Soldiers will no longer be promoted without first having successfully completed related professional military education (PME) courses. Beginning with the January 2016 promotion month, pinning on the sergeant will require that Soldiers have first completed the "Basic Leader Course". For Soldiers who want to pin on staff sergeant rank, they must first have completed the Advanced Leader Course. Soldiers expecting to pin on sergeant first class as a result of a fiscal year 2016 selection board must first complete the Senior Leader Course. The new policy also similarly affects National Guard Soldiers where enlisted Soldiers on a promotion list whom have completed their structured self-development requirements will be selected and assigned to higher grade vacancies. Effective October 1, Soldiers selected for promotion to sergeant first class and master sergeant will not get an extended retention control point until they actually pin on their higher rank.
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