What are the rules for Regimental Affiliation?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 16:40:22 -0400

I’ve looked at AR 670-1, DA Pam 670-1, AR 870-21, and NGR 600-82. Everything I read seems either pretty ambiguous or contradictory to me. I’ve served honorably on both AD and in the Guard. I’ve been in the 7th Cavalry, the MP Corps, the 126th Aviation, the 131st Aviation, and the 211th Aviation.

On one hand it is stated that 6 mos of honorable service with a regiment qualifies you to affiliate and wear that crest as your affiliation. On the other hand it seems as if it’s saying that if you change your MOS, Branch, component, or state then you have to change your affiliation or obtain authorization from The Adjutant General or commander in your gaining state to maintain your affiliation. 600-82 then goes on to state that Guardsmen can’t affiliate with AC combat arms regiments.
The regs also make the affiliation process sound as simple as scribbling it into a DA 2-1.

Can someone clarify?

Response by CW5 Jack Cardwell made Oct 20 at 2019 4:52 PM

CW5 Jack Cardwell — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 16:52:50 -0400

NGR 600-82 basically says your Regimental affiliation is based on your current MOS. The entry is made in pencil on the paper DA 2-1 so it can be change your MOS.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 20 at 2019 6:13 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 18:13:51 -0400

Seems pretty clear.

AR670-1 Dtd May 2017 19–23. Insignia representing regimental affiliation
a. Authorization. Insignia used to represent regimental affiliation consists of either the RDI or DUI of a design ap- proved by TIOH. A Soldier’s regimental affiliation using an RDI is based on a Soldier’s branch/corps/special branch, as determined by PMOS or specialty. Soldiers may wear the RDI for their affiliated regiment or may wear the DUI for a unit in which they are serving or have previously served successfully, based on their assignment history as indicated in their official personnel record.

AR870-21 did May 2017 5–2. Requests to change affiliation
a. Soldiers may request to change affiliation with a regiment or corps at any time after initial affiliation. All requests to change regimental or corps affiliation must be submitted from the Soldier’s current command to the custodian of the regiment or chief of the corps (as applicable) using DA Form 4187 (Personnel Action) submitted to the custodian of the regiment or chief of the corps to which affiliation is being requested.
b. Soldiers must have served honorably in a subordinate unit of the regiment to which affiliation is requested for a period of no less than 6 months and have the current commanding officer’s endorsement and approval of the custodian of the new regiment.
c. Once the custodian of the regiment or the chief of the corps has approved a change, the custodian or chief will return the approved DA Form 4187 to the requesting Soldier and retain a copy in the history files.

AR670-1 authorizes the situations where you may change regimental affiliation. AR870-21 slaps a time constraint on it but says the same thing. You may change affiliation any time after the initial affiliation provided you meet the 6 months of honorable service. Not sure what the NGB document says, but it can't supersede an Army regulation.

EDIT: NGR 600-82 was published in 1993. AR 600-82, it's basis, was superceeded in 1990. Both AR670-1 and 870-21 were published pursuant to a major policy change that allowed soldiers to change affiliation as stated above. NGR 600-82 was simply never updated. I find I have to choose between the tthree, I would choose the most recent Army Regulation Vice an NGR. The references in NGR 600-20 cite AR 600-82 The Army Regimental System, but that is now AR870-21.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2019 6:21 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 18:21:33 -0400

I don't have much to contribute beyonds my knowledge that there are some MOS' out there that do not allow you to change your regimental affiliation. Combat medics for example can only be affiliated with AMEDD. Your S1 shop should be able to give you guidance.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2019 10:02 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 22:02:05 -0400

As long as it’s on your SRB assignments you are able to wear it. You used to have to submit a 4187 for it but not anymore