ALARACT 104/2014 What are your feelings on it?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 10:43:07 -0400

I recently read the new ALARACT in regards to NCOES school. While I agree with the intent of it I feel that it will in a sense halt promotions to SSG for those in competitive MOS's. The likelihood of getting a slot for SSD 2/Common core is highly unlikely due to how HRC does the slotting per the Army OML the priority being SSGs. How is one suppose to be competitive and advance in their career if they are constantly being shifted to the back of the line due to under strength MOSs promoting faster due to need.

Response by MAJ Steve Sheridan made Apr 24 at 2014 10:57 AM

MAJ Steve Sheridan — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 10:57:57 -0400

With the downsizing of our Army, it's only going to get worse. Need to look at chances to get promoted and if you need to make some career change choices.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 11:47 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 11:47:25 -0400

As this problem is increased for ALC-CC and even ALC phase 2 leaders need to look at other ways to get their soldiers the promotion points they need. While ALC is a definite pluse to getting promoted from SGT to SSG it is by no means necessary there is a lot of residency courses out there for SGT to complete. We as leaders need to get our SGT that both deserve the schooling and need the promotion points for these courses to them. UMO, AMCO, Air assault, Air Borne, to name just a few. The SSG need to complete ALC and ALC Common Core as well as SSD-3 just to qualify for promotion to SFC and with the new message out that if a SSG fails to complete a required course for promotion then they are immediately considered for QMP. It is imperative that these slots go to them.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 11:55 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 11:55:35 -0400

It makes sense. Many SSG are still needing to complete their ALC-CC, and they should have it done before being considered for SFC. The backlog has to be cleaned up, and SGTs, particularly the Non-promotable guys, are the first ones that need to be shuffled to the back.

That doesnt mean you can't remain competitive for SSG. Keep working to build your value as an NCO, and you will accumulate points. ALC is worth 90 points at minimum, and there's no denying this is a substantial portion of your points, but it isnt everything. Dont forget the 710 points that are not tied to NCOES. Once you work on getting promoted without NCOES (it can be done), then you will be higher on the OML and get slotted sooner.

Stay motivated! It will work out, just make sure you take control of your progression as much as possible. Get other Military Education if possible. You already are taking control of your education, and you deserve to be commended for it. Congratulations!

As Major Sheridan suggested, and you acknowledged, career changes might be your best route.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 9:40 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 09:40:06 -0400

My only question is where is this SSD 2?

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made May 6 at 2014 9:46 AM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Tue, 06 May 2014 09:46:34 -0400

No issues, Army is resetting after 13 years of combat operations and the OMLs will return to what they once were.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 11:35 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 11:35:46 -0400

Easy to say work on other things when you've already made SSG, just saying