Board Advice

REPORTING

  • After entering room, close the door without turning back to the board members.
  • Return to the position of attention (short pause)
  • March by the most direct route to a positiontwo steps in front of and centered on the President of the Board (pause).
  • Salute (pause)
  • Say “Sergeant Major, Sergeant Snuffy Reports”

BIO

  • Always include most significant events from your career.
  • Always include short and long-range goals.

QUESTION AND ANSWER TECHNIQUES

  • Always pause for a second or two after the board member asks a question so that you do not cut him or her off.
  • Always pay attention to detail when questions are asked. This determines if you are speaking to just one board member or if you are speaking to all of the board members.
  • Always start your answer by addressing the board member (i.e. Sergeant Major, First Sergeant, or Sergeant) and restating the question in your answer.
  • Always give as much information about the question that you know, unless the board member tells you to stop.
  • Always add in the regulation that the answer can be found in somewhere within the answer.
  • Never start an answer by saying “First of all…”

DISMISSAL

  • Stand and move to a position that is two feet in front of and centered on the President of the board (pause).
  • Address the board members and say your motto (Sergeant Major, NCOs Lead the Way).
  • Once salutes have been exchanged, step off as in marching and exit the room.

You need to know...

  • the history of the SAMC
  • how to describe the crest and what everything on it represents
  • why you want to be inducted into the club
  • why you should be inducted into the club
  • what traits you share with Audie Murphy
  • what you have done recently to separate yourself from your peers
  • the NCO Creed
  • the NCO Charge
  • the NCO Vision
  • the proper name for everything on your uniform and the proper placement of those items. Click here for an example.
  • the number of former Sergeants Major of the Army, their names, and which ones have passed away