Introduction
If you are scheduled to appear before a Soldier/NCO board or a promotion board, you should know that the competition will be intense. The good news is that, since you have been selected you are considered to be one of the best soldiers in your troop or company. Regardless of which type of board you are going to attend, this guide will help you arrange your preparation.
REVIEW YOUR RECORDS
You should schedule a records review at least 21 days prior to your board appearance. Your Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) is available to you online if you have an Army Knowledge Online (AKO) account. The items you will need to check are: correspondence course completion documentation, military and civilian course/school certification, awards, duty positions, assignments, time in service, time in grade, letters, etc. It's a good idea to maintain a paper copy of your personal records. Bring this documentation to the record review. At the records review examine your DA Forms 2A and 2-1, Military Personnel Records Jacket (MPRJ), to ensure your information is correct and/or updated.
Note for sergeants seeking promotion to staff sergeant; Sergeants should understand promotion board members are generally instructed to pay close attention to special and additional duty assignments. Boards are also tasked to consider evidence of a sergeant's initiative and performance in leadership positions and/or in jobs with increasing levels of responsibility. The NCOER is the primary document the board will use to determine leadership potential. Sergeants should always pay close attention to their NCOER and other documentation to ensure their duty performance is properly recorded. Remember board members are looking for NCOs who can lead effectively, not simply meet requirements.
STUDY AND PREPARATION
Obtain a study guide. The purpose of a study guide is to make you aware of the type of questions that board members may ask and to put the material in a "user friendly"...