Posted on Jan 16, 2020
Why was I taken off promotion list, and what can I do to fix this situation?
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So I graduated BLC back in March 2018 and was on the promotion list before I went when I had SSD1 done. I have been to SAWE and Field Sanitation since and assist Cadre at SAWE every course since. But the most recent promotion list has come out and my name is not on it. My Leadership is aware and are trying to figure out why. I have done some research and found that if any soldier is taken off they have to be informed and given documentation for the reason. The source I used is AR 600-8-19 section 7 paragraph 3-28 A (first sentence). Any guidance on what I can do as an E-4 to fix this situation. The National Guard is my life and I’m getting close to my ETS date and being shafted this many times is affecting my career and any chance I have on getting my promotion while also making me second guess if I’d like to extend. Also I have only ever been given a negative counseling statement and nothing more and that was only once. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated as I’m sure my Leadership has better things to do and I do not wish to consistently bug them about this situation. Thank you all ahead of time if you choose to respond and I do not get a chance to thank you in a timely manner.
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 12
I can't speak directly about the Guard since I have active duty and Reserve time. But in my experience if you haven't been directly identified as pulled for the promotion list and yet your name is not on it it can be for a variety of reasons. I remember something about two years being the max to sit on a list before it goes away, it could also mean someone had a brain fart and didn't update the list with your name etc. It could also be because of points and as I remember it was 300 points for SGT (11B) and 350 points for SSG (11B). If you have notified your unit and your S-1 doesn't have info for you I would make the suggestion that you request to be boarded again rather than wait and see just to find out there is nothing you can do.
Also I would do my best to earn additional points even do more correspondence courses etc. As for your COC, it is the nature of their job to take care of their troops and right wrongs as well as mentor the young troops through the ranks. None of this should wait until your next drill. You should have full time staff that can find out whats wrong and what you and them can do to fix this.
I could bore you to death with all the crap I had to deal with going up through the ranks as well as fixing my troops issues with boards and promotions but I would highly recommend using your first line leader on up through the chain. I would also recommend keeping a calm Coll and respectful head the whole time as this will only help you rather than cause some folks to actual screw you over.
Lastly based upon all the time I have served as a line dog get used to monumental Snafu's and minor ones as it is a way of life in the Infantry and helps build character and teaches you how to help your troops one day. If everything went smooth all the time we would all be lost when it doesn't . Good luck.
Also I would do my best to earn additional points even do more correspondence courses etc. As for your COC, it is the nature of their job to take care of their troops and right wrongs as well as mentor the young troops through the ranks. None of this should wait until your next drill. You should have full time staff that can find out whats wrong and what you and them can do to fix this.
I could bore you to death with all the crap I had to deal with going up through the ranks as well as fixing my troops issues with boards and promotions but I would highly recommend using your first line leader on up through the chain. I would also recommend keeping a calm Coll and respectful head the whole time as this will only help you rather than cause some folks to actual screw you over.
Lastly based upon all the time I have served as a line dog get used to monumental Snafu's and minor ones as it is a way of life in the Infantry and helps build character and teaches you how to help your troops one day. If everything went smooth all the time we would all be lost when it doesn't . Good luck.
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Roger 1st Sgt, and yes I understand that a lot of the time in infantry atleast soldier get shafted and that is one of the main reason I want to progress my career and keep moving forward. I want to help with that and make sure that others do not have to deal with those situations as I know they will happen but if I can help in anyway to mitigate than I will so this is stressful but in the end will be a way I can make sure it doesn’t happen to other and if it does. Then I will know how to go about fixing the situation.
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The job of your immediate leaders and those in the PAC is to take care of the soldier - that means you. Don't be shy about this; if you've earned it, then make them provide you with an explanation or make your request to go higher in the chain. I assure you, someone will take notice and do the right thing. All the best, SPC Bright!
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SPC (Join to see)
Roger LTC Brandon, I will admit when it comes to problems I tend to be shy but always make sure that they are aware of the problem. I just tend to not want to annoy them and try to solve it myself. But I thank you and appreciate the response.
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LTC Wayne Brandon
SPC (Join to see) - You are quite welcome and be sure to let us know how this works out for you.
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The fact that you were on the list last year but not this year tells me that most likely your packet did not make it to the board. The response you received from 1SG (Join to see) is spot on and accurate to the ARNG promotion system.
The portion of AR 600-8-19 that is relevant for you is Chapter 7, Section VI, 7-33 a. this reads very much the same as your original citation. I mention this because while doctrine is consistent between the National Guard and Active Component, frequently there is variance in the regulation.
The portion of AR 600-8-19 that is relevant for you is Chapter 7, Section VI, 7-33 a. this reads very much the same as your original citation. I mention this because while doctrine is consistent between the National Guard and Active Component, frequently there is variance in the regulation.
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Did you sign your 4100 and verify it was correct prior to the deadline for the board? If the board did not receive your 4100 then your packet would not have been boarded. Was your last APFT more than 14 months old by the board date? If so, your packet won’t be boarded. Do you have an APFT or ht/wt failure? If so, your packet won’t be boarded. You should have reviewed and signed your packet prior to board submission. Your 1SG and Commander sign of on that packet. Talk to your SL, PSG and readiness NCO. They should be able to get you the reason your name is not on the list. Your BN S1 will have a master list of every packet that went to the board and whether they were boarded or not. Ask your readiness NCO to check with S1. Mistakes get made, if that’s the case with your packet you can be boarded by a standby board and placed on the list. Utilize your chain of command and you can get to the bottom of this.
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CPT (Join to see)
Great advice and rationale. I would also add that you shouldn't drag your feet on this, or you may end up having to wait 12+ months for next year's board.
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How long have you been promotable? I had an issue as a jr enlisted many years ago, 2 years on the promotable list with not adding any points gets you dropped from the list. But if it wasnt that then someone may have messed up paperwork.. keep talking to your leadership till someone can answer as to what and why.
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SPC (Join to see)
Roger SFC leutwyler, I have been promotable for little over 2 years and graduated from field sanitation 14 months ago today actually which give promotion points I’m pretty sure. I will continue talking to my leadership about this, thank you.
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You need to keep bogging your CoC; respectfully of course. Also, I would, if it was me, do an IG inquiry.
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It should be a reasonably easy thing for the company for Sgt to get with us one and see what is listed as the justification code for your removal
Assuming your direct commander didn’t request removal and your first sergeant is also not aware that would be my first step once I figured out the justification reason I would see who has authority and ability to implement removal based on that.
I’d also be very surprised if the S one or G one cannot on the back in C not only what they justify
I’d also be very surprised if the S1 or G1 cannot on the backend see not only what the removal justification code is but who submitted it if not an actual digital copy of the document used to submit removal paperwork.
The other possibility of coarse is the system shows no justification at all because it wasn’t done intentionally that actually might be the harder thing to get fixed and unfortunately it may not be a quick thing.
Assuming your direct commander didn’t request removal and your first sergeant is also not aware that would be my first step once I figured out the justification reason I would see who has authority and ability to implement removal based on that.
I’d also be very surprised if the S one or G one cannot on the back in C not only what they justify
I’d also be very surprised if the S1 or G1 cannot on the backend see not only what the removal justification code is but who submitted it if not an actual digital copy of the document used to submit removal paperwork.
The other possibility of coarse is the system shows no justification at all because it wasn’t done intentionally that actually might be the harder thing to get fixed and unfortunately it may not be a quick thing.
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SPC (Join to see)
Roger SGM Marquez, if there is no justification do you know of any action I could take to light a fire under the person or people? So that this fixed and does not happen to any other soldier. This just gets to me that something like this could happen since it affects a soldiers career, like I understand if my unit doesn’t have a slot or doesn’t recommend me for promotion but now no other unit can offer me a slot and just having that option taken away when I have done everything and have always gone above and beyond sacrificing jobs and relationships by choosing to devote everything I have and this happening just doesn’t seem right.
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SGM Erik Marquez
SPC (Join to see) I don’t claim to be an S one but I had a few great ones and a few the dreaded seeing me walk in the office but I do know is there is a process for erroneous removal of a promotion list
I don’t remember it being all that involved a 4187 and I remember that for the case we worked on it was a list of flags and bars in effect during the report a time that clearly showed the servicemember it was not on it and therefore had been erroneously removed from the promotion list it may need other justification documents depending on the circumstances
I don’t remember it being all that involved a 4187 and I remember that for the case we worked on it was a list of flags and bars in effect during the report a time that clearly showed the service member was not on it and therefore had been erroneously removed from the promotion list it may need other justification documents depending on the circumstances.
And I’m betting dollars to donuts that will be a justification it may not be a good one or an accurate one but I’m pretty sure they can’t change it online in the system without a corresponding reason code again don’t claim to be the G1 expert I relied on others for that expertise
I don’t remember it being all that involved a 4187 and I remember that for the case we worked on it was a list of flags and bars in effect during the report a time that clearly showed the servicemember it was not on it and therefore had been erroneously removed from the promotion list it may need other justification documents depending on the circumstances
I don’t remember it being all that involved a 4187 and I remember that for the case we worked on it was a list of flags and bars in effect during the report a time that clearly showed the service member was not on it and therefore had been erroneously removed from the promotion list it may need other justification documents depending on the circumstances.
And I’m betting dollars to donuts that will be a justification it may not be a good one or an accurate one but I’m pretty sure they can’t change it online in the system without a corresponding reason code again don’t claim to be the G1 expert I relied on others for that expertise
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The why is mute, The Who is your Company Command and BN PAC. Th and you for your service.
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Did you make sure that your ERB has been updated with current PT test and scores along with passing HW. Also make sure you have a current and valid weapons qualification on your ERB. If the time is too long you would be dropped.
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