For better or worse, promotion boards are a rite of passage. If you want to be promoted, the path to that promotion is through the promotion board. It is not uncommon for people to not be interested in being promoted. Many people find sufficient satisfaction in learning and working in their occupational specialty and have no desire to become an NCO or be responsible for others. And that is understandable. But, integrity demands that we support the system that supports us. The Army took us in, taught us valuable skills and allowed us to earn a living while living this adventure. Now, as we mature and assume greater responsibility, we should take our place in this legacy and play the game.
Promotion boards are good because:
- Boards evaluate and validate the supervisor's recommendation for promotion. Let's face it: all supervisors are not equal. Some make sound recommendations for promotion based on merit. Others are weak and allow their subordinates to demand their "fair treatment" and recommendation to meet the board. Having a promotion board helps ensure standards are equal for everyone. Boards consist of NCOs from a variety of backgrounds who have seen a thing or two. In this important role, although they may not be aware of it, they are the guardians of the Army.
- Boards evaluate and stratify candidates and ensure the most critical tasks are assigned to the most qualified people. If there was no board, composed of well rounded representatives, promotions would become almost arbitrary and the Army would quickly collapse under the weight of its own inefficiency. Boards are the best way to objectively ensure that the most qualified candidate is promoted.
- Boards weed out the malingerers, the uninvolved, and even the occasional terrorist. A formal board performs an indispensable review of records and past performance which helps ensure undeserving Soldiers don't get promoted into a position where they may pose an insider threat.
To be fair, no one enjoys meeting the board. They are, at minimum, an irritating necessity and, at worst, an insurmountable obstacle to promotion. Most people are nervous when meeting the board because all the focus is on you and usually by people you don't know. But you shouldn't be too nervous because we all have a part to play in this comedy. For most of the NCOs sitting on the board, this will be their first time sitting on a board. They stayed up late choosing appropriate questions and they're hoping no one else chose the same questions as they did. They are unsure of the sequence of events and are relying on the chairman to guide them. In short, they are as nervous as you and want anyone who meets the board to have a fair shake. Try to see the big picture and don't focus on yourself too much.
One day, probably in the near future, you will have overcome this obstacle and received your promotion. Then it will be time to face the next challenge: becoming a board member yourself and helping the next generation advance while preserving the military's effectiveness.
In summary, if you are given the opportunity to meet the board, take it! It's your ticket to promotion and the worst that can happen is that you won't be selected. But you will gain valuable experience in meeting the board.
