Did I get screwed?
About a year ago, my boss, a MSgt, came into our small shop, which only consists of two people, and informed us that a MSgt stripe had been identified for our section. For context, our previous MSgt had retired about a year and a half earlier, and command leadership had previously stated they were not planning to place another MSgt in our shop. We are part of MXS, and at the time the shop consisted of two TSgts: one AGR and one technician.
Naturally, we asked whether the stripe was intended for an AGR or technician position. We were told it “didn’t matter” because it was “just a stripe.” Based on that guidance, both of us prepared extensively for the promotion board. We printed our RIPs, PT scores, resumes, and assembled complete board packages. We completed the boards and then heard nothing for weeks.
Eventually, our supervisor informed us that the board had resulted in a complete tie, fives across the board in every category. According to him, the Lt Col and Chief refused to make the final decision and instead directed our immediate supervisor to choose between us. More weeks passed with no resolution.
Later, our MSgt supervisor from the Element informed us that he intended to conduct a seven-person blind vote to make the final selection. That immediately raised concerns for me because it seemed highly irregular. The vote ultimately ended 4-3, and I was not selected.
What made the situation difficult to understand was the disparity in qualifications and performance. My coworker, who I genuinely enjoy working with and respect as a person, had been a TSgt for over a decade and had completed NCOA roughly 90 days prior to the board. Beyond that, there was little else presented.
Since 2021, I have been responsible for more than 93% of all inspections completed both inside and outside the shop. During that same period, I completed two degrees, NCOA, and even SNCOA after virtual enrollment was opened to TSgts. I took the initiative to complete it early because I believed it demonstrated preparation and commitment.
After the selection, I requested feedback from leadership regarding how the decision had been made and whether education, PME, or overall development had been factored into the process. I was told three things directly:
“Education doesn’t mean shit in MXS.”
“The score sheet on the front of the packet doesn’t mean anything. We can give points to whoever we want for whatever we want.”
“Politics are still in play.”
I also learned that our former MSgt had contacted multiple individuals who may have been involved in the process to advocate for my coworker. That same individual had previously approached me about completing CCAF coursework for money, which I refused to do on four separate occasions.
The following day, my Chief made another statement that added to my concerns. When I asked why education, or professional development were not considered during the selection process, I was told, quote:
“Since a degree isn’t required for MSgt, we felt it would be unfair to consider education because it would disadvantage the person who doesn’t have it.”
At the end of the day, I’m left wondering whether my concerns are justified or whether I’m wrong for feeling like the process was unfair from the start.