MOS Proficiency & SQT testing

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 13:57:25 -0400

Should the Army bring back SQT testing as a measure of a Soldier's MOS Proficiency? I took it twice in 1987 and 1988 when I was a 31M (now 25Q).

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 26 at 2015 2:07 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 14:07:18 -0400

In order to be promoted all personnel should demonstrate proficiency in the military occupation regardless of branch. When I served we tested on military knowledge as well as career knowledge. It endures most proficient personnel are printed in my opinion.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 3:05 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 15:05:50 -0400

Yes, it should come back, with a test that would be different by skill level.
I have felt strongly for a long time that while running the SQT tests were a nightmare back in the day, they ensured that troops that didn't know what they were doing didn't get promoted and that leaders would be able to focus training. In the internet age, administrative challenges should be diminished considerably.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2015 3:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 15:09:51 -0400

Absolutely. You can't fake the funk on a test.

Response by SPC Bill Johnson made Oct 24 at 2022 5:07 PM

SPC Bill Johnson — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 17:07:17 -0400

No. As a 31 M, we had NUMEROUS commo systems that we learned in AIT. However, few units used all of those systems. At Bragg, I was in a Tropo Unit. 2 years later I was in Patriot. Two different missions and two different operating systems. When you spend 2 - 4 years only working one system, it's difficult to remember all the others.