1. GROUP 1: What’s right with the enlisted promotion systems?
GROUP 2: What’s wrong with the enlisted promotion systems?

2. Learning Objective Action: Review Enlisted Promotions Systems
Condition: Senior HR Leaders in a classroom environment working individually and as a member of a small group, using doctrinal and administrative publications, practical exercises, case studies, personal experience, handouts, and discussion with an awareness of the Operational Environment (OE) variables and actors.
Standard: Analysis includes:
1. Examine the objectives of the enlisted promotion system.
2. Differentiate the principles and components of the decentralized, semi-centralized, and centralized enlisted promotion systems.
3. Compare the promotion responsibilities of the S-1, HRC, and Army G-1.
SHOW SLIDE: TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE
NOTE: Inform students of the following TLO requirements.
NOTE: This class is based on regulatory guidance from AR , dated XX TBD 2011, than includes the new Semi-Centralized Promotions System (effective 1 June 2011).
NOTE: This block of instruction deal primarily with AR ; however, the instructor should also be familiar with eMILPO, The Automated Promotion Point Worksheet User’s Manual, and the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) enlisted selections and promotions website:

3. Enlisted Promotions System Objectives
Select – Train - Promote
Fill authorized positions with and recognize “Best Qualified” Soldiers
Provide for Career Progression and rank that are in line with potential
Provide for equitable promotion system
Preclude promotion of unproductive or not best qualified Soldiers
Attract and retain the highest caliber career Soldiers
SHOW SLIDE: ENLISTED PROMOTIONS SYSTEM OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Army’s Enlisted Promotions system are:
Fill authorized enlisted spaces with the best qualified Soldiers
Provide for career progression and rank that are in line with potential
Recognize the best qualified Soldiers
Attract and retain the highest caliber career Soldiers
Preclude promotion of unproductive or not best qualified Soldiers
Provide for an equitable promotion system
NOTE: Facilitate a student-centered discussion on which objective they think is the most important and if the objectives of the enlisted promotion system are being met.
AR , para 1-5

4. Promotion Authorities
DECENTRALIZED: Chapter 2
Advancements to SPC/CPL and below
Promotion Authority: Unit Commander (CDR)
SEMI-CENTRALIZED: Chapter 3
Promotions to SGT and SSG
Promotion Authority: Battalion Commander (LTC or higher)
CENTRALIZED: Chapter 4
Promotions to SFC thru SGM
Promotion Authority: Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) (Human Resources Command)
SHOW SLIDE: PROMOTION AUTHORITIES
NOTE: Inform students that the main chapters concerning active component enlisted promotions in AR are 2, 3, and 4.
- Chapter 2: The unit commander is the authority for decentralized promotions (except waivers to SPC – the BN CDR controls them).
- Chapter 3: Even though the BN CDR is the promotion authority for semi-centralized promotions, the Army still decides what the promotion point level is for promotion to the next rank. This is the Army’s way of controlling the NCO strength of a specific MOS at any given time.
- Chapter 4: Centralized promotions are managed by HQDA for the Army. It is becoming more and more of the Soldier’s responsibility to ensure they are ready for the board and that their board file is correct.

5. Decentralized Promotions
Monthly Unit Enlisted Advancement Report (AAA-117 from eMILPO) is the base document for decentralized promotions
Automatic promotions are done by the Total Army Personnel Database (TAPDB) once the Time-in-Service (TIS) and Time-in-Grade (TIMIG) requirements are met
Commanders may promote Soldiers with a waiver if room exists within the waiver restriction
Soldiers must be in a promotable status on the effective date of promotion
To deny promotion, commanders must submit a DA Form 4187 to the S-1 no later than the 20th of the month preceding the month of automatic promotion
Appropriate counseling must occur when denying a Soldier automatic promotion
Promotion Waivers
Waivers to PV2 and PFC are calculated by S-1 based on the number of assigned Soldiers at the company-level at that rank
Waivers to SPC are calculated based on the number of authorized Soldiers at the battalion-level at that rank
SPC waivers are distributed at the BN Commander’s discretion
Use the first day of the promotion month when calculating eligibility
Waivers may only be used on the 1st day of the month
SHOW SLIDE 28: DECENTRALIZED SYSTEM OVERVIEW
There are many aspects to the decentralized promotion system.
The AAA-117, Unit Enlisted Advancement Report, is provided from eMILPO.
Soldiers are automatically promoted within the Total Army Personnel Database (TAPDB), provided they have met their Time in Service (TIS) and Time in Grade (TIMIG) requirements.
(3) Commanders may promote Soldiers with a waiver provided they have promotion capability within the percentage waiver restriction as outlined in para Waivers do not have to be given just because they are available. Waivers should only be given if the commander feels that the Soldier is performing at the next level (better than peers).
(4) In order to get promoted, the Soldier must be in a promotable status on the effective date of promotion.
(5) If a unit commander elects not to recommend a Soldier for promotion on the automatic promotion date, then a DA Form 4187 denying the promotion will be submitted no later than the 20th day of the month preceding the month of the automated promotion.
(6) Counseling is an important step for both decentralized and semi-centralized promotions. If the Soldier is fully eligible but not recommended for promotion, counseling must take place initially when the Soldier attains eligibility and then at least quarterly thereafter (para 1-26). 5

6. Currently Advanced w/Waiver
Calculate PFC Waivers
Currently Advanced w/Waiver
EXAMPLE
PV1 06
Assigned to
a company
PV2 11 01
PFC 26 02
BN Authorized
SPC 48 03
SHOW SLIDE: CALCULATE PFC WAIVERS - EXAMPLE
In a unit, assume you have 26 total assigned PFCs and two were already advanced with waiver.
(1) Determine how many waivers are available this month for promotion to PFC.
NOTE: Click the mouse to see next build.
(2) The unit has 26 total assigned PFCs
NOTE: Click the mouse to see next build.
(3) By regulation, waivers are limited to 20% per rank.
(4) .20 times 26 is 5.2 maximum waivers available for the unit.
NOTE: Ask students if there are really 5.2 waivers available then click the mouse to see next build.
(5) NO! Waivers must always be round down to the lowest whole person.
(6) Next you must determine the number of Soldiers you currently have on waiver.
(7) There are two Soldiers currently on waiver.
(8) There are 3 new waivers available for your unit to PFC this month.
26 Total Assigned PFC Strength
x .20 Limit by Regulation
5.2 Maximum total waivers in unit
5 Round down always
-2 # currently advanced w/waiver
3 Number of waivers available this month

7. Calculate SPC/CPL Waivers
EXAMPLE
Currently Advanced w/Waiver
PV1 06
Assigned to
a company
PV2 11 01
PFC 26 02
BN Authorized
SHOW SLIDE: CALCULATE SPC/CPL WAIVERS
In a unit, assume you have 48 total authorized SPCs and three are already advanced with waiver.
(1) Determine how many waivers are available this month for promotion to SPC.
NOTE: Click the mouse to see next build.
(2) The unit has 48 total authorized SPCs
NOTE: Click the mouse to see next build.
(3) According to HQDA, the limit for waivers to SPC this month is 17%. Waiver percentages are published monthly by HRC and can be obtained from within the DA Promotion Cutoff Scores. The percentage generally remains around 17%.
NOTE: Click the mouse to se next build.
(4) .17 times 48 is 8.16 maximum waivers available for the unit.
NOTE: Ask students if there are really 8.16 waivers available then click the mouse to see next build.
(5) NO! Waivers must always be round down to the lowest whole person.
(6) Next you must determine the number of Soldiers you currently have on waiver.
(7) There are three Soldiers currently on waiver.
(8) There are 5 new waivers available for your unit to SPC this month. These waivers can be distributed however the Battalion Commander sees fit.
SPC 48 03 48
Authorized Strength
x DA imposed limit this month
Maximum total waivers in unit
8 Round down always
-3 # currently advanced w/waiver
5 Number of waivers available this month

8. Decentralized Timeline Example
Promotion
Month –1
Generate AAA-117 on 2d to 5th working day of the month prior to the promotion month and provide to unit CDR within 1 working day
BN S-1 computes waiver allocations
Unit CDR approves/disapproves promotions on AAA-117 and completes a DA Form 4187 for Soldiers promoted with wavier or promoted after the automatic promotion date; prepare FLAG for Soldiers denied automatic advancement and return documents to S-1
NLT 19th of month, BN S-1 inputs transactions for Soldiers denied automatic advancement
Prepare a DA Form 4187 for all waivers
Complete grade change (GRCH) transactions
SHOW SLIDE: EXAMPLE DECENTRALIZED TIMELINE
If a Soldier is going to be promoted at any time other than automatic (ahead or behind) the unit must submit a DA Form 4187 and a grade change transaction (GRCH).
If a commander wants to deny automatic promotion, he/she must attach a counseling statement to the DA Form 4187 for the first month, then at least quarterly thereafter. If a commander takes NO action, the Soldier will get promoted when they meet the TIS/TIMIG requirements. The only way to correct this erroneous promotion is for the commander to submit a DA Form 4187 explaining the circumstances of the erroneous promotion within the remarks section and sign a de facto statement if the Soldier has already received entitlements.
Although there is no time limit for this transaction, commanders should react within a reasonable amount of time.
Promotion
Month
1st of month, begin promotion of recommended Soldiers
Waivers can only be used on 1st of month
2nd workday of the month, ensure FLAG is lifted for Soldiers denied automatic promotion

9. Enlisted Advancement Report
Reviewing AAA-117
Enlisted Advancement Report
Part
Recommended
Required Actions 1
Eligible
YES
Automatic – No action required NO
Circle and Initial
Submit DA Form 4187 and eMILPO transaction
Counsel Soldier 2
Eligible with Waiver
If waiver available, circle and initial
Submit DA Form 4187 and eMILPO Grade Change transaction
No action required 3
Not Eligible
SHOW SLIDE 30: REVIEWING AAA-117
If eligible and not recommended (NO), the unit commander can submit a DA Form 268 (flag). The S-1 will submit an eMILPO transaction with code PA (CDR Decision to Block Auto Promotion) in “Deny Promotion” Module.
If a Soldier is eligible but not recommended for promotion, the first line leader must counsel the Soldier in writing (DA Form 4856) to inform the Soldier what they need to do to improve and become eligible for promotion. The Company 1SG should review the counseling and provide a copy to S-1 for filing.
All eMILPO transactions must be submitted by the S-1 prior to the 20th of the month, for promotions occurring in the next month.

10. Semi-Centralized Promotions

11. Semi-Centralized Promotions
Leader Involvement
Company Commander
Command Sergeant Major
Battalion Commander
Human Resources Command
Soldier Eligibility
Promotion Point Worksheet
Promotion Boards
Command List Integration
Battlefield Promotions
Promotion Ceremonies
eMILPO and EDAS
LEADER INVOLVEMENT
• Company Commander - Recommends Soldiers when they are ready; denies Command List Integration to SGT & SSG when they are not
• CSM’s Role (Board) - Validates Company Commander’s Recommendation – GO / NO GO
• Battalion Commander – Promotion authority.
• Human Resources Command - Maintains Recommended List – OML by MOS ; Establishes Cutoff Scores; Determines monthly promotion requirements
Instructor notes: Promotion Audits
It is at the Commander’s discretion to have a Soldier’s promotion documents audited. However, they are not required to do so by policy but it is recommended that they conduct a 10% audit. It is highly encouraged to ensure promotion points are validated. HQDA will conduct random promotion score audits.
If HQDA audits a Soldier’s promotion record and the Soldier cannot substantiate entries on their ERB with supporting documentation (i.e. missing an award).
HQDA will input a removal from selection list flag (FA code) which will appear on the AAA-095 (Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions Management Report) and the Soldier’s ERB. The Soldier and the unit will be notified of this action and a request for documentation will be sent via . If a Soldier cannot substantiate their points, HQDA will instruct the BN HR to remove unsubstantiated point entries through eMILPO. After the entry is removed HQDA will verify that the points within the PPW are reflected correctly. The flag will be removed upon HQDA verification of the point adjustments.

12. Monthly Promotion Cycle
AR , Figure 3-3
Promotion score adjusts automatically when ANY promotion- related data changes in the Soldier’s record
On the 11th day of each month, HQDA “captures” all promotion scores and produces order of merit lists for all MOS to determine promotions for the 1st day of the following month
SHOW SLIDE: MONTHLY PROMOTION CYCLE
This chart (from AR ) represents the proposed monthly promotion cycle. Improvements result in a Soldier being recommended for promotion, boarded and approved for integration to the recommended list by the 11th day of any given month – that Soldier (if promotion score is met) could be promoted on the 1st day of the following month.
KEY POINTS: Soldier’s promotion score used for 1st day of (e.g., June 2011) will be based on the automatically calculated score captured at midnight (EST) on the 11th day of May SOLDIERS MUST ensure that all personnel and training information is accurate in the database. This is not a new requirement – but it now impacts your promotion score.
SOLDIERS MUST ensure that all personnel and training information is accurate in the database.

13. Semi-Centralized Promotions Changes January 2016
All SPC/CPL (all components) must complete Structured Self-Development (SSD) level 1 before attaining eligibility for recommendation to SGT.
All SPC/CPL (all components) must graduate the Basic Leader Course (BLC) before they are eligible for promotion pin-on to SGT.
All SGTs (all components) must complete SSD level 2 before attaining eligibility for recommendation to SSG.
All SGTs (all components) must graduate the Advanced Leaders Course (ALC) before they are eligible for promotion pin-on to SSG.
Soldiers who are not fully qualified for promotion will not be selected for promotion pin-on regardless of promotion point scores.
Promotion pin-on to sergeant (SGT) requires graduation of the Basic Leader Course, and promotion pin-on to Staff Sergeant (SSG) requires graduation of the Advanced Leader Course.
DMPM Memo Noncommissioned Officer Promotions under Select, Train, Educate, Promote, 17 Aug 15

14. Centralized Promotions
Centralized Selection Boards
Board President
General Officer A IN B
AR/EN C
FA/AD D
SIG E
MP/MI F
QM/CM/AC K
REC/RET/ BAND/PAO G OD H
MED I
AG/CH/ FI/LGL J
AV/TC L
SF/CA/PSYOP*
Overview
Commander, HRC promotes Soldiers to the ranks of SFC, MSG, and SGM.
Selection and promotion authority by HQDA does not deprive local commanders of the authority to reduce Soldiers in the rank of SFC, MSG, and SGM for inefficiency or conviction by civil court.
HRC announces the criteria for primary and secondary zones of consideration for each grade before each board via MILPER message and .
SSG, SFC, and MSG may decline consideration for promotion and, if applicable, attendance at USASMA.
Minimum of 5 members including commissioned officers and senior NCOs; female and minority representation, if available
President of board is a General Officer
Non-selects for promotion are not given specific reasons
No Soldier may personally appear before the board
Letters to the board are authorized, but discouraged
SHOW SLIDE 34: CENTRALIZED SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The Commander, HRC promotes Soldiers to the rank of SFC, MSG, and SGM. Primarily, centralized promotions rely on the Soldier to ensure their records are up-to-date prior to the board meeting. Selection and promotion authority by HQDA does not deprive local commanders of the authority to reduce Soldiers in the rank of SFC, MSG, and SGM for inefficiency or conviction by a civil court.
Criteria for primary and secondary zones of consideration for each grade are announced by the HRC before each board. Soldiers in the rank of SSG, SFC, and MSG may decline consideration for promotion and, if applicable, attendance at the U.S. Army Sergeants’ Major Academy (USASMA).

15. Centralized Promotions
AR , Tables 4-1, 4-2
Battalion S-1:
Notify Soldiers in the zone of consideration for promotion
Assist Soldiers by submitting authorized AMHRR documents and updating their ERB information
Ensure Soldiers are counseled regarding the service remaining requirement and procedures for declining promotion
Prepare certificate of promotion
Prepare removal documentation, if necessary
Brigade S-1:
Review HQDA selection list and notify HRC of any discrepancies
Forward initial FLAG to HRC for Soldiers on promotion list
Forward reclassification orders on Soldiers who are reclassified while on promotion list
Screen the monthly sequence number memorandum and by-name list for promotions
Ensure promotions orders are provided to BN S-1
SHOW SLIDE: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CENTRALIZED PROMOTIONS
NOTE: Refer students to AR , Tables 4-1, 4-2, and 4-4 to discuss BN and BDE S-1 roles and responsibilities.
BDE S-1s have the most interaction with HQDA regarding centralized promotions. However, most contact with Soldiers is done by the BN S-1.
Although promotion lists are released from HQDA to the BDE S-1, it is still the BN S-1’s responsibility to notify Soldiers and prepare promotion certificates.
As with anything, the BDE S-1 should supervise and provide guidance to BN S-1s to ensure the successful accomplishment of the mission.

16. Centralized Promotions Changes FY 2016
AC-USAR (AGR) Sergeant First Class (SFC) selection board, soldiers considered and selected for promotion to SFC must be graduates of Senior Leaders Course (SLC) before they are fully qualified and eligible for promotion pin-on to SFC.
Soldiers that are considered and selected for Master Sergeant (MSG) must be graduates of Master Leader Course (MLC), once fully implemented, before they are fully qualified and eligible for promotion pin-on to MSG.
Soldiers that are not fully qualified for promotion (monthly pin-on) will not be selected, regardless of sequence number, and will have to compete against a future requirement when fully qualified.
Upon the official release date of a centralized board; Soldiers selected for promotion without the NCOES requirement will have 18 months to complete the level of NCOES required for promotion pin-on or will be removed from the centralized list on the first day of the 19th month. A Soldier who is not otherwise selected for promotion pin on because they were not fully qualified by the expiration date of the list, will be administratively removed and must re-compete for selection by the next scheduled board.
Retention Control Point. AC-USAR (AGR) Soldiers selected for promotion to the rank of Sergeant First Class and Master Sergeant by a HQDA centralized board will no longer attain an extended retention control point (as provided for in table 3-1 of AR ) until actual promotion pin-on to the higher rank.
Reference: Milper Msg STEP, 27 Aug 15

17. Qualitative Management Program (QMP)
Applies to SSG through CSM/SGM in the Active Army and AGR whose performance, conduct, or potential does not meet Army standards.
Senior NCOs are subject to QMP if they receive one of the following documents since their last promotion:
General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand
Conviction by Courts-Martial or Article 15, UCMJ
Relief for Cause Noncommissioned Officer Evaluation Report
Annotation of "NO" in part IV, block a, (Army Values) on DA Form
Senior Rater Rating of 4 (Fair) or 5 (Poor) in the overall Performance or Potential blocks on an NCOER
Academic Evaluation Report (DA Form 1059) indicating NCOES Course Failure
GCMCA or HRC (or designee) may request referral of an NCO to a QMP screening board – approved by Army G-1
NCOs who fail to complete NCOES training to qualify themselves for promotion consideration subject to QMP
SHOW SLIDE: QUALITATIVE SERVICE PROGRAM
In March 2012, the Army implemented two new Qualitative Services Programs in addition to the QMP.
QMP. The Qualitative Management Program is a program designed to enhance the quality of the force. QMP was suspended following partial mobilization in 2003; however, was reinstated in July The QMP considers Senior NCOs (SFC-SGM) whose performance, conduct and/or potential for advancement may not meet Army standards. NCOs selected for QMP are denied continued service.
OS-QSP. The Over-Strength Qualitative Service Program Board considers NCOs (SSG-SGM) in specific PMOS/grade where the Army’s 12-month operating strength projection exceeds its goal.
PS-QSP. The Promotion Stagnation Qualitative Service Program Board considers NCOs (SSG-SGM) in specific PMOS/grade where promotion stagnation exists.
NCOs identified by the OS-QSP and PS-QSP Boards who are not eligible for retirement will be afforded the opportunity to volunteer into a shortage MOS, if qualified.
As an S-1, you may be involved in the notification process, in addition to providing sound advice to the commander and Soldier, on available options.
Reference: Army Directive , QMP, 10 April 2014

18. Standby Advisory Boards
(STAB)
Initial consideration - File was not seen by a previous promotion board due to error
Reconsideration - First award of MSM or higher was omitted or another Soldiers document was placed in file by mistake
Removal - On promotion list w/sequence number; however, before being promoted committed an offense that warrants consideration for removal
SHOW SLIDE: STANDBY ADVISORY BOARDS
STAB: One of the final missions of a centralized board is the convening of Standby Advisory Boards (STAB). The three basis for STABs are shown here.
A STAB for Initial Consideration may occur if a record which was within an established promotion zone of a particular board was not reviewed by that board, for whatever reason (e.g. incorrect BASD excluding Soldier from zone of consideration).
A Reconsideration STAB may occur if a record going before a board was found to contain a major material error or where an official change was made in the record (e.g. an Article 15 belonging to SSG Smith was found in SSG Jones' file, and SSG Jones was not selected for promotion).
The final basis for a STAB to be conducted is when a board receives a request submitted through command channels, recommending an NCO be removed from a published promotion list. Requests for STABs are covered in AR , Enlisted Promotions and Reductions, Chapter 4.”
** Imperative Soldiers and Chain of Command review AR , Chapter 4 before submitting request for STAB **

19. S-1 Takeaways The Army’s Enlisted Promotions System:
Provides for career progression and rank based on potential
Recognizes best qualified Soldiers
Precludes promoting sub-standard Soldiers
Provides an equitable system for all Soldiers at all grades
Stay engaged in the process (CSM / NCOIC / Warrant)
Checks and Balances (Quality Control)
Ensure subordinate S-1s and HR Specialists understand the process and their responsibilities
Lean forward on Promotion Ceremonies (On hand supplies, certificates, narrator, etc.)
Monitor the “Big 3” Boards (SFC, MSG, SGM/CSM)
SHOW SLIDE: BDE S-1 THINGS TO KNOW
The new semi-centralized promotion system identifies best qualified Soldiers for promotion; supports an expeditionary Army; improves personnel / training data accuracy
Be involved in the process (CSM/NCOIC/Warrant)
Checks and Balances (Spot Check Soldiers)
Ensure Bn S1s understand responsibilities
Promotion Ceremonies (On hand supply, narrator)
Monitor the “Big 3” Boards (SFC, MSG, SGM/CSM)
Promotions affect Soldiers’ lives and families
Promotions affect Soldiers’ lives and families!

20. Learning Objective Action: Review Enlisted Promotions Systems
Condition: Senior HR Leaders in a classroom environment working individually and as a member of a small group, using doctrinal and administrative publications, practical exercises, case studies, personal experience, handouts, and discussion with an awareness of the Operational Environment (OE) variables and actors.
Standard: Analysis includes:
1. Examine the objectives of the enlisted promotion system.
2. Differentiate the principles and components of the decentralized, semi-centralized, and centralized enlisted promotion systems.
3. Compare the promotion responsibilities of the S-1, HRC, and Army G-1.
SHOW SLIDE: TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE
NOTE: Inform students of the following TLO requirements.
NOTE: This class is based on regulatory guidance from AR , dated XX TBD 2011, than includes the new Semi-Centralized Promotions System (effective 1 June 2011).
NOTE: This block of instruction deal primarily with AR ; however, the instructor should also be familiar with eMILPO, The Automated Promotion Point Worksheet User’s Manual, and the U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC) enlisted selections and promotions website: