I recently read a post about extending high year tenure (HYT). What would you think about having all SNCOs with a HYT of 30?

2016-08-08T23:39:38-04:00

Response by SFC William Farrell made Aug 8 at 2016 11:43 PM

2016-08-08T23:43:52-04:00

Nah, Id rather would have gone longer but I was broken Capt Private RallyPoint Member

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Aug 8 at 2016 11:46 PM

2016-08-08T23:46:35-04:00

Without a "pyramid" structure you end up with "homesteading" and limited promotion opportunities at the lower ranks.

As an example, when I was a young Cpl, there were 9x MGySgts in my field. The only way I could get promoted to Sgt was for 1 of them to get out. It created a domino effect through MSgt, GySgt, SSgt, and Sgt. By having HYT at 30, 26, 24, 20, and 12 resp. it prevented further backlog in promotions.

Although we want to retain people, we also want to retain people who are "viable" for future promotion. We can't do that if we keep specific paygrades too long.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 9 at 2016 1:46 AM

2016-08-09T01:46:22-04:00

No thanks! I was more than ready to retire at my 20 year mark! Besides, like Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS said, HYT causes that domino effect of promotions, and I'm sure some hard charging PO2 was promoted to PO1 because my retirement opened up a slot.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Aug 9 at 2016 9:36 AM

2016-08-09T09:36:19-04:00

I don't think it's a good idea, I made 30 but was living on motrin and finished my last year as a directorate SGM because I didn't want to be the old broke dick CSM keeping a younger guy from progressing( yes I said guy, because there were no females with eligibility in the field and my PC meter is pegged already today). I can't imagine being a 1SG , SFC or SSG at 30 years and being fit enough to keep up with the troopers they would be leading.

Response by SFC John Hill made Aug 9 at 2016 10:37 AM

2016-08-09T10:37:38-04:00

Another thought to consider, presuming the individual enlisted at 18 years of age and is now an SFC with 20 years TIS. You have a 38 year old PSG chasing a bunch of 18-19 old privates around. No matter how physically fit one is, age takes a toll. Now consider a 48 year old trying to the same. In the more physically demanding CMF's i.e., IN, EN, FA, etc. this could be an issue.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2016 12:22 AM

2016-08-10T00:22:27-04:00

All,
Very good points. I'm surprised most people were in the nay camp. My thought process is that at SNCO ranks you have reached a level where you are able to add value as an old guy. If you have the motivation to continue serving why not. You aren't required to serve until HYT it'd just be an option. If you're just coasting and not doing anything then the commander should recommend you for early/forced retirement. If you're broken then you get med boarded out. There would have to be some AFPC egg heads researching the affects on the force structure but that's what they're there for. The best part is that with the option to continue service until 30 years the DOD keeps some dedicated individuals and the individual can focus on doing the job. I've never liked how people are have to prepare themselves for the outside. Not that they shouldn't get set up for life after the military and not that skills acquired in the civilian world aren't useful. I just think instead of being forced to "set yourself up for the outside" you should have the option to keep handling the mission. We're called the profession of arms but we're the only profession that really puts a time limit on membership. Doctors, Lawyers, Police officers, clergy, and accountants all stay dedicated to the craft longer than 20 years. I appreciate the thoughts guys.