So, does the JPME make any difference for O4 boards on the reserve side?
Of course it does, but it will not fix a poor record. If you do not show performance while in a group (i.e., the pack), MOB's and JMPE are not going to do sh*t for you. The boards see right through it. Some other nuggets:
- Do not homestead in the same unit more than 2 tours. During these two tours you had better show increasing performance and taking on jobs that matter to the being a Naval Officer (Admin Officer, Training Officer, Operations Officer, security manager, or the like)
- Go to a unit outside your local area to gain varying experience. I purposely traveled on my own dime to two different units (numbered fleet and a syscom) over two different tours before I took a local billet
- Stop homesteading in the same community. I know 1835 folks who have been homesteading in the same community (SOCEUR type units in one case, HUMINT related in another) for years and years. If that's your thing then OK just be aware that you will get passed over. The Navy wants to see that you are performing that 1835 job in varying roles and communities. Sure, due a HUMINT type tour, then go do an intel cyber type role, then go do an opintel type role. Big f*cking deal if you are an 1835 HUMINT pro. The Navy does not care and frankly, anyone would be good at something if they do it long enough, especially in the Reserve
- Volunteer for the hard jobs nobody wants: admin, training, security, etc. If you don't do I, I will be standing behind you to do it. If you are in a unit that works in a SCIF and are too junior for admin or other, volunteer to be the unit security manager. People may laugh at you. F*ck'em because you'll be laughing at them when you are walking around with gold oak leaves
- Master Naval administration (performance evaluation instruction, relevant MILPERSMAN instructions, etc.). Learn how to use NAVFIT and write FITREPs, the FITREP schedule, process. Learn how to write a Naval letter, etc.
- Some unit CO's get tracked on contributory support (ie, helping active component). Good example is SPAWAR (or now NAVWAR) Reserve Program. If this is the case and you are the only one not supporting the active component, then start supporting. See next bullet
- Choose your units wisely. As in the above example, if you are busy and cannot support FLEX drilling or going on orders, then do not go to a unit that is a FLEX drill unit that has members going on orders. When selecting billets, get the POC for the unit and pick up the phone and call so you can ask about OPTEMPO, expectations, etc
BT
You all really need to volunteer to be an assistant recorder on the next O4 selection board. You will learn a ton. I did my first one when I was an Ensign and it was eye opening. As an 1835 at the time, I helped scrub the records of all Reserve 1835's who were up for O4. I also got to sit in on the voting. Again, it was eye opening how many CO's write sh*t FITREPs.
Promotion Board presentation by a retired Captain I served with.
Interested in Serving on a Reserve Promotion Board
FY-21 Board Schedule (the next O4 board is 13-Apr-20)
Board Support