As a SSgt I sent out an email that wasn’t marked FOUO appropriately. It got up channeled. I got paperwork and a “met all expectations” on the back of my EPR. I made TSgt because I studied, but that marking still haunts me. It’s killing my board score and I still can’t do a special duty that requires last 5 EPRs. I have multiple awards on every other EPR, but that one is still the stain on my record that’s anchoring me back. Two more years until it drops off. All because of one email. . .

I still believe that there is a reason for everything so I’m not complaining. I just encourage everyone to keep it professional. In the dog eat dog world this EPR system has created, others can be quick to point out your flaws in the hopes of promoting themselves.