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E-8 - MSG
E-8 - MSG
Posted on Jul 28, 2025
What should I clarify in my letter to the board for MSG?
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I was in the top 25% on my first look for MSG. Coming into my second board, I believe I have issues I need to address via a letter to the board. I would like advice regarding which things I should justify/clarify and which would only detract and weaken my packet.
I am a 68W with a F2 identifier (flight medic); I received my identifier in 2017 as a SGT. The first issue I have is that I have had no broadening assignments in my career. F2's are inelligible to serve in broadening assignments due to being understrength historically. I feel my lack of broadening assignments hurts my packet as it does not show how well rounded I am. The second issue (may sound like complaining) is NCOER performance. I have a few NCOERs where I am "3 of 7" or "4 of 11". During these evals, the senior rater comment does say I am top anywhere between top 15% and top 5% of NCOs my senior rater( MAJ/LTC) has worked with. The unfortunate aspect of being a flight paramedic is most flight paramedics are Rockstar of Army Medicine. I would equate it to being similar to being an 11B who completed Ranger School and returning to their unit versus an 11B in a Ranger BN. Your peers will all be #1 in any formation that isn't Ranger Batt but in that environment, only one person can be first. Is there a way to express this unique situation favorably? My third issue is my unit is part of the aviaition restructuring (FDU). The change officially takes place in December but I have assumed a role as what will be the 68W4 position in S3 and move into the MSG role in February. Currently my UIC is a holdover UIC from August to December and I am currently listed as excess personnel in the holdover UIC. I believe this will reflect very poorly unless clarified.
Thank you for taking the time to read this rant and I would appreciate any advice or feedback on how to put my best foot forward for my second board for MSG. Hope you are well, brothers!
I am a 68W with a F2 identifier (flight medic); I received my identifier in 2017 as a SGT. The first issue I have is that I have had no broadening assignments in my career. F2's are inelligible to serve in broadening assignments due to being understrength historically. I feel my lack of broadening assignments hurts my packet as it does not show how well rounded I am. The second issue (may sound like complaining) is NCOER performance. I have a few NCOERs where I am "3 of 7" or "4 of 11". During these evals, the senior rater comment does say I am top anywhere between top 15% and top 5% of NCOs my senior rater( MAJ/LTC) has worked with. The unfortunate aspect of being a flight paramedic is most flight paramedics are Rockstar of Army Medicine. I would equate it to being similar to being an 11B who completed Ranger School and returning to their unit versus an 11B in a Ranger BN. Your peers will all be #1 in any formation that isn't Ranger Batt but in that environment, only one person can be first. Is there a way to express this unique situation favorably? My third issue is my unit is part of the aviaition restructuring (FDU). The change officially takes place in December but I have assumed a role as what will be the 68W4 position in S3 and move into the MSG role in February. Currently my UIC is a holdover UIC from August to December and I am currently listed as excess personnel in the holdover UIC. I believe this will reflect very poorly unless clarified.
Thank you for taking the time to read this rant and I would appreciate any advice or feedback on how to put my best foot forward for my second board for MSG. Hope you are well, brothers!
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Posted 5 mo ago
Responses: 3
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I should start by reminding you that the primary purpose of a letter to the board is to explain discrepancies in your record, from the obvious like missing or dupe documents, to the easy to miss, like duty description not matching duty position on an NCOER.
That said,
Broadening assignments: opportunities for these are limited to begin with. It's a plus if you have one, it's not a minus if you don't.
It's definitely not a plus if you're trying to point out that you really would have gotten one if you weren't F2.
Also, most folks on a centralized board are aware of F2s and other jobs being restricted from broadening assignments, (I lost an F2 when I was working at G3 because someone in AV caught it).
NCOERs: boardmembers will look at enumeration in the comments, but we're really only looking for those that are number one, and those enumerated below the top half. We will see 4 of 11 the same as 2 thru 5 of 11. Regardless, under no circumstances should your letter address any bullets or narratives from your rater or senior rater.
UIC and excess: odds are the board won't notice, but you are free to address that, as it would be a possible discrepancy in your record if they do see it.
That said,
Broadening assignments: opportunities for these are limited to begin with. It's a plus if you have one, it's not a minus if you don't.
It's definitely not a plus if you're trying to point out that you really would have gotten one if you weren't F2.
Also, most folks on a centralized board are aware of F2s and other jobs being restricted from broadening assignments, (I lost an F2 when I was working at G3 because someone in AV caught it).
NCOERs: boardmembers will look at enumeration in the comments, but we're really only looking for those that are number one, and those enumerated below the top half. We will see 4 of 11 the same as 2 thru 5 of 11. Regardless, under no circumstances should your letter address any bullets or narratives from your rater or senior rater.
UIC and excess: odds are the board won't notice, but you are free to address that, as it would be a possible discrepancy in your record if they do see it.
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) Correction, CSM. I mistakenly saw LTC Conway's name as I was typing my reply and called you sir. My apologies.
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SGM Jeff Mccloud
SFC (Join to see) - No big deal.
Not a week went by where I didn't receive an email starting with SFC instead of SGM. But knowing from personal experience that muscle memory just makes you type SFC once you start with S, never bothered me.
Not a week went by where I didn't receive an email starting with SFC instead of SGM. But knowing from personal experience that muscle memory just makes you type SFC once you start with S, never bothered me.
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SGM Jeff Mccloud
SFC (Join to see) - also, since you're doing a letter anyway, couldn't hurt to spend a couple sentences on anything missing from your record brief. It's tough to get that thing 100% correct and they all end up still missing something despite all the effort.
That way the board knows you really did review your whole record thoroughly and you caught what they are gonna catch.
Unless you managed to get yours 100%, if so, well done.
That way the board knows you really did review your whole record thoroughly and you caught what they are gonna catch.
Unless you managed to get yours 100%, if so, well done.
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CW3 Donald Cammel
Many people draft their comments/letter and then let AI ChatGPT take over and put in all the correct buzz words. You can always edit the final product.
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I’d say focus on clarity and context in your letter. Explain why certain “gaps” exist like no broadening assignments or lower NCOER rankings without sounding defensive. Show the board that these are structural or role-based limitations, highlight your achievements within your role, and reinforce your readiness for MSG. Keep it factual, professional, and concise, and avoid turning it into a complaint.
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