MikeBenton.org

I actually slept good that night. Rise and shine time was about 0530 which left me enough time to not have to rush. I did the usual: brush teeth, shave face, stand around and talk to people… After getting dressed and doing some final checks I headed off. Since my tire was about to explode the Commander let me use his truck.

I barely made it out of the parking lot when I was nearly T-boned (broadsided) by a little oriental guy with a bunch of kids in his car as he ran the red light. Good thing I wasn’t in a rush, or we’d all be rushed off to the hospital. Traffic wasn’t so bad on the drive there. Even though I HATE McDonalds there were no other places with breakfast food, I pulled through for a coffee and mcmuffin (it didn’t satisfy)

The board was held at battalion and battalion’s building was next to a Reserve’s center. It seemed like everyone from both units had duty that weekend as there were no parking spots for several blocks. No sweat, still on time. Inside of battalion was a family day event. There was a big inflatable jumper, a band, some speakers and representatives from various commercial interests.

All in all about six to eight guys showed up for the board. I was still reading from my review sheet now and then but altogether anxious to get it done. This was the first board I was attending and the last board I had proximity to was on active duty and they really sweated the guys. There was no A/C in the main part of the building where we were waiting so the sweat started coming.

After a little while the Sergeant Major brought us into a room for a written test. It was partially multiple choice, part fill in the blank. I love multiple choice! He gave us an hour but ten minutes later I was done. After the others had finished we were again asked to wait around outside. That is how it is in the Army, hurry up and wait. Since I was in no hurry this day the waiting wasn’t so bad.

After about 30 minutes the board was ready and started taking people. The first four guys took anywhere from 15 minutes to 30 minutes during their board appearances. Meanwhile the rest of us were still outside sweating. My coat was tight (the one from basic) and I was really starting to get anxious, I just wanted to get it done.

My turn to go in: I walk up to the door and knocked like I was trying to wake the dead, BOOM BOOM BOOM. “Enter”, I marched straight in and reported to the board president, the Sergeant Major. They had me do some facing movements and then sit. Then I started freezing, the A/C was on full blast in this room. All the sweat was turning into a cold nuisance now. The board members started with some conversational like topics so I took the opportunity to slip in some jokes. This is perfectly okay because it is part of your candor. I’m not talking about Knock Knock jokes or ‘three guys walk into a bar’ but casual humor, just enough for some chuckles.

When the questions finally started I was relieved. I knew the answers, a few times I answered before they were even done answering the question. There were about 5 questions I didn’t know but I didn’t let that phase me, I’m human. At the end the Sergeant Major closed his notebook of questions and asked if I had somehow got a hold of the questions in advance. Nope, after the main interview there was some very positive feedback. I walked out of there feeling like I smoked it.

Later that day I found out I won. That felt good. Hey look at me I won (waves hands) I’m not done yet though. Next up is the Brigade board where the caliber of NCO I will be competing against is higher. From what I understand it will be similar to the first except with qualification, PT test, road march and a land navigation course thrown in. Should be fun. All those things are what I am good at.

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