Hoping someone can help me out here, I've been an E-4 since 20071101 and my RDC is talking about sending me to the board soon. I'm nervous as hell because I have a tendancy to forget ALOT of what I study. I have 3 books I study from and this website, but to no avail.

Can anyone offer any tips on how I can beat this, or what would be vital to remembering and studying?

Thanks tons..

Remember that when all else fails "CSM, I cannot recall the answer to that question at this time".

LOL Thanks, just the answer I was looking for Duece..

Doubleduece is correct, if you do not know the answer, do not try to BS the board, give an honest, CSM/1SG, I do not know the answer to that question. If you can remember the reg, let them know that you do not know the answer but that it can be found in AR such in such.
Remember, the board does not want robot answers, answer a question that you do know in your own words, not word for word from the reg.

Also, once the board member asks you the question, wait a few seconds, take a deep breath, and sound like you know what you are talking about. Do not lose you military bearing, relax and you will do fine.
Good luck when the time comes.

To add to the other posts...

DO NOT say "CSM, I do not know the answer to that question at this time" for every question. I would say that a good rule is to only say that once per board member. Any more then that and it will look like you haven't studied at all.

Flash cards my friend, flash cards. Keep them with you all the time and when you aren't gainfully employed, or taking a dump, start going over them. It will help you retain the information if you see them often. On the weekends my buddies and I go out for a few drinks and study flash cards. Also writting them down on the flash cards to begin with will actually help you retain alot of the information. Another thing you could try is when you learn a new regulation for example, teach it to one of your Soldiers. The best way to tell if you know something, is by your ability to teach it to someone else. The old saying goes "those who can't do, teach. Those who can't teach, teach gym", lol.

I tend to ask situational questions most of the time, but no matter what I ask, I have pretty good knowledge of. With that said, if you send BS my way, I will strive on that subject and eventually tell the CSM to toss you out!

You are already a leader, so be up front with your superiors, as it will garner you more respect!

quote:

Originally posted by Go Ordnance:
To add to the other posts...

DO NOT say "CSM, I do not know the answer to that question at this time" for every question. I would say that a good rule is to only say that once per board member. Any more then that and it will look like you haven't studied at all.

I guess it depends on the board, I have said it more than once to the same member and still came out either promotable or winning the board.

from one MP to another if its LOOK like and NCO and TALK like and PREFORM like NCO guess what. Its and NCO
So just STUDY and check....... check .......... and check some more and some more and...... recheck your class A's you be find

quote:

Originally posted by Top_Dog:
I tend to ask situational questions most of the time, but no matter what I ask, I have pretty good knowledge of. With that said, if you send BS my way, I will strive on that subject and eventually tell the CSM to toss you out!

You are already a leader, so be up front with your superiors, as it will garner you more respect!

That's scary, lol makes me want to study twice as hard now. I'm still worried about forgetting this stuff...

And BIG BEE, thanks for that advice!

Flash cards are a great idea but like the 1SG stated be prepared for situational questions. More and more boards are focussing on situations in conjunction with the standard board 'one answer' questions.
If your chain of command can help, have them hold some mock boards prior to attending the actual board and give you feedback. The less nervous you are in appearing before a board the less likely you are to forget answers. Either way, good luck to you!!

I've recently went to the board last month, and got a 149 missed one questioned. Really it's all about how you present yourself. Be very confident, believe in yourself. I was nervous at first, but as soon as i knocked on the door 3 times and went in, all that nervouseness dissappeared. A good study technique is flash cards, that's what i used to study, they are very effective. You should only be using one study guide. I used this website to study from, that's where all my questions came from. Good luck, and trust yourself, and they (the board memebers) will trust you.

Hey, I understand what you are going through. Sometimes you read the material and after your finished it's like you don't remember reading it at all. The best advice is stop trying to memorize everything. Instead, try learning and understanding. Believe me there is a difference. When you know something, it's easy to talk about. When you memorize something, you are usually trying to recall something verbatim. Learn it!

i dunno if im too late with my response, but when i was studying for the board, alot of times it would help if i read the question, answer and then wrote it down... i only had one week to study for the board so i did like 2 subjects a night, and i did fine... hopefully you have alot more time to study but im sure you'll do great... walk in there like you own the board and keep your confidence up...youll do awesome!