I have been Vigorously studying my MK1 EOCT material. Have taken the test twice with a really close call.And I have high hopes that the third time is a charm! My question is why are some E-6 (and maybe others) tests different. A BM2 at my unit just took his BM1 test that he studied a week for, with some pre made PPT's. And nailed it. I am happy for him! But Why is the BM1 test only 30 questions? When the MK1 test is 75? Aren't all E-6's supposed to be equal?
Now I can think of some reasoning.. (Bashing the BM's) But I truly would like to know why? Shouldn't all advancement "Steps" be equal? Standard maybe? What do you think??
i mean im just a lowly little 3rd over here... but.. i kinda think of it this way: sure to make bm2 right now they dont have a SWE.. as an mk i have a swe ... all the bm3's now have BEEN seconds at my unit and i am still sittin on a list as a 3rd. sure it stinks... but oh well. its not anyone's fault and i dont think that means they deserves their rates less because of it. we should expect similar ranking people to posses the same basic cg knowledge and leadership skills, obviously they all had to make an effort to get where they are so - respect to all.. and then rate wise its like comparing peas and carrots. theres no way you could ever say okay your rate is easier.. or your test is more difficult... and find a way to make it equal.
Its like college degrees - you can get masters in business or genetic engineering. yeah ones harder, more techincal and probabaly took overall more tests and labs - but they all made the effort to get there. they can both say they have masters degrees. and its still impressive.
i think as long as people make an effort to learn their job the best they can why do we care if its equal? but thats just me.
Robo- Very sincere.. I am not doubting my fellow BM's or the job they do. I simply want to know what the differences are! I think I have been around long enough to know the difference between peas and carrots. We all have. I didn't start this thread out as a BM Bashing ball. And I don't want it going there either. Just looking for "real answers"
There is no "real" sure enough answer to this question. Here is what has to be taken into perspective.....look around any unit and you will see that there isn't a lot to being a BM when you get down to the core of the rate.....however much of their billets are usually comprised collateral duties, so I think that the extra tests already mentioned (DWO,NAVRULES) are somewhat of an offset to the slim study material and tests you see a BM using in contrast to yours. In my opinion I would rather have the larger test than deal with goofy collaterals being attached to my advancement.
I took the old MK1 eoct once and the new MK1 test twice and did better and better each test. The new MK1 eoct was a lot less material and in my opinion better written for what it's worth. My advice to you is READ all the course books cover to cover and take all the quizes! When I was studying I could not locate a study guide for the new eoct to get a flavor of what was on the test. That brings up antother point. I hate to hear people say that they just looked at the study guides and passed the eoct. If you wnat to be the best of the best read it all!!!! Good luck!
Man I have read all of the course material front to back several times. And in my opinion it is just not enough. But I will keep on reading. Soon enough I will succeed!
I found that the tests are harder if there are more people/less demand for the rate. The coast guard is needing more bm's so their test is easier, and their reenlistment is bigger. Unfortunately, we missed the demand for mk's by a few years.
Originally posted by toyobob: I found that the tests are harder if there are more people/less demand for the rate. The coast guard is needing more bm's so their test is easier, and their reenlistment is bigger. Unfortunately, we missed the demand for mk's by a few years.
As discussed above, the BM test is not necessarily (sp?) easier, just spread out over multiple tests and certifications needed prior to advancement. As for needing more BMs, yes, there is still a shortfall of BM2's right now. That is why the SWE is waived for them(although, the thought is that it is coming back real soon as the "quota" of BM2's is closing up to the numbers needed). When there is a big shortfall of a rate/rating, the SWE will be waived to allow quicker advancements. This in no way hurts advancements or advances members who are not ready...it just advances those who have met the requirements and have the recommendation earlier to fill the gaps that are needed within the CG. Once the shortfalls have been met, they will reinstate the SWE to slow the advancements a little bit. As for the tests being "easier", that is absolutley wrong. Same tests....just the SWE is waived.
