TOP's Promotion Tips

The single most important thing you must do to prepare for the rank of SGT and SSG is to read and understand AR 600-8-19 Chapter 3. This chapter lists the many different areas that will allow you to earn Promotion Points.

The next two most important things to be familiar with are your ERB and your PPW (Promotion Point Worksheet). Only you can ensure that your information is correct — do NOT rely solely on someone from the S1 shop. After all, it is YOUR promotion, and as a Leader you should take this responsibility on.

Know Where You Stand

One thing you must know is how you stack up against others with the same MOS. The Army releases a Sergeant/Staff Sergeant Eligibles Trend Report tracking the last 12 months of data for each MOS. It lists the average promotion points for promotable Soldiers, how many are in the Primary and Secondary zones, and how many are above 700 points. Use this report before your board appearance as a gauge and a goal — if you target the top category of points, you will not be one of the hundreds of Soldiers every month waiting on points to drop.

Military Training Points

Military Training points are something you can actively build. If you are weak in PT, work on it — the PT card for promotion points is good for one year. On weapons, do not accept that your unit's equipment limits your score. Consider investing in your career: a quality .22 Long Rifle with a scope lets you fire for hours for under $20 in ammunition, building the habits and trigger time needed to qualify Expert. If the only time you pick up a weapon is once a year to qualify, do not expect Expert. Invest in your skills.

Military Awards

Awards can be the easiest category to max out. COAs are worth 5 points each with a total of 20 points available — every Soldier should have that covered by the time they compete for SGT. Beyond that, compete in and win Battalion and Brigade quarterly boards. A BN Quarter Board win typically earns an AAM (10 points); a BDE win often earns an ARCOM plus an additional 10 points per AR 600-8-19 CH 3-43. Planned and timed right, winning both BN and BDE year boards can yield 80 promotion points from four boards alone — add 4 COAs and that is 120 points in awards in under a year.

Military Education

One of the fastest ways to earn Military Education points is through correspondence, ALMS, JKO, and Skillport courses. You can earn up to 78 points for SGT and 84 for SSG through online courses — hands down the fastest and easiest method. Generally you receive 4 points for each 40-hour course completed with a DA Form 87. The Army periodically increases points for specific courses to incentivize completion, so check current point values. Volunteer for extra duties and additional training — the promotion system rewards Soldiers who step up.

Civilian Education

Civilian Education is by far the fastest and easiest area to add points. Options include adding existing college transcripts, taking CLEP exams at the education center (a few hours for 3 promotion points beats a 40-hour course), or having your Military Training evaluated by a civilian college for college credits. An AARTS Transcript submitted to the right college can yield dozens of transferable credits in just a couple of weeks for a small enrollment and transcript fee — the best return on investment you will find. That fee pays for itself the first month after promotion.

Leadership Resources

Invest time in leadership resources before and after your board. A strong Leader's Book shows the BN CSM and 1SGs that you are ready and prepared to lead Soldiers in their unit. Study your publications, know your Soldiers, and demonstrate that you are already operating at the next level before you pin the rank.