Going to the board

[tostado22]

Well I just hit my 2 years and my PSG has already put me in for the E5 board. Ive never been to a board before so Im a little nervous about it. Ive been studying alot, know my creeds and GOs. Still learning the NCO creed tho. Im good on points so hopefully Ill get my 5 or at least corporal soon.

Any one have any advice for my first board? I appreciate any help from the NCOs here and I look forward to joining the NCOs

[GARRARD]

The board is all about confidence. Don't try to or play it safe with your answers. If you don't know something, say you don't know it as if it's not a big deal. Don't second guess an answer; answer each question with as much confidence as you would telling them what your name is. An excellent resource for studying for the board is http://www.armystudyguide.com/. I haven't read their down loadable study guide lately as I am done with semi-centralized promotions but it's still free and updated every so often. That's the best advice I can give you. If you have more questions, send me a PM.

[XXIV Corps]

Originally Posted by GARRARD The board is all about confidence. Don't try to or play it safe with your answers. If you don't know something, say you don't know it as if it's not a big deal. Don't second guess an answer; answer each question with as much confidence as you would telling them what your name is.

+1 ........ GARRARD nailed it....

[tostado22]

Thanks GARRARD, Ive been using the online flash cards on that site and have the guide loaded. I appreciate any advice.

Any tips on how to memorize the NCO creed? It was easy to learn creeds when DS Powell was smashing them in my face every morning for 16 weeks at Ft Knox lol.

[tonyben]

Good luck War Dog!

[GARRARD]

Originally Posted by tostado22 Any tips on how to memorize the NCO creed?

Memorize one paragraph at a time. There's no easy way to do it, it just takes a lot of time. Some units are big on NCO's memorizing that creed but good units would rather you understand what's in the NCO Creed and live it rather than be able to rattle it off.

[JAILDOG]

Confidence and have the basic's down tight. Don't bull BLANK as Garrand said. When asked why you should be considered for the stripes, tell them "Its the next progression to taking your job".

[tostado22]

Ive almost got the "N" paragraph down. Ive set the NCO creed as my wallpaper so I can bring it up and study and I carry a copy so I can read it everywhere. I really want to get it down. They dont always ask on the E5 board here but Ive known at least one guy that was told to recite it, knocked it out like it was nothing and his board was done then and there.

Ill have to remember that about second guessing myself, not that Ive had trouble with my confidence, but Im sure its easy to question yourself when the CSM is grilling you haha

[tostado22]

For those that have to been to boards, what were the questions or subjects that you had the most trouble with?

[RAMMAC]

They are evaluating your potential to lead as an NCO so they that's what they are looking for, the personality of a leader who has enough knowledge to teach his subordinates.

[Whatsinaname181]

Up for the E5 board in just two years? You must be extremely on the ball. Whats your MOS? How old are you?

Just remember, N. C. O. --

N.o one is more professional than I

C.omptitence is my watchword

O.fficers of my unit will have maximum time to accomplish their duties, they will not have to accomplish mine.

Thats what helped me memorize it. Its like three creeds in one.

Good luck, and remember- the NCO Corps is supposed to be made of sterner stuff. There are a lot of guys/gals who wear stripes these days that I wouldnt put in charge of a hotdog stand, but they are promoted because of "career progression" and some for "equal opportunity". If i had it my way, there would be a lot more "career specialists" walking around because there are a lot of NCOs that are considered my peers (and some my leaders) that are incompitent and self serving and generally half-retarded. What I am getting at is, dont be a $***bag. Listen to your squad leaders and take care of your joes. Two years isent a long time, and even most Sergeants Major dont know everything. Its not about you anymore, its about those you lead- both in garrison, in the field and later in COMBAT.

Hey if anything, youll probably at least be frocked. (to CPL)



SSG K.

[GARRARD]

Good post SSG K; reminds me of what an SGL told us at WLC- Zebra: a NCO that has stripes but doesn't know why.

[Whatsinaname181]

Originally Posted by GARRARD Good post SSG K; reminds me of what an SGL told us at WLC- Zebra: a NCO that has stripes but doesn't know why.

hahaha. zebra.

[tostado22]

Thanks SSG K. Ive never thought I was anything special, just did my job and made sure anyone under me did theirs. Just try to remember my place. Im a 19D and Im 20 yrs old. I got my specialist about 6 months ago and was moved to Squadron PSD.

Our platoon sergeant called me into his office and asked me what I thought I should work on. I was confused as hell but answered him. Then he told me I was up for the board this month, so a nice surprise there.

Yeah I see NCOs here and there that shouldnt be, I learn more from them than anyone by learning how not to be haha

[cda97]

Attending one or two soldier of the month boards before you go to your NCO/promotion board would help you in your confidence.