Will I receive an honorable discharge after failing my tape test on my last drill in the Army National Guard?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 16:48:22 -0400

I failed tape test on my last drill in the Army National Guard. My body fat is at 24.5%. Will this prevent me from receiving an honorable discharge.?

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Sep 10 at 2022 10:53 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 10:53:11 -0400

Up to your command!, Normally not a problem, but.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 10 at 2022 11:55 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 11:55:55 -0400

Unless you have been a very poor Soldier it should not be an issue. However, you know best.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 10 at 2022 11:27 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 23:27:47 -0400

By regulation they will make a determination. "A determination reflecting a Soldier’s military behavior and performance of duty during a specific period of service. The three characters are: honorable; general (under honorable conditions); and under other than honorable conditions. The service of Soldiers in entry level status is normally described as uncharacterized."

Your commander will make a recommendation and it will be approved by your BDE Commander. You could still get one but usually it is a general under honorable conditions.

Response by COL Randall C. made Sep 11 at 2022 12:03 PM

COL Randall C. — Sun, 11 Sep 2022 12:03:19 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, if the separation is only for "Failure to meet body fat standards", then you're a Chapter 18 separation (AR 635-200, Chapter 18). Chapter 18 separations will receive an honorable characterization if discharged (it could be uncharacterized if you have less than 180 days of active duty, but this doesn't apply to you).

Again, if it's ONLY for weight, then it will be honorable. However, if there is anything else, then you'll be administratively separated under that guidance and the characterization would be based on that action.

However, the larger comment is regarding your status. If this is the first failure, then you are put onto the unit weight control program. If you don't make satisfactory progress in six months, you could be separated. If you come off the program and go back on within 12 months, you could be separated.

I say 'could' and not 'will' because it's mandatory to submit the separation action, but it's not mandatory to separate the Soldier. Your leadership could recommend that you be retained, but the decision is up to the separation authority (usually that will be the Brigade/O6 commander).

You should have been formally counseled by your leadership about your failure and had all this laid out.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Sep 12 at 2022 2:10 PM

CPT Lawrence Cable — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 14:10:16 -0400

Are you saying that you failed the tape test during the last Drill Period or that the last Drill was your final Drill? Were you on the Weight Program before this Drill?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2022 11:29 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 11:29:40 -0400

Did you fail one previously within the last 12 months? As in, 12 months ago (or less) you failed a HT/WT Tape, then passed, then failed again? If this is your first one and no previously failed tape test within the last 12 months, then you will not be chaptered and will receive the Honorable Discharge. However, if this is FAIL #1, then the clock starts now. If you pass and then fail again within the next 12 months, then you can/will be chaptered. That being said, if you meant that this FAIL occurred on your absolute very last BTA of your obligated service requirement, then you shouldn't stress about not getting an Honorable.