1. Review Enlisted Promotion System
October 2015

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

3. 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: Reviewed Enlisted Promotions Systems. To include examining the objectives of the enlisted promotion system. Differentiate the principles and components of the decentralized, semi-centralized, and centralized enlisted promotion systems.
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:

4. 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
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

5. 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)
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.

6. 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
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).

7. Decentralized Promotions
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

8. Currently Advanced w/Waiver
Calculate PFC Waivers
Currently Advanced w/Waiver
PV1 06
Assigned to
a company
PV2 11 01
PFC 26 02
BN Authorized
SPC 48 03
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

9. Calculate SPC/CPL Waivers
Currently Advanced w/Waiver
PV1 06
Assigned to
a company
PV2 11 01
PFC 26 02
BN Authorized
SPC 48 03
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. 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

10. Decentralized Timeline
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
Promotion
Month –1
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

11. Semi-Centralized Promotions

12. 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.

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 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

15. 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
QUALITATIVE SERVICE PROGRAM: Reference: Army Directive , QMP, 10 April 2014
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.

16. 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
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 **

17. 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: Reviewed Enlisted Promotions Systems. To include examining the objectives of the enlisted promotion system. Differentiate the principles and components of the decentralized, semi-centralized, and centralized enlisted promotion systems.
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: