Promotion in the PDF

[Groundhog]

Seniority is no longer the determining factor, but it remains a factor.

Interview boards are reluctant to overlook seniority because if they do they have to have a good reason for doing so. The only reason is lack of competency on the part of the overlooked candidate and he will find out due to the FOI Act.

[Parts]

Originally posted by Groundhog
Seniority is no longer the determining factor, but it remains a factor.

Interview boards are reluctant to overlook seniority because if they do they have to have a good reason for doing so. The only reason is lack of competency on the part of the overlooked candidate and he will find out due to the FOI Act.

Not necessarily so, there are other factors: courses, qualifications, overseas experience etc (including performance at the interview). All these being equal, the senior man is entitled to get the job.

[The_Equalizer]

So would I be right in saying you would never see a BQ or a BSM in his/her 30's?

[Parts]

Originally posted by The_Equalizer
So would I be right in saying you would never see a BQ or a BSM in his/her 30's?

I have seen an acting BSM in his/her 30s. It's possible, and the army is going in that direction, but it could be a while yet.

[The_Equalizer]

which was it, him or her?

[Parts]

Him.

[B Inman]

In 1975 the newly appointed BSM in the 27BN was 27 years old, right man right place right time. He was still serving when I retired in 1999.

[Goldie fish]

In the NS a WO(similar to BQ/BSM) will shortly retire having been at that position since 1981...

[Queenie]

Are there any female BQ/BSM's in the PDF?

[Groundhog]

Not necessarily so, there are other factors: courses, qualifications, overseas experience etc (including performance at the interview). All these being equal, the senior man is entitled to get the job.

Yes indeed all things BEING equal the senior man will get the job. But in your vast experience do you know of a case where a senior man was passed over for promotion in order that a more qualified man get the job?

[Groundhog]

Are there any female BQ/BSM's in the PDF?

Not yet AFAIK. There are a few CS and CQs though.

[Slaphead]

I heard there has only ever been around 10 officiers courses for sergeants since 1922.I take it it is next to impossible to get that promotion.

[Goldie fish]

Its called a Potential officer course. True though,there has not been many. The NS had one a few years ago,but for the most part there are enough Cadets coming up to fill vacancies..some would say its top heavy.
On the other hand,most NCOs wouldnt want to be Officers.

Unless you are in the RDF of course

[Slaphead]

It seems rather unfair that soldiers with such exprience would not become officiers,but I guess it has always been that way.

[combatlogo]

It seems rather unfair that soldiers with such exprience would not become officiers,but I guess it has always been that way.

1. NEWSFLASH - life isn't fair.

2. Experience isn't necessarily a guarantee of a good officer- I've seen prior enlisted officers who were complete douche bags.

3. The roles and responsibilites of officers and senior NCO's are completely different - as you will find out if you make it to the PDF as one of the former.