Soldiers, salors, marines, and airmen, have you considered what you do to make yourself retainable in today's military?

First of all you have missed the point of this entire thread. Honestly if you have a problem getting promoted to SFC, then its because you haven't reached the milestone markers for your MOS. Do you honestly think the promotion board is targeting you and you alone for kon-promotion? When I said you need to drink the Kool-aid its because the Army (pre 2006) and its current path are realigning. Toxic leadership is not just those that can't do their jobs, its those that do their jobs f or the wrong reason ( selfishness, self promotion, greed, money, power, control, and yes even pay and benefits). So get off your poor me hi worse and do something to keep yourself in so you can improve the Army otherwise your just as guilty of ruining it as the "Toxic leader" you imagine exists.

SSG, I understand PERFECTLY what you are alluding to and I heavily disagree with it. The proof is in the pudding. Why does the military have so many problems now a days with toxic leaders? I know of plenty of great NCOs who consistently keep getting passed up. I also see many horrible ones who DON'T know how to do their MOS yet THEY get promoted. I'm NOT talking about me now but what I have personally seen in the last 6+ years. Yes, there are some great ones who do get promoted but that number keeps dwindling every year.

Its not the mindsetof the Army that changed at all, its the lack of enforcement of regulations and standards that happened between 2006 and now. Previously deployments and awards for valor, those days are gone. You don't have to agree with me, and down vote me all you want, I survived the down sizing in 1996 by setting myself apart not only by my leadership, knowledge, and professionalism, but by being involved in my unit, improving my unit and community, and giving a shit about others instead of just worrying about my benefits, my pay, and what I thought the Army owed me. Look closely at those people that have been promoted, yeah they may be totally worthless( and I know quite a few myself) but I'm sure they have held all the positions they needed to and worked the system to their advantage, granted not fair, but can't you accomplish the same things without compromising your principles? Also remember I am here to play devils advocate just a bit to spark conversation, everyone's opinion is important and valued and no body is wrong, so with that in mind down votes should have a purpose attached and an explanation.

SSG, I down voted you for being dishonest and putting words into my mouth. I KNOW what it takes to make it to SFC. I have worked in and been rated as a SFC for several years so don't tell me about milestones. I too am involved in my unit. I have held multiple additional duties to include SHARP, UPL, Safety, Fire Marshall, GPC Holder, PAO, and others. Some of those all at the same time. I don't give a rat's butt about benefits, pay, etc. THAT does not concern me. What DOES concern me are ALL the Soldiers, NCOs, and Officers in my unit. THAT is why I am passionate about the military. THAT is why many of my peers (that I personally know) are also passionate about the military yet THEY get passed up.