Anyone with experience approving waivers or exception to policies?

2018-10-04T21:40:45-04:00

I'll provide more details to whoever is willing to help.
In short, I attrited out of navy flight school. Nothing medical or moral. I'll provide specifics to whoever thinks they can help.

I am trying to transfer into the army for flight as a warrant officer. The process to get out of the Navy is the easy part. Where I need help is with getting the army to let me fly.
There is a reg stating an attendee of a DOD sourced flight school cannot attend army flight school, regardless of the reason for attrition. But the army will let someone under those circumstances in on a case by case basis on a DA G1 waiver, granted by the deputy chief of staff, based on the recommendation of army aviation proponent.

What I'd like is someone who has some experience with similar waivers, willing to listen to my story and help me with how to word my memo.

If you'd prefer to text, email, talk on the phone that's fine by me. And by all means if you're near pensacola, benning or fort Rucker I'd be more than happy to buy you a steak or some beers.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Oct 4 at 2018 9:41 PM

2018-10-04T21:41:36-04:00

I Do. It was long time ago.
I was changed PMOS from the old 11D Scout to the then new 19G M511 Sheridan Crewman (Light Tank). I had never had been on one ever. Knew what they looked like, but never been around them as I was LRRP.
Everyone in my Troop was made either 19G or 1H (Tank Driver) BUT they had either been in Cavalry units that had the Sheridans or been actually crew for one.
Still everyone marched over to the Brigade G-1 and submitted for a Re-class to the new 19D (Scout). The G1 Specialist 5 that typed (Yes - Typewriters) up their Requests used a standard format that in the final sentences stressed that the soldier believed that the re-class to 19D was "for the good of the Army".
They all had their applications rejected.
I had marched over with the others but when I got there I submitted to the SP5 my narrative which was, not the same. The SP5 typed up the generic Request. I didn't sign it. He said that was the "proper format".
I asked him what the format of the narrative had to do with my request since MY handwritten script was in the same format - it just was in my words not his. He said he wouldn't type it. I got up and walked back to the G-1s (a LTC), knocked on the door and requested to speak to him (SP5 bouncing around nervously because I called his bluff). I explained what was happening. The LTC told the SP5 to use my narrative.
My narrative stressed the fact that I had 7+ Years in LRRPs and I felt it would be better for ME that I be reclassed to 19D Scout due to my experience and success as a LRRP SSG.
I was the only soldier of my Troop to NOT have my Request for Reclass to 19D rejected by DA.
.
I believe to this day that the Army knew was best for the Army when it reclassed all those guys to 19G/19H.
I also believe that my request did 3 things -
1. It explained my experience.
2. It pointed out my success in a field that few mastered.
3. It was a personal appeal to what I thought would be the best career path for my career.
.
You have to go for the goals you want. There will be blockades and blockages. Stay Focused.