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The Revised Army Enlisted Promotion Process

By Michael S. Higginbottom and Sgt. Maj. Christopher R. Kohunsky

Combined Arms Center

Sept. 3, 2024

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The Small Unit Leader Tool allows NCOs to track Soldier progress

A Soldier is evaluated while throwing a hand grenade during the soldier skill lanes portion of the 2024 Top Intelligence competition on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Jan. 23, 2024. The Small Unit Leader Tool allows NCOs to track a Soldier’s progress in their Army Warrior Tasks and empowers NCOs to train, assess, and record that progress at any time. These tasks are imperative to developing Soldier skills and preparing them for their next rank. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster)

“The NCO also remains our true source of competitive advantage against any adversary. Technology is a valuable enhancer to our profession, but it is and always will be our NCOs who lead, train, and inspire young Americans to embrace a warrior mindset shaped by the Army Values and the profession of arms … ensuring tomorrow’s victory.” — Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer (Weimer, 2023)

The U.S. Army implemented a critical change in the enlisted promotion process on June 21, requiring Soldiers to demonstrate proficiency in Army Warrior Tasks and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) tasks before promotion board consideration. This policy underscores the Army’s commitment to maintaining high standards of readiness and performance.

This article focuses on the importance of the Army’s new Digital Job Book (DJB), the Small Unit Leader Tool (SULT), and their impact on unit promotion boards.

Prepare for Promotion

Army Regulation (AR) 600-8-19, Enlisted Promotions and Demotions, mandates Soldiers demonstrate proficiency in essential tasks at their skill level to be eligible for promotion. This requirement is facilitated through the DJB and the SULT, which ensures Soldiers meet rigorous performance standards before advancing in rank (Department of the Army, 2024).

Under the revised regulation, Soldiers also must demonstrate proficiency in Army Warrior Tasks and MOS-specific tasks in their Individual Critical Task List (ICTL).

For example, Specialists must demonstrate Skill Level 1 proficiency, while Sergeants must show Skill Level 2 proficiency. This approach ensures Soldier readiness for the next rank’s responsibilities.

Digital Job Book

The DJB allows Soldiers to view their Individual Training Record (ITR) through the Digital Training Management System (DTMS). The resource provides access to crucial training data, including Army course registrations, physical fitness test scores, height/weight measurements, individual weapon qualifications, and completed training tasks.

Additionally, the DJB offers online access to training products and task performance steps from the Soldier’s Manual of Common Tasks (STP 21-1-SMCT) and MOS-specific Soldier Training Publications (STP).

Small Unit Leader Tool

The SULT allows NCOs to view, update, and record training evaluations and qualifications for their Soldiers. NCOs can use the tool to record training completions and task evaluations directly into the ITRs in DTMS. Unit leaders control SULT access, ensuring only authorized personnel can use the tool.

Since 2020, the DJB and SULT have been available using Common Access Card (CAC) access or through personally owned devices with a username and password. Soldiers can familiarize themselves with these tools by accessing tutorials and guides on the Army Training Network (ATN) website. For additional support, the Army Training Management System (ATMS) Help Desk offers technical assistance.

Critical change in the enlisted promotion process

The U.S. Army implemented a critical change in the enlisted promotion process on June 21, requiring Soldiers to demonstrate proficiency in Army Warrior Tasks and Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) tasks before promotion board consideration. (U.S. Army photo)

Importance to NCOs

This article is crucial for all Army NCOs because it highlights the revised enlisted promotion process, emphasizing the need for NCOs not only to maintain but demonstrate proficiency in both Army Warrior Tasks and MOS-specific skills.

The introduction of the DJB and SULT ensures NCOs have clear, accessible pathways to monitor and enhance their Soldiers’ readiness for promotion.

Understanding and using these tools is essential for NCOs to effectively lead, mentor, and prepare their subordinates for the increased responsibilities that come with advancement, ultimately ensuring units remain highly capable and mission-ready.

Conclusion

The revised AR 600-8-19 regulation marks a significant step in ensuring Soldier promotion readiness. By requiring Soldiers to demonstrate proficiency through the DJB and SULT, the Army maintains high skill and preparedness standards. This approach supports individual career progression and strengthens overall unit effectiveness, reinforcing the Army’s dedication to preserving excellence in performance and readiness (Department of the Army, 2024).

 

For more information or to access the Digital Job Book or Small Unit Leader Tool, visit the Army Training Network.

References

Department of the Army. (2024). Enlisted Promotions and Demotions. (AR 600-8-19). https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN40051-AR_600-8-19-000-WEB-1.pdf

Weimer, Michael R. (2023, Sept. 23). 17th Sergeant Major of the Army Letter to the Force. Army.mil. https://www.army.mil/article/270303/17th_sergeant_major_of_the_army_letter_to_the_force

 

Michael S. Higginbottom serves as the chief, Training Management Capabilities Division, Training Management Directorate, Combined Arms Center – Training, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He has been an Army civilian professional since 2016, managing training management programs and automation systems. From 1986 to 2014, Higginbottom served on active duty in a variety of armor and cavalry positions. He enjoys riding motorcycles.

 

Sgt. Maj. Chris Kohunsky serves as the Combined Arms Center – Training sergeant major, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He enlisted in 1997 as a 19D Cavalry Scout and has served in various positions that include scout platoon sergeant, drill sergeant, and most recently, armored brigade command sergeant major. Kohunsky is a Class 65 graduate of the Sergeants Major Academy. He enjoys reading military history and working on cars.

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