Why haven’t I been promoted from PFC to SPC?

2018-10-25T04:31:59-04:00

I have a ‘‘tis of two years and eight months and a tig of about 19 months and I still haven’t been promoted to specialist im in good standing with my unit I passed my apft I stick out by always volunteering even though I’ve been in my unit for about eight months I volunteered to come in multiple time not on drill weekends to help out I don’t know why I still am not a specialist.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Oct 25 at 2018 5:34 AM

2018-10-25T05:34:05-04:00

1. Is it a different person you are volunteering to work with everytime.
2. Are you volunteering for stuff that takes you away from the job your supervisor has you to do - putting a strain on the rest of your squad?
3. Maybe a little less eagerness would help or maybe they are expecting you to volunteer, then they don't notice so they don't have to worry about things (The squeaky wheel gets the grease).

Response by SGT Garin Janssen made Oct 25 at 2018 7:14 AM

2018-10-25T07:14:16-04:00

First thing you need to do is look at your ERB. at 2 years TIS you it should be automatic....maybe you just need to be pinned. I wore PFC rank almost 6 months after I made SPC all on account of not being pinned. Next, you need to talk your NCO and see why it hasn't happened or what you can do to make it happen...aka what are you doing wrong that may be preventing you from being promoted...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2018 8:54 AM

2018-10-25T08:54:26-04:00

Does your LES and AKO say E3?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2018 9:33 AM

2018-10-25T09:33:31-04:00

Things like this are what your Chain of Responsibility are for. Get with your Team LDR and work your way up the chain. Patience will also go a long way. You're just starting out. Trust me when I say that NOTHING comes quickly in the Army (unless you owe them money :) )

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Oct 25 at 2018 9:49 AM

2018-10-25T09:49:22-04:00

PFC Cavanagh,
Unless someone already recommended that, check your ERB. And you mentioned drill weekends so that tells me you're not a full time Soldier. I was never in the Guard but, I've worked with units from the Guard, and they're super busy while trying to cramp a lot tasks/requirements in two days or a weekend. Just bring it up to you Chain of Command/first line supervisor because that's what they're there for.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Oct 25 at 2018 9:53 AM

2018-10-25T09:53:45-04:00

First check your pay statement from drill. Are you getting paid as an E-4? If so, then someone just needs to pin you. Let your team/squad/section leader know that this is happening.

If not then it should've been an automatic promotion and you need to bring this up to your NCO.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2018 9:58 AM

2018-10-25T09:58:52-04:00

Enlisted advancements to E2-E4 in the Guard are not an automatic process.
Guard companies are required to submit their 4187s for enlisted advancement through BN to BDE no later than the 20th of every month for every E1-E3 who is eligible TIG, TIS, current APFT and HT/WT and not flagged for anything. The BDE S1 codes the enlisted advancements in SIDPERS.
Your Readiness NCO is responsible for preparing all enlisted advancement 4187s for the Company Commander to sign. Your Readiness NCO is responsible for submitting those through BN to BDE every month. Your Readiness NCO is responsible for following up with your BN S1. Your BN S1 is responsible for following up with the BDE S1.
One or more of these steps are not happening. The most common fault in the Guard is the Readiness NCO not preparing or submitting the 4187s.
Call your Readiness NCO today to ask him about this, AND follow up that call with an email summarizing the discussion today, cc your squad leader and platoon sergeant on that email.

Response by SFC Robert Lee Rice made Oct 25 at 2018 1:51 PM

2018-10-25T13:51:49-04:00

Talk to your platoon Sgt,If,you don't get a decent answer,check with the 1 SG.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 26 at 2020 12:42 PM

2020-09-26T12:42:06-04:00

In addition to SGM McClouds information, there has to be a slot for you to get promoted into. If there is no vacant E4 slot in your MOS to get advanced into, you will remain stagnant.
H.R. rules are you can be in a slot on grade above or two grades below your current rank. (For enlisted personnel)