Is it within the ability of my commander to lift an HA flag code early in order for me to drop a volunteer recruiting packet?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2016 21:56:41 -0400

I recently had an incident where I lost my bearing and acted disrespectfully towards a senior NCO. I received a company grade article 15. I am currently in my punishment phase with an HA adverse action flag code. I recently spoke with my commander about lifting the flag code early in order to drop a recruiting packet. Is this something he is legally capable of doing?

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 10:34 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 May 2016 22:34:14 -0400

Company grade? Yes, it's fully within his purview to approve this.

HOWEVER, you are still in hot water. You lost your mind to the point that a SNCO and/or First Sergeant couldn't rein you in, and it was bad enough that the CO wanted to spank the pee-pee of a SERGEANT. And now you want permission to apply for a prestigious position with little to no supervision and loads of young people - when you can't even handle yourself around supervisors?? You want your CO to let you out of your punishment after they had to go through the BS of imposing UCMJ admin actions on you?

A CO would NEVER approve such a request, and you would be a fool to even request it.

My advice: get through the punishment, act like God on Water for twelve full months to prove to the Command that you aren't a turd, and after everyone has forgotten your lack of bearing and inability to maintain control, THEN apply for Recruiting duty.

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made May 17 at 2016 11:01 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Tue, 17 May 2016 23:01:13 -0400

What was his initial feedback? I'm not a lawyer, but this is the type of stuff you just tell someone no or sit on. In your situation I would be a lot more concerned with doing everything possible to avoid a referred ncoer during a draw down. We all make mistakes and you can recover. Avoid the referred ncoer and look to pcs. I wish you luck, but the Army is very unforgiving right now and it would be prudent to prepare yourself for a civilian career.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 18 at 2016 12:50 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Wed, 18 May 2016 00:50:49 -0400

This would be a time when I would recommend that you consult your Chain of Command, and maybe even that guy that you had the option of using when you were read your Article 15...a LAWYER. But first let your Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant go thru your First Sergeant to see if they are willing to do this...If you do not, and you opt to go over their heads, I suspect that you may be in for an infinitely more horrible time than you want.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 9:07 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 May 2016 09:07:59 -0400

Legally if Company Grade yes as he is your commander. Will he? Really depends as it could set bad example that he lifts flags early so people can get away with anything and NCOs are not supported.

Understand every situation is different and how early are you talking about?

However, work through chain of command. And also, like others said try to correct self to avoid further punishment or incidents. Is the incident going to be on NCOER. Might be better to wait on packet and serve your time.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made May 18 at 2016 3:35 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Wed, 18 May 2016 15:35:18 -0400

All I can tell you is that the AR-15 has to be documented in the recruiting volunteer packet. Summarized have to be listed too. While a co. grade may not be an automatic disqualifier, it will be a factor in whether or not USAREC approves it. They are very selective, especially in times when the recruiting mission is low. The fact you got yours as a SGT, was recent, and what it was for, will likely factor negatively in the decision. Just being honest based on my experience in USAREC. You might be better off waiting a year or two then submitting it. That way you won't be on record as a previously rejected applicant. Good Luck

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 1:37 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 May 2016 13:37:05 -0400

Some very good comments. BLUF it is going to be hard for you to drop a packet with an AR15 in your records. And having just left command I am not sure I would if I could as it would send a bad climate in the unit. I would focus on putting some time between the incident and the packet. As I would not remove the packet early nor sign the recruiting packet. I know it's not what you wanted to hear but this forum is supposed to be for honest feedback. I do wish you luck.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2016 9:06 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 May 2016 21:06:40 -0400

Yes, the CO can do that, I'm not sure that he would though. You would have to have been completely on point and the 1SG will also have a say. Even if the NCO in question was a complete dirt bag you have to respect the rank, especially in front of Soldiers. If there is an issue with the NCO you can take it up the chain that way.