Should the use of the word "promotable" be dropped when referring to someone's rank?

SFC Ken Heise — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:19:44 -0400

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Apr 11 at 2016 9:20 AM

SSG Ed Mikus — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:20:59 -0400

Yes! Technically promotable doesn't count until you have a date, in that light most people use the term wrong. also while the status should be considered by commanders and such for assignments, i do not feel it helps anything in daily duties and should not be used in ones rank.

Response by SGT Edward Wilcox made Apr 11 at 2016 9:21 AM

SGT Edward Wilcox — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:21:36 -0400

The word "promotable" should never be used when referring to someone's rank. I don't care if someone is promotable, either they get promoted or they don't.

Response by SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM made Apr 11 at 2016 9:21 AM

SSG Derrick L. Lewis MBA, C-HRM — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:21:45 -0400

SFC Ken Heise ,
As far as I can remember, "promotable" was never a rank.

Response by SFC Ken Heise made Apr 11 at 2016 9:27 AM

SFC Ken Heise — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:27:45 -0400

My feelings is you are either end wearing the the rank or not. I have seen too many people, officers and enlisted get way too wrapped up by placing a "P" next to their rank and acting like they have already been pined and want the all the privileges of the new rank. For example a Staff Sergeant selected for promotion is still a Staff Sergeant and not a Sergeant First Class until they are pinned. Same thing for a Captian selected for Major.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 9:30 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:30:15 -0400

I never understood the purpose of it. Can someone explain what and why it is?

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Apr 11 at 2016 9:33 AM

SGT Ben Keen — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:33:28 -0400

One's "promotable" status really has little to no impact on others although I am sure others will disagree with that statement. For me, I just see it as a way to gain more training for the person that is gearing up to be promoted. With that status, others already at that rank should take the "promotable" and start training them to the tasks that will come with the rank. This only helps them gain valuable knowledge and a sort of on the job training before being thrown into their new roles once they are promoted.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 9:43 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:43:19 -0400

Especially when you have some of those SPCs try and pull the "I outrank you because I'm promotable" card on other SPCs. Honestly, the only time I use it is in correspondence...........and that is only if the recipient has it already set up in their email. Otherwise I don't bother.

Response by SGT Kevin Blinn made Apr 11 at 2016 9:56 AM

SGT Kevin Blinn — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 09:56:31 -0400

It seems like most people who mention it are people who want to be noticed more instead of doing their jobs.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Apr 11 at 2016 10:16 AM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 10:16:04 -0400

So what do you call a MSgt select (the AF equivalent of 'promotable')? Technical Sergeant!

Being "promotable" is all well and good but if you are wearing SPC, SSG, or SFC stripes then that is what you are. With that in mind, hopefully the promotable member has a strong CoC over them and will start training and mentoring for their potentially new rank/position.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 11 at 2016 10:25 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 10:25:33 -0400

Sounds like almost pregnant.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 11:17 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 11:17:50 -0400

Adding a (P) to your signature block should be punishable by command wide shaming and scorn....esp. in the more junior ranks in which promotion rates are >90%

Response by SFC Justin Scott made Apr 11 at 2016 11:49 AM

SFC Justin Scott — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 11:49:50 -0400

It should not be used in conversation. Having said that, particularly for Senior NCOs and Field Grade Officers, there is relevance in correspondence to listing the (P) after your rank. That is the ONLY place that it has relevance, however.

Response by BG David Fleming III made Apr 11 at 2016 11:58 AM

BG David Fleming III — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 11:58:56 -0400

It's only significant when your up for general officer, "COL (P)".

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 11 at 2016 12:20 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 12:20:21 -0400

"promotable" is only relevant if a) you're congratulating someone for the first time or b) it's relevant for the benefit of the Army (e.g., a MAJ(P) is relevant when they're taking command or when they are interacting with a multinational group that is largely of the LTC rank)

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Apr 11 at 2016 12:32 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 12:32:33 -0400

The "P" status and a couple bucks will buy you a cup of coffee. I never used it as a status. Either you are or you're not. I'm glad there are those who've got the points, passed the board and ready for the next rank. Take pride in that, not the "want-a-be" status.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 11 at 2016 3:57 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 15:57:08 -0400

Why? In what situation are you referring?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 12 at 2016 8:46 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 08:46:08 -0400

Actually i kinda believe it should, sounds tacky.

Response by SGT Darrell Griffin made Apr 13 at 2016 5:20 AM

SGT Darrell Griffin — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 05:20:13 -0400

heard it to many times in the 90s

Response by MGySgt James Forward made Apr 21 at 2016 8:12 PM

MGySgt James Forward — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 20:12:43 -0400

In my opinion, your either are a SSgt or you are a Sgt. Promotable means nothing, you don't get anything from it. In the USMC when you are selected for SSgt, you automatically get to stand Officer of the Day at the Battalion level which is a lot more responsibility than standing Duty NCO at the barracks. Is there a written regulation that requires a person to called "promotable". Looks like a neither world where nothing exists.