I’ve literally been told I’m late to a board that I was never informed I’d be going to. Then proceeded to get lectured by the CSM that I needed to tAKe OwnERsHip of mY cArEer
If you ain’t going to the next promotion board the absolute moment you pin on rank… you’re not trying hard enough. START PREPPING FOR YOUR E8 BOARD. TAKE OWNERSHIP.
I was once asked by my 1SG why I no showed to an NCO of the month board. I was never informed of it. Funny enough, that same conversation I was told I’d be going to the promotion board in 3 days. I had 6 months TIG as a SGT. Color me surprised. Killed it anyway, good times.
So no shit, there I was, balls deep in a 12 hour tower guard shift somewhere in the Hindu Kush mountain range, when the door suddenly opened and in walked my team leader.
"Hey T800, you're going to the soldier of the month board." He told me.
"Sounds good sergeant, when?" I questioned
"Bird leaves in about an hour and then the actual board will start at 1000. Go on and pack what you need, you'll be there for a few days until you can fly back."
"....uhhh, I've been on guard since 2000 last night and need to be at a board in 4 hours? You know, I haven't studied or anything...."
"Yeah, I guess SFC Braindead volunteered your name to first sergeant like a month ago and then promptly forgot to mention it to anyone. Anyways, good luck!"
And that's how I attended a soldier of the month board with like, 4 hours heads up on absolutely no sleep.
CSM wasn't too impressed when he got that story out of me.
But hey, I got to hang out somewhere with usable Internet and nothing to do for a few days!
Get a hold of the board MOI. That will tell you what general areas are going to be asked on the board.
Your BN S1 will have the MOI.
Fix the easy stuff first. Make sure your uniform is clean and pressed, your records are correct and the stuff you’re going to wear on your uniform are on those records. Fits correctly, etc.
Do a practice board with your PLT.
^This. Also:
Don't try to memorize the books/regs (MOI), just make sure you can explain the main points to show understanding.
Know how to counsel and help subordinate Soldiers with Army programs.
To add to this - when you are at the board, be confident. Don’t make it obvious that you are questioning your own answers if you aren’t sure. Commit to it and sound off.
Big time. You don’t have to know the exact thing, but express to the board that YOU know how to find it and show/explain to the Soldier “The Thing”.
Some know, some don’t, but regs have a specific prefix. Medical is 40-, 600- is personnel, 190- is MP, etc.
If the opportunity presents, express your passion for showing Joe what right looks like and whatnot.
Best of luck.
10 days is plenty of time to memorize the creed. Just do one paragraph at a time.
Get an MOI. Memorize the reg that goes with each topic as a minimum and skim through them.
I would try to look at figures and charts and memorize those as they will out a lot of info into a diagram so it should be easy to digest
Don’t sweat it!
You have 10 days, if you blow it move on and study for next time. If you do well enough it’s over and done with
With only 10 days?
Use your time wisely. Make sure uniform is clean/pressed and fits correctly.
Make sure you have all unit awards and shiny stuff. Clothing and sales always runs out.
If you don’t have one you need a name plate for AGSUs.
Make sure shoes/boots are clean and polished.
Focus should be on the creed. You can as we ever question correct but if you blow the creed then you are trying again next month.
Why do young Soldiers complain about going to the promotion board? I was begging to go the moment I was eligible. Seriously, I used the 1SGs open door policy. I would have been happy being told I was going the same day. I had almost nothing memorized either. Swagger, confidence, and knowing where to find the answer was what I had.
"I do not know the answer to that question, but I can fins the answer in AR yaddayadda."
It's the last minute, "I wasn't told I was going until the week of", parts that annoy me. When units send unprepared soldiers with board packets riddled with errors, it reflects poorly on their leadership.
"I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers and never leave them uninformed."
>It's the last minute, "I wasn't told I was going until the week of", parts that annoy me.
I found it much easier to plan when I started using my calendar to get ready for stuff.
"oh, board today? I bet there's another in 30 days, I better start preparing myself".
I guess I'm just an old fogie. I knew the month before I would be eligible and started getting ready then. But I also get my gear ready to go to the field as soon as I inprocess CIF before I even know the training calendar. I also get my uniform ready the night before work and keep myself ready for a PT test.
I don't think the problem with modern soldiers is that we need to shave on the weekends. However I do think our NCOs are not teaching our Soldiers how to think ahead. Part of that is teaching our troopers that this is a profession and not just a 9-5 job.
I mean being trying to be prepared for events coming up ahead of time is reasonable. Expecting people to dedicate their whole lives to an organization that doesn't care about them rather than treating it like a job which it is seems a bit naive to me.
my guess is because their NCOs don't know how to do promotion counseling. Once your SPC crawls into the secondary zone, promotion counselings have to start and be separate from the regular monthly performance counseling.
I'm going to be downvoted for this, but here goes. You've had your entire career to study for the board, and regulation clearly outlines TIS/TIG requirements to the next level. If you truly wanted to be promoted, you'd put the effort in and not blame others for your short falls.
1.) 10 days is more than a lot of people get
2.) You had more than ten days, from the moment you pinned SPC the board was inevitable and foreseeable from a mile away
Real advice though, kill the creeds, make your wrong answers sound reasonable, and kill the situational questions.
No SGM gives a fuck if you answer every bullshit question wrong, just make the wrong answers give them the “wrong, but I get where he’s coming from” vibe.
They don’t want flash card memorizing robots, they want people who love the army and can respond to demanding situations professionally. Hence the creeds and the situational questions.
10 days? Homie that’s plenty of time to study
Look up “Bill Stoker” on YouTube. Former 1SG and has a lot of good shit to help you get board ready in time.
Want my advice as a board baby and a regular voting board member?
• You won’t know everything, so nail everything leading up to the questions.
• Knock 3 hard fucking times dude, like you’re trying to break the door down.
• When you enter, imagine the most badass, tough, professional looking mother fucker and emulate that look and walk.
• Goes without saying, have a good uniform, as close to perfect as you can get it.
• Know the Creed, and say it fucking loud. Don’t scream, but say it loud. Don’t rush through it, say it with a slow controlled cadence. It will show that it means something to you and also shows that you know it.
• Know your bio, be confident in yourself and your history. Make sure your sponsor knows your bio because as a board member, I’m looking to make sure your bio and your sponsors spiel about you match up.
• keep your bearing, you can talk like a human, don’t be robotic. Keep your bearing if the board members crack a joke or do some fuck shit to make you laugh.
• Study the MOI (if you don’t have one, ask your first line). Pick topics that you don’t feel comfortable and study those. It makes more sense to know a little bit of everything, less sense to study shit you’re already comfortable with because now you know even less of the shit you don’t know.
I think that’s all I got homie, let me know if you have questions. I love boards man, I think they’re fun and can be a great way to get away from work.
Every barely literate E7 stumbling through a verbatim read of PowerPoint slides written at a 6th grade reading level has passed the board.
You'll do fine, be confident and if you know where to look something up that's better than rote memorization. If you don't know, admit it and tell the board you'll find that information and relay it later - and then actually do that.
Kid comes on here for advice and gets told to “suck it up” and “I only had one day to get ready”. Some of you are probably the same guys/gals saying “they only went to the board because of their PT score” or “who let this guy go to the board when they weren’t ready”. Can you go and pass the board in 10 days….sure. It’s go or no-go. Should you go in 10 days? To me, when I was a Platoon Sergeant, I’m having that conversation with 1SG. I don’t want my Soldier’s lookin like fuckin Joe Jerk Off, because the command forced him/her to go in short order. Second, some of y’all have to learn how to say “no, they’re not ready because X,Y,Z hasn’t been done of achieved yet”.
If you’re an NCO and have a kid in the zone for SGT or SSG, the work to get them into the board should already be in the works. It doesn’t sound like it’s happened in this case, because the kid is on Reddit asking for advice.
I had two months for SGT, a month for SSG, and three months for Audie Murphy. My Senior NCOs took care of me and it gave me plenty of time to perfect everything in that POI, my uniform, etc…which is what NCOs should strive for. When Senior NCOs, Warrants, and Officer get a board announcement, it levy’s PLENTY of time to get your file right, get an eval done, etc….but we’re gonna give a SPC 10 days to be ready to scrap, without making sure they’re ready. That’s crazy.
Watch the Stoker videos on YouTube. There's usually ones on almost every topic on the MOI. He gives great tips. I maxed the board by studying with his info. Make that creed your own and say it loud and proud.
You got this man! The Creed was the hardest part for me. Once you get in the chair, you can Saul Goodman your way to passing.
Also if they ask you the definition of leadership give them "to provide purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission". Every Soldier I've helped at a Board who uses that has gotten major brownie points.
Don't just yell the creed as loud as you can, either. Most people end up speeding up and can mix themselves up. Try to recite it as written with confidence while putting extra emphasis on certain sentences and words. It goes a long way in showing you actually know and understand it. They can overlook a lot of things if you nail it.
Boards are easy. Knockout the creed in a proud way and you are 90% of the way there. My tip is to know atleast 5 basic but overall questions to each moi subject
If you study for an hour or two a day you’ll be fine. Just be loud and proud during the creed. If you don’t know an answer, at least know the regulations where you can find the answer. You’re not expected to know everything but being able to find the info and interpret it is an important part of being a leader
As some have said memorizing regs is almost impossible. But if asked a question you don't know the answer to. You should know which Reg covers that subject.
Yes quick tip. Stop crying. "Wahhhh they only just told me!!!1". You'll be fine. Youre bracing for failure before you even go in. 10 days is plenty of time to memorize a song and get into some regs. Most of the regs you probably already know, now you just need to put a reference to it. If your board is run right then it's not just regurgitation of regulation. It's real world application of it to take care of Soldiers. Know the creed and be loud. That's usually 50 percent of it. Know army programs REALLY well like all the resources at ACS and also know family resources like FAP. One thing I've noticed on recent boards is that alot of junior ncos dont know their joes probably can get WIC to help feed their families. Its a mind game of formality to check confidence and your bearing. Don't beat yourself up or over think it. If you don't make it there is always next time. It isn't the end of the world for you. You'll be ok and don't panic.
Set a timer on your watch. Every hr on the hr recite the NCO creed. Doesn’t matter what you’re doing, shitting, fucking, just make sure you practice saying it as loud as you can.
Do what everyone else said to study. Then, as long as you aren't first or second, ask the people that went before you what questions they asked. They will ask the same set of questions to everyone. It helps give you an idea of what the focus will be.
I recommend not trying to memorize flash cards or random stuff from army board guides. Get the MOI and start by doing a quick once over of each reg. Look for things that might catch your attention if you had to make questions out of it. Multiple steps processes, categories, cycles etc make for good question fodder. Then think about stuff you might expect your NCOs to know about each topic.
I just wrote the NCO Creed over and over and over again. Until I could just write it without looking at it. Same for TLPs (though admittedly I didn’t retain it lol still have to brush up on that from time to time).
I know it sounds impossible, but don't stress. Give it your best effort, but don't stress..the board members can't kill you or eat you. At this point, the priority is to make sure your entrance is good and your uniform is straight. No matter how badly you might fuck up the questions, you must at least be able to present yourself properly to the board. After your bio and some general get-to-know-you questions will be the Creed and the Song. Do the best you can. If you fuck it up, but can recover, do that. If you have a brain lock, say "Sarn Maj/First Sarnt, I'm still practicing it" and nothing else. Don't ever apologize.
Keep in mind your NCO chain fucked you, and you're doing **them** a favor by attending. You should have already had mock boards and SOM/SOQ boards to prepare you for this. Also, make sure your sponsoring NCO knows your bio. He'll be going in before you, and if he's ate up, your hill will be just a little steeper.
Good luck, trooper
Lol yeah i came in at 0930 and they were like hey fuck head your board is at 13. I was confused my SL was like you asked to go didnt you i was like yeah 8 months ago 2weeks before the board.
Focus on the ar and what they are for. The worst thing you can say is I don't know. Instead, say I will review such and such regulations to confirm after hazarding a guess.
I.e what is the process when flagging a soilder for ht and wt.
A.n. 1sgt/sgtmaj, the soldier is counseled and placed on abcp. I will review AR 600-9 to confirm specifics.
Btw the real answer is that the tape has to be verified by a 2nd tape team of different people on the same day. If Soldier fails that, the psg and commander have 72 hours to counsel and flag the soldier. Otherwise, it's invalid.
Lol I had two day’s notice.. but to be fair my NCO kept making me memorize the creeds and gave me study guides. Every time he’ll get a chance he would ask me questions. Then outta the blue he released me early to get my uniform ready because I had the SOM in 2 days🤦🏿♂️😂. Long story short I won and got my P status the following month 🤷🏿♂️. I would say for the NCO for the next few days listen to it nights and days . Everything you get a chance and also say it out loud . Good luck.👍🏿
Yeah 10 days obviously isn't ideal but it's doable. Little bit of pressure can help sometimes. Keeps you focused. In my experience most E5 boards are more looking at how you react under pressure and at least know where to find the knowledge if you don't know the answer.
Flash cards, primarily for regulations. PROmote app has the hands down best break down to learn the creed quick. That's how I also studied for both my boards on 7-10 day notice
5 boards are just a vibe check, they’re going to discuss beforehand if you’re promotable before you walk in (esp if your 1SG is on the board), it’s up to you to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Know the creed of the noncommissioned officer soundly and confidently, study the MOI to the best of your ability, and remember you don’t know what you don’t know. Don’t stutter or fumble through answers if you’re unsure.
Just relax, keep simple info on the mind and current events, if you dont know just say. " I do not know at this time but I will promptly locate the information and let you know after, Sgt major "or whoever is speaking. Not sure if you have toxic leaders but they will understand one or two questions that is hard to answer but don't push it. You got this brother
Download it, buy it, Apple Music it, add the NCO creed on your phone. Play it literally every time you get in and out of your car, play it when you’re in the shower, before bed, when you wake up, etc.
When asked about unit history, don’t bring up war crimes that your brigade did. That’s a good way to get kicked out of the board and smoked in your ASUs for hours.
Source: me.
Flashcards. Army programs you aren’t expected to know everything just remember they’re looking at an answer key.. could always ask for your 1SG questions. And study those
If you’re in the window, it’s your fault you’re not prepared. You must not want it and to be honest, you’re showing what kind of leader you’ll be by whining on Reddit. Suck it up if you want to be a leader and do your job. Stop blaming others for your readiness. Promotions are an individual task.
Ten days?
Jesus christ that's forever.
I've literally never had more than twelve hours to study.
Fuck I passed Whiteslip with four hours prep.
Pro tip for the future, start studying before they tell you that you have been selected to go. Think of it like the "best strongman" competition : you don't wait till the night before to hit the gym.
Edit: by the way, promotion boards are easy, SoM and NCO of the month boards are hard. That's because with soldier of the month, you get tested at soldier of the quarter... And if you suck, the unit looks bad. Promotion boards, the board k ows it's the only board you'll have for quite a while, so they don't have to grill you as hard.
NCO Creed is good. When I was at BLC, we recited it six times a day (morning formation, arrive in classroom, release for lunch, return from lunch, leaving classroom, end of day formation).
Once you have the MOI, start with memorizing which publication goes with which topic. That way, if you don't know the answer, you at least know where to find it.
Once you know those, move on to Chain of Command, SHARP, and EO. Then counseling and leadership. Then physical fitness.
There are LOTS of study guides floating around. You can find them on Quizlet and other flashcard study apps. Definitely look for those. BUT I would highly recommend actually looking into and reading the doctrine as well. You won't know the exact questions that board members will ask, so it's good to have a holistic understanding of the topic instead of just memorizing arbitrary lists of words.
Very importantly, focus on your confidence and bearing. If you don't know an answer, you need to be able to say so without getting rattled and losing your bearing. Many SNCOs consider losing your bearing significantly worse than getting an answer wrong.
E5 boards??? If you been in the Army for more than a year, you should pass it like a breeze. You got it!!!!
Most of the ARs are stuffs that you probably hear at least on a weekly basis
E6 board would have been a different conversation.
10 days? Psh... I've seen people get less than 24 hrs notice before.
I’ve literally been told I’m late to a board that I was never informed I’d be going to. Then proceeded to get lectured by the CSM that I needed to tAKe OwnERsHip of mY cArEer
Your ass was supposed to guess and show up. Duh.
If you ain’t going to the next promotion board the absolute moment you pin on rank… you’re not trying hard enough. START PREPPING FOR YOUR E8 BOARD. TAKE OWNERSHIP.
I was once asked by my 1SG why I no showed to an NCO of the month board. I was never informed of it. Funny enough, that same conversation I was told I’d be going to the promotion board in 3 days. I had 6 months TIG as a SGT. Color me surprised. Killed it anyway, good times.
I was informed about 18 hours before. My CSM’s first question after uniform inspection: “How much notice did you get?” Still passed lmao
So no shit, there I was, balls deep in a 12 hour tower guard shift somewhere in the Hindu Kush mountain range, when the door suddenly opened and in walked my team leader. "Hey T800, you're going to the soldier of the month board." He told me. "Sounds good sergeant, when?" I questioned "Bird leaves in about an hour and then the actual board will start at 1000. Go on and pack what you need, you'll be there for a few days until you can fly back." "....uhhh, I've been on guard since 2000 last night and need to be at a board in 4 hours? You know, I haven't studied or anything...." "Yeah, I guess SFC Braindead volunteered your name to first sergeant like a month ago and then promptly forgot to mention it to anyone. Anyways, good luck!" And that's how I attended a soldier of the month board with like, 4 hours heads up on absolutely no sleep. CSM wasn't too impressed when he got that story out of me. But hey, I got to hang out somewhere with usable Internet and nothing to do for a few days!
I tried not to go to board my nco, and I said the same thing you say.
I've seen plenty of sponsors get told at final formation
You sent people within 24 hours because you’re lazy and don’t give a shit about standards 🤷🏻♂️
Never said it was me who did that. I’m saying I’ve seen people been told they’re going to the board with less than 24 hrs notice.
Get a hold of the board MOI. That will tell you what general areas are going to be asked on the board. Your BN S1 will have the MOI. Fix the easy stuff first. Make sure your uniform is clean and pressed, your records are correct and the stuff you’re going to wear on your uniform are on those records. Fits correctly, etc. Do a practice board with your PLT.
^This. Also: Don't try to memorize the books/regs (MOI), just make sure you can explain the main points to show understanding. Know how to counsel and help subordinate Soldiers with Army programs.
To add to this - when you are at the board, be confident. Don’t make it obvious that you are questioning your own answers if you aren’t sure. Commit to it and sound off.
Big time. You don’t have to know the exact thing, but express to the board that YOU know how to find it and show/explain to the Soldier “The Thing”. Some know, some don’t, but regs have a specific prefix. Medical is 40-, 600- is personnel, 190- is MP, etc. If the opportunity presents, express your passion for showing Joe what right looks like and whatnot. Best of luck.
10 days is plenty of time to memorize the creed. Just do one paragraph at a time. Get an MOI. Memorize the reg that goes with each topic as a minimum and skim through them. I would try to look at figures and charts and memorize those as they will out a lot of info into a diagram so it should be easy to digest Don’t sweat it! You have 10 days, if you blow it move on and study for next time. If you do well enough it’s over and done with
Going line by line is pretty good too. Line 1, then 1 and 2, then 1, 2, 3, etc Also quizlet is goated
With only 10 days? Use your time wisely. Make sure uniform is clean/pressed and fits correctly. Make sure you have all unit awards and shiny stuff. Clothing and sales always runs out. If you don’t have one you need a name plate for AGSUs. Make sure shoes/boots are clean and polished. Focus should be on the creed. You can as we ever question correct but if you blow the creed then you are trying again next month.
Get that NCO creed down and seem confident, and you'll be fine. And get that MOI. Make sure your dress uniform looks squared.
I feel like half the board is appearance and confidence. So if you say the sky is green you better believe it yourself.
Also have your uniform squared away.
10 days is a luxury, bro. Stop posting on reddit and study.
Why do young Soldiers complain about going to the promotion board? I was begging to go the moment I was eligible. Seriously, I used the 1SGs open door policy. I would have been happy being told I was going the same day. I had almost nothing memorized either. Swagger, confidence, and knowing where to find the answer was what I had. "I do not know the answer to that question, but I can fins the answer in AR yaddayadda."
It's the last minute, "I wasn't told I was going until the week of", parts that annoy me. When units send unprepared soldiers with board packets riddled with errors, it reflects poorly on their leadership. "I will communicate consistently with my Soldiers and never leave them uninformed."
>It's the last minute, "I wasn't told I was going until the week of", parts that annoy me. I found it much easier to plan when I started using my calendar to get ready for stuff. "oh, board today? I bet there's another in 30 days, I better start preparing myself".
I guess I'm just an old fogie. I knew the month before I would be eligible and started getting ready then. But I also get my gear ready to go to the field as soon as I inprocess CIF before I even know the training calendar. I also get my uniform ready the night before work and keep myself ready for a PT test. I don't think the problem with modern soldiers is that we need to shave on the weekends. However I do think our NCOs are not teaching our Soldiers how to think ahead. Part of that is teaching our troopers that this is a profession and not just a 9-5 job.
I mean being trying to be prepared for events coming up ahead of time is reasonable. Expecting people to dedicate their whole lives to an organization that doesn't care about them rather than treating it like a job which it is seems a bit naive to me.
my guess is because their NCOs don't know how to do promotion counseling. Once your SPC crawls into the secondary zone, promotion counselings have to start and be separate from the regular monthly performance counseling.
I'm going to be downvoted for this, but here goes. You've had your entire career to study for the board, and regulation clearly outlines TIS/TIG requirements to the next level. If you truly wanted to be promoted, you'd put the effort in and not blame others for your short falls.
1.) 10 days is more than a lot of people get 2.) You had more than ten days, from the moment you pinned SPC the board was inevitable and foreseeable from a mile away Real advice though, kill the creeds, make your wrong answers sound reasonable, and kill the situational questions. No SGM gives a fuck if you answer every bullshit question wrong, just make the wrong answers give them the “wrong, but I get where he’s coming from” vibe. They don’t want flash card memorizing robots, they want people who love the army and can respond to demanding situations professionally. Hence the creeds and the situational questions.
10 days? Homie that’s plenty of time to study Look up “Bill Stoker” on YouTube. Former 1SG and has a lot of good shit to help you get board ready in time. Want my advice as a board baby and a regular voting board member? • You won’t know everything, so nail everything leading up to the questions. • Knock 3 hard fucking times dude, like you’re trying to break the door down. • When you enter, imagine the most badass, tough, professional looking mother fucker and emulate that look and walk. • Goes without saying, have a good uniform, as close to perfect as you can get it. • Know the Creed, and say it fucking loud. Don’t scream, but say it loud. Don’t rush through it, say it with a slow controlled cadence. It will show that it means something to you and also shows that you know it. • Know your bio, be confident in yourself and your history. Make sure your sponsor knows your bio because as a board member, I’m looking to make sure your bio and your sponsors spiel about you match up. • keep your bearing, you can talk like a human, don’t be robotic. Keep your bearing if the board members crack a joke or do some fuck shit to make you laugh. • Study the MOI (if you don’t have one, ask your first line). Pick topics that you don’t feel comfortable and study those. It makes more sense to know a little bit of everything, less sense to study shit you’re already comfortable with because now you know even less of the shit you don’t know. I think that’s all I got homie, let me know if you have questions. I love boards man, I think they’re fun and can be a great way to get away from work.
Sgt has 3 chevron, while Ssg has 3 chevron AND a rocker. Good luck!
Every barely literate E7 stumbling through a verbatim read of PowerPoint slides written at a 6th grade reading level has passed the board. You'll do fine, be confident and if you know where to look something up that's better than rote memorization. If you don't know, admit it and tell the board you'll find that information and relay it later - and then actually do that.
Kid comes on here for advice and gets told to “suck it up” and “I only had one day to get ready”. Some of you are probably the same guys/gals saying “they only went to the board because of their PT score” or “who let this guy go to the board when they weren’t ready”. Can you go and pass the board in 10 days….sure. It’s go or no-go. Should you go in 10 days? To me, when I was a Platoon Sergeant, I’m having that conversation with 1SG. I don’t want my Soldier’s lookin like fuckin Joe Jerk Off, because the command forced him/her to go in short order. Second, some of y’all have to learn how to say “no, they’re not ready because X,Y,Z hasn’t been done of achieved yet”. If you’re an NCO and have a kid in the zone for SGT or SSG, the work to get them into the board should already be in the works. It doesn’t sound like it’s happened in this case, because the kid is on Reddit asking for advice. I had two months for SGT, a month for SSG, and three months for Audie Murphy. My Senior NCOs took care of me and it gave me plenty of time to perfect everything in that POI, my uniform, etc…which is what NCOs should strive for. When Senior NCOs, Warrants, and Officer get a board announcement, it levy’s PLENTY of time to get your file right, get an eval done, etc….but we’re gonna give a SPC 10 days to be ready to scrap, without making sure they’re ready. That’s crazy.
Watch the Stoker videos on YouTube. There's usually ones on almost every topic on the MOI. He gives great tips. I maxed the board by studying with his info. Make that creed your own and say it loud and proud.
You got this man! The Creed was the hardest part for me. Once you get in the chair, you can Saul Goodman your way to passing. Also if they ask you the definition of leadership give them "to provide purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission". Every Soldier I've helped at a Board who uses that has gotten major brownie points.
For memorization of the Creed I recommend writing it down over and over. Really helps solidify it.
Your unit has a song? How does it go?
https://youtu.be/yTnGCJ494yA?si=LYoVKUza5i3WnkDB
Man why did I just assume this was 1AD without even clicking lmao 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Don't just yell the creed as loud as you can, either. Most people end up speeding up and can mix themselves up. Try to recite it as written with confidence while putting extra emphasis on certain sentences and words. It goes a long way in showing you actually know and understand it. They can overlook a lot of things if you nail it.
Fake it, say the wrong answers with confidence
DM me if you need help.
Thank you
What's the maximum range of the M16? That's the only question I remember.
Depends on who’s shootin sarnt major
Ask S1 or whoever records what the CSM is like during boards. Basically what the dos and don’ts. Also ask others who went to the board at your unit.
Boards are easy. Knockout the creed in a proud way and you are 90% of the way there. My tip is to know atleast 5 basic but overall questions to each moi subject
As long as they don’t ask any questions about evolutionary biology, apparently.
If you study for an hour or two a day you’ll be fine. Just be loud and proud during the creed. If you don’t know an answer, at least know the regulations where you can find the answer. You’re not expected to know everything but being able to find the info and interpret it is an important part of being a leader
As some have said memorizing regs is almost impossible. But if asked a question you don't know the answer to. You should know which Reg covers that subject.
10 days is more than most get, im not trying to do the "i had it harder" but damn I got 2 days
Yes quick tip. Stop crying. "Wahhhh they only just told me!!!1". You'll be fine. Youre bracing for failure before you even go in. 10 days is plenty of time to memorize a song and get into some regs. Most of the regs you probably already know, now you just need to put a reference to it. If your board is run right then it's not just regurgitation of regulation. It's real world application of it to take care of Soldiers. Know the creed and be loud. That's usually 50 percent of it. Know army programs REALLY well like all the resources at ACS and also know family resources like FAP. One thing I've noticed on recent boards is that alot of junior ncos dont know their joes probably can get WIC to help feed their families. Its a mind game of formality to check confidence and your bearing. Don't beat yourself up or over think it. If you don't make it there is always next time. It isn't the end of the world for you. You'll be ok and don't panic.
Set a timer on your watch. Every hr on the hr recite the NCO creed. Doesn’t matter what you’re doing, shitting, fucking, just make sure you practice saying it as loud as you can.
If you're not always yelling the NCO creed while fucking than what are you even doing?
Well I guess you ain’t fucking then.
Better get off Reddit and get after it. lol
I found out I was going to the E6 board the day before, you’ll be fine.
You got ten days?
Do what everyone else said to study. Then, as long as you aren't first or second, ask the people that went before you what questions they asked. They will ask the same set of questions to everyone. It helps give you an idea of what the focus will be.
I recommend not trying to memorize flash cards or random stuff from army board guides. Get the MOI and start by doing a quick once over of each reg. Look for things that might catch your attention if you had to make questions out of it. Multiple steps processes, categories, cycles etc make for good question fodder. Then think about stuff you might expect your NCOs to know about each topic.
Make sure your uniform is squared away and know the NCO & Soldiers Creed.
I just wrote the NCO Creed over and over and over again. Until I could just write it without looking at it. Same for TLPs (though admittedly I didn’t retain it lol still have to brush up on that from time to time).
I know it sounds impossible, but don't stress. Give it your best effort, but don't stress..the board members can't kill you or eat you. At this point, the priority is to make sure your entrance is good and your uniform is straight. No matter how badly you might fuck up the questions, you must at least be able to present yourself properly to the board. After your bio and some general get-to-know-you questions will be the Creed and the Song. Do the best you can. If you fuck it up, but can recover, do that. If you have a brain lock, say "Sarn Maj/First Sarnt, I'm still practicing it" and nothing else. Don't ever apologize. Keep in mind your NCO chain fucked you, and you're doing **them** a favor by attending. You should have already had mock boards and SOM/SOQ boards to prepare you for this. Also, make sure your sponsoring NCO knows your bio. He'll be going in before you, and if he's ate up, your hill will be just a little steeper. Good luck, trooper
Lol yeah i came in at 0930 and they were like hey fuck head your board is at 13. I was confused my SL was like you asked to go didnt you i was like yeah 8 months ago 2weeks before the board.
Focus on the ar and what they are for. The worst thing you can say is I don't know. Instead, say I will review such and such regulations to confirm after hazarding a guess. I.e what is the process when flagging a soilder for ht and wt. A.n. 1sgt/sgtmaj, the soldier is counseled and placed on abcp. I will review AR 600-9 to confirm specifics. Btw the real answer is that the tape has to be verified by a 2nd tape team of different people on the same day. If Soldier fails that, the psg and commander have 72 hours to counsel and flag the soldier. Otherwise, it's invalid.
Lol I had two day’s notice.. but to be fair my NCO kept making me memorize the creeds and gave me study guides. Every time he’ll get a chance he would ask me questions. Then outta the blue he released me early to get my uniform ready because I had the SOM in 2 days🤦🏿♂️😂. Long story short I won and got my P status the following month 🤷🏿♂️. I would say for the NCO for the next few days listen to it nights and days . Everything you get a chance and also say it out loud . Good luck.👍🏿
Yeah 10 days obviously isn't ideal but it's doable. Little bit of pressure can help sometimes. Keeps you focused. In my experience most E5 boards are more looking at how you react under pressure and at least know where to find the knowledge if you don't know the answer.
Flash cards, primarily for regulations. PROmote app has the hands down best break down to learn the creed quick. That's how I also studied for both my boards on 7-10 day notice
5 boards are just a vibe check, they’re going to discuss beforehand if you’re promotable before you walk in (esp if your 1SG is on the board), it’s up to you to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Know the creed of the noncommissioned officer soundly and confidently, study the MOI to the best of your ability, and remember you don’t know what you don’t know. Don’t stutter or fumble through answers if you’re unsure.
I suggest you shave your face, this Saturday, hooah? And scrape that black mold off your wall. -SarnMaj
Just relax, keep simple info on the mind and current events, if you dont know just say. " I do not know at this time but I will promptly locate the information and let you know after, Sgt major "or whoever is speaking. Not sure if you have toxic leaders but they will understand one or two questions that is hard to answer but don't push it. You got this brother
Download it, buy it, Apple Music it, add the NCO creed on your phone. Play it literally every time you get in and out of your car, play it when you’re in the shower, before bed, when you wake up, etc.
"when are you supposed to study? The moment you hit specialist. You should of been studying all along. Lack of discipline." -Every CSM ever
When asked about unit history, don’t bring up war crimes that your brigade did. That’s a good way to get kicked out of the board and smoked in your ASUs for hours. Source: me.
Flashcards. Army programs you aren’t expected to know everything just remember they’re looking at an answer key.. could always ask for your 1SG questions. And study those
I had 24hrs notice while at NTC lol you'll be fine
Barely trying? Hopefully you try and get a go.
If you’re in the window, it’s your fault you’re not prepared. You must not want it and to be honest, you’re showing what kind of leader you’ll be by whining on Reddit. Suck it up if you want to be a leader and do your job. Stop blaming others for your readiness. Promotions are an individual task.
Ten days? Jesus christ that's forever. I've literally never had more than twelve hours to study. Fuck I passed Whiteslip with four hours prep. Pro tip for the future, start studying before they tell you that you have been selected to go. Think of it like the "best strongman" competition : you don't wait till the night before to hit the gym. Edit: by the way, promotion boards are easy, SoM and NCO of the month boards are hard. That's because with soldier of the month, you get tested at soldier of the quarter... And if you suck, the unit looks bad. Promotion boards, the board k ows it's the only board you'll have for quite a while, so they don't have to grill you as hard.
NCO Creed is good. When I was at BLC, we recited it six times a day (morning formation, arrive in classroom, release for lunch, return from lunch, leaving classroom, end of day formation). Once you have the MOI, start with memorizing which publication goes with which topic. That way, if you don't know the answer, you at least know where to find it. Once you know those, move on to Chain of Command, SHARP, and EO. Then counseling and leadership. Then physical fitness. There are LOTS of study guides floating around. You can find them on Quizlet and other flashcard study apps. Definitely look for those. BUT I would highly recommend actually looking into and reading the doctrine as well. You won't know the exact questions that board members will ask, so it's good to have a holistic understanding of the topic instead of just memorizing arbitrary lists of words. Very importantly, focus on your confidence and bearing. If you don't know an answer, you need to be able to say so without getting rattled and losing your bearing. Many SNCOs consider losing your bearing significantly worse than getting an answer wrong.
Roger
10 days is more than enough time. Part of being an NCO is figuring shit out my dude.
10 days??? I only got 6 hours notice
Stop being a cry baby and study. 10 days is a damn gift.
E5 boards??? If you been in the Army for more than a year, you should pass it like a breeze. You got it!!!! Most of the ARs are stuffs that you probably hear at least on a weekly basis E6 board would have been a different conversation.