Posted on Jun 9, 2023
Can I get an exception to policy to reclassify to 92R as an E-5?
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I recently reenlisted overseas to a 92R. I submitted a packet, to the promotion board and passed but I submitted my packet before reenlisting. I asked my retention NCO before reenlisting if I promoted would it affect anything they said no… later I found out that you have to be e4 and below for that reclass. After asking the retention NCO they looked into it more and said it was true. Can I get an exception to policy to go as an e5?
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Re-enlistment
Re-enlistment
Posted >1 y ago
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SPC (Join to see), you can get an exception to any policy, even if guidance (not regulation) indicates "no exceptions" (I have seen it). You have to figure out who the approval authority is.
Most specialties have general supervisory duties over junior enlisted performing their job, so the paramount skill is management and supervision. The general thought is that you must be at least "familiar" with the core duties of that specialty to lead and manage those Soldiers in the accomplishment of their duties. I have seen many Sergeants reclassify into another MOS and successfully play catch up. The ideal scenario, however, is that the leader is an SME with the skills acquired over 4-6 years from performing that specialty.
Riggers are pretty unique in this. The 92R Sergeant also has the duty to serve as the parachute pack-in-process inspector. If you have never packed chutes, nor observed inspections, you are a safety risk to all jumpers as one of the last people who verify that a chute is packed properly. The same Sergeant can also serve as an SME while supporting airdrop logistical operations for nonparachute rigger organizations. If you have never supported or observed the logistical support for airdrops, you are an extra thumb.
Proponent guidance suggests that waivers for non fully qualified personnel serving as a 92R2O requires evaluation by the commander of your qualifications, including technical and leadership experience and that you have demonstrated the ability to operate independently from the chain of command. Commanders have specific guidance when granting waivers, that safety shall be the foremost consideration and that waivers are granted for periods not to exceed 180 days. Permanent assignment requires DA approval.
This is why there is a rank restriction on reclassification into 92R. If you can demonstrate technical and leadership experience in the accomplishment of the duties of a rigger, the Department of the Army is the approval authority for such a request, however, I am willing to bet you will not find a rigger Commander who is willing to assume the risk associated with an inexperienced rigger and endorse such a request.
The short answer is yes, you can request an exception to policy. The likelihood of getting the waiver is close to zero unless you have FAA parachuter senior or master certification and even then I have my doubts.
Most specialties have general supervisory duties over junior enlisted performing their job, so the paramount skill is management and supervision. The general thought is that you must be at least "familiar" with the core duties of that specialty to lead and manage those Soldiers in the accomplishment of their duties. I have seen many Sergeants reclassify into another MOS and successfully play catch up. The ideal scenario, however, is that the leader is an SME with the skills acquired over 4-6 years from performing that specialty.
Riggers are pretty unique in this. The 92R Sergeant also has the duty to serve as the parachute pack-in-process inspector. If you have never packed chutes, nor observed inspections, you are a safety risk to all jumpers as one of the last people who verify that a chute is packed properly. The same Sergeant can also serve as an SME while supporting airdrop logistical operations for nonparachute rigger organizations. If you have never supported or observed the logistical support for airdrops, you are an extra thumb.
Proponent guidance suggests that waivers for non fully qualified personnel serving as a 92R2O requires evaluation by the commander of your qualifications, including technical and leadership experience and that you have demonstrated the ability to operate independently from the chain of command. Commanders have specific guidance when granting waivers, that safety shall be the foremost consideration and that waivers are granted for periods not to exceed 180 days. Permanent assignment requires DA approval.
This is why there is a rank restriction on reclassification into 92R. If you can demonstrate technical and leadership experience in the accomplishment of the duties of a rigger, the Department of the Army is the approval authority for such a request, however, I am willing to bet you will not find a rigger Commander who is willing to assume the risk associated with an inexperienced rigger and endorse such a request.
The short answer is yes, you can request an exception to policy. The likelihood of getting the waiver is close to zero unless you have FAA parachuter senior or master certification and even then I have my doubts.
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Thank you for all the advice and information you gave me. I really appreciate your time!
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