Ar 600 85 Board Questions

AR 600-85 Board Questions: A Comprehensive Guide for Soldiers

The Army Regulation 600-85, Army Command Policy, is a cornerstone document governing leadership and command within the United States Army. Understanding its principles is crucial for every soldier, but especially for those facing promotion boards. This article provides a comprehensive overview of potential AR 600-85 board questions, exploring key concepts and offering guidance on formulating effective answers. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in your board appearance.

Understanding AR 600-85: The Foundation of Army Leadership

AR 600-85 covers a vast range of topics, all revolving around effective leadership, responsible command, and the overall well-being of soldiers. Key areas include:

• Leadership: This encompasses various leadership styles, the importance of mentorship, developing subordinates, and creating a positive command climate. Expect questions probing your understanding of different leadership theories and how you've applied them in real-world scenarios.
• Discipline: This section focuses on maintaining discipline within a unit, addressing misconduct, and the importance of fair and consistent application of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Be prepared to discuss your approach to enforcing standards and dealing with challenging personnel situations.
• Equal Opportunity (EO) and Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP): These are paramount in the Army's culture. Expect detailed questions about your understanding of EO and SHARP policies, your role in prevention, and your actions in response to reported incidents. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the Army's commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive environment.
• Army Values: Living the Army Values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage) is fundamental. The board will assess your understanding and application of these values in various situations, looking for specific examples from your experience.
• Risk Management: This involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to ensure mission accomplishment while safeguarding personnel and resources. Be prepared to discuss your approach to risk management in different operational contexts.
• Well-being of Soldiers: This encompasses physical and mental health, providing support to soldiers, and fostering a climate where soldiers feel comfortable seeking help when needed. Expect questions about your understanding of resources available to soldiers and your role in promoting their well-being.

Sample AR 600-85 Board Questions and How to Answer Them

This section provides examples of potential board questions categorized by topic, along with strategies for formulating comprehensive and effective responses:

Leadership & Command

• "Describe your leadership style and provide a specific example where you successfully applied it."

  • Effective Answer: Begin by clearly defining your leadership style (e.g., transformational, servant leadership, etc.). Then, provide a concrete example from your experience illustrating the application of that style. Focus on the situation, your actions, the results, and what you learned from the experience. Quantify your success whenever possible (e.g., "improved team performance by 15%").

• "How would you handle a subordinate who consistently fails to meet standards?"

  • Effective Answer: Outline a structured approach, starting with counseling and mentorship. Explain how you would document the issues, implement progressive discipline, and involve higher leadership if necessary. Highlight your commitment to fairness and due process while emphasizing the importance of correcting the behavior. Never discuss specific individuals; focus on the process.

• "Describe a time you had to make a difficult decision that impacted your soldiers."

  • Effective Answer: Choose a real-life scenario where a tough decision was necessary. Explain the context, the options available, the factors you considered (including the well-being of your soldiers), the decision you made, and the outcome. Reflect on what you learned from the experience and how you might approach a similar situation differently in the future.

Discipline & UCMJ

• "Explain your understanding of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)."

  • Effective Answer: Summarize the UCMJ's purpose and its role in maintaining discipline. Mention key articles relevant to your experience, such as those addressing fraternization, conduct unbecoming, and disrespect toward superiors. Highlight your commitment to following the UCMJ fairly and consistently.

• "Describe a time you had to address a disciplinary issue within your unit."

  • Effective Answer: Provide a specific example of a disciplinary problem and describe the steps you took to address it, including counseling, documentation, and any formal disciplinary actions. Emphasize your adherence to due process and your focus on correcting the behavior while maintaining fairness.

• "How would you handle a situation where you suspect a soldier is engaging in misconduct, but lack concrete evidence?"

  • Effective Answer: Describe your approach to gathering information while respecting the soldier's rights. Mention the importance of documenting observations, speaking to potential witnesses, and potentially involving the chain of command or investigative agencies if appropriate.

Equal Opportunity (EO) & SHARP

• "Explain the Army's commitment to Equal Opportunity and describe your role in fostering a positive EO climate."

  • Effective Answer: Define EO and explain its importance in creating a fair and inclusive environment. Describe specific actions you've taken to promote EO within your unit, such as conducting training, addressing discriminatory behavior, and creating an environment where soldiers feel comfortable reporting incidents.

• "How would you respond to a report of sexual harassment within your unit?"

  • Effective Answer: Detail the steps you would take, starting with immediate action to ensure the safety of the victim. Mention your commitment to following SHARP reporting procedures, ensuring a thorough investigation, and providing support to both the victim and the accused (if applicable), while maintaining impartiality.

• "Describe your understanding of the Army's SHARP program and your role in its implementation."

  • Effective Answer: Explain the goals of SHARP, emphasizing prevention and response. Describe your actions in promoting awareness, conducting training, and responding to reports of sexual harassment and assault. Showcase your commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for all soldiers.

Army Values & Ethical Considerations

• "Describe a time you demonstrated the Army Value of Loyalty."

  • Effective Answer: Give a specific example of a time you demonstrated loyalty to your unit, your superiors, or your fellow soldiers. Focus on your actions and how they demonstrated your unwavering support and commitment.

• "Describe a time you faced an ethical dilemma."

  • Effective Answer: Choose a situation that highlights an ethical conflict and explain how you navigated it. Discuss the competing values involved, the factors you considered, and your decision-making process. Highlight your commitment to ethical conduct and transparency.

• "How do you balance mission accomplishment with the well-being of your soldiers?"

  • Effective Answer: Discuss the importance of both mission success and soldier well-being. Explain your approach to risk management and how you prioritize the safety and well-being of your soldiers while still striving to meet mission objectives. Give concrete examples.

Risk Management & Soldier Well-being

• "Describe your approach to risk management."

  • Effective Answer: Outline your understanding of the Army's risk management process (identify, assess, control, supervise). Give specific examples of how you have applied this process in different scenarios, highlighting successful mitigation strategies.

• "How would you identify and address the mental health needs of your soldiers?"

  • Effective Answer: Describe your approach to promoting mental health awareness within your unit, including access to resources such as chaplains, behavioral health specialists, and other support systems. Explain how you would recognize signs of distress and encourage soldiers to seek help when needed.

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a soldier's needs."

  • Effective Answer: Share a specific example of a time you advocated for a soldier's needs, whether it was related to administrative issues, medical care, or personal challenges. Highlight your commitment to supporting your soldiers and ensuring they receive the assistance they require.

Preparing for Your AR 600-85 Board Appearance

Success on your board hinges on thorough preparation. Here are some key strategies:

• Review AR 600-85: Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the regulation, understanding its key concepts and principles.
• Identify Key Leadership Experiences: Reflect on your leadership experiences and identify situations that demonstrate your understanding of AR 600-85 principles.
• Practice Answering Questions: Practice answering potential board questions out loud, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Seek Feedback: Practice with peers, mentors, or senior leaders and seek their feedback on your responses.
• Maintain Professionalism: Dress professionally, maintain eye contact, and project confidence throughout the board appearance.

Conclusion

Facing an AR 600-85 board can be challenging, but with thorough preparation and a deep understanding of the regulation, you can significantly increase your chances of success. By mastering the principles outlined in this guide and practicing your responses, you'll be well-equipped to present yourself confidently and demonstrate your competence as a leader within the United States Army. Remember, the board isn't just assessing your knowledge; it's evaluating your leadership potential and your commitment to the Army's values and standards. Good luck!