Army...how do you feel about the promotion point system?

Question

yes i know. do you like going by points or like other branches:would you rather be selected, take a knowledge exam and pt test.

Answer 1

While some people believe the system to be flawed, I believe it is the fairest of the systems. I know a great guy in the Marine Corps who just got passed over for E-6 and now has to get out after 8 years whereas in the Army he could have reclassed to a different job and got promoted and stayed in. While there is a huge propensity for people in quick promoting MOS's to end up in leadership positions too soon (or at all when they shouldn't be) it allows the guys who should get promoted to get promoted. The NCO Corps in the Army can deny or not recommend promotions so just because the points are there, doesn't necessarily mean a soldier will get promoted.

Being arbitrarily selected for E-7 and higher by Department of the Army/Navy is hardly a fair system because it is all how you look on paper (and is often not telling the whole story). One of the worst things a branch of the military can do is promote people beyond their abilities and then not be able to kick them out because of their rank. I've seen plenty of E-7 & E-8's who were absolutely clueless.

Overall, the system is not perfect but by using a point system soldiers are better able to manage their own careers and not have to wait on the whims of some sergeants major up in Washington or St. Louis to promote them or force them out of the military. Soldiers are also better able to determine whether they should stay or go when it comes to reenlistment. This is especially helpful to NCO's who have families and need to have better career options than waiting around with their fingers crossed about future promotion.

Answer 2

My husband is in the Army. He has a job that is at full strength currently, so points for his next promotion are higher. Not a lot of E-6's needed right now, so its harder for him to get his next promotion. He has little time to do any college courses or anything to help boost his points. They work him until 7pm or later several nights a week, so really the point thing can be very hard for some people. Depending on job. He would rather take a test. I wish he could do it that way as well!

Answer 3

I think its the best system out of all the branches. It takes into account a wide variety of factors; Commander's recommendations, awards and wpn qualifications, PT Test, the promotion board.

That's why for most the MOSs, promotions up to E6 are faster than any other branch. However, there are MOSs that have way too many NCOs which means it will be difficult to get promoted in that MOS.

Remember, DA knows exactly how many E5s and E6s it needs in a particular MOS.

Answer 4

The USMC also does it for the ranks of Cpl. and Sgt., the NCO ranks. Staff NCO's and Officer are selected through a board process.

Answer 5

The army is cheap as hell. I think its for suckas.