies, particularly as you move up the ranks. Something to consider.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jun 2 at 2015 4:01 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Tue, 02 Jun 2015 16:01:28 -0400

ARNG promotion system - home of the old boys network
USAR promotion system is more akin to Active Duty

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 1:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 13:33:56 -0500

It's definitely easier

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 1:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 13:58:50 -0500

Easy! Just do what you need to do ! Get your schools and of course PT! But it's easier!