FORT SILL, Okla. (Jan. 11, 2018) -- They say it takes two to make a thing go right. While the promotion from an Army specialist to noncommissioned officer takes individual initiative and drive on the Soldier's part, there are some things spouses can do for their Soldier in order to support the process. Here are just a few things spouses from across the 75th Field Artillery Brigade have done to help their Soldier achieve his or her career progression goals.
Standing before your leaders in a military board can be a nerve-wracking process, but Sgt. Brandon Del Castillo from 578th Forward Support Company, 1-14th Field Artillery, said his spouse, Spc. Vanessa Del Castillo, helped make his experience easier when he was a specialist striving toward promotion.
"She'd act like a member of the board," the culinary NCO said. "So I'd practice reporting to her, and then she'd ask me questions."
Sgt. Del Castillo said that on top of simulating a board environment for him at home, she'd help him study with index cards, practice drill and ceremony, as well as assist him in putting together his Army Service Uniform and inspecting the measurements.
2-18th FA Soldier Sgt. Jason Sanchez from 69th Forward Support Company said his wife of over a decade, who is not a Soldier, also assisted in preparing him for the promotion board. Sanchez, a motor transport operator and acting Headquarters Operations NCO said, in addition to assisting with board preparation, she helped prepare him for his Basic Leadership Course (BLC), a course designed to teach Soldiers how to train and lead as NCOs.
"When I was getting ready to leave for BLC she helped gather together all the items on my packing list," said Sanchez.
Before ever stepping foot into a promotion board or getting sent to BLC, a specialist needs to be able to pass an Army Physical Fitness Test and not only pass, but score well enough to be competitive against his or her peers.
Sgt. 1st Class Richard Burns, the 2-20th FA Battalion Master Gunner from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB), said that when he was a specialist his spouse at the time held an active interest in his work lifestyle. Burns has since remarried, but said that his past and current spouses were and are heavily involved in his career progression and promotion endeavors.
Burns said if a Soldier is struggling in the area of physical fitness, one thing a spouse can do to help their Soldier is to work out with them.
"Doing some form of exercise together not only builds the relationship at home because you're spending time together, but it also improves health and job performance," said Burns. Burns recommends spouses and their Soldier go to the gym together, ride bikes, and go for runs/walks.
GET INVOLVED
Sanchez said that although he and his spouse are not a dual military couple, his wife makes it a priority to be involved in his Army career.
"When I was having trouble finding the website for my correspondence courses, she talked to some of her friends, who were also spouses, and they told her about Joint Knowledge Online and eLearning and she would point me in the right direction," Sanchez said.
Being in the loop about your spouse's job is also important for Soldiers pursuing the next step in their career, said HHB, 75th Field Artillery Brigade Soldier Sgt. Christian Ruiz who has been married for four years, and was with his spouse when he made sergeant.
"It's very important for them to understand what you do in the army so they can know the kind of stress we go through on a day-to-day basis," Ruiz said.
Similarly, Burns said, having an involved spouse makes effective communication easier.
"Having a spouse that understands the military and Army system helps the Soldier because the spouse knows what is required (of the Soldier)."
PICK UP THE LOAD
Del Castillo's wife recently graduated BLC as the Distinguished Honor Graduate. He said that he picked up additional chores and responsibilities at home, so that she could have time to complete the assignments she received at school.
"Usually she cooks and gives the baby a bath after work, but lately I've been taking care of things around the house, so she can focus on her work without any distractions," he said.
UNDERSTANDING SACRIFICES
With rank comes great responsibility, and a Soldier becomes not only accountable for him- or herself, but also for subordinates when he or she enters the NCO Corps.
"Being an NCO might call for you to have to work later or take care of your Soldier," said Sgt. Del Castillo. "It may take time away from home."
On the same note, Burns has experienced times in his career that have been stressful on his family. Burns, a former drill sergeant and current Battalion Master Gunner, said he's had to go to military schools required to take a duty position at the expense of family time.
"As a leader, you have to be willing to do the hard jobs," Burns said. "There have been times when I've volunteered to better the organization and myself, at the sacrifice of my family."
Ruiz said a spouse's support can help a Soldier achieve any goal they have before them, and Sanchez shares the same sentiment.
"She (Mrs. Sanchez) told me I'm not going to let you slack off," Sanchez said. "It's time for you to start progressing in your career."
His spouse, who has been with him since he was a private first class motivates and supports him now even as he looks forward to and prepares for the next rank of staff sergeant.
"Spouses are usually the biggest influence a Soldier has," Sanchez said.
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