Should Soldiers (E-1 to E-3) be automatically promoted?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 17:30:15 -0400

It seems like performance and values matter less now. Soldiers feel like they are entitled to promotions, awards, and pretty much anything. Should Soldiers be guaranteed promotion after a certain time? I understand that we still check either yes or no but it seems that nowadays Soldiers can complain and get what they want. There is no pride in achieving the next rank. I also understand that lower enlisted ranks requires less strict evaluations but Soldiers seem to be taking advantage of the system and many still get promoted without being ready or even deserving.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2014 7:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 19:14:28 -0400

No. I think that they should earn it. They need to meet standards of height/weight, AFPT, and stay out of trouble. This is harder than one of would think. It should not be automatic as one thing that few people factor into this is maturity. Just because you are eligible does not mean that you should be advanced to Specialist. This rank has become more of a leadership rank in some units due to shortages of E-5. And let's not set them up to become an E-5 way before they are ready.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2014 8:21 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:21:44 -0400

I feel very strongly on this as I have seen soldiers be placed on extra duty for doing very stupid things then a week later getting promoted (Positive reinforcement for a negative action?).

EACH promotion in the military should be based on MERIT and ability/capability to lead.

Response by SSG Nathan Bryant made Apr 28 at 2014 9:37 PM

SSG Nathan Bryant — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 21:37:30 -0400

Although "advancements" to PV2, PFC, and SPC are considered automatic . . . the Soldiers do have to "earn" them by passing the APFT, meeting height/weight standards, and staying out of trouble. Even upon doing so, the Commander still reserves the right to deny the promotion by annotating "no" on the eMILPO reports that are printed by the S-1 on the 1st of each month.

I think the question isn't so much about the promotion system as it should be about the Leaders (NCOs) who should be counseling Soldiers monthly. Deficiencies should be identified. Furthermore, if a Soldier is not recommended for promotion (be it "automatic" or otherwise), they should be counseled accordingly.

I reiterate, the problem is not the system - it is those who do not use it effectively.

On another note, I do feel that the Time in Service and Time in Grade (TIS/TIG) requirements should be adjusted to slow things down.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2014 10:33 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 10:33:16 -0500

I agree with the general sentiments in this thread. I don't care so much, about E-1 to E-3 but when I see someone advanced to specialist, who still has to be babysat to get a simple task done, that sets me off!

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 21 at 2015 9:28 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Jan 2015 09:28:58 -0500

Promotions are automatic by TIG and TIS as dictated IAW AR 600-8-19, however, they can be barred from that promotion if their performance and demonstrated qualities are lacking. So now, promotions E1-E4, should not be necessarily automatic. Refer to AR 600-8-2, which governs FLAGs. As the Admin NCOIC for my Unit, I make sure to question my commander to ensure certainty in her decision. It is not based on my views or personal connections with those Soldiers, it's based on how I see their demonstrated performance, attitude, demeanor, etc. Some deserve it, some don't. As a leader, you should be included in the decision when it comes to your Soldier.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 15 at 2016 9:44 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 21:44:46 -0500

I see where you are coming from on this, and I too, sometimes feel that soldiers are handed these promotions. I feel the marines have a good idea on their junior ranks, (Private, Private First Class, Lance Corporal, Corporal). Although, Corporal is a Junior NCO, in both the Marines and the Army, I believe the system with having Specialist over Corporal, as an "automatic" rank can be hazardous. As I was saying about the Marines system, having those who do not exude leadership, or make any effort to move forward to Corporal, will not make the next rank to Corporal. In the Army, if you work very hard and even show effort and exude leadership, as a Specialist, you are still looked at as a Specialist. For example, I am commonly looked at to be in charge of things, as a Specialist, yet, when there is no NCO around and another NCO from another part of my battalion approaches me, in this situation, being in charge, he immediately asks for an NCO. I find this difficult sometimes, although I understand the theory of having the specialist rank as someone who specializes, but also may hold responsibility, I am still only looked at as a non-leader, unlike a Corporal, who is looked at to be a leader.