What rules govern the DA 4187? Can a non-approving authority stop it (BN CSM)?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 10:50:49 -0400

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 11:54 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 11:54:59 -0400

I don't know if there is a reg that governs the 4187, but I'll give this a shot:

If someone is not an approving authority, no they cannot disapprove a 4187.
HOWEVER
In every unit I have been in, the BN CSM will see every 4187 that is routed to the BN CDR before the BN CDR sees it. This happens so that the BN CDR doesn't waste his/her time on a request that does not merit his/her time. The BN CSM is the filter for the BN CDR. Thus, if the BN CSM doesn't think the request is valid, or it won't get approved higher up the chain (if it needs to go higher), or the CSM disagrees with the reasoning, whatever, etc. then the approving authority (many times the BN CDR) won't ever see it. Thus, it is *effectively* disapproved.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 1:38 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 13:38:51 -0400

Just mental chewing gum, the CSM isn't on NCOERs either, but if he/she gets one for his/her boss to sign and it is jacked up, either DA won't accept it or it hurts the Soldier, that CSM can reject it too. S1 Clerks who see an administrative problem can kick things back for correction. If this CSM saw it had a submission date before DA would allow it, it is not really arbitrary or subjective. If you planned for S1 lag time, which is real and valid, even if you post dated everything on the packet, what would happen if everything went right and it got processed in 2-3 days? Proactivity is an awesome trait, but unless you have buy in from everyone else to be proactive, you are making assumptions on their time, if they do not perpetuate your own proactivity, it will do you no good.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 21 at 2017 2:01 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 14:01:58 -0400

The DA Form 4187 is just that, a Form.. Its uses are many..
Who it must be routed though for review and or approve changes as well.