I would like to think I earned the E-3 I'm going to get because of the four years I spent dedicated to JROTC. It's very hard to have a life if you participate in every thing like I did.

swg2188, I totally believe you and numerous other pre-Soldiers earned their ranks and will be a great benefit to their junior Soldiers when entering the Army.

Best of luck to you!

Yeah, I can't say I did 4 years of JROTC...but I am earning my E-2 in a few weeks. I have to complete a fairly long task list and do an APFT. Is there something wrong with that??

I don't see anything wrong with DEP soldiers doing this, and what is wrong with being 18? I know alot of 18 year olds aren't to mature. It's a matter of how mature a person is, not age. I know 30 year olds that act worse then me!
Whats worse...a 18 year old mature SPC or a immature 25 year old SPC?

A guy at MEPS was going in as an SPC. He was like 19 or so, but he went to college and worked hard. I just don't see the huge deal about it. I agree with ArmyReenlistment.

I just got pinned yesterday for my PFC (took effect may 3rd) and I guess you could say I earned it. I looked on my promotion orders and it said something about PT and time in service reached. Looked cool. lol

quote:

Originally posted by swg2188:
I would like to think I earned the E-3 I'm going to get because of the four years I spent dedicated to JROTC. It's very hard to have a life if you participate in every thing like I did.

Good for you!

I'm all for things that help Soldiers out before they get in.

Personally, I think you were smart for doing JROTC so no one should hate on you for it.

I think that Soldiers who come in higher than PV1 have done something to earn their rank. I think that those Soldiers are and should be recognized for it. Soldiers should always be striving to gain rank and responsibility, if they stop then I think the promotions should stop. This responsiblity falls on their NCOs' shoulders... if they should be promoted early - fight for it, if they shouldn't be promoted - fight for your belief. I think this all lies in the strength or weakness of NCOs and their counselings (sorry to bring up a subject that has been hashed about before, but it fits).

I guess I was a little bitter when I made my statement. It was in regards to an 18 yo SPC who just graduate BCT and is in the Stripes for Skills program. Up until now all the SPC I have come across are either did their time from from E1-3 or have it by virtue of a bachelors degree. This particular person has none more experience than an E1 they went to BCT with. And to think that they will be an E5 when they graduate, in charge of people who have waaaaaaay more TIS, TIG and real world experience?? This particular person also whines and cries about being in Phase 4...go figure

quote:

Originally posted by enforce:
This responsiblity falls on their NCOs' shoulders... if they should be promoted early - fight for it, if they shouldn't be promoted - fight for your belief. I think this all lies in the strength or weakness of NCOs and their counselings (sorry to bring up a subject that has been hashed about before, but it fits).

You don't think Soldier hold some responsibilities? Maybe some initiative? Many Soldiers are quick to place blame on their NCOs for their own shortcomings but never seem to "thank" their NCOs when things go good.

quote:

Originally posted by Epic Honor:
I guess I was a little bitter when I made my statement. It was in regards to an 18 yo SPC who just graduate BCT and is in the Stripes for Skills program. Up until now all the SPC I have come across are either did their time from from E1-3 or have it by virtue of a bachelors degree. This particular person has none more experience than an E1 they went to BCT with. And to think that they will be an E5 when they graduate, in charge of people who have waaaaaaay more TIS, TIG and real world experience?? This particular person also whines and cries about being in Phase 4...go figure

This seems like jealousy to me.

You know, sometimes when Soldiers are promoted, instead of getting jealous or making excuses for my shortcomings, I approach that Soldier in person or via email (if not in the same location) and pick their brain as to how they are so successful.

Soldiers need to stop making excuses and start be responsible for their own careers.

Yes, some Soldiers are being promoted than others because they either joined with a degree or helped Recruiters with their friends, etc. etc. Sure the ones that enlisted as Specialist will have there TIS/TIG before the rest, but they should adapt when they're promoted to Sergeant. If they are responsible to hold a specific rank...it will reflect on their NCOERs and some may even get reduced.

Boy did the topic move away from BCT going soft.

Well to respond to this, about 7 yrs ago I went to relaxing Jackson and was able to do push-ups on my knees when I couldn't do them the regular way SO WHAT! My class was also given time to eat, and other things SO WHAT! I have always maxed that event and stay in the 270- 300 range when taking a APFT. Does going to your knees make you less of a soldier? I can say hell no. As a 42A (former 42L)I bust my tail to be the best NCO I could be, and BCT/AIT was easy as heck for me. However,I wasn't brought up to be substandard. So personally it's up to the individual and the leadership they're given through out their career. unless he/she is doing 5 push-ups and quiting. Then we have a problem.

Can I do push-ups on my knees? How about riding a bike for the two-mile run? THAT would be great!

Ok, do you all know that if you are an Eagle Scout, you get a rank advancement before you go to Basic? I asked my recruiter about it b/c it's something I heard from a NG recruiter. Turns out, you do. I'm only bringing this up b/c I am an Eagle Scout and am going to OSUT at Ft. Leonard Wood next week as an E-2. Earning the Eagle rank is hard work, you gotta be dedicated to seeing it through, just like earning rank in the Army or any of the other branches. I'd like to think by earning Eagle, I earned that rank of E-2. Sorry if I sound like I'm rambling, but that's how I feel about it.

BTW, how the hell can an 18yr old earn E-4 so quick?

Back on topic........I want BCT to be hard. What's the point of getting trained to be a soldier if the training isn't hard?

quote:

Originally posted by ArmyReenlistment:
This seems like jealousy to me.

You know, sometimes when Soldiers are promoted, instead of getting jealous or making excuses for my shortcomings, I approach that Soldier in person or via email (if not in the same location) and pick their brain as to how they are so successful.

damn, i missed that comment. Always with the good points there ArmyReenlistment

quote:

Originally posted by NewRecruit001:
BTW, how the hell can an 18yr old earn E-4 so quick?

I asked myself a similar question when a female I know in 3ID went from PFC to SGT in a year in Iraq (we were both PFCs when we got to Iraq in JAN 2005).

Luck and good NCOs are my take on both situations.