Can a Commander remove APFT failure flag without the SM retaking the APFT?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2020 13:37:16 -0400

So I failed my PT test back in the end of January before all of this COVID stuff happened and because of the FRAGO order I was not able to take my PT test on the 90th day which would have been april 29th... I was told eariler this week I will be taking a PT test on the 13th of may and i was also informed that they would be removing my flag and I was informed that the paper work was already submitted to the S-1 but there was no counseling notifying me that it was going to be removed and also no PT test as a supporting document, I looked through the regs and these are against the regs because it states in AR 600-8-2 in section 2-9 subection 17. ARMY PHYSCIAL FITNESS TEST: Removing the flag on the date the soldier passes the record APFT.
and when I asked about it, they stated eveything was at commanders discrestion including the FRAGO that was giving guidance on APFT and it states that flagged soldiers can REQUEST to take a record. and there are unflagged soliders taking the APFT on the same day and me and I am justing wondering how do I go about this because I am afraid of the possibilty of me failing the PT test and i am also concerned about all of this that they are pulling. I am just wondering someone else's take on the situation. Also I have been doing PT during the quaratine but there is always that self doubt?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 2:13 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2020 14:13:50 -0400

CDR'S can pretty much do what they want. Count your blessings, keep exercising, keep your head up and Rick that next APFT. You got this. Stop doubting yourself. You are better than you think.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 9 at 2020 3:42 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 09 May 2020 15:42:07 -0400

It appears on the surface that since COVID19 was the reason you could not take the scheduled test within the window he is not holding that against his Soldiers. It sounds like you are concerned about failing again, you should have been getting ready for the test the whole time. None the less he is not likely to chapter for a second flag should you fail. You would have a solid argument against it since your flag was lifted without a retest. I would speak with the 1SG to see what happened in order to gain peace of mind.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made May 9 at 2020 7:19 PM

SPC Erich Guenther — Sat, 09 May 2020 19:19:03 -0400

You know it is really a huge mistake to approach issues like this one as a Barracks Lawyer attempting to interpret Army Regs and question procedures. This is a relatively minor issue that is easily fixed with a conversation or two. It is a mistake to attempt to escalate it (if this was a larger issue it might make more sense to escalate). APFT pass/fail is pretty minor. So my advice is just go and talk to your PSG, 1SG or CO and see what it is going to take on your part to straighten this out and remove the flag. The approach of trying to be a legal expert on Army Regs will tick off those in charge of removing your flag (because their hands are tied in applying the flag) and could lead to them digging in their heels on other issues against you to teach you a lesson on who is boss. So just do a mea culpa here and try to work this out with a few mature conversations. Try that route first.....it pays far more dividends. A little humble pie could also get you promoted faster.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 7:34 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2020 19:34:23 -0400

The FRAGO doesn't stop Commanders from conducting APFTs. It lifts the requirement that APFTs must be conducted every so often.
If you feel strongly about your Commander removing your flag prior to your APFT, you can go see IG. They will instruct the commander to wait until after you pass your APFT to remove your flag.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 8:15 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2020 20:15:29 -0400

Take the gift of a removal of the flag. Spend your remaining time getting ready to pass the APFT. If you don’t pass it then you can always go do something about regs, but my guess is the commander has their ducks in a row. You just need to pass your PT test and drive on.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 8:42 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2020 20:42:27 -0400

According to the FRAGO, an APFT can be requested by a flagged SM iot lift the flag.
No counseling is required when a flag is lifted.

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 9 at 2020 11:24 PM

SSG Brian G. — Sat, 09 May 2020 23:24:54 -0400

Ok, I can understand being new and questioning but right now you are looking a gift horse in the mouth. You failed an APFT and were flagged. Covid came along and the order was given for distancing which meant you could not take your APFT on the 90th day. These are situations that are outside of the norm of business. Your commander did you a solid in removing your flag.

Your commander has the authority, regardless of reg to place or remove a flag. They are given fairly wide latitude on this. In the end it really does not mean much negative or positive for you the SM because you STILL must pass the APFT. Failing it means they can simply reflag you. This is simply giving you the benefit of the doubt that on the 90th you would have passed it.

Take this, don't barracks lawyer it, train hard as you can to pass the APFT and solider on.