How much time should I give my unit to get the BDE CDR's signature on a memo/4187?

SGT Justin Chiang — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 23:50:11 -0500

So, I'm trying to apply for a federally-run civilian school that grants degrees to uniformed servicemembers. The only condition that the school puts forth as a military requirement is that my first O-6 must grant permission/nomination in order to be admitted; everything else is an academic requirement which I already exceed.

I submitted a 4187 and unsigned memo for my BDE CDR back in mid-December, with a hard suspense date of no later than 1 May (school's cutoff, obviously the faster it comes back the better). I've had no replies from my CoC aside from "we'll submit it" and "it's at S1" (insert 42A jokes here).

Consider the following about this school:
-Tuition is waived; I won't be dipping into TA or my GI Bill for this to happen.
-This is a weekend school for Reservists, once a month. I've already put in writing that I still intend to report for monthly drill, and will RST any unavoidable conflicts well in advance.
-I will be living close to this school anyway; won't need TDY money or a PCS, so the unit doesn't pay a dime on that front either. I've also put into writing that if they demand accountability, I'll sign in for points instead of pay.

Given the above, what is a reasonable turnaround time for a memo to get signed, especially if it doesn't involve money? And at what point should I get IG involved, if at all?

Thanks in advance.

Response by CW3 Jeff Held made Feb 20 at 2018 11:56 PM

CW3 Jeff Held — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 23:56:17 -0500

Couple of ways to skin this cat. First, I must presume your 1SG, Company CDR, CSM, & BN CDR endorsed the 4187. I would be inclined to run an update request through the NCO CoC to inquire.

I can bet your BDE CDR is looking real hard at manning and tastings. What is the length of this school? Will this be TDY or how will you be carried? PT? Weapons qual? Etc.?

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Feb 21 at 2018 1:50 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 13:50:50 -0500

Get an appointment and get on the commanders calendar, which level of CoC are you talking to, PSG / PL. Your talking IG and haven't mentioned any visits to the 1SG / CO , CSM or the Battalion Commander.
Also you said that you turned the 4187 and memo in with a hard suspense of 1 May. If your suspense on the documents was for May and it's February you may have inadvertently given your documents a lower priority in the actions pile.
Don't know about the Reserves but we turned admin actions from the Co. to the BDE level around in two weeks usually.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Feb 21 at 2018 3:04 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 15:04:37 -0500

Usually, I would say that a period of 60 to 90 days under the command would suffice. Let them get a warm and fuzzy about your performance (probably not the Col. but at least your TCB Commander and 1SG would be able to vouch for you at that point). If this is a time-sensitive thing, just go for it. Worst that can happen is you get shot down and you resubmit it after 60 to 90 days. Rinse and repeat.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Mar 17 at 2018 2:11 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 14:11:38 -0400

SGT Justin Chiang " And at what point should I get IG involved, if at all?"
Not applicable for the issue as you have described it so far, for this issue, IG might be appropriate if the Cofc was not following a policy, regulation or law....Pretty sure none of that applies here.
Your Cofc has no obligation to action your REQUEST.. It would be appropriate for them to deny it and say why, or approve it in a timely manner .. but unless you have a DOD, Service, or other legal guidance that requires your cofc to act on your REQUEST, they could, if they were so inclined toss it in the circular file and move on to something they feel is more important. Not my idea of right...but its done.

So what now???, well you have some good info already and sounds like you know what right is.. Show those that are delaying how they can say YES to your request..Stay active in the process and if the S1 is denying to act for cause and the cause is unjust, that is something most CofC would want to know...so start low and work up