Posted on Dec 27, 2019
New in 2020: Air Force looks at ending promotion tests for NCOs
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Promotion largely based on performance & merit, and not because you can study for & take a test well? Sign me up!!!
New in 2020: Air Force looks at ending promotion tests for NCOs
Posted from airforcetimes.comPosted in these groups: 
Air Power
Promotions
Air Power Promotions
Posted >1 y ago
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Not sure if that’s the right move. In my opinion it ought to be a mix of both knowledge and performance.
The Army got rid of their Skill Qualification Test s few years before I became elegible for promotion to E5. What I can remember are a few peers who were excellent with people skills but short on both tactical and technical knowledge. Well, many rose they the ranks and it reflected in the field; in a not positive way.
The Army got rid of their Skill Qualification Test s few years before I became elegible for promotion to E5. What I can remember are a few peers who were excellent with people skills but short on both tactical and technical knowledge. Well, many rose they the ranks and it reflected in the field; in a not positive way.
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SSgt (Join to see)
MAJ Javier Rivera I agree, sir. I think that there should be some form of testing for the "entry level" NCOs - E5/E6. This will show job competency, as well as the other competency areas needed at that level. However, I agree with the sentiment that testing should NOT hold the heaviest determinant weight on promotion. This can lead to poor performers getting promoted early simply because they're stellar test takers.
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MAJ Javier Rivera
SSgt (Join to see) like I mentioned, I should be a mixed of both techo al knowledge and performance.
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The testing system is not all bad - it does ensure that personnel have a grasp on doctrinal, institutional, or aspects of technical/tactical knowledge. I will say that doesn’t always translate to practical application.
I would say the army’s promotion system can sometimes really screw over soldiers who often have skills or knowledge that just doesn’t reflect in an SRB, or don’t have much in the way of awards for points. I would at least argue a split system where a test of knowledge and the board process would, in theory, balance candidates somewhat more fairly.
I would say the army’s promotion system can sometimes really screw over soldiers who often have skills or knowledge that just doesn’t reflect in an SRB, or don’t have much in the way of awards for points. I would at least argue a split system where a test of knowledge and the board process would, in theory, balance candidates somewhat more fairly.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) I agree, sir. I think that there should be some form of testing for the "entry level" NCOs - E5/E6. This will show job competency, as well as the other competency areas needed at that level.
However, I agree with the sentiment that testing should NOT hold the heaviest determinant weight on promotion. This can lead to poor performers getting promoted early simply because they're stellar test takers.
However, I agree with the sentiment that testing should NOT hold the heaviest determinant weight on promotion. This can lead to poor performers getting promoted early simply because they're stellar test takers.
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