Do permanent profiles affect a Soldier's chances of being selected for promotion?

2017-08-17T10:31:42-04:00

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2017 10:46 AM

2017-08-17T10:46:41-04:00

DA PAM 623-3:
For Soldiers with permanent and temporary profiles who have been cleared to take an alternate APFT, enter “PASS” or “FAIL” for the alternate APFT as prescribed by health care personnel and the date of the APFT. The APFT may include an alternate authorized aerobic
event (walk, bike, or swim). No comment about the rated Soldier’s profile is required.

So no it shouldn't because the profile shouldn't even be mentioned unless the Soldier has a permanent profile that prohibits them from taking an APFT all together. Then those are left blank and the rater describes why there is no "pass or fail." Perhaps having a permanent profile that prohibits you from taking an APFT would affect promotion but I would think at this point anyone who is at that point is probably being medically discharged.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 17 at 2017 10:50 AM

2017-08-17T10:50:59-04:00

In my experience, it really depends on a few things. I've watched as soldiers who work desk MOSs and their careers didn't slow down much due to temporary profile limitations. However, I have watched many of my scout and tanker brother's get stone walled at SSG and they were more than qualified to move up the ladder. I think that it all really depends on the MOS of the soldier and what the particular limitations may be. Even though regulation states that if it doesn't interfere with the ability to pass a pt test that it shouldn't reflect negatively, we all know just how far some of those regulations really get followed...

Response by MSG Steve Wiersgalla made Aug 17 at 2017 10:53 AM

2017-08-17T10:53:18-04:00

A profile should not affect a soldier's chances at being selected. However I have seen what appeared to be a prejudice toward a profiled soldier that did not get selected. If the profile has no effect on the soldier doing their job or completing their mission there is no reason to even consider the profile.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2017 12:18 PM

2017-08-17T12:18:20-04:00

Absolutely not. For as long as the soldier continues to display that he/she is able to achieve higher standards. I was selected for promotion to both, SFC and MSG with a P2. Why? I continue to score 90+ on my push ups. I do things that show that I am physically fit for duty. I am not able to do sit ups, but I do compete in 5ks when possible. Have you ever biked 600 miles on a weekend?? Win a bench press competition? There are a plethora of other physical challenges that can show that you are fit, and combat ready.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 17 at 2017 2:45 PM

2017-08-17T14:45:44-04:00

I don't think so. I spent 4 1/2 years as a Specialist with a PULHES of 111111. I got diagnosed with osteoarthritis in 2010, and my PULHES changed to 112111. I was on a permanent walk at own pace and distance profile. By late 2012 I was promoted to Sergeant. In 2014 I was promoted to Staff Sergeant.

If you do what you truly can, and show that you are not shamming, leadership notices and you move up. It's just those who use their profile to sham tend to be less than stellar performers in other areas of their military lives, and do not get promoted because of *that* and NOT because of their profile.

Response by CW4 Russ Hamilton (Ret) made Aug 18 at 2017 4:12 AM

2017-08-18T04:12:33-04:00

No, it shouldn't - I'm living proof. Provided you meet minimum retention standards and you can do some sort of APFT (I do the 2.5 mile walk) you should be fine. If you get a "3" you'll have to get med boarded and will need your commander's recommendation. Provided they retain you you're good to go. Same if you have to reclassify - once you get a new MOS, you're good.

Response by 1SG Mitchell Smith made Aug 11 at 2021 12:53 PM

2021-08-11T12:53:57-04:00

SFC, you've reached a level of beyond riding a profile, and fighting to be promoted or just settling for retirement.

As I've worked in all fields, 1SG, Proponents and HRC ' so I've witnessed it all'. As much as we would like to say it doesn't matter, it does in some of the board members mindset selections process.

However, the military is trying to weed this type of leader out by holding certain standards beyond regulations...ie...if a soldier has not deployed what section should he/she should placed.

Again, as someone stated...it depends. Good luck on your future endeavors.