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

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

I agree with LTC (Join to see), SPC (Join to see). 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!

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 (Join to see). 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

SPC (Join to see), 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.

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.

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 !!!!