Former Army Instructors, what do you think of my proposal for retroactive award of the Basic Army Instructor Badge?

SFC Jeremy Boyd — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:12:46 -0500

Hello fellow Rallypoint friends! A little over a year ago I posted a question about who to contact for proposing changes to allow for retroactive award of the BAIB for prior Instructors. I finally got ahold of the right section of the right Command to make my proposed changes, and have attached below a copy of the email I sent with my proposal. Fellow former Instructor/Writers, tell me, what do you think?

Good evening,

My name is SFC(R) Jeremy Boyd, and I am sending this email with suggestions for changes to the awarding of the Basic Army Instructor Badge for prior Instructor/Writers. These are my proposals:

1. Award of the BAIB be made retroactive at least to September 11th, 2001.

2. Retroactive award of the BAIB be made available to current active duty Soldiers, USAR Soldiers, ARNG Soldiers, prior service Soldiers, and Army Retirees.

3. Proof of instructor qualification come in the form of a combination of Primary MOS orders showing award of SQI 8 and certificates from any of the following courses:

a. Instructor Training Course (ITC)
b. Army Basic Instructor Course (ABIC)
c. Common Faculty Development - Instructor Course (CFD-IC)

4. Proof of local instructor certification requirements (Battalion or above) come in the form of any of the following items:

a. Certificate of Completion
b. Memorandum for Record

5. For Soldiers who served as instructors prior to June 7th, 2013 (the current retroactive date of award of the BAIB), the submission of NCOERs, for a minimum 24 months of rated time with the Principal Duty Title of Instructor/Writer, serve as proof of the minimum 80 hours of instruction currently required under the Faculty Development and Recognition Program (FDRP) for award of the BAIB.

6. Submission of these alternative sources of instructor qualification and certification be made to TRADOC or HRC for validation and issuance of the award orders for the badge.

My recommendations are solely for retroactively awarding the BAIB, as I believe there is too much burden of proof to be feasible for including the SAIB and MAIB.

Thank you for your time and attention.

Jeremy M. Boyd
SFC(R), USA

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2022 7:04 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 19:04:22 -0500

Simple answer - paper changes paper, sometimes. The HQ can use rock or scissors. I ran into this with a SSgt in my Platoon. He had been in OK City Federal Bldg. (Recruiting Station) when it blew. Several WIAs and he needed help on PH status. All enemies foreign and domestic etc. Answer from Awards Branch when I called was "not at this time". We were not in GWOT yet so he could not argue being in combat, sorta. Don't know any current status, but good on you for looking. Help others, and even help yourself, as it may help others later.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Jan 13 at 2022 7:45 PM

SPC Nancy Greene — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 19:45:04 -0500

It sounds like a a good idea SFC Jeremy Boyd

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2022 8:43 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 20:43:15 -0500

I don’t see any issues with this. I’m neither for or against your suggestion. My only question is what is the purpose? I could see the possible benefit for SMs still serving but, being retired, I haven’t missed out on anything where I believe my instructor badge would have benefited me.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2022 8:52 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 08:52:37 -0500

As an instructor, there is more that goes to the award so they can’t just make it a retroactive Award. For example, it’s now 300 hours as an instructor, 3 passing evaluations with a minimum score of 18 or above, 3 observations of other instructors. So how can you make it retroactive if you can’t prove they met the requirements?

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 14 at 2022 12:24 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 12:24:34 -0500

Looks like a good idea. In the Army, do helicopter pilot training instructors at Ft Rucker get the Instructor Badge? Is it reserved for enlisted personnel only? If available for Officers and Warrant Officers, the IPs at the helicopter school should qualify.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2023 5:22 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 05:22:22 -0500

Did we get an answer for this SFC Boyd?

Response by SSG William Cole made Apr 13 at 2023 6:17 PM

SSG William Cole — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 18:17:31 -0400

It’s a good idea overall. I like that it adds a few extra promotion points for those that need them. Although by now most will have made E6 and it’s a moot point. I’d have to say it’s more about recognition which isn’t necessary, but appreciated.

How did you come up with the date of 11 SEP 01? (Aside from the obvious) I was an 11C AIT instructor from 92-94. Why not make it retroactive to an earlier date? I’m retired and it matters little, if at all. But there could be a few out there that could use a little recognition for the sacrifices made.

Response by SSG William Bryant made Sep 12 at 2023 8:07 PM

SSG William Bryant — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 20:07:15 -0400

This is a great proposal. I was a phase 2 instructor for the practical nursing course for 2 years and would love to have the badge in my accomplishments. I retired in Oct 2015 and never thought I could possibly earn this. You have my vote for sure.

William Bryant
SSG, US Army(Retired)

Response by MSG Michael Fite made Nov 8 at 2023 3:38 PM

MSG Michael Fite — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 15:38:34 -0500

Excellent idea, Jeremy!! I am a retired MSG Instructor/Writer and wear the Badge on my Dress Blues (even though not necessarily authorized) because I know that I meet the qualifications for the award based on 17 years as a signal instructor and opns NCOIC with an "H" (later "8") identifier. FYI, for you ARNG folks, your State may have authorized the wear of the Cold War Service Medal for anyone who served during the Cold War Era whether as ARNG, AC, RC (AC & RC Retired); may also apply to our "sister" branches also.
BTW, any response from HQ yet?
Thanks for initiating the action.
Mike Fite
MSG(R), USA

Response by SFC Alvin Jackson made Mar 14 at 2024 8:44 PM

SFC Alvin Jackson — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 20:44:40 -0400

What is their address or email?