Courtesy Photo | Spc. George Hanna (seated center), a Colorado Springs, Colo., native, is grilled by...... read more read more
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By Staff Sgt. Darren Rawlings
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – For countless days and nights, Mountaineer Soldiers have been studying, drilling each other over and over and flipping through hundreds of pages of the Army Study Guide, memorizing Army regulations and field manuals.
On the day of the promotion board, Soldiers find themselves, one-by-one, sitting at attention, waiting for your first question.
"Explain to me the battalion's standard operational procedure regarding a roll-over in an mine resistant ambush protected vehicle?" the first sergeant asks.
A thought came to one Soldier's mind – this isn't in the study guide. No, it's not, but then again, this isn't your ordinary promotion board. This type of board takes place routinely every month during deployments, and comes with its own unique challenges.
Even with the operational tempo as it is, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and non-commissioned officers still have the chance to further their career by going to the promotion board; just as they would in at Fort Carson, Colo.
But is it tougher versus that of the typical garrison promotion board? Do Soldiers and NCOs alike have sufficient time to prepare for a board while being deployed?
Despite a grueling operational tempo, the 64th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division still manages to hold a promotion board almost every month. The board is mostly identical to that of one in at Fort Carson. Board members have packets assembled by their company, totaling their points.
Attendees receive points in the following categories: Army Physical Fitness Test score (maximum 50 points); individual weapons qualification score (maximum 50 points); commander's recommendation (maximum 150 points); military education (maximum 200 points); civilian education (maximum 100 points); awards and decorations (maximum 100 points); and the final points come from the board performance (maximum150 points) for a potential total of 800 points.
As of September 2008, the battalion has had more than 100 service members attend the promotion board while deployed to Iraq. The Mountaineer Battalion began its deployment to Iraq in December 2007.
So is the board easier or harder? Surprisingly, a majority of Soldiers and NCOs interviewed said they preferred boards while being deployed. The first quick reason most people say is because they don't have to wear their Class A uniform like they would in a Garrison board. But when the question was pushed further, some surprising answers were revealed.
"I found I had more time to study one-on-one with NCOs while deployed. We work and live with each other and spend so much time together. It makes it a lot easier squeezing in that study time, and that really pays off," said Spc. Jason Anderson, an Orange City, Fla., native who serves as a fueler with Company A, 64th BSB.
"From my experience, I've noticed that first sergeants, while deployed, tend to ask more questions relating to our current combat environment. This being said, since the Soldier or sergeant actually applies this knowledge every day, they find the questions easier and that just helps them immensely throughout the remainder of the board," said Staff Sgt. Ryan LaClair, a Duluth, Minn., native who serves as a Petroleum Oil and Lubricant squad leader with Co. A, 64th BSB.
So, if Soldiers and NCOs feel the board is easier, is the quality of those selected for future promotion during deployments diminished?
"Absolutely not," said Sgt. Ryan Davidson, a San Marcos, Calif., native, who serves as a fueler with Co. A, 64th BSB, "our platoon sergeant would never recommend someone that wasn't completely ready. The fact that different questions are asked during the board while deployed simply reflects the environment we currently serve in."
Whether you find the board easier or more difficult while deployed, it all boils down to personal perception. Some will find it easier while others will not. The fact is, studying is still a top priority, and your nerves will still be tested regardless of the uniform you find yourself wearing.
The Mountaineer Battalion knows that the life blood of the Army cannot flow true without a solid backbone. Board members will continue to be held true to the highest standards, regardless of the location.
| Date Taken: | 09.06.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 09.06.2008 09:04 |
| Story ID: | 23300 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 168 |
| Downloads: | 84 |
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