Am I exempt from 36 months of obligated service to pin on SFC?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 18:25:46 -0400

I am currently a SSG (E6) in the Army National Guard. Prior to joining the National Guard I was a Gunnery Sergeant (E7) in the Marine Corps Reserve. I have been selected for SFC (E7) and my unit is requiring me to extend for 36 months to have the required amount of obligated service to pin on SFC. AR 600-8-19 dealing specifically with National Guard promotions states this:

7–8. Service remaining obligation

a. The following service remaining obligations, from effective date of promotion, are required for promotion to SGT through SGM:

(2) To SFC through SGM, 36 months.
b. Service will be obligated from the effective date of promotion and Soldiers must extend within 90 days to meet the above requirements. However, Soldiers are exempt from this requirement if they are—
(1) Eligible through prior service for higher grade at time of retirement.

My question is am I required to be obligated for 36 additional months since I am already eligible to retire at the pay grade of E7 due to the fact that I have over 36 months of service as a Gunnery Sergeant in Marine Corps Reserve? I believe I am exempt from the 36 months of additional obligated service because I have already served 36 months as an E7 in the Marine Corps Reserve.

Response by LTC Mark Ensign made Apr 6 at 2020 6:41 PM

LTC Mark Ensign — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 18:41:30 -0400

I have no expertise in this area, however I concur with your interpretation of the governing regulation you cited.

Response by MSG Andrew White made Apr 6 at 2020 7:01 PM

MSG Andrew White — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 19:01:12 -0400

I BELIEVE YOU ARE RIGHT BROTHER! SSG Private RallyPoint Member

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 6 at 2020 7:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 19:43:43 -0400

No, you are not exempt. If you had separated as an E8 that would be separating at a higher grade.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 6 at 2020 8:03 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 20:03:42 -0400

You are required to meet the same standard as everyone else. You are not eligeable for a waiver. Congrats on your promotion.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2020 10:34 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 22:34:43 -0400

If your aren't taking a bonus then it doesn't matter. If you have your 20 year letter and get your promotion, serve until you feel your heart isn't in it anymore. If you turn in your retirement paperwork what are they gonna do, recoup your E-7 pay? No. Are they gonna not let your retire at your grade then see it magically pop back up in your retirement because you held that grade as a marine? No. If your done, go retire at whatever grade you feel you can hold.