i've been to quite a few SOM/SOQ boards and won most of em...never had any problems with my nerves gettin to me...but today as i was studying for my promotion board, the butterflies started flutterin around like crazy...i've been nervous really only like twice in my life, my wedding and the birth of my son, never at a board...i don't feel nervous all the time, just a little here and there...any advice? the board is friday and i'm not worried about my knowledge (thanks armystudyguide.com), or my bio, or my d&c, or my uniform, or my stature and confidence level...i just got the bubble guts...any one know what i'm talkin about?
I am a soldier, I fight where I'm told, and win where I fight.
Posts: 221 | Location: FORT LEAVENWORTH, KS | Registered: 27 September 2006
You'll be fine. My solution has always been to just verify the things I know (a nice broad review), and rehearse it a bit, and you're good. I was highly nervous for the promotion board versus a regular SOM board. Just remember, it's no different than the SOM boards..and in all honesty, probably easier. Just do the same thing you've done many times before, and it'll be cake.
Just relax, and know it's no different. Yes, there's your promotable status to be gained, but I assure you, unless you really are a screw up (which you're not, if you've won multiple boards before this), you will do fine.
Try to relax and keep things simple. I got nervous at my board and started rambling on some of the answers. At one point the board president asked that I take a minute to relax and take a breath in (honestly, she's one of the coolest sergeants major I've ever met!), and after that things went smooth.
If you've been studying every day all month, then don't worry about knowing all the tricky answers. Know the basics: Army Values, General Orders, Soldiers/NCO creed, etc. I was nailing all the Army programs and first aid questions until I was asked to name the Army Vaules and almost tripped up answering them (kept picturing LDRSHIP in my head).
All you're feeling is that healthy rush of adreneline you're supposed to have in situations like that. I too had it at my wedding and the births of my children. Right before my board I was whispering a mantra to myself, "I can do this, I'm confident," over and over. I got through the board okay, and having that rush when they told me I was reccomended made the news so much sweeter. Good luck!
Best of Luck! Promotion boards are usually easier than regular boards as you are not competing against someone else. Also, if you are being recommended, the board members already know that your command thinks you are ready. Just treat it like any other board and you will do fine
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference"
Posts: 101 | Location: A tiny blip on the map in Iraq | Registered: 20 September 2007
well i went and was my cocky/confident self and it all paid off! 149!! best score of this month!! thanks to everyone for your reassuring comments!!!!!!!!
I am a soldier, I fight where I'm told, and win where I fight.
Posts: 221 | Location: FORT LEAVENWORTH, KS | Registered: 27 September 2006
