Is it normal for Top Army Leadership (Pentagon officials) to exceed 30-day decision deadlines?

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 23:11:39 -0400

As some of you are aware, I posted a article that was about me in reference to being denied my commission (please see ArmyTimes Article Enlisted Soldier Denied Commission). Since then, the Office of the Secretary of the Army has told me that they would make there final decision (to allow me to commission or not) in 30 days. They are currently on day 52.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 14 at 2016 11:14 PM

SFC George Smith — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 23:14:55 -0400

RHIP... Rank has its Privileges...

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2016 11:32 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 23:32:23 -0400

2LT Private RallyPoint Member can you be more specific? I am having trouble understanding what you're asking. I'd recommend adding more information under the"details" portion of your question.

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2016 11:58 PM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 23:58:02 -0400

Are either of you aware of what actions this Solider should take? This is a unique scenario. I'd suggest talking to the chain of command (higher tier - Command Officer) about the situation.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 15 at 2016 1:29 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 01:29:56 -0400

Yes, it is normal, in that Nothing moves fast at the SECARMY level. It is strategic level, removed from day to day issues. Really uncharted territory for a SECARMY level personnel action. The fact it is taking longer means someone is actually looking at it. No is easy. My fear would be if you push for an answer, they'll give you the easy answer. You have to figure that the Surgeon General, ASA-Manpower, G1, and a whole bunch of others all provide an assessment and recommendation so the SECARMY can decide.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 15 at 2016 7:13 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 07:13:12 -0400

Its not uncommon... especially when the decisions has huge second and third order effects..If they decide to allow you an exception, many others will want the same.
Enlisted vice Officer medical standards are differnt under the guise, one is a more valuable commodity and thus must be at a better starting point, for better retention rate.
I had to deal with this often as an ROTC guy... more the a few otherwise qualified former enlisted or collage kid were denied commissioning due to failure to meet standard of medical fitness, and or refused a waiver.
Nothing wrong with you asking for an exception ..but have a plan B

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 9:32 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 09:32:34 -0400

2LT Private RallyPoint Member I strongly suggest you wait as patiently as you can.

If you take any action that can in ANY way be perceived as being anti-system it could end up goving someone a reason to give you the answer you do not want.

Not saying waiting is easy but I truly think it is best in your case.

Good luck. Hope you get the gold bar.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 10:19 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 10:19:03 -0400

I just read your article in Army Times. Best wishes for you brother. I had to get a waiver for my commission due to hand surgery but was eligible to re-enlist. It's just the way the system is. I do believe that you have a strong case in your favor for a waiver.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Oct 15 at 2016 10:48 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 10:48:56 -0400

i think your question should be 'Has the Penttagon ever actually made a 30 day deadline on a decision'. Giant bureaucracy.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Oct 15 at 2016 11:01 AM

SFC Joseph Weber — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 11:01:48 -0400

Reasoning makes no sense. I broke my back, my arm, crushed my sinuses, separated my skin from my face plus a bunch of smaller injuries with about two years in the Army. I recovered and served twenty more. As a recruiter I saw so many rejected for things that were no where near as bad as what I did to myself and we lost a lot of potentially very good troops who only wanted to serve their country. I was told it was all based on the odds of completeting training and a basic enlistment. You've already proven you can handle push-ups and running so I can't see using entry standard to reject you. Wait out the bureaucrats but don't let them forget you exist. Almost like these dopes are using regs to hide behind.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Oct 15 at 2016 11:01 AM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 11:01:55 -0400

Not answering is an answer.

The people doing this work are busy. This packet is a priority to you, but they have other work as well. You have to assume the best in that they are processing the case and it isn't just sitting on a desk. With any process the more people involved the less efficient it will be, as there are just more opportunities for it to sit on someone's desk at each stage or for communication to break down.

The fact that it is taking a while could be a good thing. All you should care about is the outcome and not a speedy answer as it may not be the one you want. After I was selected for OCS I waited roughly 18 months for a class seat. So I would just say, if you plan to make the Army a career get use to things taking time that take high level routing.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2016 3:18 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 15:18:20 -0400

One p\other thought - saying no usually comes quickly.