Posted on Feb 11, 2014
SFC Center Commander
23.7K
12
6
3
3
0
I'm looking at this as a member of the Recruiting Command, but you can translate this in to squad leader/platoon sergeant instances. If the change is made to where you're an E-7 until 20 years, won't this take away the incentive to take on challenging roles? For instance, being a recruiting center commander is considered a "proponent challenging assignment". It's the most stressful, and is a direct leadership position, like a platoon sergeant, or in some cases, like a first sergeant. It's always been smiled at by promotion boards that you didn't take a break from being on the grind, on production, held accountable by the recruiting mission's numbers. The magic number is 3 years to run a large recruiting center to be eligible for special assignments and to be looked at as completing a good run in your leadership position. So after I completed 3 years, I was asked if I wanted a trainer position, operations, etc. I took on another recruiting center in order to continue to strive to make MSG. I consider myself an outstanding leader (pat on the back) and wouldn't feel right not being in a direct leadership position regardless of the stress that comes with it. If the promotion system is changed, what happens to Soldiers out there with the same drive and ambition? By the way, this is just a discussion, I'm not complaining nor will I ever stop being a leader based on the promotion system, I say again, discussion purposes only!
Avatar feed
Responses: 3
1SG Sr. Field Clinical Engineer
2
2
0
I completely understand. I made E-6 in 5 years and boarded for E-7 in 10. I'm approaching 3 yrs at E-7 this year. Extending promotion to E-8 up to 20 years is motivation for me to hit 20 and stick to my civilian job. It almost seems like a counter-productive strategy if you truly want to select the best and most productive NCO's for senior Leadership positions. I understand decreasing number of slots, but limiting your selection pools doesn't seem like an overall great idea, in my opinion. Especially for Soldiers like myself who have very promising civilian careers. I stay in because I love it & promotions are certainly a motivating factor. I would love to retire as a SGM, but if I have to wait 20 years to make E-8 I don't many Soldiers who would want to make that commitment. 
(2)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Michael Hasbun
2
2
0
Wouldn't it just give you more time to do those challenging assignments?
(2)
Comment
(0)
SFC Center Commander
SFC (Join to see)
10 y
Not necessarily. For example, I made SFC in 8 years. I just hit 11 years and finished my 3 years under a challenging assignment. So if I still have 9 years left to be eligible for MSG. I'll always stay motivated and do what I love, but what's to say someone else in my same situation wouldn't just kick back in an Admin position for the next 7-8 years waiting for promotion eligibility
(1)
Reply
(0)
SFC Michael Hasbun
SFC Michael Hasbun
10 y
But that's kind of my point. Let's say your counterpart does just what you described, and coasts in an easy job till eligibility. You, meanwhile, keep doing what you're doing and seek out those challenging, broadening assignemnts. When it comes time for your packet to sit in front of the board, I can't help but think your record will clearly stand out amongst your peer group.
(3)
Reply
(0)
SFC Center Commander
SFC (Join to see)
10 y
True, it could help those who need the time to complete them. I guess I was given the opportunities earlier, so my career broadening assignments will be completed by my 13 year mark, leaving 7 to find something to do. I just can't help but think, across other MOS's, that there are a limited number of these assignments. If an NCO makes SFC in 10 years and there's only a few assignments, what's the rush? I guess it's different in USAREC because we're supposed to move and change assignments every 3 years, the max is 5. So you can't sit in one challenging assignment and keep the clock ticking. So once you move around and check off all the assignments, say in 7 years, that's it.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
1SG Retired
0
0
0
If the proposed change means a SFC selected ar 10 yrs svc, so would have to wait 10 years before he is eligible for MSG. 10 years is too much time in grade.
I believe the current system has been successful. Maybe the source be provided so we can better understand.
(0)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close