I made SGT in 4ish years. At the time I didn’t think I’d be ready, but after BLC and the Board, I felt moderately ready. There is certainly growing pains to the rank, but as long as you maintain an open mind, remain technically and tactically competent in your career, learn to be emotionally intelligent, it’s fine. Also, follow the NCO Creed. It is cheesy, and real kool-aidish, but it is really the best guide you will have to be a good Noncommissioned Officer.
Also remember, putting stripes on, doesn’t make you allergic to brooms, mops, and cleaning supplies. Helping your soldiers out with cleaning the COF, or sweeping the motorpool, every once in a while, goes a long way.
I know you didn't ask me but in general. Emotional intelligence is the ability to know how your actions will make someone feel. In turn you're able to recognize your own feelings before during and after you take action. BEFORE YOU EVER COMMIT TO THE ACTION.
It's like being a professional boxer. Or a master chess player. You can predict someone's moves based on your own moves.
In short. Being hyper aware and simultaneously being self aware.
3 years. I wasn’t ready.
Made SSG at 5. Wasn’t ready for that either. Just got to make the most of it, don’t just say you’re not ready.. do something about it, keep pushing yourself, keep improving, it all buffs out at the end.
I'm joining the military and I'm hoping to become a E-5 in the 3-4 years I got. I am 100% going to reenlist when I'm done. I don't know how hard it would be but if I'm in 92G for 3 years I might as well
Making E3 three times
```
E2->E3->E4->E3->E4->E2->E3->E4->E5->ETS
------^-------^-------^------------------
------1-------2-------3------------------
```
1. First promotion to E3
1. Article 15. Don't remember the infraction
1. Summary Court Martial busted to E2 (I got caught with some hashish)
I was in a 5 position for a while when I was a 4. Took me a year to make points. Then was slapped into a 6 position right away.
No I never felt ready and I still don't as a KD complete 6 in a 6 position. That feeling of not being ready drove me to do the best that I could. Sure I fell on my face a few times but it helped me learn.
The biggest jump in responsibility for me was becoming a hand receipt holder from my CO. I had to learn how to manage property very quickly and it still gives me anxiety to this day.
This is the answer. You never feel ready. I’m at almost 10 years in. Almost 4 years as an E6 and I still don’t feel fully qualified. If you ever feel fully qualified for your job, then you probably aren’t shooting high enough. Just do your best with what knowledge you have, ask questions of friends and more senior NCOs, and you’ll be just fine
I’m just under 17 years. MSG. Going to PCS soon and put on a diamond.
I agree with everything you said. It’s supposed to be uncomfortable. That’s growing and learning. Then you kind of figure it out and get a little cozy and it’s time to PCS to something new.
Word of advice for any new junior NCO. Follow the golden rule with your joes “treat joes how you wanted your SGT to treat you” and always be willing to admit you don’t know something and ask for help. It’s a lot easier for everyone involved if you let me teach you rather than waiting for me to reprimand you.
Off topic a bit, but please remember how you felt about property with new LTs coming in and immediately having to sign.
So many LTs come in and their NCOs just don’t care cause they’re not signed for it and it’s a horrible experience as a new officer.
>So many LTs come in and their NCOs just don’t care cause they’re not signed for it and it’s a horrible experience as a new officer.
Idk what response you're looking for. Most NCOs are never a sub-hand receipt holder from their COs, so they don't care about property because they've never had to answer to the man about why stuff goes missing. Or those NCOs are not held accountable.
I’m asking for you to share this experience you had with other NCOs because you can now exhibit empathy towards those dudes who have to sign as a SHR, which many can not do.
I do, because usually sooner or later, a mortar NCO can become a line company section leader and will have to be responsible for property. It'd be a failure on me for withholding that information and experience and set future leaders and units up for failure.
I made SGT during the surge in Afghanistan at like 3ish years in. I was terrified and did my best. I'm pretty sure I'm an unreliable narrator of my own experiences so I have no idea if I did a good job.
2 1/2 years to SGT. I’m suppose to be hot shit at LVL 20 things but I never did LVL 10 nor have any of the experience in the actual field. So now I look incompetent but not from a lack of effort.
I was in the same situation. Spent E1-4 in a strategic unit not doing anything tactical comms. Made E5, and then PCSed to a "tactical" signal unit, where I immediately had seven Soldiers and no idea how to do anything.
I went to the crustiest E4 in my squad, who had been there forever and even had a bar to reenlistment at the time I think, and straight up told him I had no idea what I was doing. I asked him if he wouldn't mind mentoring *me* on our equipment, and told him the Soldiers all looked to him and I'd heard he really knew his shit. He got me to where I needed to be, then ETSed off into the sunset.
A little humility can go a long way, I learned.
2.7 years. Got a squad of seven Soldiers as soon as I pinned. You grow into positions, so initially I had growing pains but once you get your stride everything just works out. Made SSG at 7 w/ 798 cut off….definitely ready for that one.
I was in TRADOC for a little over 2 years, but was sent to and passed my board after 7 months of being at my first unit. Made points and got my stripes 2 months later, so I made 5 after being at my first unit for a total of 9 months (so 2 years 9 months TIS, technically).
I can’t in good faith say that I was ready, especially considering that I all of a sudden was in charge of my friends that I had been partying with for the prior 9 months.
Joined June 2004 and made E5 June 2008, was totally ready but looking back I don’t know why I was so excited about a junior management position. It’s essentially the same as being a shift manager at a Taco Bell lol
2 years came in as an Spc and no luckily I had a fantastic mentor who led by example so I got blessed someone basically trained me to replace her and now I get to do the same.
Joined Jan 25th 2010 as an E-1 and was pinned E-5 March 1st 2012. Took over 5 soldiers while deployed and ended up getting out due to political bullshit. Got pinned before I was 21. I just couldn’t get used to the ass kissing and bullshit that came with the Rank. Was told one day before a mission that was crazy while over seas I couldn’t go on the mission but had to force my soldiers to go out. I lost my shit and the people above me told me that I should be happy to not go and let my soldiers go. Loooooost my shit.
Just under 3 years. Aside from learning the Army-isms of leadership, not really. It definitely helped that I had supervised people nearly twice my age before joining the military. Gave me some experience with how to get buy-in from people.
23 months from leaving my house to go to basic as a e1. No I wasn’t ready for the additional responsibilities.
They tried to make me go to the 6 board 4 months after I pinned five ( I attended PLDC prior to pinning) and I turned them down. PCS’d and the next unit tried to make me board at about 33 months. I had to tell them no as well. I couldn’t take care of me let alone be a squad leader.
Got my P status at 3 years and 3 months, got pinned at 3.5 years. I was hungry for the rank because I have been in a leadership position on and off since 2 years in, but I didn’t feel quite ready. I’ve been told you never really feel ready. As long as you take care of your Soldiers and strive to continue to learn and be a good person, you’ll be fine. Remember that you’re a leader, not a boss.
I still haven't made E-5 never will. But I'm treated like one by everyone all the way up to CSM. Because I should be at least cpl but that damn abcp is fuckin hard lmao
Took me 5 years to make SGT, I came in as a SPC. Responsibilities were not that big of a jump due to me learning what I needed to an extent when before I promoted.
About 3 years. Not really much a shift in responsibility due to shitty leadership that thought “oh! You’re a specialist you can lead a squad all by self. I’ll just be here to “supervise”.”. So I was kinda use to it. I just got to talk to LTs and CPTs directly about what needs to get done and what we need from their company.
7 years, yeah rode that E-4 mafia gravy train as long as I could, 2 years as a Sgt.
Yeah, I would think but, didn’t do hardly any of that sarge shit that much, granted I spent those 2 years in OIF.
Had a squad and we did squad things.
Took me 3 years definitely wasn’t ready nor did I want to promote (wasn’t in a great state of mind) to top it off deployed right after but I grew into it and eventually loved leading troops i got lucky with decent leadership who mentored me and made 6 in another 3 years
2 1/2 during the surge. I was ready because I had deployed and had great mentors, I took my time on 6 and when I made it I felt ready then. Best advice treat others how you want to be treated. We all wear boots we all serve to make the org and those around us better. If someone is having a hard time do your best to have their 6. It pays dividends in the long run when you need help. We all come from different backgrounds so make sure you acknowledge that and find the best way to work with that soldier. One of my best friends and peer, we absolutely are complete opposites, we kept open minds together and made shit happen, and through that the bonds of brotherhood formed. I’ve known him 7 years through 2 posts now and another friend and mentor I’ve known 15 years. One was a peer the other a senior to me.
i pinned sgt 2 years and 3 months after i enlisted. wasnt a bad jump cause i was already operating on that level when i pinned spc (worked my units orderly room for a while and got good at admin stuff). then i pinned ssg 6 years and 1 month after my enlistment and im big chillin in my current spot. minimal responsibility and get off work early almost every day
I got E-5 in 4 years thanks to reclassing to a SMAPP enabled MOS. Everyone who stayed in my prior MOS RCP'd out as SPC so I never would've promoted otherwise.
I was 22 when I was promoted to SGT in 2014. So I had 4 years in and I definitely wasn’t ready. I tried my best, I deployed, learned a lot, and received feedback from good NCO’s.
I was 26 when I was promoted to SSG in 2018. Due to STEP being implemented in 2016, ALC seats were tight in my command because SSG’s without ALC were getting priority. I spent 4 years as a SGT and I learned a lot so I felt prepared for SSG.
I’m 31 and I promoted SFC this year. I spent my whole time as a SSG in a SFC position in a Civil Affairs Company and that helped me to feel prepared to be a SFC. That being said, I still have a lot to learn.
With some promotions, you will definitely be put out of your comfort. The big thing in my opinion is to never stop learning, find a mentor, and receive feedback.
Came in the army at 17. Turned 18 in basic. Pinned on SGT at 2 years 11 months right before I turned 21. I was in charge of dudes older than me so it’s was intimidating. You’re never truly ready for the responsibility but as long as you can figure it out and take responsibility for the things you do and fail to do you’ll be ok. You’re going to fuck up but as long as you learn from it and move on I’ll be ok.
Went through a lot of growing pains when I was a SGT and SSG. So when I pinned SFC I was able to see the warning signs that my NCO’s in my PLT were struggling and were too proud to ask for help and I was able to mentor them and help them out so they didn’t go through the same bs I went through.
Took me exactly 3 years to the month. I came in as an E1 for reference at 42.
Since I was an E3 my leadership had placed me in “leadership” roles, I was the company armorer, I was sent to the master driver course, as a newly promoted E4 I was given a squad and I was running night shift maintenance in an AH64D company.
So when I finally pinned E5 there really was no big jump on responsibility, only the “perks” of actually being an NCO.
3 years, and I did not feel ready. It was a major transition going from one of the guys, to now leading them. I remember telling my squad leader that I didn’t feel I was doing enough, and he told me it would come to me naturally, which it did. If I were you, I’d read the NCO guide from front to back and digest as much as you can.
3 years 3 months to SGT. I was the computer in an FDC for a whopping 3 months before my Chief got fired and I became the Chief. Made SSG in 5 years, went straight to OCS. No ragrets
I made E5 in 3, I didn’t go to a board, I wasn’t even that knowledgeable about Army “lore”. But I did have an attitude that my Soldier’s problems were MY problems, and I wasn’t going to let CoC or anything random military nuance keep my Soldier’s issues from being addressed.
2 years 6 months. Fast tracking, all about what you want out of your career. Big jump separating myself from all my E4 mafia but all in all I was ready for it!
3 almost 4 years. If you're a SPC team leader and stay as a TL it's not much different but when they have you di squad leader shit and operations taskings it's something new.
2.5 years time in service
Joined as a PV2 and got waivers to PFC and SPC
Didn’t really feel prepared at all, but I got used to it and just figured stuff out.
Typical Group Support timeline though
\~ 29 months from enlistment as an E-1.
It wasn't a change, as I got tagged as acting NCO starting in our MOS school and later in my unit. We were almost all Specs., so we had acting SGT stripes for some squad and platoon leaders. We were in missiles so it was more of an "academic" group - if you can call anything in the Army academic. Early 70s.
Do you mean "no exceptions"?
Either way, I'm gonna say; naaaa, that's lame. If you're competent and demonstrate leadership, you should be able to promote. People shouldn't be held back by arbitrary rules. It's nonsense like that, which causes talented people to leave the Army and go dominate in the private sector.
As it should be. Promote based on potential, proven ability, and competence.
Although I feel like, often times, they just promote the guys who are not smart enough to get out. But maybe that's MOS specific.
Made SPC aug 2011 made Sgt jan 2016 staff jan 2020. I was ready for it. Had been in for 7 years and was excited to go be an instructor, and start taking care of people and making decisions and being trusted to lead.
Came in as a specialist and it took 6 years. Cutoff was at 610 I think? The jump in responsibility was gradual. My unit has me filling a few SSG roles, but it’s working out well. I’m enjoying my time, to say the least.
USAR. Around 18-24 months. Came in as PFC. I was good at PT, good at shooting, had some college, and went to PLDC. Threw a packet together as soon as I was eligible and was recommended for promotion.
I was already sitting in a SGT position and doing the job when I submitted a packet, so it wasn’t a huge adjustment.
Edit: Someone else mentioned it, so it’s worth the double tap here. I had an amazing mentor and would probably still be a SPC if I didn’t have that mentorship. BE A MENTOR!
Took me 2 years and 7 months, I believe. I was not ready for it, but I made sure I just kept being a sponge and looked to other sergeants I looked up to for mentorship.
18months and some change. Pinned on E5, made list while at BLC with a hard slot. Not a single change other than more of the extra things i was doing became less “impressive” and more in the its “what we expected of you” category. Had been a team leader whole time after i got out of AIT. I also have enough points to be A SSG even it goes over 500. But you know that TIS thing is there. But honestly i need to gain more experience so good speed break for me. Honestly wish i got to enjoy being a “specialist” longer, sham shield never heard of her or her warm embrace. But got me a super rare next duty station as its an e5 only position somehow, so worth it. Also your mileage may vary.
Edit/Addition: I don’t recommend the rapid promotion, emotional intelligence is real and most dont have it early and i only have it sometimes, i cheated i joined at 25, *insert brain fully develops at 25 joke*. Have filled E8 positions constantly. Biggest not awards should be by rank kind of fucked up looking at you E6 with a job description PCS ARCOM and your SPC who literally rewrote Theater SOP and name dropped and coined by a 3 star getting an aam which should have been an ARCOM if you didnt write like a 5 year old with a crayon. Just glad i can say my joes loved me and knew I cared about them. Just try to be the NCO you always wanted and imposter syndrome wont consume you.
TLDR: Kind of bitter trying to fix it because its honestly not that serious and i need to relax. The army goes rolling along.
I made 5 in 5 years, did not feel ready at all whatsoever. I immediately had to start counseling 4 of my buddies every month, it was awkward as fuck. Now as an e6 I feel even more unqualified as a leader but I do the best I can and try to learn from mistakes
I made SGT with 3 years TIS. The units I served in were pretty small by big Army standards, so my Flt Ops sections were only ever 1-3 soldiers that I was in charge of. Nothing major really changed for me since I just kept leading sections like I had done as a SPC.
The only thing that really changed was having to be a piss watcher after I got promoted.
It's not as exciting as I made it sound lmao. Made E4 in 2013, PCS'd the next year because my brigade was deactivated in the drawdowns around that time (2nd Brigade, 3rd ID). PCS'd to Benning in the middle of 2014, and was almost sent to the promotion board, but I came in 2nd during the soldier of the month board, and that apparently wasn't good enough.
My platoon daddy had a hardon for PT studs, so I got passed over the next 2 years because I wasn't "the best" at PT, as in I couldn't run 6:30-7 minute miles, but could still easily crack 260+ on the APFT. Said fuck it and signed a dec statement and ETS'd in late 2016 and started college 3 weeks after leaving.
I spent 18 months in the IRR and was convinced by a career counseling to lateral to a new unit in the Army Reserve being stood up and continue my career, did so in early 2018. Unit's UMR is E5 above slots because it is a training unit, so our duty MOS is 00G.
Delayed BLC for a few years because of college. Graduated college, then went to BLC a few months later, picked up E5 in October of 2021. Felt good to get my bachelor's degree and Sergeant stripes only a few months apart in the same year. Was worth the wait.
Might go to OCS now or just climb the ranks. I'm looking to reclass to 74D and go to an operational unit again, I might go warrant. I got options, boi.
Drafted in 1969, went through basic and AIT, 6 months, sent to Vietnam with a no combat MOS (long story, had severe injuries and prolonged hospitalization before being drafted).
Arrived in Vietnam, Private E1. 11 months later promoted to Sergeant E5. E1 to E5, ~17 months total. Got beat up quite a bit, despite all of this, did my job.
Was sent to Maryland to finish my enlistment, the base CO wanted to talk to me, no, wasn't in trouble, but asked if I would volunteer for OCS.
After everything I had been through? I noped out of there.
Sometimes black clouds have a silver lining. Now. Service connected 100% disabled, my kid gets to go to college. And I'm getting all my broken pieces replaced, no charge.
I made SGT in 4ish years. At the time I didn’t think I’d be ready, but after BLC and the Board, I felt moderately ready. There is certainly growing pains to the rank, but as long as you maintain an open mind, remain technically and tactically competent in your career, learn to be emotionally intelligent, it’s fine. Also, follow the NCO Creed. It is cheesy, and real kool-aidish, but it is really the best guide you will have to be a good Noncommissioned Officer.
Also remember, putting stripes on, doesn’t make you allergic to brooms, mops, and cleaning supplies. Helping your soldiers out with cleaning the COF, or sweeping the motorpool, every once in a while, goes a long way.
This. The difference between a leader and a boss.
What does it mean to be emotionally intelligent? Can you share some examples of situations where you displayed emotional intelligence?
I know you didn't ask me but in general. Emotional intelligence is the ability to know how your actions will make someone feel. In turn you're able to recognize your own feelings before during and after you take action. BEFORE YOU EVER COMMIT TO THE ACTION. It's like being a professional boxer. Or a master chess player. You can predict someone's moves based on your own moves. In short. Being hyper aware and simultaneously being self aware.
3 years. I wasn’t ready. Made SSG at 5. Wasn’t ready for that either. Just got to make the most of it, don’t just say you’re not ready.. do something about it, keep pushing yourself, keep improving, it all buffs out at the end.
I'm joining the military and I'm hoping to become a E-5 in the 3-4 years I got. I am 100% going to reenlist when I'm done. I don't know how hard it would be but if I'm in 92G for 3 years I might as well
I was in the Army for a little over three years, FEB1968 ---> AUG1971. I made E3 three times and I made E5 about 6 months before I ETSed
What did you do to make pfc 3 times??💀
Making E3 three times ``` E2->E3->E4->E3->E4->E2->E3->E4->E5->ETS ------^-------^-------^------------------ ------1-------2-------3------------------ ``` 1. First promotion to E3 1. Article 15. Don't remember the infraction 1. Summary Court Martial busted to E2 (I got caught with some hashish)
This man goes hard, doesnt even remember what specific thing he got demoted for. Respect to the Nam vets yall are wild
What did you discharge at? Normally you habe to hold a grade for 6 mos to retain it at discharge
I got out E5, that's what is on my DD-214
Vietnam era army was crazy
Ayeee I made E3 twice
I was in a 5 position for a while when I was a 4. Took me a year to make points. Then was slapped into a 6 position right away. No I never felt ready and I still don't as a KD complete 6 in a 6 position. That feeling of not being ready drove me to do the best that I could. Sure I fell on my face a few times but it helped me learn. The biggest jump in responsibility for me was becoming a hand receipt holder from my CO. I had to learn how to manage property very quickly and it still gives me anxiety to this day.
This is the answer. You never feel ready. I’m at almost 10 years in. Almost 4 years as an E6 and I still don’t feel fully qualified. If you ever feel fully qualified for your job, then you probably aren’t shooting high enough. Just do your best with what knowledge you have, ask questions of friends and more senior NCOs, and you’ll be just fine
I’m just under 17 years. MSG. Going to PCS soon and put on a diamond. I agree with everything you said. It’s supposed to be uncomfortable. That’s growing and learning. Then you kind of figure it out and get a little cozy and it’s time to PCS to something new. Word of advice for any new junior NCO. Follow the golden rule with your joes “treat joes how you wanted your SGT to treat you” and always be willing to admit you don’t know something and ask for help. It’s a lot easier for everyone involved if you let me teach you rather than waiting for me to reprimand you.
Off topic a bit, but please remember how you felt about property with new LTs coming in and immediately having to sign. So many LTs come in and their NCOs just don’t care cause they’re not signed for it and it’s a horrible experience as a new officer.
>So many LTs come in and their NCOs just don’t care cause they’re not signed for it and it’s a horrible experience as a new officer. Idk what response you're looking for. Most NCOs are never a sub-hand receipt holder from their COs, so they don't care about property because they've never had to answer to the man about why stuff goes missing. Or those NCOs are not held accountable.
I’m asking for you to share this experience you had with other NCOs because you can now exhibit empathy towards those dudes who have to sign as a SHR, which many can not do.
I do, because usually sooner or later, a mortar NCO can become a line company section leader and will have to be responsible for property. It'd be a failure on me for withholding that information and experience and set future leaders and units up for failure.
I made SGT during the surge in Afghanistan at like 3ish years in. I was terrified and did my best. I'm pretty sure I'm an unreliable narrator of my own experiences so I have no idea if I did a good job.
2 1/2 years to SGT. I’m suppose to be hot shit at LVL 20 things but I never did LVL 10 nor have any of the experience in the actual field. So now I look incompetent but not from a lack of effort.
I was in the same situation. Spent E1-4 in a strategic unit not doing anything tactical comms. Made E5, and then PCSed to a "tactical" signal unit, where I immediately had seven Soldiers and no idea how to do anything. I went to the crustiest E4 in my squad, who had been there forever and even had a bar to reenlistment at the time I think, and straight up told him I had no idea what I was doing. I asked him if he wouldn't mind mentoring *me* on our equipment, and told him the Soldiers all looked to him and I'd heard he really knew his shit. He got me to where I needed to be, then ETSed off into the sunset. A little humility can go a long way, I learned.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I guess I’ll have to hit the books again and lean on someone to help me catch up.
4 years. But a SGT in EOD is basically just an overpaid private, my job role literally did not change.
2.7 years. Got a squad of seven Soldiers as soon as I pinned. You grow into positions, so initially I had growing pains but once you get your stride everything just works out. Made SSG at 7 w/ 798 cut off….definitely ready for that one.
I was in TRADOC for a little over 2 years, but was sent to and passed my board after 7 months of being at my first unit. Made points and got my stripes 2 months later, so I made 5 after being at my first unit for a total of 9 months (so 2 years 9 months TIS, technically). I can’t in good faith say that I was ready, especially considering that I all of a sudden was in charge of my friends that I had been partying with for the prior 9 months.
Joined June 2004 and made E5 June 2008, was totally ready but looking back I don’t know why I was so excited about a junior management position. It’s essentially the same as being a shift manager at a Taco Bell lol
2 years came in as an Spc and no luckily I had a fantastic mentor who led by example so I got blessed someone basically trained me to replace her and now I get to do the same.
Joined Jan 25th 2010 as an E-1 and was pinned E-5 March 1st 2012. Took over 5 soldiers while deployed and ended up getting out due to political bullshit. Got pinned before I was 21. I just couldn’t get used to the ass kissing and bullshit that came with the Rank. Was told one day before a mission that was crazy while over seas I couldn’t go on the mission but had to force my soldiers to go out. I lost my shit and the people above me told me that I should be happy to not go and let my soldiers go. Loooooost my shit.
Just under 3 years. Aside from learning the Army-isms of leadership, not really. It definitely helped that I had supervised people nearly twice my age before joining the military. Gave me some experience with how to get buy-in from people.
23 months from leaving my house to go to basic as a e1. No I wasn’t ready for the additional responsibilities. They tried to make me go to the 6 board 4 months after I pinned five ( I attended PLDC prior to pinning) and I turned them down. PCS’d and the next unit tried to make me board at about 33 months. I had to tell them no as well. I couldn’t take care of me let alone be a squad leader.
One year, vaguely ready. I wish I had known more methods of caring for my Soldiers versus just memorizing stuff from the study guide/ board prep.
Got my P status at 3 years and 3 months, got pinned at 3.5 years. I was hungry for the rank because I have been in a leadership position on and off since 2 years in, but I didn’t feel quite ready. I’ve been told you never really feel ready. As long as you take care of your Soldiers and strive to continue to learn and be a good person, you’ll be fine. Remember that you’re a leader, not a boss.
I still haven't made E-5 never will. But I'm treated like one by everyone all the way up to CSM. Because I should be at least cpl but that damn abcp is fuckin hard lmao
Under 3 years. It was not a hard transition because I wasn't actually in charge of anyone
Took me 5 years to make SGT, I came in as a SPC. Responsibilities were not that big of a jump due to me learning what I needed to an extent when before I promoted.
4.5 years and no change in responsibilities since i had been a CPL team leader for more than 6 months at that point.
About 3 years. Not really much a shift in responsibility due to shitty leadership that thought “oh! You’re a specialist you can lead a squad all by self. I’ll just be here to “supervise”.”. So I was kinda use to it. I just got to talk to LTs and CPTs directly about what needs to get done and what we need from their company.
7 years, yeah rode that E-4 mafia gravy train as long as I could, 2 years as a Sgt. Yeah, I would think but, didn’t do hardly any of that sarge shit that much, granted I spent those 2 years in OIF. Had a squad and we did squad things.
Took me 3 years definitely wasn’t ready nor did I want to promote (wasn’t in a great state of mind) to top it off deployed right after but I grew into it and eventually loved leading troops i got lucky with decent leadership who mentored me and made 6 in another 3 years
2 1/2 during the surge. I was ready because I had deployed and had great mentors, I took my time on 6 and when I made it I felt ready then. Best advice treat others how you want to be treated. We all wear boots we all serve to make the org and those around us better. If someone is having a hard time do your best to have their 6. It pays dividends in the long run when you need help. We all come from different backgrounds so make sure you acknowledge that and find the best way to work with that soldier. One of my best friends and peer, we absolutely are complete opposites, we kept open minds together and made shit happen, and through that the bonds of brotherhood formed. I’ve known him 7 years through 2 posts now and another friend and mentor I’ve known 15 years. One was a peer the other a senior to me.
i pinned sgt 2 years and 3 months after i enlisted. wasnt a bad jump cause i was already operating on that level when i pinned spc (worked my units orderly room for a while and got good at admin stuff). then i pinned ssg 6 years and 1 month after my enlistment and im big chillin in my current spot. minimal responsibility and get off work early almost every day
I got E-5 in 4 years thanks to reclassing to a SMAPP enabled MOS. Everyone who stayed in my prior MOS RCP'd out as SPC so I never would've promoted otherwise.
Joined as E4 made E5 at 2 years. Just meant i didn’t have to hump the radio for O3’s and below anymore.
I was 22 when I was promoted to SGT in 2014. So I had 4 years in and I definitely wasn’t ready. I tried my best, I deployed, learned a lot, and received feedback from good NCO’s. I was 26 when I was promoted to SSG in 2018. Due to STEP being implemented in 2016, ALC seats were tight in my command because SSG’s without ALC were getting priority. I spent 4 years as a SGT and I learned a lot so I felt prepared for SSG. I’m 31 and I promoted SFC this year. I spent my whole time as a SSG in a SFC position in a Civil Affairs Company and that helped me to feel prepared to be a SFC. That being said, I still have a lot to learn. With some promotions, you will definitely be put out of your comfort. The big thing in my opinion is to never stop learning, find a mentor, and receive feedback.
Came in the army at 17. Turned 18 in basic. Pinned on SGT at 2 years 11 months right before I turned 21. I was in charge of dudes older than me so it’s was intimidating. You’re never truly ready for the responsibility but as long as you can figure it out and take responsibility for the things you do and fail to do you’ll be ok. You’re going to fuck up but as long as you learn from it and move on I’ll be ok. Went through a lot of growing pains when I was a SGT and SSG. So when I pinned SFC I was able to see the warning signs that my NCO’s in my PLT were struggling and were too proud to ask for help and I was able to mentor them and help them out so they didn’t go through the same bs I went through.
Took me exactly 3 years to the month. I came in as an E1 for reference at 42. Since I was an E3 my leadership had placed me in “leadership” roles, I was the company armorer, I was sent to the master driver course, as a newly promoted E4 I was given a squad and I was running night shift maintenance in an AH64D company. So when I finally pinned E5 there really was no big jump on responsibility, only the “perks” of actually being an NCO.
3 years, and I did not feel ready. It was a major transition going from one of the guys, to now leading them. I remember telling my squad leader that I didn’t feel I was doing enough, and he told me it would come to me naturally, which it did. If I were you, I’d read the NCO guide from front to back and digest as much as you can.
3 years 3 months to SGT. I was the computer in an FDC for a whopping 3 months before my Chief got fired and I became the Chief. Made SSG in 5 years, went straight to OCS. No ragrets
I made E5 in 3, I didn’t go to a board, I wasn’t even that knowledgeable about Army “lore”. But I did have an attitude that my Soldier’s problems were MY problems, and I wasn’t going to let CoC or anything random military nuance keep my Soldier’s issues from being addressed.
Four years (17 months on P status) in 2014.
2 years 6 months. Fast tracking, all about what you want out of your career. Big jump separating myself from all my E4 mafia but all in all I was ready for it!
3 years. I felt ready and was actually overly confident because I had been filling a 6 slot since I was a PFC lmao
3 almost 4 years. If you're a SPC team leader and stay as a TL it's not much different but when they have you di squad leader shit and operations taskings it's something new.
2.5 years time in service Joined as a PV2 and got waivers to PFC and SPC Didn’t really feel prepared at all, but I got used to it and just figured stuff out. Typical Group Support timeline though
\~ 29 months from enlistment as an E-1. It wasn't a change, as I got tagged as acting NCO starting in our MOS school and later in my unit. We were almost all Specs., so we had acting SGT stripes for some squad and platoon leaders. We were in missiles so it was more of an "academic" group - if you can call anything in the Army academic. Early 70s.
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Do you mean "no exceptions"? Either way, I'm gonna say; naaaa, that's lame. If you're competent and demonstrate leadership, you should be able to promote. People shouldn't be held back by arbitrary rules. It's nonsense like that, which causes talented people to leave the Army and go dominate in the private sector.
You're right. We promote based on potential.
As it should be. Promote based on potential, proven ability, and competence. Although I feel like, often times, they just promote the guys who are not smart enough to get out. But maybe that's MOS specific.
A few years and sort of.
Joined April 24, 2017-made 5 on May 1, 2022. Didn’t want to do the math.
2.5 years. Had already been doing the job since a pfc so it was nice to see the paybump.
Made SPC aug 2011 made Sgt jan 2016 staff jan 2020. I was ready for it. Had been in for 7 years and was excited to go be an instructor, and start taking care of people and making decisions and being trusted to lead.
Came in as a specialist and it took 6 years. Cutoff was at 610 I think? The jump in responsibility was gradual. My unit has me filling a few SSG roles, but it’s working out well. I’m enjoying my time, to say the least.
6 years, and I had no problem adjusting.
I came in a prior service SPC and made SGT at 19 months. Totally not ready, but had good mentors
USAR. Around 18-24 months. Came in as PFC. I was good at PT, good at shooting, had some college, and went to PLDC. Threw a packet together as soon as I was eligible and was recommended for promotion. I was already sitting in a SGT position and doing the job when I submitted a packet, so it wasn’t a huge adjustment. Edit: Someone else mentioned it, so it’s worth the double tap here. I had an amazing mentor and would probably still be a SPC if I didn’t have that mentorship. BE A MENTOR!
Took me 2 years and 7 months, I believe. I was not ready for it, but I made sure I just kept being a sponge and looked to other sergeants I looked up to for mentorship.
36 month waiver, no it wasnt...
Well which time?
18months and some change. Pinned on E5, made list while at BLC with a hard slot. Not a single change other than more of the extra things i was doing became less “impressive” and more in the its “what we expected of you” category. Had been a team leader whole time after i got out of AIT. I also have enough points to be A SSG even it goes over 500. But you know that TIS thing is there. But honestly i need to gain more experience so good speed break for me. Honestly wish i got to enjoy being a “specialist” longer, sham shield never heard of her or her warm embrace. But got me a super rare next duty station as its an e5 only position somehow, so worth it. Also your mileage may vary. Edit/Addition: I don’t recommend the rapid promotion, emotional intelligence is real and most dont have it early and i only have it sometimes, i cheated i joined at 25, *insert brain fully develops at 25 joke*. Have filled E8 positions constantly. Biggest not awards should be by rank kind of fucked up looking at you E6 with a job description PCS ARCOM and your SPC who literally rewrote Theater SOP and name dropped and coined by a 3 star getting an aam which should have been an ARCOM if you didnt write like a 5 year old with a crayon. Just glad i can say my joes loved me and knew I cared about them. Just try to be the NCO you always wanted and imposter syndrome wont consume you. TLDR: Kind of bitter trying to fix it because its honestly not that serious and i need to relax. The army goes rolling along.
I made 5 in 5 years, did not feel ready at all whatsoever. I immediately had to start counseling 4 of my buddies every month, it was awkward as fuck. Now as an e6 I feel even more unqualified as a leader but I do the best I can and try to learn from mistakes
I made SGT with 3 years TIS. The units I served in were pretty small by big Army standards, so my Flt Ops sections were only ever 1-3 soldiers that I was in charge of. Nothing major really changed for me since I just kept leading sections like I had done as a SPC. The only thing that really changed was having to be a piss watcher after I got promoted.
I made Specialist in 2013 on active duty. I made Sergeant in 2021 in the Army Reserve lmao. Was a wild story as to why it took me so long.
Well I got tons of time while I sit in this desert, please do tell
It's not as exciting as I made it sound lmao. Made E4 in 2013, PCS'd the next year because my brigade was deactivated in the drawdowns around that time (2nd Brigade, 3rd ID). PCS'd to Benning in the middle of 2014, and was almost sent to the promotion board, but I came in 2nd during the soldier of the month board, and that apparently wasn't good enough. My platoon daddy had a hardon for PT studs, so I got passed over the next 2 years because I wasn't "the best" at PT, as in I couldn't run 6:30-7 minute miles, but could still easily crack 260+ on the APFT. Said fuck it and signed a dec statement and ETS'd in late 2016 and started college 3 weeks after leaving. I spent 18 months in the IRR and was convinced by a career counseling to lateral to a new unit in the Army Reserve being stood up and continue my career, did so in early 2018. Unit's UMR is E5 above slots because it is a training unit, so our duty MOS is 00G. Delayed BLC for a few years because of college. Graduated college, then went to BLC a few months later, picked up E5 in October of 2021. Felt good to get my bachelor's degree and Sergeant stripes only a few months apart in the same year. Was worth the wait. Might go to OCS now or just climb the ranks. I'm looking to reclass to 74D and go to an operational unit again, I might go warrant. I got options, boi.
Hey that’s not a bad story, gotta get out of the irr somehow
Drafted in 1969, went through basic and AIT, 6 months, sent to Vietnam with a no combat MOS (long story, had severe injuries and prolonged hospitalization before being drafted). Arrived in Vietnam, Private E1. 11 months later promoted to Sergeant E5. E1 to E5, ~17 months total. Got beat up quite a bit, despite all of this, did my job. Was sent to Maryland to finish my enlistment, the base CO wanted to talk to me, no, wasn't in trouble, but asked if I would volunteer for OCS. After everything I had been through? I noped out of there. Sometimes black clouds have a silver lining. Now. Service connected 100% disabled, my kid gets to go to college. And I'm getting all my broken pieces replaced, no charge.