Meritorious Cpl. Board...

[ltmebecrewchief]

I was told today i would be going on a meritorious Corporal board in a few weeks. What should i do to prepare? I know that Marine Corps knowledge and history etc will be a large part buti need advice from other Marines who have experience. How can i best prepare and what should i expect? Thanks in advance and Semper Fi

[thewookie]

1. Knowledge, knowledge, knowledge, study it forward and backward.
2. A big part of the Cpl boards that I went to looked at bearing and discipline just as closely as knowledge. If you don't know an answer to a question or if you mess up a answer, don't lose your bearing. They told us to answer,,,"I don't know the answer to that question at this time (insert rank here,) but I will find out and get back to you." Don't roll your eyes, don't huff and puff, don't look down, keep your eyes locked on to the questioner with a straight face and deal with it, they are going to stump you.
3. Make sure your uniform is locked on, it goes without saying but the devil is in the details.


Don't be discouraged if you don't make it the first time, I've mentioned in here before, my first one I lost. It seemed as if they asked every question that I didn't study (there's a lot to pick from) The second time I won at the company level but lost at battalion. The third time was the charm. Maybe you'll get it the first time but more then likely you'll be going against a few Marines who have done one or two of them before so be realistic.

Good luck

Whatever you do,,,, when you win don't go getting shiat faced in the barracks the weekend after you win acting like a bad arse Cpl before they pin it on, or you could be like me and lose it after you win it. (But I still got it that same month TIG/TIS, only a day sooner and with a page 11, lol!)

[Crusader20]

I agree. Knowledge Knowledge Knowledge. Since your in the air wing, i would look up or remember some of the weapons systems, patrols manuvers, hand signals, etc. They will look at everything.
Have your uniform ready for inspection. Look at the person that asked the question and go with your first instinct on the answer. You would be surprised how many Marines missed the questions, because they second guessed themselves.

Good luck.

[SGT VAS]

They may have you do some drill also, so be prepared for that devil.

[Artemis]

Don't forget current news, they may ask you whats going on in the world to see if you pay attention to what is happening now not just what happened in the past.

[temarti]

Knowlege, knowlege and knowledge, current events and remember the back azimuth of 180 is not a trick question...

[Chumley]

Good luck LCpl!!! If you trip and nearly fall down during the board, always remember to keep your bearing....it's very possible the others did even worse.

I won 9 of 11 boards I participated in...the last one was Meritorious Corporal. Promotion Date: 920602

SFi
C

[ltmebecrewchief]

Thanks alot. I'm just really nervous about it. **** i've only been a lance now for a little under 2 months so the possibility of being an NCO is overwhelming. Ive got good pro cons expert rifle range and high first class pft so i just have to work on all the things everyone mentioned. Thanks again

[AAV Crewchief]

1) Current events (both worldwide and current ops in the Corps)
2) Everything in the EST book
3) Your job 100% proficiency is a must
4) Customs and courtesies with the board members
5) Military bearing
*** Don't try to bull**** your way through answers.
*** Whoever put you up for the board will be on the board. They will let you know what they will focus on so know that 100%. If you have a few weeks notice that means you are in the running and expected to do well. Be wary of getting the "last minute notice"...that means you are the cannon fodder for the people they actually want to promote. I have been on both ends of the spectrum having gotten meritorious CPL in Dec 1983 and then up for boards for Sgt (last minute notice each time) twice. I got Sgt anyways 3 months before I separated.

[Petz]

look you need to open the door with intesity and slam it shut (this is intesity) if they tell you not to slam the door on your way out, say aye,aye (rank) and do the same thing going out... because if you do the same thing in and out, you weren't slamming you were consistant.

don't f*ck up your drill movements... you will most likely be asked, however if you do... don't correct yourself until they tell you "as you were" or give you corrective commands. this is all bearing.

good luck and let us know how it went.

[ltmebecrewchief]

Thanks for the advice. I also recently received a certificate of commendation(was up for a NAM) and a safety award. And a LOA a while back. Do any of these need to be routed to show i got them? Like up to S-1 or should they show up on my MOL account. I know they will help but i also want to make sure that the board knows i received those awards. Any thoughts?

[Chumley]

Thanks for the advice. I also recently received a certificate of commendation(was up for a NAM) and a safety award. And a LOA a while back. Do any of these need to be routed to show i got them? Like up to S-1 or should they show up on my MOL account. I know they will help but i also want to make sure that the board knows i received those awards. Any thoughts?

Rule of thumb is to check everything out for yourself. The system works really well, but a mistake can take time to correct once it's noticed. You should personally ensure your records are updated. Not only should you make sure the atta boys are updated, but anything negative should be reviewed as well.

SFi
C

[Petz]

Rule of thumb is to check everything out for yourself. The system works really well, but a mistake can take time to correct once it's noticed. You should personally ensure your records are updated. Not only should you make sure the atta boys are updated, but anything negative should be reviewed as well.

SFi
C

hahaha "the system works well..." you're funny.

[SlingerDun]

and remember the back azimuth of 180 is not a trick question...

Wow 180 is exactly 1/2 circle, so do you add or subtract to get back home???

[ZSKI]

well 180 is directly south so if you wanted to go home you would go at 0 or direct north