What is the process for getting promoted to E-5?

2019-05-14T07:43:00-04:00

I've been told so many different ways about how promotions work and none of it makes sense. When I was an E-4 my name populated on the PPRL and so my unit sent me to BLC. When I returned from BLC I put my promotion packet together (I'm in the reserves so we did a paper board) and submitted it. I got my go from the board and received my promotion soon after. I volunteered for a mob with another unit and some of the soldiers were trying to get promoted while overseas. I have now heard 10 different ways the promotion system works and I would just like the right answer to give to my troops.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2019 7:48 AM

2019-05-14T07:48:40-04:00

There is only one way to get promoted now well 2 ways actually. The normal process is the STEP (Select-Train-Educate-Promote) program now, AR 600-8-19 the whole process is in there. But yes you must pass a board have SSD1 done or the new DLC, get selected, then once on promotion list go to your NCO Academy then you will pick up. The other way is a battlefield promotion which I haven't seen one in a long time.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2019 7:49 AM

2019-05-14T07:49:44-04:00

Have you tried looking up the AR the covers enlisted promotions and reductions? The army literally outlines everything in black and white.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2019 8:37 AM

2019-05-14T08:37:08-04:00

Usually even overseas, they put a packet in and send it to the RRC responsible for that unit or soldier if he was cross leveled into that unit. We had an SGT promoted to SSG while in afghanistan. The key is slot and mosq for that slot.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2019 9:49 AM

2019-05-14T09:49:29-04:00

Are these reserve soldiers who are mobilized or active? The process is mostly the same.

If you are a mobilized reservist you can do a reserve promotion board through your home unit or mobilized forward reserve command. Once selected you need BLC. If you are in a combat zone you can get promoted conditionally where you must attend BLC 270 days after demobilization, unless you get waivers due to lack of slots, etc.

Generally it’s easier to promote overseas because UMRs aren’t a huge factor in slotting because of manpower requirements, unlike in garrison where you often are hemmed in by the UMR and it’s rank requirements.

AR600-8-19 is your friend. Sounds like your mob unit isn’t good communicating how to go through this process.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 14 at 2019 1:23 PM

2019-05-14T13:23:43-04:00

Each unit should have an OML created. Once a Soldier has been boarded and completed BLC they should be on the PPRL for selection and are just awaiting a slot to open.