Photo By Timothy Hale | The promotion board process can be one of the most stressful tasks Soldiers undergo...... read more read more
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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.”
| Date Taken: | 04.13.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.13.2016 14:42 |
| Story ID: | 195270 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 761 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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.
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