Going from an E6 to an E7?

Question

My boyfriend just got promoted to a Staff Sgt.. Just curious as to what the qualifications are for a Sgt. First Class.

Answer 1

Making E7/E8/E9 is very different from making any of the lower NCO ranks. To become a senior NCO, the individual does not actually go in front of a board. Instead, a packet containing all of their professional information and photo are presented to the 5 member board. THey go through all the packets and decide which ones will be promoted and which ones will not. Every time a board convenes, they put out the minimum requirements for those that qualify to be considered, and they aren't always the same. A general guideline to go by, is he will need about 2 years TIG before he can be considered...sometimes more, sometimes less.  

Answer 2

Well, he will have to serve at least two years TIG (Time in Grade as an E6) before he can even submit his packet to the SFC Board.  This is a board that takes place every year.  He will need to get his ERB up to date with all awards, decorations, deployments, Dwell Time adjusted, etc.    It would def help if he has college under his belt.  Also Army schools.  pretty much, anything that can make him stand out among his peers.