Why do people insist on putting (P) beside their rank? Last I checked, Promotable is NOT a rank and only means you made the list.

2014-03-12T08:23:57-04:00

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 12 at 2014 8:51 AM

2014-03-12T08:51:59-04:00

Rallypoint asks you if you're promotable. If you click yes, it automatically places the P next to your rank.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Mar 12 at 2014 8:57 AM

2014-03-12T08:57:37-04:00

Why does this bother you so much?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 8:58 AM

2014-03-12T08:58:06-04:00

I am quite proud of my (P).  There were less than 2% in my MOS that were selected this year.  I don't use it on my work emails or anywhere else, just here.  

Response by SFC Aaron G. made Mar 12 at 2014 5:39 PM

2014-03-12T17:39:00-04:00

I think that on a site such as this where you are able to add the (P) next to your rank, it's a way to show a sense of accomplishment. I know how hard it was to gain that promotable status. <div><br></div><div>Plus, in a place where you are able to network with other soldiers and view other units, it's a way to find a place that is looking for someone in the next higher rank. For a while, I was on the list to be promoted, but did not have a slot to fill until recently. This site helps you find a unit that is close (for those in the reserve) where you may be able to promote in to.</div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 7:35 PM

2014-03-12T19:35:15-04:00

It doesn't just mean "you made the list" and I think it's quite unfortunate that you see it as only that. Although not necessary when communicating in public forum the accomplishments of those that have EARNED the right to be promoted should be allowed to distinguish themselves. This has and always will be a means of allowing others to know, that you have done it and have been recognized for your accomplishments. It also allows others in the near future if time elapses in between communications that you may need to address the self as someone differently.<div><br></div><div>And if you haven't heard it from me. It normally gives me a chance to congratulate someone on being SELECTED above their peers for the next career step.</div>

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 9:53 PM

2014-03-12T21:53:20-04:00

<p>When you become Promotable, you will understand the sense of accomplishment that comes with being recommended for the next rank.  </p><p><br></p><p>I do not use the (P) after my rank outside of this website, but I have a great deal of pride in myself that I have been recognized by my leadership as a leader capable of doing bigger and better things on down the road.</p><p><br></p><p>In the meantime, do not rain on other peoples' parades.</p>

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Mar 12 at 2014 10:30 PM

2014-03-12T22:30:25-04:00

I just want to know what it means exactly.<br>

Response by 1SG Frank Rocha made Mar 12 at 2014 11:16 PM

2014-03-12T23:16:35-04:00

The (P) doesn't denote rank, it denotes status. The status in question is that the Soldier associated with the promotable status has been selected for promotion and placed on a list awaiting their sequence number (or their points for their grade and MOS to be at or below their respective promotion point number) in order to be officially promoted. Regardless of any promotable status any Soldier with a promotable status would still receive the same customs and courtesies afforded a Soldier without it. <br><br>Additionally, only the Active Army has a promotable status. The Army National Guard has no such status.<br>

Response by CMSgt Charles Elliott made Mar 13 at 2014 7:06 PM

2014-03-13T19:06:05-04:00

A lot of discussion around something as simple as a (P) beside a person's rank. I too was wondering what it meant and thank the Army members for clearing it up. Every service has their own way of determining who's promotable and who isn't and how that promotable person is differentiated from his/her peers. I would advise against taking responses personal or making them personal...just my humble opinion!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 10:03 PM

2014-03-13T22:03:02-04:00

I don't understand why it's so upsetting for you.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Mar 14 at 2014 4:22 PM

2014-03-14T16:22:45-04:00

When I was Active duty in the late 80's and early 90's it was the way that the team mates where set apart this is SPC so and so this is SPC(P) so and so. Now that I am in the E-5 slot and I am soon to be an E-5 I checked the promotable slot because I am NOW. when I get the promotion then I will take it off, till the time in grade is in and then it will go back on. It, to me, is a pride thing. Shows that I have busted my ass to get where I am and proud of it. No disrespect meant to anyone commenting or reading this post.

Response by CW2 Jonathan Kantor made Mar 14 at 2014 5:09 PM

2014-03-14T17:09:02-04:00

I have always seen it as a way to recognize a SPC's making the list. It doesn't mean anything and it certainly isn't a rank, but it seems to make some Soldiers proud. I don't really have a problem with it.

Response by TSgt Kerry Hardy made Mar 15 at 2014 12:47 PM

2014-03-15T12:47:57-04:00

I completely agree with SGT Chapell. Being in USAF we have "selectee" as our false rank. A TSgt selectee is a SSgt, and a Maj selectee is a Captain! So telling me what you are about to be doesn't impress me. Glad you made it but until it is on your sleeve or collar you are not that rank! Be proud of your current rank and be best at that and carry that into the next. <br>

Response by MSG Martinis Butler made Mar 16 at 2014 4:48 AM

2014-03-16T04:48:37-04:00

To separate themselves from their peers. The "P" beside your rank should be a big deal its something to be proud of. A sense of accomplishment and you would like for people to know that you have accomplished something that everyone hasn't done. Its no different than putting Sr. or Jr behind your name sure you can use you social to identify the individual but having that little identifier to separate you makes one feel good in which they should. Although its a status I think we should embrace it and be proud of those individuals. Congrats to all the Promotables out there in every branch!

Response by MSG Cameron Davis made Mar 16 at 2014 6:39 AM

2014-03-16T06:39:49-04:00

The (P) status does bump you into the next ranks assignments branch manager and subsequently puts you in that ranks positions. For example, a SFC(P) can be slotted in a first sergeant slot (then frocked) or simply a MSG - say Operation slot. Additionally, it also adjusts your RCP. This really has nothing to do with using the (P) or not but does indicate moving up. I used the (P) but more so, my CoC used it when writing me.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2014 2:31 PM

2014-03-16T14:31:47-04:00

I honestly did not know what the (P) meant, however I did assume that it meant promotable. I do not see why one would do that. If you are a Sgt, put Sgt. If you made SSgt, congratulations, put it on, you earned it. It does not matter if you are up for it, otherwise I would have written MM3(P) on my titles for the last 2 years. 

Response by COL John McClellan made Mar 18 at 2014 2:38 AM

2014-03-18T02:38:00-04:00

Totally agree - and always point it out when I can. Only legit place it can be used is on an OER, when the officer is actually serving in the next higher grade. All other uses are unauthorized, and mostly just silly. Phone rosters, wiring diagrams... really??!

BTW -- Rally Point software should be fixed to eliminate that practice.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 18 at 2014 8:13 PM

2014-03-18T20:13:17-04:00

There is a block on the NCO Evaluation Report Form for the (P).

I can see that it doesn't make much difference at the Segeant and Staff Sergeant level these days, since most Soldiers are only "promotable" for a brief period of time. But back in the 90's when folks were promotable for years (I was a Corporal(P) for a year and a half; points stayed out of reach), it could make a difference when deciding who would be in charge. Who would you put in charge the Sergeant or the Sergeant (P)?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 2:32 PM

2014-03-19T14:32:34-04:00

In many Army forms, placing the P next to the name (which is generally done only when the individual is serving in the next higher position) allows the Soldier carrying the P to be considered differently than someone not carrying the P.

While it doesn't make sense very often, there are some practical reasons for having the P annotated. For example, a promotable Major serving as a BN XO would not normally include a P in documents, but a promotable Major serving as at Deputy BDE CDR would normally put the P on documents.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 3:47 PM

2014-03-19T15:47:50-04:00

This is out of AR 25-50, 6-5, Do not use the “(P)” (meaning the signer is promotable) as part of a signature block in Army correspondence unless it benefits or enhances the image of the Army. However, it may be used in an address for such things as congratulatory notes.

As this is not an Army correspondence I would venture to say it does not apply here on RP. IMHO that is

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 22 at 2014 7:44 PM

2014-03-22T19:44:37-04:00

I believe the status is important (expecially since I have that status currently) but too many people use it as a rank. I have had some one try to pull time in promotable.

Response by SGT Chris Hill made Apr 6 at 2014 12:32 PM

2014-04-06T12:32:49-04:00

It seems as though you have a resentment towards those who use (P) next to their rank. In cases like this site, it's only added when you click promotable. However, if you're adding (P) when writing your name and rank on a paper, that's too much in my opinion. In my unit, they always (P) after my rank because that distinguishes those who are promotable over those who are not. In many units, if your promotable via promotion board, they will place you in a 30 level position because in their eyes you're awaiting points to be a SSG, you've proven yourself to perform those duties. Also, in many units, SGT(P)'s are placed on staff duty instead of CQ. That's just the way lots of units operate. If I came up to you and said "hey I'm SGT (P) Hill", that would be over doing it, that's unnecessary because you're right, it's not a rank. I'm promotable and I'm proud of it, if that bothers someone, oh well. I'll still be promotable regardless.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2014 8:37 AM

2014-10-23T08:37:51-04:00

It's tacky. Unless you're a NCO filling a more senior leadership role, or you're an officer filling a command or primary staff position that you don't currently rate for, you shouldn't do it. Besides, everyone knows what you call a Captain promotable...Captain.

Response by SPC Kel Rowland made Nov 12 at 2014 1:20 PM

2014-11-12T13:20:29-05:00

Ego mostly, they just wanna be superior and not modest or humble in any fucking way...

Response by SGT Chris Hill made Nov 12 at 2014 7:41 PM

2014-11-12T19:41:53-05:00

Although some may use it as a "boost" with their rank, yes its only a status, but anyone should be proud of that status. From my perspective, someone who would get worked up over this would interpret as jealousy to me, although maybe not in your case. It shows others that you have done what you had to do in order to prepare for the next rank. I myself am promotable and proud of it, but I do not write it down or type it out unless it's needed. On here, it's just an option to mark if you're promotable. I do not feel superior to any other SGT by it though. Maybe you're just having resentful feelings?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2014 10:53 PM

2014-11-12T22:53:21-05:00

I wonder if this site's programming will allow a SMG (P)

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 7:09 PM

2015-02-04T19:09:01-05:00

I feel like its very tacky and cause Spc that's been in twice as many years get treated way different than the promotable ones even if they don't know there job they are put up on a high horse

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 7:13 PM

2015-02-04T19:13:16-05:00

You can only use the (P) if it benefits the Army. It should not be used in any other status. Noone should be going around saying they are a SGT(P). They are SGT. Same goes for every other NCO rank. The only time you are called something beside your actual rank is when you are frocked to 1SG or CSM/SGM.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 8:32 PM

2015-02-04T20:32:50-05:00

In my younger SPC years, I once had a SPC(P) tell me to stand at parade rest when addressing him. I snickered and walked away. He wasn't in a leadership position, just had the recommendation and waiting for numbers to hit. But he tried and tried to get people to stand at parade rest, stating that he outranked us other SPC's.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Mar 31 at 2015 11:06 PM

2015-03-31T23:06:25-04:00

Wow, the (P) is simple to what the Navy has done. Sometimes members were identified as "Higher Rank (Sel)" for whatever select. It is always bad that a person refer to him/herself as a Select but those wishing to honor the selection achievement may introduce the Select so others have a heads up. That can work against you by someone broadcasting you have no experience at the next level.

There is a Frocking policy wherein if you were on the list and placed in the higher ranked billet, then you can be authorized to wear the rank. That is frequently done for command billets. We used to say all the responsibilities and crud that came with it without the pay. Oh you couldn't do NJP at the higher level until you had it for real too. And yes, an Admiral Select is always treated differently when that list comes out. If for nothing else, they are invariably chairing the next selection board. Frocking has been in and out of vogue and through my 32 year career it was always out when I showed up on a selection list.

(P) and (Sel). Mixed bag but if managed well can help overall by allowing others to see better where you're at seniority wise.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 1 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-07-01T10:13:49-04:00

people actually do that? -_- really?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 1:05 PM

2015-07-14T13:05:14-04:00

Per AR 600-8-19 7-37& 7-37d Soldiers in the selection objective, even though assigned but not yet promoted, are considered “promotable” while on the list, but will not use the letter (P) in correspondence or other documents unless specifically authorized or required in AR 25–50; or another Army policy directive.

In addition:
AR 623-3 2-7 (10) A senior rater who has been selected for promotion and who is in an authorized position for the next grade will be considered to be serving in the next grade. The symbol “P” will be put after their current rank on the applicable OER.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Aug 13 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-08-13T11:01:17-04:00

We have the same thing in the Air Force, but we use () such as (T)Sgt, (M)Sgt, etc. We have a joke about this and it goes like this: What do you call a SSgt select? A Senior Airman.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 12 at 2015 11:04 PM

2015-11-12T23:04:33-05:00

Because no one is making them take it off.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 3 at 2015 12:02 PM

2015-12-03T12:02:16-05:00

I never used it. I have had the luck to almost always been slotted in positions a grade above my current rank. I was company XO as a 2LT, HHC commander as a 1LT, primary BDE staff officer as a CPT. Heck, I even filled an O5 billet during Key Resolve as a CPT. No one ever seemed to give a rat's arse whether you were (P) or not.

Response by SGT Fred Hogan made Aug 12 at 2016 11:30 AM

2016-08-12T11:30:59-04:00

How does the P get on your DD214?Selection process,testing,etc,documents in supporting same?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2017 10:16 AM

2017-05-18T10:16:14-04:00

AR 25-50 will provide the answers you seek.

Response by COL John McClellan made Feb 17 at 2020 10:01 AM

2020-02-17T10:01:07-05:00

That's correct! The only proper use of the (P) indicator is on an official evaluation report and/or a very limited number of other official doc's in which the promotable person is actually serving / being rated in the next higher grade.