How can I get a flag removed so I can be promoted?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 05:37:21 -0400

Hey yall, recently I've checked my HCC promotion points, because I'm now an E-2, December would be my 1 year mark, and on my records it says I'm flagged for an APFT failure, that was my first PT test in AIT I failed, and I passed my last few. I'm no longer in AIT I'm at my unit in the ROK, and I'm wondering how does my flag get lifted? I was counseled for the failure, and it said it would be lifted in 30days after I pass, and it's been about.. 60?
Any responses would be great. Thanks yall!

Response by SGT David Crutchfield made Aug 19 at 2015 5:39 AM

SGT David Crutchfield — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 05:39:45 -0400

Get with you chain of command,they can tell you why

Response by SGT David Crutchfield made Aug 19 at 2015 5:40 AM

SGT David Crutchfield — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 05:40:45 -0400

Check with your chain of command

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 6:13 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 06:13:02 -0400

There may be a reason you are still flagged, but the regs (I quoted applicable sections for APFT failure) are as follows:

"1–9. Standards of service
a. A DA Form 268 and HR system input will be initiated within 3 working days when a Soldier’s status changes from favorable to unfavorable.
b. Active Flag cases will be reviewed at least monthly. Unit level commanders will review and validate Flag reports monthly. BN level commanders will review and validate all Flags over 6 months old monthly.
c. A Flag will be removed within 3 working days after the Soldier’s status changes from unfavorable to favorable."

"2–3. Circumstances requiring a transferable Flag
A Soldier flagged under the provisions of this paragraph may be reassigned to another unit by following guidance in paragraph 2–8. The specific actions listed below require initiation of a transferable Flag (see table 2–1). More than one Flag may be required concurrently. Examples of circumstances requiring transferable Flags include—
b. “Army Physical Fitness Test failure” (Flag code J). Initiate a Flag when a Soldier fails a record APFT or when, through the Soldier’s fault as determined by the commander, the Soldier fails to take the APFT within the time prescribed by existing regulations, or when directed by the commanding officer (as provided for in AR 350–1). A Flag is not required for a Soldier who has a permanent or temporary profile that precludes taking the APFT or is unable to undergo an APFT because of conditions beyond the Soldier’s control (as determined by the commander). Soldiers with a profile effective after the APFT will remain flagged until a record APFT is passed. A Flag is not required when the commander determines the Soldier cannot be administered an alternate APFT because of conditions beyond the Soldier’s control. Soldiers who become pregnant after being flagged for failing an APFT (as determined by a physician) will remain flagged until successfully passing an APFT. Remove the Flag (code E) on date of compliance. If, as determined by her primary care provider, the Soldier was pregnant at the time of APFT failure, the commander will immediately remove the Flag (code Z)."

"2–9. Removal of a Flag
b. Rules for removing a Flag are as follows:
(17) Army Physical Fitness Test. Remove the Flag on the date the Soldier passes the record APFT."

I recommend you consult AR 600-8-2 for yourself and discuss your flag with your first line supervisor.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 6:19 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 06:19:31 -0400

This is a serious matter because if the flag remains in place you will not populate on the AAA and will not be eligible for a waiver to PFC and, if it remains in place long enough you will not be automatically advanced to PFC when you meet the TIS requirements. Talk to your squad leader who in turn should talk to the PSG, who in turn should talk to the 1SG to have the commander lift the flag.

If your first line leader doesn't assist you in the matter I would recommend using the open door policy for each level of your NCO support channel until the problem is resolved. If that fails call IG.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Aug 19 at 2015 9:43 AM

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 09:43:45 -0400

Chain of Command. You need to bring this to the attention to your team/squad leader first an foremost. They should help square this away one way or another. Good Luck

Response by SPC Robert Patrick made Aug 19 at 2015 10:09 AM

SPC Robert Patrick — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 10:09:52 -0400

PV2 Frank Morter I advise you to go to your squad leader and explain the situation. This flag should have been lift especially if you have since passed a record and you are not overweight. At the very least find out why it has not been lifted. I failed a pt test in AIT but passed my EOC and was not flagged when I got to my first unit so that flag should have been lifted.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2015 2:19 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 14:19:59 -0400

Eventually, you'll need to see the S-1 section with some documents...
But what jumps out at me is that your Sergeant does not seem to be aware of this issue. As a First Sergeant, I look at a FLAG report monthly (more if you count all of the slides I have to brief). I know darn well who my PT failures are, and a FLAG mismatch has its own line item in the report. It should have been fixed long ago.
Start with your Squad/ Team Leader and go from there. This should be an easy fix.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2018 10:49 AM

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 10:49:27 -0400

I have a serious problem as I am going through right now. I was admitted to the hospital on June 13 and identify I was in low count blood. And at the same time I have to go through blood transfusion for blood loss. I was given Iron pills to help raise my blood level and birth control. I was given a profile by my provider and my platoon Sgt told me that I have to take the pt test. I didnt pass my run. And on the day of the pt test is my assessment with the doctor to check if my blood has raised and my prescription for Iron will be continue. The 1SG did not accept my profile. From his point of view he stated, that should not be the reason why I should failed the pt test. He gave order to the platoon sgt to sign my counsel and flagged me for not passing the record. He said to get a letter from my provider stating how my medical issue affect my performance on the pt test. As of right now I am awaiting the letter from the doctor and for him to attached with my profile. The 1SG scheduled my initial counseling with the commader on Monday. I feel not safe here, for the fact that he doesnt care about my profile or even concern about my health. What should I do?