army promotion board essay

On a promotion board, how should I answer the question "Why should you be promoted to SSG"?

• Fact or Fiction: "Hands-on" Tasks are not authorized for SGT/SSG Promotion Board 38 Votes 32 Comments
• Who can tell me the purpose behind the SGT and SSG promotion board? 275 Votes 197 Comments
• SGT Promotion board, any advice? What to do/not to do if I don’t know an answer to a q...? 9 Votes 5 Comments
• Are NCOERs required for promotion to SSG? 51 Votes 28 Comments
• What are the administrative mechanics in getting promoted outside of the board process...? 44 Votes 38 Comments
• Will an old DUI haunt me for the E7 promotion board (SSG Evaluation board)? 14 Votes 6 Comments

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

• Capabilities
• Explore All Groups
• Business Services
• Privacy Policy

Welcome to RallyPoint!

• Subscribe Now Opens in new window
• Air Force Times Opens in new window
• Marine Corps Times Opens in new window
• Navy Times Opens in new window
• Pentagon & Congress
• Defense News Opens in new window
• Flashpoints
• Benefits Guide Opens in new window
• Military Pay Center
• Military Retirement
• Military Benefits
• Discount Depot
• Gear Scout Opens in new window
• Military Culture
• Military Fitness
• Military Movies & Video Games
• Military Sports
• Transition Guide Opens in new window
• Pay It Forward Opens in new window
• Black Military History Opens in new window
• Congressional Veterans Caucus Opens in new window
• Military Appreciation Month Opens in new window
• Military History
• Vietnam Vets & Rolling Thunder Opens in new window
• Honor the Fallen Opens in new window
• Hall of Valor Opens in new window
• Service Members of the Year Opens in new window
• Create an Obituary Opens in new window
• Medals & Misfires
• Installation Guide Opens in new window
• Task Force Violent
• Battle Bracket
• CFC Givers Guide
• Photo Galleries
• Early Bird Brief
• Newsletters Opens in new window
• Long-Term Care Partners
• Navy Federal
• Digital Edition Opens in new window

7 tips to help you get that next Army promotion, from a guy who knows

Were you up for a promotion this year? How did you do? Good or bad, a recent promotion board member has the inside scoop on what the boards are looking for.

Lt. Col. Eric McCoy, now a student at the Army War College, took to Facebook on July 19 with a long list of lessons learned from this year’s board process.

“A lot of it was just wanting to be able to share that with the soldiers I mentor, so they can prepare their soldiers for next year’s boards,” McCoy told Army Times on Tuesday.

Heading into the board process, he said, officers and NCOs he mentored asked him to look into some conventional wisdom about promotions. To his surprise, a lot of them were true.

“I didn’t believe it until seeing it for myself,” he said. “Things like making sure that record briefs are updated, the importance of a good photo.”

For more information on preparing for promotion boards, Army Human Resources Command keeps guides online to preparation checklists, writing a letter to the board and more.

Here are McCoy’s pointers:

1. Check your work

Incomplete or out-of-date paperwork made the top of the list in make-or-breaks when it comes to moving up.

The board saw discrepancies in information like assignments, combat tour credit, education and awards, McCoy wrote, as well as missing or incorrectly calculated PT test scores.

“It is the individual responsibility of every soldier to review and ensure the accuracy of their records,” he wrote. “Moreover, it is highly encouraged that soldiers seek a mentor to review their records.”

2. Fix your face

Make sure there’s a recent, regulation-friendly photo attached to your promotion packet. Some soldiers the board looked at had old or missing photos, while others were out of regs (hair, make-up, mustaches) in the ones available.

“Ill-fitting uniforms (both tight and loose fitting) gave the impression that NCOs were not in compliance with AR 600-9,” McCoy wrote. “Wrinkled pants and jackets detracted from professional appearance.”

And don’t forget to take a photo with the most current version of your uniform, with everything in its proper place. Some soldiers were missing awards that were in their Soldier Record Brief, while others were wearing ribbons in the wrong order or improperly aligned.

Soldiers should “ensure that someone else with knowledge of the regulations inspects them prior to DA Photos and attendance at formal events,” he wrote.

3. Write a letter

Soldiers should include a letter to the president of the board with their packets, McCoy said, but only if it contains some kind of information not already reflected in their records.

“Letters to the board were considered favorably when they highlighted recent achievement or unusual circumstances that the SRB did not reflect (i.e., impact awards, degree completion, or prolonged periods of medical issues),” he wrote.

But if your letter would only summarize what the board can read in your paperwork, skip it, he said.

And if you’re going to include a letter, he added, make sure it’s formatted according to AR 25-50, and make sure there are no grammar errors, he added.

4. Get the story straight

If comments from your rater and senior rater don’t support one another, or they don’t reflect your records, that’s going to look bad.

“Disconnects between rater and senior rater assessment sends a mixed message to the board,” McCoy wrote. “In some situations, the assessment of ‘far exceeded standards’ was not supported by quantitative data in the bullets.”

The officer and NCO evaluation reports that came online in recent years require more of a narrative from raters and senior raters on a soldier’s performance, so it’s important that the comments are consistent and expand on what’s in the records.

“I think the nuance of that is, making sure that raters are talking to senior raters in terms of the picture that they want to paint,” McCoy told Army Times. “A difference in profile assessment from the rater to the senior rater, to some board members, may send a mixed message.”

5. Go for a run

No soldier would be surprised to hear that a top PT score looks good to a promotion board, but a noted lack of physical fitness could also be a black mark.

“There were a number of NCOs with physical profiles and/or low Army Physical Fitness Test scores that limited their ability to lead by example within their respective formations (i.e., PT, field duty) along with access to career enhancing professional opportunities (i.e. drill sergeants),” McCoy wrote.

Further, raters' comments often glossed over how detrimental a lack of fitness is to a solider and a unit.

“This sends an inconsistent message about soldier comprehensive readiness,” he wrote.

Fitter, deadlier soldiers: This is how the Army plans to prepare you for tomorrow’s wars

Leaders are voicing their support for a push to re-think training and maintenance of soldiers themselves, and to treat them as elite athletes preparing for a high-end fight..

A number of promotion packets also raised the question of long-term non-deployability, he added, including a “significant” number of NCOs with P3 profiles ― which, by regulation, require a soldier to go through a medical boarding process to determine whether he or she should be separated.

“Physical readiness management should be re-emphasized in the institutional, operational, and self-developmental domains of leader development,” McCoy wrote. “At six-month mark, commanders should initiate fit for duty evaluations for NCOs that are unable to make progress regarding their physical readiness.”

6. Mix it up

Simply put, soldiers who spend too much time either in operational or institutional assignments are marring their chances for promotion, McCoy wrote.

Broadening assignments like recruiting or drill sergeant look good, but NCOs should make it a point to get back to operational units afterward.

“Conversely, we perceived stagnated growth for NCOs with extended time on station in the same duty position, consecutive duty assignments in institutional Army (i.e., TRADOC, USAREC), or assignments not annotated in the MOS smart book (i.e., Orderly Room NCO, R&U NCO),” he wrote.

7. Go to class

The Army offers up to $4,000 a month toward college tuition and certificate expenses, and a promotion board likes when soldiers take advantage of it.

“Conversely, we viewed NCOs not taking advantage of educational opportunities and those who allowed technical certifications to expire less favorably,” McCoy said. “We also viewed military training transferred to civilian credits without enrollment in and/or completion of a degree-producing program less favorably.”

Leaders are supposed to be helping set education goals for soldiers, he added, so NCOs should be nesting civilian education goals within their career timelines.

Meghann Myers is the Pentagon bureau chief at Military Times. She covers operations, policy, personnel, leadership and other issues affecting service members.

In Other News

In a world of drones, Ukraine’s artillerymen rushed to defend Kharkiv

The tide is turning, thanks in no small part to donated western arms like the venerable m777 towed howitzer, but their effectiveness has taken a hit..

GOP vets in Congress attack VP nominee Walz over his military record

Fifty republican lawmakers with military experience criticized walz over his public comments on his own time in the ranks..

Marines, sailors to get more training on political do’s and don’ts

The training comes after a federal watchdog said the pentagon failed to train and guide troops about partisan political activities before campaign season..

Trump clarifies Medal of Honor comments, calls it the ‘ultimate’ honor

The former president caused controversy with remarks last week saying a civilian medal was a better honor than the military award..

Vets’ PACT Act claims continue to rise, two years after law’s passage

More than 1 million disability claims related to military toxic exposure have been approved in the first two years of the veterans benefits legislation..

Army Board Questions

FREE Questions For Soldier/NCO of the Month Boards and Army Promotion Boards

2023 NCO Reading List

This website is a preparation guide for army soldier of the month, nco of the month, and promotion boards. there is a substantial, relevant sampling of army promotion board questions. since the promotion board and competitive boards share many similarities, most questions experience significant overlap. thus, there is also a plethora of soldier of the month board questions and nco of the month board questions., army promotion board questions need to be relevant and up to date. our goal is be the most updated army board study guide on the internet. if you have questions you want added to this site, contact us. , please move around the website and enjoy our sample army board questions. our practice army board questions are perfect for soldier/nco of the month and promotion boards. our site is designed to be the perfect army promotion board study guide.

Have any tips to share? Please share here.

Sweating your upcoming board? Read this.

Situational Board Questions/SAMC Board Questions

ADP 3-0 Unified Land Operations

ADP 3-90 Offense and Defense

ADP 6-22 Leadership

ADP 7-0 Training Units and Developing Leaders

AR 27-10 Military Justice

AR 600-8-8 Total Army Sponsorship Program

AR 600-20 Army Command Policy CH 6 Equal Opportunity

AR 600-20 Army Command Policy CH 7 SHARP

AR 600-25 Military Customs and Courtesies

AR 623-3 Evaluations Reporting System

ATP 4-25.12 Field Sanitation

ATP 6-22.1 The Counseling Process

TC 3-22.9 Rifle and Carbine Marksmanship M4/M16

TC 3-25.26 Land Navigation

TC 4-02.1 First Aid

DA PAM 600-25 US Army Noncommissioned Officer Development Guide

DA PAM 750-8 The Army Maintenance Management System (TAMMS)

FM 3-22.68 Crew Served Weapons

FM 3-90-2 Reconnaissance, Security, and Tactical Enabling Tasks

FM 7-15 Army Universal Task List

FM 7-22 Holistic Health & Fitness (H2F)

FM7-22.7 History of the NCO/NCO Guide

Military Creeds & Songs

Share this:

• Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
• Subscribe Subscribed
• Copy shortlink
• Report this content
• View post in Reader
• Manage subscriptions
• Collapse this bar

(e.g. [email protected])

Remember me

Forgot Password?

• SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD J. AUSTIN III
• Combatant Commands
• Holiday Greetings Map
• Taking Care of Our People
• Focus on the Indo-Pacific
• Support for Ukraine
• Value of Service
• Face of Defense
• Science and Technology
• Publications
• Storytellers
• Media Awards
• Hometown Heroes
• Create Request
• Media Press Kit

• DVIDS DIRECT

Hometown News

Media requests, about dvids.

• Privacy & Security
• Copyright Information
• Accessibility Information
• Customer Service

Enlisted Promotion Series Article 3 of 3: Acing the board

Photo By Timothy Hale | The promotion board process can be one of the most stressful tasks Soldiers undergo... ... read more read more

Photo By Timothy Hale | The promotion board process can be one of the most stressful tasks Soldiers undergo during their military service. By understanding what the board is evaluating, and with some basic preparation, Soldiers can shine during one of the most important events of their career. (U.S. Army photo by Timothy Hale/Released)   see less | View Image Page

PHOENIX, ARIZONA, UNITED STATES

Story by sgt. wes parrell  , arizona national guard public affairs.

PHOENIX – For many, the promotion board process can be one of the most stressful tasks they undergo during their military service. Understanding what the board is evaluating and with some basic preparation, Soldiers can shine during one of the most important events of their career. Each unit will have their own Standing Operating Procedures, but there are common areas Soldiers should focus on before any board appearance. As highlighted in the previous article, Soldiers must update their ERB prior to the promotion board and ensure that all awards are listed correctly. Equally important is ensuring that the current weapons qualification scores, Army Physical Fitness scores, military and civilian education, and any previous evaluations are also recorded properly. “It is very important for the service member to take an attentive and vested interest in their promotion board process,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 George Carbajal, enlisted personnel manager for the Arizona Army National Guard. “Too many times a Soldier will rely on their readiness NCO or board sponsor to prepare their board packets and certain things are overlooked. No one knows the Soldier’s personal and professional accomplishments better than the Soldier themselves.” A Soldier’s unit and the location of the promotion board will determine the uniform worn for the board appearance. Most often Soldiers will be in a Class “A” uniform. No matter which uniform prescribed, it is vital that it is in perfect condition. Ensure that the uniform reflects what is documented on the service records and that skill badges, ribbon racks, and insignias are up to date and properly placed in accordance with AR 670-1. The more people that look at the uniform before the board, the better. Someone with thorough knowledge of the uniform regulations should review a Soldier’s uniform two or three days prior to the event. This provides ample time to correct any deficiencies and obtain any last-minute items that may be missing. Staff sergeants and above require an official Department of the Army photo in their personnel records. The Arizona Army National Guard has a DA photo studio on the Papago Park Military Instillation inside the Soldier Support Center, building M5701, but it does require an advance appointment. This is done by visiting https://www.vios-west.army.mil. Appointments should be made a minimum of five to seven days in advance to allow for time for the photo to update in the system before board packets are due. The DA photo studio can be reached at 602-267-2916 for assistance and to ensure availability. “The preparation of the uniform is key to a successful DA photo,” said Staff Sgt. Brian Barbour, DA Photographer and VIOS work order manager for the Arizona Army National Guard. “These high-resolution photos capture the smallest details. Lint, pet hair, and wrinkles are extremely noticeable and detract from the professionalism of the Soldier being photographed.” For most board cycles, there will be a source guide that outlines the resources and references from which the board questions are derived. These are usually field manuals and army regulations covering topics such as land navigation and orienteering, combat lifesaver, weapons systems, Army programs such as SHARP and SARC, and more. Overall, Soldiers should have a good grasp of the major Army regulations and what Army programs have to offer. Plan study sessions with friends, family, and fellow Soldiers, and do not cram the night before the board. Watch the nightly news during the week leading up to your board to understand current events – specifically focus on national news and things that affect the Army, military and government. The best way to practice board etiquette and be completely prepared is to conduct mock boards. This is a great way to receive constructive criticism on your posture, delivery of answers, and builds overall confidence for the actual appearance board. “Preparation for an upcoming promotion board is what will set apart a Soldier form the rest of the field,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Fidel Zamora, brigade command sergeant major for the 198th Regional Support Group. “There are only a certain number of available positions to promote into at each level, so every point counts. Studying the provided information is crucial to maximizing those points.” During the actual board, your sponsor will go in beforehand to introduce you to the board members. At a minimum, the sponsor should have a leader book on the Soldier they are representing. They should be able to provide a brief overview on the Soldier including time in grade, time in service, role in the unit, and highlight anything that would show to the board that the Soldier is ready to advance in rank. In most cases, a well-prepared sponsor reflects a well-prepared Soldier. When told to report, knock hard and firmly three times on the door and wait to be called in. When told to enter, march straight toward the president of the board, stop two or three paces in front of him or her, and render a proper salute. Report in to the president of the board and wait for the president of the board to return the salute, and then return to the position of attention. Soldiers will conduct a series of facing movements so the board members can get a good, close-up look at the Soldier’s uniform. “The initial reporting process sets the tone of the board,” Zamora said. “Although Soldiers may be nervous, performing these tasks flawlessly shows the board members that you can perform under pressure, which is a key ability to being an effective leader.” When told to take a seat, locate the chair and take the most direct route to sit down. This is the only time that the board becomes “informal.” Get comfortable sitting down, adjust your uniform, take a deep breath, then return to a modified position of attention in the chair and lock eyes with the president of the board. Every Soldier should know and be able to recite the Soldiers Creed. When the president of the board asks you to recite the Soldier’s Creed, snap to attention and sound off. Do not scream or yell, but lock eyes with every board member and recite it with conviction. The question and answer phase is simple – know the answers. If you do not know an answer, know where to reference the answer. You will not get full credit, but at least it will let the board members know that you know where to find answers. Do not say, “I do not know the answer to that question.” When the board dismisses you, snap to attention and render a proper hand salute. When the president of the board returns the salute, return to the position of attention, make one facing movement left or right, and march directly out the door. “Overall, a Soldier’s preparation for their board mirrors their desire to promote and take on more responsibility,” Zamora said. “Their performance demonstrates their commitment to being a Soldier and their ability to lead other Soldiers. The responsibility of the board is to identify who are the best people to put into those leadership roles.”

PUBLIC DOMAIN  

This work, Enlisted Promotion Series Article 3 of 3: Acing the board , by 1st Lt. Wes Parrell , identified by DVIDS , must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright .

CONNECTED MEDIA

MORE LIKE THIS

Controlled vocabulary keywords.

No keywords found.

•   Register/Login to Download

DVIDS Control Center

• 404-282-1450
• [email protected]

Web Support

• [email protected]
• 1-888-743-4662
• Links Disclaimer
• No FEAR Act
• Small Business Act
• Open Government
• Strategic Plan
• Inspector General
• Sexual Assault Prevention
• DVI Records Schedule
• DVI Executive Summary
• Section 3103

Back to Main Page

    Thanks for your contributions!

We need more examples. Examples can be contributed by using the form below.

Army Bio Examples

92a automated logistical specialist, 15r apache crew chief, 11b infantryman, 25h network communication systems specialist.

Spc. Salvatore V. Mongelluzzo 86th Signal Battalion, Fort Bliss

92Y Unit Supply NCOIC

25 bravo help desk specialist.

Spc. Johnathan L. Morton 62nd Medical Brigade, Fort JBLM

12B Battalion Commander's Driver

Chief, cybersecurity engineering and analysis branch, 56m religious affairs specialist.

SPC Torres, Jacob born in Puerto Rico and raised in Florida. Graduated high school at Harmony High School on May 25, 2018. Sworn in July 30, 2018. SPC Torres attended Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina and graduated November 30, 2018. SPC Torres went back home to Florida for hometown recruiting and got married December 7,2018. SPC Torres arrived at Fort Benning for his first duty station December 16, 2018.

92Y Supply Specialist

To contribute examples, use this form.

Duty Title:

Contact     © copyright armywriter.com     Disclaimer