Can a TIS waiver still be granted for potential OCS candidates although the last MILPER messages stated no waivers?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 21:28:34 -0400

The next OCS board is projected for January and my packet is finally completed. Between today's date and January, I will hit another year in the Army making my TIS more than 10 years. MILPER messages states no waivers but I have spoken to multiple senior officers who tell me differently. Not sure which is true and don't want to get my hopes up. Does anyone have any insight on which is true?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2019 9:45 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 21:45:22 -0400

Sounds like a NO.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Aug 15 at 2019 11:20 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 23:20:47 -0400

It sounds as though you are out of luck, so don't get your hope up, but...you sure won't get a waiver if you don't submit your packet. The endorsements you get as the package moves up the chain (I assume it's submitted through the chain), the strength of your packet, and the quality of other applicants could all have an impact. Letters from those "multiple senior officers" in support of your case being considered could also have an impact. As it stands, you have no chance, gathering support and submitting the packet is a chance and the worst that can happen is you're told no. MILPER says no waivers, but dependent upon the circumstances, whomever made the no decision can decide on an exception.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 15 at 2019 11:23 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Thu, 15 Aug 2019 23:23:49 -0400

Look, the senior officers are not in charge of the system. MILPERCON- Military Personnel Command is in charge and if they say No waivers, then there isn't any unless the CoS over rules them- don't see that happening without a MOH.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 16 at 2019 1:10 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 01:10:01 -0400

Believe me you will be OK. Just put in a waiver request or go warrant

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Aug 16 at 2019 1:11 AM

CW4 Craig Urban — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 01:11:51 -0400

Wally Adaway a PBO in 3rd AD. He did not get appointed to warrant until his 18th year. Made CW4 and was on my CW4 promotion board.

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Aug 16 at 2019 6:28 AM

SGT Javier Silva — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 06:28:30 -0400

MILPER messages are the official Army guidance on what is and isn't authorized. A senior officer cannot change a MILPER unless Army CoS, or higher, changes that guidance. If your packet is complete submit the damn thing, cause your approval may be based on when you submitted the packet, if you get it in before the 10-year-mark. If you don't, you will never know.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 16 at 2019 3:14 PM

CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 15:14:49 -0400

Submit the packet with the waiver. MILPERs have said this before but waivers still were pushed up. Alot of poor, outdated guidance on this site. Regardless, the worst case scenario is that you are denied. No harm. No foul. Try again when they change the requirements, which they do quite often based on needs.

Source: OCS grad that had the same language in our MILPER, but met multiple SMs that were granted waivers.

Response by SFC Marc W. made Aug 16 at 2019 6:16 PM

SFC Marc W. — Fri, 16 Aug 2019 18:16:09 -0400

So I pressed this very issue with former Secretary of the Army Mark Esper (don't ask). After some serious digging, the answer I received from his office was that it can be waived, this current MILPER is also lacking in the terms of "no waiver" after the 10 years AFS sub paragraph. Submit the strongest packet you can as early as you can and let the other end work. It would also help to have your Chain of Command put in strong letters of recommendation, see if you can get a star behind you as well.