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As we
are close to commencing the annual promotion series it is appropriate
to start the SCMA articles with an explanation of the Personnel
Advisory Committee for Other Ranks [PAC (OR)].
The
promotion process is not a secret process shrouded in mystery only
to be understood by SCMA.
In
fact, the process is open and transparent. All ranks are able to
visit SCMA during the promotion series to view it first hand.
The
only stipulation is that you cannot view your own corps.
The
promotion process consists of several steps, starting with the soldier
and the unit. The key document considered by the PAC is the annual
Performance Appraisal Report.
Other
records such as special reports, interview sheets, career planning
letters, medical classifications, AIRN status, course reports, record
of service including offences and awards are also considered.
Finally,
the soldier’s posting history and the experience gained in
different environments are considered in determining those with
the merit and potential for greater responsibility.
PAC
convenes yearly, between March and May, recommending to the appropriate
promotion delegate the suitability for promotion of soldiers to
sergeant and above.
The
PAC’s role is to consider and rank in order of merit, all soldiers
eligible for promotion. The PAC process is detailed in the appropriate
Career Management Agency SOPs which are held at SCMA/ DRCM-A.
Soldiers
should be conscious that promotion is not merely a reward for performance,
it occurs to give soldiers the authority to carry out their duties.
Promotion
is a service needs driven requirement and opportunities can change
from year to year.
Promotion
Letters
All
soldiers considered by the PAC are notified of their results by
formal letter via unit CO/OCs.
Those
cleared for promotion receive a Clearance Advice Statement and those
not cleared receive a Clearance Advice Letter that outlines the
circumstances pertinent to their situation.
Soldiers
will receive one of the following types of letters:
Cleared
(C)
Soldiers
can be promoted as soon as possible and, if already in a higher
position, should be promoted on the day stipulated by the promotion
authority when the PAC (OR) Part 2 concludes.
Clearances
will be issued with a caveat where the soldier needs to obtain the
last of his/her promotion qualifications, a current BFA result or
a current PES or some other requirement.
Failure
to meet the necessary requirements by the month prior to the following
year’s PAC will result in the withdrawal of the soldier’s
clearance status.
Once
a soldier has obtained the necessary qualifications or result they
may be cleared for promotion.
Not
Cleared (NC)
The
soldier’s overall performance in relation to peers has not
been strong enough for them to be considered competitive for promotion.
The
PAC will identify the areas in which the soldier needs to improve
or the circumstances that need to change before a soldier would
be considered competitive.
This
may be due to a limitation on the number of positions available
for promotion, performance, medical, conduct/discipline, lack of
qualification, insufficient experience in trade or insufficient
time in rank, but could also be due to other factors.
Soldiers
will receive feedback on the circumstances that prevented them from
being cleared.
Performance
–Improvement Noted (PIN)
The
soldier’s performance is below the standard required, but an
improvement in the areas identified in the previous year’s
PAC has been noted.
Sustained
or further improvement in performance is still required before the
soldier can be considered for promotion.
Not
Considered Again (NCA)
A soldier’s
performance history relative to their peers has not been strong
enough for them to be considered competitive for promotion.
This
does not necessarily mean they do not have the qualities required
to perform at a higher rank or do not have the qualities required
for continued service in the Army.
Long-term
overall performance relative to their peers makes it highly unlikely
that they would be considered competitive for promotion in the foreseeable
future.
This
is not the death knock, the CO may make special representation for
the soldier to be reconsidered. This category of clearance is being
revised to better reflect its intent.
This
system has been designed to be as fair and objective as possible.
Promotion
is based on Army needs and merit, once the soldier has met the minimum
selection criteria for their corps and trade.
The
unit commander should maximise the contribution to the future standards
of the Army by using the guidance provided here to produce fair
and accurate reporting.
Only
then can the promotion of the right soldiers be ensured.
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