Am I required to have a FedRec as an O-1 for O-2 promotion? How long does it take for approval?

2LT(P) Franco Hui — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 16:16:30 -0500

Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,

I was commissioned into the Guard in May 2017. I just turned in my O-2 promotion packet last year (June 2019) at the 24-month window. However, the packet got kicked back in December because the OPM discovered that I have been missing a FedRec as an O-1 since 2017. Now, my FedRec for O-1 JUST got turned in!!! The G-1 page is showing that I am at 0 Day for "FedRec- Appointment of Commission". I've been told I have to resubmit my O-2 promotion packet after this step is done.

Here are my questions. Thank you.

1) Does anyone know if I am required to have a FedRec as an O-1 for O-2 promotion? I thought I automatically obtained FedRec when I was commissioned from ROTC and got my DA-71.

2) How long does it take for the O-1 FedRec approval? Would they expedite it due to my circumstance?

3) Would they backdate my DOR to the date of eligibility?

I hope someone can give me an insight of this issue. I am very frustrated. I have 31-month TIG under my belt now

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2020 8:57 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 20:57:54 -0500

Your ROTC program should have been coordinated with NGB to get your FEDREC. Someone in that chain failed you. Without a FEDREC, you are not a federally-recognized officer of the United Stated military, so yes, you need it to continue on with any future officer promotions (this is the same for Warrant Officers). The good news for you is that O1-O2 promotions can be backdated (O1-O2 and WO1-CW2 are the only officer promotions that can be), and your O1 FEDREC should be dated to whenever you were accepted as an officer in the Army National Guard. So I wouldn't worry too much about it until you get your paperwork and it says something different (but it shouldn't). The only thing now is the waiting game for your FEDREC.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2020 9:42 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 21:42:08 -0500

1. Yes, a fed rec is required for every officer appointment, promotion and branch change. The state should have submitted that the month you were appointed to the Guard. And absolutely nothing in the Army is "automatic", every action requires action by some real, live people at several levels.
Please bear that in mind anytime anyone uses the word "automatic" in the Army.
2. 6-12 months, depending on backlog and corrections.
3. You will get the backdate for eligibility for O1 and O2.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 20 at 2020 11:51 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Jan 2020 11:51:13 -0500

As others have said, Yes you will need a FEDREC for your O-1 and every other promotion in the ARNG. From where you are it will take 100ish days to get your next one processed. The good news is, the O-1 to O-2 date of rank will be back dated. E.g. You will receive back pay adjustments on all LES received between your O-2 eligibility date and when you receive your O-2 FEDREC.

You should review the Date of Rank for your O-1 FEDREC to ensure the date is correct. You should also seek to find out why you had to wait for 24 months TIG for O-1 to O-2 when the current requirement is only 18 months TIG for that promotion. Maybe you can back date it another 6 months.

Response by 2LT(P) Franco Hui made Jan 28 at 2020 2:09 PM

2LT(P) Franco Hui — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 14:09:12 -0500

Thank you gentlemen. I have filed an IG last week and I hope it would be resolved in a month. I've been told they would expedite my missing FedRec so that I can start my 1LT promotion asap.