The Army Tells You What to Do – Just Listen

Promotion success in the Army depends less on guesswork and more on following clearly documented guidance. The article explains how professional growth counseling and the Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Guide provide a roadmap for advancement. Leaders must communicate expectations, help Soldiers identify improvement areas, and plan development activities such as education, certifications, and key schools. The author emphasizes leadership potential, mentorship, physical readiness, and initiative as promotion differentiators. By understanding requirements early and taking ownership of career progression, Soldiers can align development with Army expectations and build stronger, more capable teams.