Improper use of (P) after rank.

2013-11-17T22:54:51-05:00

What does everyone think about all of the SPCs and SGTs on here with (P) after their rank? I won't quote AR 25-50, I just want your thoughts.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Nov 17 at 2013 11:09 PM

2013-11-17T23:09:19-05:00

Based on AR 25-50 an argument could be made that you are enhancing the image of the Army by including the (P) in Army correspondence. I look at it like a 2LT saluting a 1LT we know its the right thing to do but they (majority) still don't do it. Putting the "P" after rank we know it should not be used (maybe) but they still do it. Actually joking aside I think it comes down to not knowing and now they have the reference they can go and read the chapter on signatures. Good observation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2013 7:45 AM

2013-11-18T07:45:04-05:00

I would have to say that it may be something that comes natural. I remember when I was both a promotable SPC and SGT having the P put behind my name by my PSGs and 1SGs before I ever did it. Most of the assignments that I have been in NCOs of the next rank are always in short supply. So as soon as you go to the board and earn that P they start adding on the extra duties and responsibilities of that rank. You look at a CQ roster and wonder why you have 2 SPCs on duty. Then you put a P behind one and realize who is the CQ and who is the assistant CQ. Or you look at a PLT MTOE and wonder why that SGT has 5 other SGTs under him. Then you add that P and it all makes sense. Just an observation. I don't know how many times I got picked for an additional duty because you had to be at least E5(P) or higher. Or something like that. I would also like to add that SPCs and SGTs are not the only ones that do it. Look around rally point, army study guide you will see Senior NCOs and officers do it as well. It is just more prevalent with the junior ranks because the shear number of them.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Nov 18 at 2013 8:30 AM

2013-11-18T08:30:40-05:00

Gentlemen, thanks for addressing this issue. Please help by clarifying this question: are certain Army ranks not supposed to be able to have (P) after them? Or, is the entire Army not supposed to use this anymore? I have always seen officers using this, so I assumed that this carried over to all pay grades. Is this not accurate? Thanks for your help.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2013 9:53 AM

2013-11-18T09:53:51-05:00

BLUF: The Army uses the (P) to distinguish your promotion status from another's. There are some positions, schools and duties, that can only be held at certain ranks. In some cases these things can be accomplished by someone one grade lower, as long as they are promotable. Many times duty rosters and other documents will include a soldier's status, in order to meet the requirments. In my opinion, and I believe the regulations backs me up, it should not be used on Rally Point, as it serves no useful purpose.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2013 11:30 AM

2013-11-18T11:30:29-05:00

I like it and I don't see the harm either way. It is nice to know exactly who you are looking at or responding to. In terms of SSGs - MSGs, I think it makes a great deal of difference. Don't forget that alot of people are on here creepy stalking the promotable's in their own MOS to see what the board was looking for last year.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 12:35 PM

2013-11-19T12:35:40-05:00

I am not going to lie, it is something of an inside joke between a few of us Lieutenants who are set to promote next week.

For formal correspondence it is completely improper.

Response by SSG Matthew Thomas made Nov 19 at 2013 2:52 PM

2013-11-19T14:52:40-05:00

The leader you are is more powerful than the P next to your rank.

Response by SGT Thomas Sullivan made Nov 19 at 2013 3:06 PM

2013-11-19T15:06:18-05:00

I believe the (P) shows the difference between a sham shield specialist and one that put fortht he effort to put his board packet together, study his stuff, appear before the board, and generally is just waiting on points. That speaks volumes about a Specialist. On the other hand, in the world of Signal Corp, operationally the difference between a SGT and a SSG is un-discernible and anointing yourself SGT(P) marks you in no way shape or form as special.

Bear in mind this is just my opinion, and I would always follow the regulation before my opinion.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 3:13 PM

2013-11-19T15:13:28-05:00

The (P) is generated by the site. The is a check box that asks if we are promotable. If you check the box the site puts the (P) by your name. I understand what the reg says, but if the site does it when a Soldier checks a box, that they are in fact promotable, the fault seems to lie with the website not the Soldier.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 4:35 PM

2013-11-19T16:35:21-05:00

This comment was not intended to correct anyone. I just learned that the site puts the status there automatically, based on user info. With that being said, I would like everyone to know that I am really a CSM(P).

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 19 at 2013 5:48 PM

2013-11-19T17:48:25-05:00

I'll have to find him again. I just saw him in the update feed when he was updating his information. It was a red flag for a faker.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2013 11:56 PM

2013-11-19T23:56:48-05:00

I know the site does it on it's own... but for people to use it in signature blocks on memos and stuff...smh. I get it with LTC & higher. But just b/c you are (P)...doesn't mean you're going to get it, just saying

Response by SFC Ricardo Ruiz made Nov 19 at 2013 11:57 PM

2013-11-19T23:57:07-05:00

This is a public forum and the big majority of profiles here are from real service members but this is not a regulated by the armed forces website. So if anyone here likes to use a P or anything else good for them. I don't see anything wrong using a (P) after the rank in this website. What is your take?

Response by SFC Ricardo Ruiz made Nov 20 at 2013 12:01 AM

2013-11-20T00:01:30-05:00

SGM (P) good for him. If you find the profile please congratulate him in his promotion to whatever he thinks he will get promoted.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2013 5:52 AM

2013-11-20T05:52:59-05:00

I just wanted to point out that a lot of people keep saying that AR 25-50 says that only Colonels can use the P as an identifier. That is not accurate. If you are going to site a regulation at least read the whole portion. AR 25-50 states and I quote    "(2) Do not use the “(P)” (meaning the signer is promotable) as part of a signature block in Army correspondence unless it benefits or enhances the image of the Army. However, it may be used in an address for such things as congratulatory notes. Examples are—  (a) A lieutenant colonel promotable, filling a colonel position. The position requires the signature of a colonel or higher. This situation would constitute using the (P) in the signature block." notice the 2 key phrases unless it benefits or enhances the image of the Army and Examples are- a lieutenant colonel. Sorry about that I am a stickler for if your are going to use and follow regulations use and follow the whole thing don't stop reading half way through.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2013 7:38 AM

2013-11-21T07:38:22-05:00

I think the use of the (P) should be used for DA select promotions only. Now, that being said I understand that all officer promotions are done at the DA level. But lets get real about the promotions that are automatic there like W-1 to W-2 and O-1 thru O-3. I don't think those need to be "churched up" with a (P). Just my two cents.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Nov 23 at 2013 2:59 PM

2013-11-23T14:59:00-05:00

I don't do it. You will know I am promotable through my actions and words.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 7 at 2014 12:36 AM

2014-03-07T00:36:59-05:00

I guess I don't have to worry about that too much since I was only (P) for a few weeks.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Mar 12 at 2014 6:30 PM

2014-03-12T18:30:12-04:00

(P) has many functions and in the case of warrants, it gets me on the deployment plane sooner because a CW4P is equal to a CW5 which gets on with the O-6 and CSM! There are many other uses for the P such as weight for PCS and housing lists. As for memos, if signing a memo (P) is used if you are in a promotable status. Additionally you can be rated against the next grade for NCOER and OERs.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Dec 5 at 2014 9:53 AM

2014-12-05T09:53:15-05:00

Marines don't mess with this nonsense. We are our current rank until we are our next one.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 11:39 AM

2015-02-21T11:39:42-05:00

Personnel should not use the (P) identification unless they are on the list for consideration for promotion to a higher grade. Those that are actually permitted to use the (P) identification are SSG thru MSG and 2LT thru LTG. Even then, it still should not used unless it promotes the service.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Feb 21 at 2015 9:44 PM

2015-02-21T21:44:36-05:00

I must be missing something. I've never come across an added "P".

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 21 at 2015 9:59 PM

2015-02-21T21:59:55-05:00

It's not just confined to SPC and SGT's. I've seen LT (P), SFC (P) etc.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2015 8:40 AM

2015-02-22T08:40:00-05:00

The regulations cover correspondence, not unofficial or private means of communication. If I see a SGT(P) or a 1LT(P) here, I just gloss over it. It makes no difference to me. I'm hoping this July to be a CW2(P), and I'll be one for a year.... I'm in a CW3 position. I won't put the (P) on correspondence (TO INCLUDE EMAIL), but otherwise, I really don't care.

Response by TSgt David Holman made Feb 22 at 2015 9:11 AM

2015-02-22T09:11:36-05:00

It isn't a rank, and really shouldn't be used. That is inline with people using "select" in the Air Force.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2016 11:30 AM

2016-09-09T11:30:15-04:00

They should remove it. We follow rules that are clear in black and white.

The "(P)" is incorrect in your signature. IAW AR 25-50;

(2) Do not use the “(P)” (meaning the signer is promotable) as part of a signature block in Army correspondence unless it benefits or enhances the image of the Army. However, it may be used in an address for such things as congratulatory notes. Examples are—

(a) A lieutenant colonel promotable, filling a colonel position. The position requires the signature of a colonel or higher. This situation would constitute using the (P) in the signature block.

(b) Enhancing or promoting a particular program or issue if it is supported by a potentially higher grade military individual. It may carry more clout if a brigadier general select issues a directive over a colonel.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2018 9:41 AM

2018-04-17T09:41:39-04:00

For SSGs, it has its uses i.e. on a Rating Scheme. The minimum AR 623-3 qualification for Senior Rater is SSG(P). Let's everyone know they are allowed to senior rate. For SPC and SGTs, with the new STEP rules, I think it makes great sense, at least in the USAR. Seats for NCOES are hard to come by and there's nothing like a P by your rank to constantly remind leadership they aren't doing enough to get this Soldier to NCOES so he/she can finally get promoted.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2019 3:25 PM

2019-06-28T15:25:17-04:00

I am technically MAJ(P) having made the LTC selection list. But I would never use it. I think it is a tad pretentious, especially for a SPC.