What are some tips or pointers for the Soldier of The Month Board?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 21:41:47 -0400

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2017 10:08 PM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 22:08:51 -0400

SFC Randy Purham,SSG Private RallyPoint Member any input on this?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2017 3:27 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 03:27:40 -0400

A technique that my Soldiers and I use is called - "Get Smarter or Get Stronger". Everyday we quiz each other on board related topics - usually the ADP's, AR's, and FM's listed on the board MOI. If a Soldir gets the questions wrong - they do push ups, if a Soldier gets the question right - everyone else does push ups. This has worked wonders for my team and I, as I recently sponsored my Soldier to win the 1st Signal BDE Soldier of the Year board. Studying is of course important, but using some creativity to make it motivating and engaging helps.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2017 8:49 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 08:49:39 -0400

Read the 300 other threads on this exact topic.

Response by SGT Matthew S. made Aug 30 at 2017 10:03 PM

SGT Matthew S. — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 22:03:47 -0400

Study well ahead of time, and go through a few mock boards beforehand. When I was in, "Winning the Board" by Gregory S. Skinner was our go-to prep book in addition to unit material.

Aside from knowing your information & having your uniform *well* squared away, the biggest part of the Board is confidence; the way you carry yourself & maintain your composure and military bearing when you don't know an answer or get a complete curve ball question.

You might also take a look at some of these threads, there are quite a few good suggestions around here:

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/does-anyone-have-soldier-of-the-month-board-advice-and-specifically-examples-of-situation-based-questions

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/i-will-be-going-to-the-soldier-of-the-month-board-and-then-the-promotion-board-e5-any-advice?loc=similar_main&pos=4&type=qrc

Does anyone have Soldier of the Month Board advice, and specifically examples of "Situation...

I have opted to go to the SOM Board for next month in preparation for the Promotion Board in September, and I know I need to be studying the basic material on paper, but I have heard that the NCOs of the board like to ask "situation based" questions. Can anyone give me some examples of those? Also, any advice I can run with would be much appreciated. This is my first board.

Response by CPL Dave Hoover made Aug 30 at 2017 11:46 PM

CPL Dave Hoover — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 23:46:43 -0400

Go somewhere quite like a library. Have a buddy ask you questions. Don't get nervous if you don't know the answer, say (Sgt) I do not know the answer to that question, rather than guessing. Be professional, but confident. Enjoy it.

Response by SGT Christopher Lachcik made Aug 31 at 2017 3:43 PM

SGT Christopher Lachcik — Thu, 31 Aug 2017 15:43:43 -0400

Walk in like you own the place and rock the board :)

Response by CPL Vicki Bender made Sep 4 at 2017 11:25 AM

CPL Vicki Bender — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 11:25:37 -0400

Wipe the smile off you face if you tend to smile when nervous. Answer clearly and directly. Keep up on current news story's, sport scores.

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made Sep 4 at 2017 6:31 PM

CPL Mark Andersen — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 18:31:34 -0400

Don't go in to the board with your fly down.

Response by MSgt Matt Hancock made Mar 4 at 2021 7:09 PM

MSgt Matt Hancock — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 19:09:03 -0500

I used to debrief others after they attended the board and made up a study packet. Then when we nominated someone for the board, they were given the packet along with facing questions from other supervisors in my flight (Air Force). Once they saw their peers winning every one got on board.