The best thing that i think you can do is to go to this board, i one time felt the same way about the SAMC board. I didnt even know what the hell it was untill i was told i was going. The next thing you know i an inducted and the job openings flowed open. If you start there you can strive to be the SOY. Then work your way up to NCO of the year. In my eyes there all things i wish i would of done, it makes you smart in all aspects

If you're already a parent, you know this. If not, you'll find out someday. When you become a parent, you will feel no more pride than what is felt when your child makes honor roll or is ultimately selected as validictorian. You will feel this pride because you played a major roll in you child's success, just as your NCO's will feel this pride because their leadership and training helped lead you to success. If you stay in long enough, you will recommend and send soldiers to the same board that that you are condemning as a waste of time. You will be proud that one of YOUR soldiers is qualified enough to be eligible and even prouder when he or she is selected. If you don't want to do it for yourself, then do it for them. They have invested time and effort in you just as you will, ultimately, invest time and effort into other human beings, whether they are soldiers, civilian employees, or your own offspring. Listen to what I have said and choose your answer to the board members carefully. You will be remembered longer for that smart remark than you will be for making SOM. Be honest, sincere, and tactfull. I hope you make SOM. You've earned the right to be a contender...now be a winner.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SFC E,

74B,

I am a PFC (74B/25B also!), and just got back from R&R, and returned to my unit here in Iraq, only to be told two days after, I was going to SOM/Q at BN level. To make things worse, I had about 7 days to study, and the study guide was a very unconventional 25ID NCO handbook- which is mostly tasks, as opposed to facts and figures, and definitions (which I can remember easily). On top of that, the winner was to be judged by PT (I had a 255, in June 05'), and weapons qual (I did horrible, in May 05'). I had the same attitude initially- "Hey, I didn't volunteer, I didn't want to go, so if I lose, it's on them..or if I look stupid, it's on them". Then it got closer, and I decided that it'd be nice to walk away with a win, because ultimately- my PSG chose me to go because he thought I had potential. That's how I looked at it- they wanted me (or you, in your case) to go, because they think you will do well. They wouldn't send you, just to watch you get chewed by the CSM.

I went, and was the lowest ranking soldier there. Not to mention, I was the ONLY one who had studied the *wrong* study guide..apparently something got lost in translation, and my 1SG told me wrong. I went in the board, answered what I knew, was as confident as I could be, and did my best. The CSM told us the winner would be determined in a day or two, after reviewing PT cards and weapons cards. I still thought- "I have no chance anyway, oh well, at least it's over".

..till CSM said "that PFC had the best board appearance, but his PT score sucked. He has less than 24 hours to take a new PT test and score higher". Previously, 255 was my highest score. I retook it the next morning at 0600, and scored a 284, which CSM was satisfied with a little more. I'm going to BDE SOQ now, and go figure- I am getting a waiver to SPC, with effective date of 1JAN07.

Moral of the story- you don't know you have no chance till you go. I had every odd against me, and had swore to myself I'd lose, and managed to win. It's really not that bad. Trust me, if I can do it, you can.

PFC G

Congratulations, man! Keep up the good work!

Don't stop at 284, 300's are worth more points.

Regardless on if you have been to 2-20 boards, mock or "for real" ones a soldier who has the respect and faith of their fellow soldiers and COC should try their best in everything that they do. Not only is your NCO showing great confidance in your abilities by sending you to yet another board but you should be proud that that NCO is sending you because of his/her faith in you. I suggest with your answer as to why you want to be SOM is because "You want to make yourself and your COC proud of you and to do the best job possible." Not many soldiers who are ready to go to the SOM are given that chance. Practice makes perfect and when you do become an NCO then you will have all that experiance to pass to YOUR soldiers in their time of need.

quote:

Originally posted by 74BSOLDIER:
"I don't want to be the SOM, I am only here because I was told that this is my place of duty by my first line supervisor."

Honesty is a good thing, but so is tact. Try a different approach. Boards are an often disliked part of the Army, but you do get the opportunity to expand your communication skills.

you should really go and just learn from the experience... you say you are ready for the promotion board and in all honesty, i dont think you are.. trust me when i say that all the moc boards and som boards are only to gain the experience and confidence you need to go in front of the csm at a real promotion board..