Once I have a flag lifted, how long will it be until I can get promoted if I already exceed the cutoff score?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 14:39:02 -0400

I will do my best to keep this short. First off, I was flagged from May 8th to June 8th. Two weeks after I got my P status, I got an ATARRS reservation for ALC.. My unit gave me a height and weight, which is what I was flagged for. They never taped me twice like the AR 600-9 states. They took my class date away since I was flagged. Then my unit gave me a PT test and another HT/WT i passed both. The flag was removed on 8 June. I made the cutoff list effective on June 1st. I would have also made cutoff list July and August. July cutoff was 369, and August was 406, I have 519 points.

This is the conversation from my S1 and my CSM to my squadleader/battle:
They both say that I won't be promoted for June 1st since I was flagged. I said ok fine so July 1st then?
I was then told no because my records were not updated in time for the promotion. Then they told me to wait for August. Still didn't get put on the list.

I am desperate for help and answers. It is getting to the point that I don't know if I can trust my unit or my battle anymore, I'm also losing sleep over this. I don't know what else I can do.

Response by MAJ Byron Oyler made Jul 20 at 2023 5:21 PM

MAJ Byron Oyler — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 17:21:03 -0400

I was in a similar situation for my promotion to major. Two things I can tell you is that it takes time with HR to get things ironed out and 2) we both got ourselves into these situations by failing tape. Please own up to this delay and be patient. I feel your pain and am making these comments from being in exact same situation, not some paperthin person who never worries with HT/WT (well who we kidding, I am retired and never worry about it.)

Response by SSG Willis Baker made Jul 20 at 2023 11:04 PM

SSG Willis Baker — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 23:04:18 -0400

Once the points drop below the number of points you have, that month is your date of rank. I would go to your PAC and ask them if your leadership can legally hold up your promotion.
In my case, in July '83, the points dropped to 886 and I had 912. I was in Italy at the time getting ready to PCS to a Service School. My personnel told me they didn't have time to process my promotion and I would have to wait til I arrived at my next duty station after school. When I arrived at Ft. Hood in November '83, I was told I had to wait until the recomp in February '84. At recomp I had 924 points. When it was all said and done, my promotion to E6 was back-dated to 1 Aug 83 with back pay.

Response by SFC Birk Ellis made Jul 21 at 2023 11:40 AM

SFC Birk Ellis — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 11:40:29 -0400

Last thing I knew was that if you had a flag, for anything, your "P" status was removed when the flag was initiated and you had to attend the promotion board again. AR600-9 may have insight as well as the reg on flags.
Might want to research into this, hope the best for you.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2023 2:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 14:22:00 -0400

You need to start with "what are the requirements for promotion"

Find the regulation that governs promotions and find your own answers in black and white. I'm dead serious about this. You need to see and read it with your own eyes so you can use that as a basis to prove your point in case you get any push back. Whatever answer you get, you need to find it in the pertinent regulation.

In the future, your question should be: Where can I find the answer to ....? Your proof won't be because someone told you. It will be because you read it with your own eyes. For every answer you get, you need to also ask for the reference.

Also, when someone gives you the answer, they should provide the reference for their answer...and not because something sounds good and briefs well.

Your S1/CSM should provide you with a reference for their answers. If they won't, you need to find the requirements for yourself, present the information and defend your position. "Records not updated" is probably not a requirement or reason for denial. If it is, you need to ask for it.

Be respectful and factual with your presentation and when you have not only facts, but also references to back up your facts, you have a better chance of coming out on top.

Finally, don't be afraid to go up your chain, using the open door policy, if you have to. Give your leadership the courtesy "heads up" though until someone can show you IN WRITING why you're being denied.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 21 at 2023 3:46 PM

COL Randall C. — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:46:00 -0400

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, if you're flagged, the system will remove you from the promotion list automatically.

The guidance from HRC is that you will be boarded again before you regain a promotable status. However, the Battalion Commander is the promotion authority to SGT/SSG and can place you on the recommended list.

Regardless, your S1 will have to reintegrate you into the promotion list in order for your promotion to occur.
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