When is the right time to submit a packet for E-5 SGT?

2015-01-10T21:02:45-05:00

I have been an E-4/SPC a little over a year, I have not gone to WLC, though I have a school date scheduled, and I only need a few more points to make the rank. My question stems from feeling prepared to become an NCO. I personally feel as if there is more knowledge I need to learn to become a good NCO, and though I know there is always more to learn and room to grow, I am worried I do not have the adequate skills to be able to motivate and guide fellow soldiers.

Contrary to my personal opinion, I have had several NCO's tell me I am ready to wear the stripes on my chest. As a Supply clerk, I lead the two privates in my section and teach them, so I do have experience in leading other soldiers, but it is only in my MOS and section of the platoon.

What are some other opinions on this matter? Do you feel a soldier should submit a packet when they themselves feel ready for the position, or simply because other NCO's feel the soldier should?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 9:25 PM

2015-01-10T21:25:56-05:00

I've never truly felt ready for a promotion, only humbled that others thought I was ready.

Response by SGT Jonathan Williams made Jan 10 at 2015 9:31 PM

2015-01-10T21:31:24-05:00

As soon as you are able. There are others who will validate (i.e. board).

Response by John Russell made Jan 10 at 2015 9:40 PM

2015-01-10T21:40:06-05:00

You'll know when you're ready by when you can do you job well (which I think you can do). Your NCO should support your decision. Its all about what you can bring to the table and if you got the right stuff to speak up and take responsibility for your soldiers. I dont know how the reserves work with submitting a packet for selection but I think the most important decision is yours. If youre already leading two privates..might as well get some stripes so you can leverage more for your team.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 9:41 PM

2015-01-10T21:41:25-05:00

I agree with LTC Private RallyPoint Member, SPC Private RallyPoint Member. Don't doubt yourself. Go for it! If you are selected for promotion, the Army is recognizing your potential to serve as a Sergeant, not expecting you to be a super Sergeant on day #1. It reminds me of the day I went from SSG(P) to WO1. This was before the WOCC, so one day I was a Staff Sergeant and the next day I was a Warrant Officer, but I was the very same person. Nothing changed within me. More was expected of me, and I stepped up to the challenge. I think that's pretty much how it works most of the time. You'll have some time to be a new Sergeant and to make a few mistakes ... and pretty soon you'll be a seasoned Sergeant. Good luck!

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Jan 10 at 2015 11:16 PM

2015-01-10T23:16:53-05:00

Don't EVER underestimate your abilities to lead Soldiers. Be confident, and seek out answers to questions after you have tried to solve it yourself. My guess is since you have two privates underneath you and you are scheduled to attend WLC, then your leadership probably already thinks that you are already ready.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2015 1:37 AM

2015-01-11T01:37:13-05:00

"I am worried I do not have the adequate skills to be able to motivate and guide fellow soldiers."

I'm not trying to bust your chops........but if you don't feel that you possess the adequate skills to motivate and guide Soldiers then you may need to spend a while longer in your current pay grade learning your craft and honing your tools.

There's too damned many Sergeants up and down the ranks that can't lead a horse to water or pour piss out of a boot with the instructions on the sole. As an NCO we are entrusted with the welfare of our Soldiers. To instill purpose, motivation and direction. No, as an NCO I'm not perfect and I make mistakes and do my damnedest to learn from them. But I have absolutely no doubt in my ability or skills to motivate and guide Soldiers.

I'm not trying to de-motivate you towards getting promoted. But I am trying to open your eyes and get you to realize that if you doubt your leadership skills, your Soldiers will pick up on that. And that will undermine their faith, confidence and trust in you as a leader.

Even as an NCO regardless of pay grade or position, we still continue to learn. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. But also learn from them. I wish you the best of luck.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Jan 14 at 2015 8:49 PM

2015-01-14T20:49:46-05:00

There are many variables to answering this question, the biggest is ARE YOU READY? There is nothing worse than a soldier making rank too fast and going to pot/stagnating for years waiting on requirements to make the next pay grade. If your a go getter and it seems like you are then go for it and jump right in on the next rank. Best of luck to you !!!!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 8:51 PM

2015-01-14T20:51:01-05:00

This will sound a bit self-serving, but if you have any doubts if you are ready, ask to see your First Sergeant. Discuss how you feel and where you think you are at. I can guarantee that he will be very interested in providing opportunities to prove yourself through leading training, taking care of subordinates, or perhaps a school to hone your talents.

There are lots of crummy things 1SGs have to deal with every day. Having a Soldier ask for guidance would be the highlight of my day.

Use your resources. You will find that all of your leaders have a vested interest in seeing you succeed and gain confidence.

Good luck.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 8:51 PM

2015-01-14T20:51:02-05:00

You aren't going to know it, until you are it. Stay humble, and stay hungry. As your rank increases, you don't necessarily know more - your area of responsibility and sphere of influence just increase. As long as you can remember where you came from, and stay hungry for the knowledge you need to succeed, you will do just fine.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 9:17 PM

2015-01-14T21:17:24-05:00

I think you should do so when YOU feel ready. The fact that you solicited feedback is a positive. I say, "Go for it", SPC Private RallyPoint Member. No officer or NCO is born with the knowledge to make them successful. They must have the ability to listen, reason, and empathize. And that requires patience and understanding, no matter your age or time in rank.
Best of luck to you.

Response by SFC Josh Jackson made Jan 14 at 2015 9:39 PM

2015-01-14T21:39:15-05:00

You know you're ready for the next level when you can teach someone how to do your job at your rank. You don't have to know everything, but if you know enough that you can mentor and train other E-4s, then you're essentially acting at the next level. Ergo, you're ready for E-5.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 10:19 PM

2015-01-14T22:19:51-05:00

Can you even submit the packet without WLC? I thought they were going to change that requirement to already having the course first.

Your statements contradict themselves:

" I am worried I do not have the adequate skills to be able to motivate and guide fellow soldiers."

I lead the two privates in my section and teach them, so I do have experience in leading other soldiers, but it is only in my MOS and section of the platoon."

You are already showing that you have the basic adequate skills to become an NCO. The senior NCO's that are recommending you have already recognized that.

I don't even get your concern about only leading soldiers within your MOS and section. This will not change as a junior NCO in the supply section. You will still be doing the same leading and teaching of the privates that you do now. At the same time you will start to develop yourself as an NCO. If you are concerned about expanding your "sphere of influence" as an NCO outside your section, don't be. As you move into the position of Supply Sergeant instead of Supply Clerk your influence will expand naturally just from the position.

Supply/S4 is one of what I call a "power position" in a unit. Quite frankly, your services (or your section's) is something that is always in demand, especially in the reserves. I know this from experience as the senior NCO for the logistics section of my BN. If you continue to do what you are doing now, remain professional, and continue to expand your learning you will do fine.

Now all you need to do is transfer to Washington and my unit, I could use a new Supply Sergeant as we are going to be very thin in our S4 after this Summer.

To answer your more general question, it has been my experience that a soldier "feeling right" happens about the same time as other NCO's recognizing the potential.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 11:18 PM

2015-01-14T23:18:31-05:00

If you are waiting on NCO's, your already behind the curve. Take charge and show initiative that you want the next rank. don't wait to be told you are ready.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-01-15T09:29:22-05:00

The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full of doubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.-Charles Bukowski

The problem is even more prevalent in the Army. I can tell you respect the gravity of the step you have ahead of you. That alone puts you miles ahead of most of your peers. Put the packet in and become "ready" you may discover you are farther along than you thought.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-01-15T15:58:08-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, it is a combination of the two. I struggled with this as a 27D (Paralegal) always stuck in an S1 shop and had NCOs with a different MOS. In reality, not only do they feel that you are ready, but the most important combination is that you are DETERMINED.

I will be honest on this from my standpoint when I was a SPC. You will never truly ever be ready, but there are two ways that I felt that I was ready.

1. Taking initiative and working beyond personal gain.
2. Not only do you lead, but seeking self improvement to benefit your organization as a whole.

I remember when I was a PFC, I just wanted to get the *DAYS* over with. As a SPC, I understood I had a mission and a task. Barely turning 21, I was constantly leading my peers and assisting new Soldiers. I worked late not because I was told to, but I understood that I had to accomplish the mission because my actions affected the unit as a whole. I knew how to drill, I studied for the board, won BDE Soldier of the QTR, and took on taskings that made my boss' life easier.

Just remember that when you are a SPC(P) and/or SGT, never fall back to old habits. The last bit of advice I would recommend is as a soon as you are promoted, be proactive in your next promotion. It never ends until you decide to let your goals end. Even as a SSG, win NCO of the QTR boards, shoot expert, and do all the good things that the Army has to offer. Last of all, take CARE of your Soldiers and never forget your humble beginnings.

Response by SGT Brian Thomas made Jan 16 at 2015 8:20 AM

2015-01-16T08:20:33-05:00

If you're doubting yourself the junior enlisted will have the same doubts and more than likely won't feel comfortable if you ever had to lead them in a combat situation.

Response by SFC Richard M. made Jan 16 at 2015 8:38 AM

2015-01-16T08:38:58-05:00

This is probably the biggest promotion a Soldier will get. I understand your hesitation and nervousness, but trust in your leaders that they will guide and mentor you on your path. You won't ever have all of the answers, but you can't be afraid to make mistakes. Just own up to them and learn from them. That's the key.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Jan 21 at 2015 7:25 PM

2015-01-21T19:25:28-05:00

If someone is telling you that you are ready to be a Sergeant, then I say go for it. If several NCO's are saying it, then definitely go for it. The fact is, you'll never be truly prepared for leadership roles when you first start them. But with the guidance of those before you, I believe you'll do well.

Response by SPC Larry Buck made Jan 21 at 2015 8:54 PM

2015-01-21T20:54:49-05:00

Ma'am excuse my words, I'm not educated and a total moron to a lot, but go get your nerd on and learn more, be comfortable with leading in the safety of a classroom not at a shooting gallery, maybe someday you'll smoke people who don't sound off, but for now be young and learn while your mind allows.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2016 3:50 PM

2016-08-31T15:50:35-04:00

Here is my opinion, go to the board. You will only know if you are ready to become a SGT, by becoming a SGT. The rest will fall into place by the guidance of your leaders, the feedback from your peers, and the successes of your Soldiers.