Posted on Nov 4, 2013
Why is it so hard to get a promotion slot within the National Guard?
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As a E4 i found it quite demotivating that it is almost impossible to move up in the national guard ranks. How can we motivate our E4 if there is no chance of reward for all their hard work and no further place for them to go other then to stay in the E4 club.<br>
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Promotions
Promotions
Posted >1 y ago
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I am going to cry foul Sgt Walker. You control your own destiny in the Guard. Each soldier gets informed annually of what their point sheet is, they know where they can make points (PT, Civ education, Correspondence Courses for mil education are a few), yet how many are doing that? Now here is the kicker, you get to pick the distance you wish to travel to your next unit, so how is this an unfair system? I see those in my state (California) driving hundreds of miles to make the next grade. Are they making any extra money? Hell no they are losing it. It gets down to dedication.
There comes a point when you have to decide if you want the grade or not, and if you want it, what do you have to do to get it. If you sit on the stump and cry "they won't promote me," Well I got a news flash for you, you are absolutely correct "they won't promote you!" You promote yourself, you demonstrate you have what it takes to be that leader, and sometimes that means sacrifice over convenience.
Sorry if this sounds abrasive, there are no free rides in life nor the US Army.
There comes a point when you have to decide if you want the grade or not, and if you want it, what do you have to do to get it. If you sit on the stump and cry "they won't promote me," Well I got a news flash for you, you are absolutely correct "they won't promote you!" You promote yourself, you demonstrate you have what it takes to be that leader, and sometimes that means sacrifice over convenience.
Sorry if this sounds abrasive, there are no free rides in life nor the US Army.
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SFC (Join to see)
Its been difficult - i have travelled up to 4 and a half hours for my E5 and i recently earned my E6 - i wrote this question as a E4.
I think honestly my MOS is the reason - 92A - the slots are limited after E4
I think honestly my MOS is the reason - 92A - the slots are limited after E4
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Well for starters you're in the Guard.
2. Probably the "the good ole boy buddy system"
3. You probably made some one mad
4. State funded lack of funding for schools for promotions
5. Lack of funding for NCOES schools
6. Did I mention "the good ole boy buddy system"
2. Probably the "the good ole boy buddy system"
3. You probably made some one mad
4. State funded lack of funding for schools for promotions
5. Lack of funding for NCOES schools
6. Did I mention "the good ole boy buddy system"
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When you're in the Guard you have to wait for the people above you to retire, ets, or die to get promoted. Depending on your MOS you may be further limited. If there's 10 E4 slots there will be 5 E5 slots, 3 E6 slots, 2 E7 slots and 1 E8 slot. (That's just an example.) There was a time when you could hold a slot that was intended for one rank below or two ranks above yours, but with cuts and drawdowns and all that nonsense, those days are gone.
I just recently initiated a transfer to the AL Guard. When I was talking to the aviation units here, I was being told that I'd have to take a demotion to e4 after I had waited 7 years to get my 5. Thankfully I ended up finding an E5 slot in a flight company... but it's 150 miles from where I live... >.< I didn't have to take the do over though.
I just recently initiated a transfer to the AL Guard. When I was talking to the aviation units here, I was being told that I'd have to take a demotion to e4 after I had waited 7 years to get my 5. Thankfully I ended up finding an E5 slot in a flight company... but it's 150 miles from where I live... >.< I didn't have to take the do over though.
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SFC (Join to see)
This isn't actually true. You have to be willing to travel or even change MOS to get promotions. Yes, some jobs have limited slots. But thats just how it is. I took a promotion in a unit 4hrs from me. Sucks, but I got promoted. Ive been in for 12 years and am an E7. I did my NCOES schools, college, correspondence courses, any additional army school, scored 300 on PT and expert on weapons. In other words, I worked for it. And still drive 4 hrs to drill.
Also, you can still be over/under in a slot. Its just not as common because they want the slots filled accordingly. Think about it, an E5 sitting in an E6 spot and not promotable or bottom of list. Why do you deserve that slot? You dont, so they give it to someone ready to be promoted.
Also, you can still be over/under in a slot. Its just not as common because they want the slots filled accordingly. Think about it, an E5 sitting in an E6 spot and not promotable or bottom of list. Why do you deserve that slot? You dont, so they give it to someone ready to be promoted.
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SSG (Join to see)
That's all well and good in states that have a lot of options, school slots, and money. I've had schools canceled 3-4 times in the last couple of years because of lack of funding. I know a couple of guys that are stuck at E-5 because their unit or the state won't give them the slot for the second phase of ALC. Then, if you're a technician like I am, you can only promote so high on the M-Day side before it effects your technician status. The highest I can promote in my current slot is E-6 and if I move over to the hangar the highest I can go is E-7 unless I'm made a supervisor.
Some people can't make time for college or travel 2-4 hours for drill because of their civilian jobs, whether it's a matter of having the money for the time off or being able to get the time off from work to make the trip. I was in that position myself when I first got here. It's not as easy as you make it sound for a lot of people. Sometimes you can do all those things you mentioned and still have to sit and wait.
Some people can't make time for college or travel 2-4 hours for drill because of their civilian jobs, whether it's a matter of having the money for the time off or being able to get the time off from work to make the trip. I was in that position myself when I first got here. It's not as easy as you make it sound for a lot of people. Sometimes you can do all those things you mentioned and still have to sit and wait.
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SSG (Join to see)
SPC Chris Hutch yes they would. When I transferred to AL I faced that. I recently accepted a technician job with the UT Guard too and faced the possibility as well.
It’s also a possibility if your unit shuts down. One of my guys in my AL unit had it happen to him. He was an E5 91B and they shit down the unit he was in. As long as he gets MOSQ though, he should get it back when the next list comes out though.
It’s also a possibility if your unit shuts down. One of my guys in my AL unit had it happen to him. He was an E5 91B and they shit down the unit he was in. As long as he gets MOSQ though, he should get it back when the next list comes out though.
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