Is the promotion system fair?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:24:21 -0400

I understand having a specialty assignment is what's needed to attain the rank of SFC. Is it fair to the SSG in the trenches working as a PSG, Motor SGT, NCOIC of a section and all other E7 position to be overlooked?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 7:35 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:35:04 -0400

If it was fair, it would be called Welfare, not Army. As a SSG you're expected to be good at your job. Great even. That's why you got promoted. Those who step up and take specialty assignments are showing that they can perform successfully outside their MOS. If you have two people and only room to promote one, you promote the one that has shown they can handle anything, anywhere, anytime. Not the one who can only perform their job.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 7:42 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:42:30 -0400

fair? ... I don't think that word apply to this.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Oct 7 at 2015 8:44 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 08:44:45 -0400

A better statement is "Relatively fair." Everyone in the same occfield has the same chances. The issue is that promotions are broken down by occupational field and specialty, which can create a disparity, however that is a needs of the service issue, not a fairness issue. Each individual is judged against their peers, however the "peer group" is tailored, which can create the perception of unfairness.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Oct 7 at 2015 8:59 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 08:59:29 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member Nothing in the military is fair. You can get promoted without having to be in a job that is for a higher rank. I was selected for SFC having never been a PSG. It is all in what in on your NCOERs. Promotion boards look for different things year to year. Don't get hung up on your position but how you are performing your duties.

Response by SSG Raymond Whitener made Oct 7 at 2015 1:32 PM

SSG Raymond Whitener — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 13:32:32 -0400

This system is fair to great record keepers who are not in the trenches balls deep in the mud with their soldiers. The Army needs to grow their own with Brigade CSM's having the ability to promote SSG's to SFC and Division CSM's promoting to MSG

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 7 at 2015 1:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 13:59:18 -0400

I had a former CSM and now deputy Commandant at an NCOA brief the board process to us while in ALC and SLC. I attended both while a SSG(P) and then as a SFC. She sat on the board I was selected for SFC, her job in the process was called "cracking the file" first looked at being the ERB, did the Soldier have any assignments or positions above their current grade for a significant time period, did the photo and awards match up etc... If all that did then the file was pushed with a rank score determined by the board for further analysis, if trooper was a solid performer outside of their grade it was looked upon favorably as they already were doing things at a Junior NCO Grade that would be expected of a Senior NCO hence strong candidate for promotion. But with the wars etc we have promoted to many too quick who weren't ready and now some low density MOS's are feeling the brunt with low selection rates. Just my 2/100ths of a dollar

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 8 at 2015 9:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 09:15:07 -0400

The Army is just one organization. It's important to do things for yourself: college, certifications, etc. Keep your options open so if you think you're being held back jump ship and get another job. I think those that are PSGs should be looked at the same as most specialty jobs though, except DS I'd say.

Response by SGT Del Lavature made Nov 10 at 2015 9:25 PM

SGT Del Lavature — Tue, 10 Nov 2015 21:25:05 -0500

I always found the promotion system extremely flawed. I was bottlenecks in a dead end MOS 63j which points were always 798 for E-6. I was surpassed by E-5's with profiles and low PT scores because their points were considerably lower. It burned my ass to see those that did the bare minimum get promoted before me when I volunteered for multiple schools to better myself. So yes I think it's extremely flawed. I basically max college credits for to make E-6. I don't think that's fair personally but I'm sure the rebuttal is that I should've switched MOS or gone to college. I maxed awards, schools, pt, weapons qual, correspondence, and commanders points, still couldn't reach E-6.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 7:09 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 19:09:56 -0400

No not fair but we need a system and no system is perfect

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Aug 4 at 2019 6:04 AM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 06:04:30 -0400

I thin it’s more competitive