What being understaffed makes you do

One result of the difficulties in retaining troops and expanding the Army is the lack of leaders. We've seen problems staffing officer positions. There are also problems staffing NCO positions. If you've been classified as an E-4 for 48 months, you are automatically eligible to be promoted to sergeant (E-5). It used to be that you went before a promotions board after your commander had recommended you. Now your commander has to not recommend you and there is no promotions board involved.