I have a soldier who wants to extend for deployment, but are flagged for APFT. Can the CO waive such flag?

2020-04-25T18:24:44-04:00

The soldier hasn’t taken a record APFT since October of 2019, which they failed. With COVID-19 happening, we are unable to administer a record right now. Their ETS is around November 2020, but they want to extend for 12 months for an upcoming deployment. Their SRB has no flag code, or BAR code, but still has the APFT score as FAIL. I’ve read a couple things stating that the CO can waive such things, and approve an extension. Im aware the soldier will still have to eventually pass the APFT, but we wish to help him extend so he can join us on the deployment. Can anyone verify that a commander can do such thing?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 25 at 2020 6:56 PM

2020-04-25T18:56:26-04:00

Lifting this flag is inappropriate. The Soldier cannot pass the APFT, which is a component of readiness.

Response by SFC Carlos Gamino made Apr 25 at 2020 7:46 PM

2020-04-25T19:46:32-04:00

Very possible and pretty sure the CO. knows this just like the 1SG and PSG. It’s a matter if they want too.

Response by SFC Carlos Gamino made Apr 25 at 2020 7:48 PM

2020-04-25T19:48:05-04:00

PS., do you think he can pass the APFT at today without using the COVD-19 excuse?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Apr 25 at 2020 8:56 PM

2020-04-25T20:56:38-04:00

He's supposed to be flagged. The Commander can deploy him with APFT failure. Retention NCO can verify the extension rules. Know what makes this easier? Just pass the damn APFT.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2020 9:01 PM

2020-04-25T21:01:18-04:00

An Army Reserve Soldier flagged for APFT failure is not authorized to re-enlist but they are authorized to extend. The reason for the extension would be in order correct their APFT failure.
Talk with your Career Counsellor and see what they can do for him.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2020 9:40 PM

2020-04-25T21:40:14-04:00

There is a waiver, it has to be approved by the first General Officer in the Soldiers chain of command. AR 601-280 3-8 goes over all the requirements to be eligible for reenlistment.

Response by SSG George Holtje made Apr 25 at 2020 10:39 PM

2020-04-25T22:39:25-04:00

They never had trouble dragging someone who was eating their way to freedom to Afghanistan, Iraq or the former Yugoslavia, I would say yes to take the willing as well.
A popular excuse is it’s out of my hands. If it’s not drug tests, it’s not out of a COs hands.
There are many deployed soldiers damaging themselves, faking injuries and attempting suicide to get out of the hot zone.
Tell that CO to keep that in mind before he checks the no block and not to pass up someone who is willing

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2020 12:55 AM

2020-04-26T00:55:39-04:00

So he failed an APFT in October and hasn’t taken 1 since? What happened to November, December, January, February? Have you failed as a leader to properly equip your soldier to pass an APFT? If he can’t run, he can’t deploy. Simple as that

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2020 1:24 AM

2020-04-26T01:24:33-04:00

UPDATE: I’ve been informed that a 6 month extension to original contract is authorized, to give the soldier time to pass. If he passes within said 6 months, he can either extend for another 6 or straight up re-enlist. THIS IS NOT FAVORITISM. The soldier wishes to re-up, but simply struggles with his run. I wish to continue working with him so he can reach the standard, and achieve his goals. The soldier is excellent at what he does, and has had no issues throughout his career except for this one time. As a leader, I understand there is a standard for a reason, but would hate to see him be denied to continue service. I will be meeting with our retention team and CO later this week to discuss options, and to make a plan.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2020 2:55 PM

2020-04-26T14:55:05-04:00

My unit is doing record APFTs for flagged Soldiers to remove the Flag.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 26 at 2020 5:09 PM

2020-04-26T17:09:41-04:00

This must be a new millennial thing. I've never heard of extension for an upcoming deployment to be labeled as a favorable action, it was called stop loss or involuntary extension, every swinging dick is going. When we got called up for OIF in 2003, the unit deployed a Soldier that had 2 casts and a neck brace. His ass was rolling in a wheelchair up on the back of that C-130 ramp. So I know an APFT won't stop the show. That flag will follow him downrange and he will just be on remedial until he pass.......

Response by CPL Chuck Fuller made Apr 27 at 2020 9:44 AM

2020-04-27T09:44:05-04:00

How about getting into shape - no you should not be allowed to deploy - you used your APFT to get out of PT with your unit - pass or get out of the service - we see people like you in about every unit out there - you are unfit for duty - end of story

Response by SFC Carlos Gamino made Apr 27 at 2020 4:23 PM

2020-04-27T16:23:23-04:00

Honestly, you are spending or dedicating to much time on this soldier. Ultimately it is the soldier’s responsibility to meet the standard. You or any NCO can’t hold a soldier’s hand throughout his enlistment. The Army and all the military is not pretty much competitive as it should be just like the civilian side. Focus on getting promoted to SGT, in the mean time continue with counseling that soldier. Hold him accountable for his shortcomings.

Response by 1SG Harold Piet made May 5 at 2020 10:18 AM

2020-05-05T10:18:03-04:00

If he has a medical reason that he cannot run, then he can pass the PFT with a waiver. If he has no running profile and a supervisor wants him that bad, give him PT running twice a day until he can pass the PT test. No waivers for fat or unfit soldiers, they are a drain on others.

Response by Joel G. Morales made May 8 at 2020 9:14 AM

2020-05-08T09:14:27-04:00

Before I continue can you explain what APFT and ETS stand for?

Response by SSG Gregg Mourizen made May 19 at 2020 1:45 AM

2020-05-19T01:45:17-04:00

I'll start with his records, If they are not up to date, whose fault is it. If it aint in his records, he is not flagged. Start off with that, or fix it.
Next, PT score does not determine how good of a soldier, he/she is. You need to decide how much you really need this/these soldier(s). Please make it more than just...how much you need to meet numbers.
If this is a good soldier, a valuable asset, you need, by all means, fight for him/her/them. If not, be ready to justify why.
I have seen many top notch soldiers, with bad PT scores, or minor weight issues. I have also seen many S--t-bags with 300's.
I do believe the CO, can waiver. You should start with your 1st Sgt, through you NCO support chain. Without his support, I doubt you will get very far.