Any chance to regain time in grade after I commission?

2020-11-24T21:22:39-05:00

I am officially commissioning this December as a 2LT (SMP, prior enlisted). I was projected to commission back in August this year, but the only thing that pushed back my commission was a mental health clearance for duty.

I live in Chicago, and the closest Army MTF was either at Fort Campbell or Fort Knox. My ROTC program initially had me book a VA appointment at Great Lakes with a Navy nurse practitioner, who assessed me in March and wrote a memo in June in which she declared me fit for duty. However, this was not accepted by the ROTC Brigade Nurse, who requested that a DA 3822, or "any form that shows the type of evaluations performed...and clearance for Military service." The Navy nurse stated that she could not fill out an Army form, and suggested that I should book an appointment at Campbell. As this was going on during the pandemic, my program opted not to cut orders for me to fly in for one day. After my projected August commissioning date, my NCOIC suggested that I should get the DA 3822 filled out by one of the psychiatrists assigned to our unit. I got it processed in October, and the hold was lifted.

That being said, I don't hold any serious grudges for the kickback, and I'm relieved that I can still commission this year, but would it still be possible to regain some time in grade? I currently still have the Navy nurse's memo, as well as my old commissioning paperwork. I am actually graduating with my master's in December, but I was initially using my bachelor's degree from 2016 to commission early instead. Otherwise, I tried.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2020 9:28 PM

2020-11-24T21:28:49-05:00

I really don't think it's going to happen. At best it will be dated no later than the last officially accepted document holding up your entire commissioning process.

I feel the burn. I was supposed to just simply commission in SEP-2014, but ended up taking until MAY-2015 because of a back and forth medical process between a USAF clinic and Army HRC. It put me in a different cohort year and potentially cost me my chance to make LCT before age 60.

What is the impact on the long game? Will it change the highest rank you retire at? Just move forward from where you are the best you can.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2020 9:31 PM

2020-11-24T21:31:21-05:00

I don't believe so. Your time starts from commissioning and you weren't eligible for commissioning without that clearance for duty. You could discuss it with your PMS and possibly with proponency at whatever branch you commission into. But i wouldn't hold my breath.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2020 10:11 PM

2020-11-24T22:11:03-05:00

Here's another little thing I learned regarding the USAR. Maybe I should keep my mouth shut.
Based on the MAJ board schedules it's taking 7 years as a CPT to get in the primary zone for selection. That is if you meander through CCC, and never get around to a command. You will still make MAJ, but it will take 7 years waiting for it to come.

MILPER 20-050
CPT's can OPT-IN for an up coming MAJ board on the conditions
1) 3 Years TIG (at the time of submission because by time anyone is selected they will be at the regulation 4 years TIG)
2) CCC is complete
3) Completed your Branch specific Key Development position per DA PAM 600-3.

So there you go. Maybe you lost a year getting to 2LT, but you can pick up 3 years getting to MAJ if you move on your development.

Lets just hope there is a similar MILPER published in our year 3 CPT time.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Nov 24 at 2020 10:47 PM

2020-11-24T22:47:59-05:00

Regain time in grade? What is that? Time in service? That I know. Are you commissioning in the reserves? No need to worry. Active Duty? Time begins effective based on your orders.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Nov 24 at 2020 10:53 PM

2020-11-24T22:53:03-05:00

You cannot get time in grade for a grade you did not have. To commission, you have to meet all the academic, training, and administrative requirements. I would stick with being thankful you are able to commission next month and move forward to be the best 2LT you can be.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2020 10:57 PM

2020-11-24T22:57:10-05:00

If you didn't commission in August, and will not commission until next month, then there is no TIG lost. Because there was no TIG to be had. Your clock starts the day you do the Oath. If you didn't take the Oath in August.....then your clock never started.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2020 11:28 PM

2020-11-24T23:28:17-05:00

In the end you are talking about a few months which if you are making a career will get lost in the wash. Remember your real time won't start until you show up to OBC so as i had a three month gap till I could get into my first course I lost that time as well. Good luck.

Response by CPT Brad Wilson made Nov 26 at 2020 3:12 AM

2020-11-26T03:12:12-05:00

Probably not When I first enlisted I answered the medical questions about concussions. I was told I had one when I was 14. My enlistment was delayed about 6 weeks until MEPS could get me to a neurologist who determined that my concussion was misdiagnosed and I was fit for duty

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Nov 26 at 2020 8:23 AM

2020-11-26T08:23:05-05:00

You want credit for time in grade because you were delayed pinning because of admin requirements?

Not gonna happen and I wouldn’t recommend wasting anyone’s time with it. You can’t pin until all requirements are met. There were delays which during COVID19 everyone is experiencing delays. Don’t take it personally. Just pin on and move forward to the next objective