https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN6688_AD2017-28_Web_Final.pdf
MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2017-28 (Sergeant and Staff Sergeant Promotion
Recommended List)
1. References.
a. Army Directive 2016-19 (Retaining a Quality Noncommissioned Officer Corps),
26 May 2016.
b. Army Regulation (AR) 140-111 (U.S. Army Reserve Reenlistment Program),
9 May 2007, Rapid Action Revision Issued 6 September 2011.
c. AR 350-1 (Army Training and Leader Development), 19 August 2014.
d. AR 600-8-19 (Enlisted Promotions and Reductions), 25 April 2017.
e. AR 601-280 (Army Retention Program), 1 April 2016.
f. AR 635-200 (Active Duty Enlisted Administrative Separations),
19 December 2016.
2. This directive revises Army policy for Title 10 enlisted Soldiers in the Regular Army
(RA) and U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) as specified in paragraph 3, effective the May
2018 promotion month. Because our Army is a Soldier-centric force, we must rely on a
professional noncommissioned officer (NCO) Corps to sustain our stature as the world’s
premier combat force. Leader development is a time-intensive process, but the end
product of that investment is an NCO Corps of competence and character fit to lead in
combat. It is essential that unit leaders—across all levels—understand their individual
role in ensuring that we develop and train our Soldiers and NCOs to assume increasing
levels of responsibility. To this end, we must remain committed to retaining the talented
men and women we have accessed and trained because they are our future.
3. It is imperative that the Army maintain a quality force by keeping Soldiers who are
competent, educated, motivated, and trained to work as members of a team. All
leaders are responsible for training and developing our Soldiers for increased levels of
responsibility by the time a Soldier attains promotion eligibility in the primary zone. My
expectation is that the vast majority of Soldiers will be integrated into the promotion
recommended list upon attainment of such eligibility. By affording quality Soldiers
promotion opportunities and, conversely, denying continued service to those who clearly
S E C R E T A R Y O F T H E A R M Y
W A S H I N G T O N
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2017-28 (Sergeant and Staff Sergeant Promotion
Recommended List)
2
do not show they have the potential for such service, we strengthen our Army and NCO
Corps. The following policies align an “up-or-out” system by linking continued
advancement with retention control points. To improve readiness, morale, retention,
and the professional development of our talented Soldiers consistent with sustaining an
All-Volunteer Army, I direct the following policy changes concerning promotion to
sergeant (SGT) and staff sergeant (SSG):
a. Promotion eligibility criteria for recommendation and promotion (RA and USAR)
are in the enclosure, which supersedes AR 600-8-19, tables 3-1 through 3-4.
b. Rules for integration in the promotion recommended list (AR 600-8-19, table 3-1)
are applicable to RA and USAR Active Guard Reserve (AGR) only.
(1) Secondary Zone. Unit commanders will consider eligible Soldiers who are in
the secondary zone for integration into the SGT/SSG recommended list on a monthly
basis. When the unit commander determines a Soldier has the potential for increased
responsibility, the unit commander will recommend the Soldier for promotion and refer
him or her to a local promotion board. Those Soldiers who are approved will be
integrated into the promotion recommended list with all earned promotion points.
(2) Primary Zone. Appearance before a local promotion board is mandatory for
all Soldiers upon initially reaching primary zone eligibility. All Soldiers approved for
promotion list integration will be integrated into the promotion recommended list with all
earned promotion points. A Soldier who is not recommended for integration will be
formally counseled on why he or she was not recommended. Counseling must identify
what Soldiers must do to improve their knowledge, skills, and attributes and to prepare
themselves for increased responsibility. The counseling also must address the
consequences of not being integrated into the promotion recommended list. Those
consequences include a potential bar to continued service (references 1b and 1e)
because the Soldier is noncompetitive for promotion and does not demonstrate
leadership potential. Additionally, retention control points (reference 1a) used to
determine the maximum years of service a Soldier may serve without promotion should
be incorporated into the counseling. Soldiers who respond to training and counseling,
and demonstrate they have the potential for increased responsibilities will be sent to the
promotion board.
(3) Command List Integration. Command list integration is rescinded for RA and
USAR (AGR) Soldiers only and replaced with mandatory list integration. All Soldiers
meeting the eligibility criteria in table 3-1 (at the enclosure) for mandatory list integration
must be integrated into the promotion recommended list. Soldiers integrated into the list
will be credited with all earned promotion points. The ability of local commanders to
deny integration into the promotion recommended list (as was set forth in command list
integration policy) is rescinded. Instead, commanders will use the bar to continued
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2017-28 (Sergeant and Staff Sergeant Promotion
Recommended List)
3
service (with counseling) to identify those individuals who have no potential for
continued service or leadership. Soldiers who meet time in service (TIS) and time in
grade (TIG) eligibility, but are not otherwise eligible for promotion list integration
because they do not meet other eligibility criteria, will not be integrated into the
promotion recommended list until they overcome the basis for their ineligibility. When
they meet all eligibility criteria, these Soldiers will be integrated into the promotion
recommended list and will compete for promotion with all earned promotion points.
c. Bar to Continued Service (AR 601-280 and AR 140-111). The Deputy Chief of
Staff (DCS), G-1 will impose a Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA) bar to
continued service against any Soldier (RA and USAR (AGR) only) who fails to qualify
for mandatory appearance before a promotion board upon attaining primary zone
TIS/TIG eligibility because he or she did not complete mandatory Structured Self-
Development (SSD) courses. The HQDA bar to continued service puts a Soldier on
notice that his or her continued service may not be in the Army’s best interest. Upon
imposition of the HQDA bar to continued service, the company, detachment, or
comparable commander of the unit the Soldier is assigned to or attached for duty and
administration will counsel the Soldier regarding the requirement to qualify for promotion
board appearance by completing SSD courses. The commander will review the bar to
continued service at least every 3 months after the date of imposition and 30 days
before the Soldier’s scheduled departure from the unit or separation from the Service.
Upon completion of each 3-month review, the unit commander will use DA Form 4856
(Developmental Counseling Form) to inform the Soldier that the bar has been reviewed
and will remain in effect unless the Soldier completes the mandatory SSD courses. The
Soldier will be further informed that, upon completion of the fourth 3-month review,
separation proceedings will be initiated unless he or she has qualified for appearance
before a promotion board by completing the mandatory SSD courses. The HQDA bar
to continued service will be removed when the Soldier meets the SSD requirement.
d. Involuntary Separation (AR 635-200). In accordance with paragraph 3c and
chapter 13 of reference 1f, commanders will initiate involuntary separation for any
Soldier (RA and USAR AGR) with an HQDA bar to continued service who, after
12 months (four 3-month reviews) and subsequent attainment of mandatory list
integration TIS/TIG eligibility criteria, still has not qualified himself or herself for
appearance before a promotion board by completing mandatory SSD courses.
Commanders will separate these Soldiers when, in the commander’s judgment, the
Soldier’s potential for advancement or leadership is unlikely.
4. These changes will enhance Army readiness by aligning individual capabilities with
the Army’s needs while optimizing human performance and engagement. The changes
recognize and capitalize on the unique talents every member of the Army team
possesses and employs each member to maximum effect. This talent management
effort goes beyond meeting numbers; it recognizes what it takes to build an Army by
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2017-28 (Sergeant and Staff Sergeant Promotion
Recommended List)
4
capitalizing on our greatest strength: Soldiers. Upon implementation of this directive,
U.S. Army Human Resources Command will adjust how Soldiers are distributed against
requisitions to coincide with these revised promotion eligibility policies.
5. The DCS, G-1 is the proponent for this policy. The DCS, G-1 will issue an Armywide
message to inform the force of these changes as well as implementing guidance to
support them. The DCS, G-1 will also incorporate the provisions of this directive and
the implementing guidance into references 1b, 1d, and 1e as soon as practical.
6. This directive is rescinded upon publication of the revised references 1b, 1d, and 1e.
Encl Mark T. Esper
DISTRIBUTION:
Principal Officials of Headquarters, Department of the Army
Commander
U.S. Army Forces Command
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
U.S. Army Materiel Command
U.S. Army Pacific
U.S. Army Europe
U.S. Army Central
U.S. Army North
U.S. Army South
U.S. Army Africa/Southern European Task Force
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command
U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Strategic Command
U.S. Army Cyber Command
U.S. Army Medical Command
U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Army Military District of Washington
U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command
U.S. Army Installation Management Command
U.S. Army Human Resources Command
U.S. Army Financial Management Command
(CONT)
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2017-28 (Sergeant and Staff Sergeant Promotion
Recommended List)
5
DISTRIBUTION: (CONT)
U.S. Army Marketing and Engagement Brigade
Superintendent, United States Military Academy
Director, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center
Executive Director, Arlington National Cemetery
Commandant, U.S. Army War College
Director, U.S. Army Civilian Human Resources Agency
CF:
Director, Army National Guard
Director of Business Transformation
Commander, Eighth Army
Enclosure
PROMOTION ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SERGEANT AND STAFF SERGEANT
These tables supersede tables 3-1 through 3-4 in Army Regulation 600-8-19 (Enlisted
Promotions and Reductions).
Table 3-1. Eligibility criteria for recommendation (Regular Army and U.S. Army Reserve (Active Guard Reserve))
Factor Criteria Waiver
MOS Recommended in CPMOS. Fully qualified in recommended
MOS (DA Pam 611–21).
None
Civilian education High school diploma/general education development (GED). None
Military education To SGT—Completed SSD 1 before board appearance to
SGT.
To SSG—Completed SSD 2 before board appearance to
SSG.
Constructive credit granted by
TRADOC. Equivalency
approval completed before
board appearance for other
service, USAR, or ARNG BLC.
Nonresident courses qualify for
this requirement. No
exceptions authorized.
Time requirement
for board
appearance as of
the 1st day of the
board month
To SGT—
Secondary zone: 17 months TIS, 5 months TIG
Primary zone: 35 months TIS, 11 months TIG
Mandatory list integration: 47 months TIS, 23 months TIG
To SSG—
Secondary zone: 47 months TIS, 6 months TIG
Primary zone: 71 months TIS, 17 months TIG
Mandatory list integration: 83 months TIS, 23 months TIG
None.
Reenlistment
eligibility
Not ineligible to reenlist. Ineligible solely based on DES
processing, remains otherwise
eligible
Physical
qualifications
Remains eligible until determined unfit by the DES process
(refer to para 1–20).
Regains eligibility when the
findings approved by the
SECARMY are “fit” or when
approved for continuation on
active duty under the provisions
of AR 635–40
APFT Possess a current passing record APFT score in accordance
with applicable regulations and field manuals.
As directed by DCS, G–3/5/7
(DAMO–TR), Soldier will use
last APFT qualification when
HQDA suspends conduct of the
APFT (regardless of when it
was last administered). Refer
to paragraph 1–20 for DES.
Weight control In compliance with AR 600–9. None.
ASAP Not command-referred to the program. Self-referral.
Disciplinary Not flagged in accordance with AR 600–8–2. None.
2
Table 3-2. Eligibility criteria for recommendation (U.S. Army Reserve troop program unit, Army Reserve Element,
and multicomponent commands or units)
Factor Criteria Waiver
Membership Member of the USAR. Not an unsatisfactory participant. None.
MOS Recommended in CPMOS. F ully qualified in
recommended MOS (DA Pam 611–21).
Soldier awarded ASI “4A.”
Soldier may be recommended
in SMOS and/or AMOS if fully
qualified in the MOS and
recommended by the CDR.
Civilian education High school diploma, GED, or an associate or higher
degree.
None.
Military education To SGT—Completed SSD 1 before consideration by a SGT
promotion board.
To SSG—Completed SSD 2 before board appearance to
SSG.
Constructive credit granted by
TRADOC. Equivalency
approval completed before
board appearance for other
service, USAR, or ARNG
BLC. Nonresident courses do
qualify for this requirement.
No exceptions authorized.
Time requirement
for promotion
consideration as
of the date the
board convenes
To SGT—
Secondary zone: 17 months TIS, 5 months TIG
Primary zone: 35 months TIS, 11 months TIG
Command list integration: 47 months TIS, 23 months TIG
To SSG—
Secondary zone: 47 months TIS, 6 months TIG
Primary zone: 71 months TIS, 17 months TIG
Command list integration: 83 months TIS, 23 months TIG
Reenlistment
eligibility
Not ineligible to reenlist. Ineligible solely based on
DES processing remains
otherwise eligible.
Retention Does not exceed maximum years of service for current rank
or has not reached age 57.
None.
Physical
qualifications
Remains eligible until determined unfit by the DES process
(refer to paragraph 1–20).
Soldier regains eligibility
when the findings approved
by the SECARMY are “fit” or
when approved for continu-
ation in RC status under the
provisions of AR 635–40.
APFT Possess a current passing record APFT score in
accordance with applicable regulations and field manuals.
As directed by DCS, G-3/5/7
(DAMO–TR), Soldier will use
last APFT qualification when
HQDA suspends conduct of
the APFT (regardless of when
it was last administered).
Refer to paragraph 1–20 for
DES.
Weight control In compliance with AR 600–9. None.
ASAP Not command referred to the program. Self-referral.
Disciplinary Not flagged in accordance with AR 600–8–2. None.
3
Table 3-3. Eligibility criteria for promotion pin-on (Regular Army and U.S. Army Reserve (Active Guard Reserve))
Factor Criteria Waiver
MOS Promoted in CPMOS. Fully qualified in MOS to include
meeting all school requirements.
Soldiers awarded ASI “4A.”
Military education BLC graduate for promotion pin-on to SGT. ALC graduation
for promotion pin-on to SSG.
NCOES waivers no longer
authorized. Refer to
paragraph 1–28.
Minimum time
requirement for
promotion pin-on
as of the 1st day of
the promotion
month
To SGT—
Secondary zone: 18 months TIS, 6 months TIG
Primary zone: 36 months TIS, 12 months TIG
Mandatory list integration: 48 months TIS, 24 months TIG
To SSG—
Secondary zone: 48 months TIS, 7 months TIG
Primary zone: 72 months TIS, 18 months TIG
Mandatory list integration: 84 months TIS, 24 months TIG
None.
Reenlistment
eligibility
Eligible to reenlist or extend in accordance with appropriate
regulations.
Ineligible solely based on DES
processing remains otherwise
eligible.
Physical
qualifications
Remains eligible until determined unfit by the DES process
(refer to para 1–20).
a. Soldier regains eligibility
when the findings approved by
the SECARMY are “fit” or when
approved for continuation on
active duty/continuation in RC
status under the provisions of
AR 635–40.
b. When the provisions of
paragraph 1–20 apply.
APFT Possess a current passing record APFT score in
accordance with applicable regulations and field manuals.
As directed by DCS, G–3/5/7
(DAMO–TR), Soldier will use
last APFT qualification when
HQDA suspends conduct of the
APFT (regardless of when it was
last administered).
ASAP Not command referred to the program. Self-referral.
Disciplinary Not flagged in accordance with AR 600–8–2. None.
4
Table 3-4. Eligibility criteria for promotion pin-on (U.S. Army Reserve troop program unit, Army Reserve element,
and multicomponent commands or units)
Factor Criteria Waiver
Military education BLC graduate or promotion pin-on to SGT. ALC graduate
for promotion pin-on to SSG.
NCOES waivers no longer
authorized. Refer to para 1–28.
Minimum time
requirement for
promotion pin-on
as of the 1st day
of the promotion
month
To SGT—
Secondary zone: 18 months TIS, 6 months TIG
Primary zone: 36 months TIS, 12 months TIG
Command list integration: 48 months TIS, 24 months TIG
To SSG—
Secondary zone: 48 months TIS, 7 months TIG
Primary zone: 72 months TIS, 18 months TIG
Command list integration: 84 months TIS, 24 months TIG
Reenlistment
eligibility
Eligible to reenlist or extend in accordance with appropriate
regulations.
Ineligible solely based on DES
processing remain otherwise
eligible.
PPRL Listed on a valid permanent promotion recommended list. None.
Sequence order In the proper sequence order when promoted from the
PPRL.
None.
Physical
qualifications
Remain eligible until determined unfit by the DES process
(refer to para 1–20).
a. Soldiers regain eligibility
when the findings approved by
the SECARMY are “fit” or when
approved for continuation in
RC status under the provisions
of AR 635–40.
b. When the provisions of para
1–20 apply.
APFT Possess a current passing APFT score in accordance
with applicable regulations and field manuals.
As directed by DCS, G–3/5/7
(DAMO–TR), Soldiers will use
last APFT qualification when
conduct of the APFT is
suspended by HQDA
(regardless of when it was last
administered).
ASAP Not command referred to the program. Self-referral.
Disciplinary Cannot be Flagged in accordance with AR 600–8–2. None.
Position
requirement
To SGT/SSG–12 month position obligation. Where the Soldier has a
change of residence or civilian
employment incurs an extreme
hardship requiring such
reassignment, or as otherwise
determined by the first general
officer in the chain of
command.