Can my State (NG) fail to recognize my federal commission date from OCS?

2023-07-26T17:18:33-04:00

Here's my situation: I enlisted in the NG June 2020. Left for basic training January 2021, headed straight to federal OCS at Ft. Benning and commissioned July 2021.

When I got back to my state, I was on my unit's books as a corporal (?) for almost 3 months before they recognized my commission. When I finally got my promotion orders from the state, it had my commissioned DOR as September, 2 months after I actually commissioned. My question is, does the state hold precedence over that date, even though I was commissioned through regular army? Apparently LAANG had never experienced commissioning a person through Fed OCS rather than ROTC/State OCS, so there was a ton of confusion when I got back.

Is it normal for State guard to not honor my federal commission date? Because of the delay from July to September, I am 24 months TIG. Waiting on my scroll for promotion (L05-23/47 days). Thanks in advance for any advice or experience!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2023 6:31 PM

2023-07-26T18:31:20-04:00

When I left OCS for my OBC at Fort Sill, my 1610 still showed the paygrade during OCS. I questioned this as well, but the person going through my paperwork with me told me don't worry about it and that it will correct itself in time. I also signed on for a bonus of $3500 that was denied by the US Army as well. After graduation I got a letter stating that they were going to refuse to honor the bonus (stating something about legality) and gave me several options which included appealing to the Board of Correction of Military Records. Thus, I would not put too much thought into the written word that the US Army puts out. If it behooves them, they can refuse to honor pretty much anything - even your OCS contract. How do I know this? because it happened to me. Either they refused to honor my commissioning contract or they filed an illegal separation against me in an attempt to separate me as an enlisted soldier after I got to my OBC, take your pick.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 26 at 2023 9:34 PM

2023-07-26T21:34:21-04:00

Well I c u r reticent in contacting me. I can’t help u then.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Jul 26 at 2023 9:47 PM

2023-07-26T21:47:54-04:00

This should be an easy fix. Tell your commander that you need to go to your S1 and sit on their desk until this is corrected. If he can't do it, then it's time to talk to you BN CDR. There's no valid reason for them to have your DOR two months later than the actual date.

Do not let them shine you one and stay on top of this. If it's not rectified soon, then tell your commander you are off to the IG because it's obvious it's too difficult for your unit to. understand.

Response by COL Randall C. made Jul 26 at 2023 9:55 PM

2023-07-26T21:55:01-04:00

In a word, no. Your state seems to have it backwards. A state commission needs to have federal recognition, not the other way around. I'm not sure why your state is confused.

I assume your DA 71 (Oath of Office) as well as your DD 1A (your commissioning certificate) show your dates in July when you graduated from OCS.

DoDI 1310.01, AR 600-8-29, AR 135-100, etc. are all pretty clear that the DOR for a 2LT appointed as an officer though OCS is the date of graduation/commissioning.

If you haven't handled this through your unit leadership, get them involved. If that doesn't work, start taking it up the line.

Response by MAJ Ronnie Reams made Jul 27 at 2023 10:33 AM

2023-07-27T10:33:18-04:00

My guess is, the Federal DOR is Commission date. State DOR is State Commission date. Remember, you have 2 ranks that are not always the same. Kinda like when on AD, your USAR rank and your AUS rank are often not the same.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2023 12:04 PM

2023-08-03T12:04:16-04:00

Update !!!
I emailed my Commander, 1SG, all AGR staff, and anyone else I have been in communication with during the last 2 years of my situation. I laid out every single correspondence, with dates and names, of missteps and concerns I had. I learned that you all are right, voicing these complaints and backing them with evidence has done more for me in 4 days than I've trusted my 'staff' to do in 2 years.

My DOR will be an easy fix, but a rather long process, just have to request it to be changed through IPPS-A, and submit the DA 71 and memo.

I also learned that not only did my unit lie about the status of my IST packet (I initiated this last August, and have been permanently relocated since January) but my unit had processed the packet with an enlisted checklist. DRU O-6 was pissed apparently, and they are pushing my packet through at record speed it seems like. I will update on my promotion, but my guess is that it'll be another month or two at the earliest. Thanks for all your help and the confidence to take initiative!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2023 10:38 PM

2023-08-03T22:38:48-04:00

Federal date of commission trunks any State dor everyday, all day and twice on sundays! They need to fix your DOR otherwise it will affect your promotion boards. You might want to consider transferring to the USAR...

Response by MAJ Micah M. made Dec 13 at 2023 4:11 AM

2023-12-13T04:11:11-05:00

As mentioned already, your commission from OCS is made official with your DA71 (Oath of Office). That is the primary the document the State (and the Army) uses to recognize you as an officer. If the date on your DA71 doesn’t match your graduation date from OCS, that’s a whole different problem.

Your State has commissioned plenty of people from federal OCS. I was the National guard officer liaison at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) and worked with your state multiple times. Sounds like the people you’re talking to are new at their job. Sounds like also there was just a lazy paperwork issue.

At the end of the day, the State sent you to OCS to commission you and they should recognize your DOR from your DA71. Keep pushing back until it’s corrected.

You may also consider reengaging with your officer strength manager/officer recruiter if you haven’t already. They would have submitted your commissioning paperwork to the state for processing.