If a LTC has 3 years or less until MRD, can he get an extension for the O6 Promotion Board. If so, what is the process?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:40:18 -0500

If a LTC has 3 years or less until MRD, can he get an extension for the O6 Promotion Board.
If so, what is the process?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 11 at 2024 10:01 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 10:01:59 -0500

From what I know, an extension request would have to be submitted to HRC. The issue, is can the LTC submit now 3 years prior to actual MRD?

The blow article is the closest I can find. It may not be the direct answer you're looking for, but it may point you in the right direction.

https://www.army.mil/article/241831/new_retirement_extensions_allow_the_army_to_retain_critical_talent

New retirement extensions allow the Army to retain critical talent

U.S. Army Colonel Paul Schmitt, a Foreign Area Officer (FAO) stationed in Kyiv, Ukraine, was planning to retire after 30 years of service. Schmitt serve...

Response by COL Randall C. made Jan 11 at 2024 12:05 PM

COL Randall C. — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 12:05:21 -0500

Prior to 2020, it would be no. Now? You'll have to talk to HRC* to get a good answer, but it still probably is a "no". The rules are also different based on component as well as branch in the exceptions they will grant, but the bottom line will be "Is this extension in the best interest of the military or for compassionate reasons?".

I do have one question though. Since MRD's are based on an officer's commissioned time, I'm wondering how an officer would be able to hit the 28 year mark of their career without going through the O6 promotion board. An active duty officer would go before a mandatory board around the 20 year mark (give or take .. depends on the published zone of consideration by HRC) and a reservist would be around the 24 year mark. It would be possible if they were delayed a few years along the way (i.e., RC with no vacancies), I suppose, but it would be a unique exception.

I mention this to make sure it's an apples to apples comparison. If a LTC is selected for promotion, then their MRD is automatically kicked out another two years (30 years MRD for COL and LTC(P)).
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* https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/RPMD%20Officer%20Actions%20Team

HRC

Response by COL Dan Ruder made Jan 15 at 2024 2:43 AM

COL Dan Ruder — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 02:43:10 -0500

I agree with others here. The LTC MRD is 28 years of COMMISSIONED service (any prior Enlisted time is not counted against the MRD). An LTC at 25 years (with at least 3 years TIG) would have been looked at twice by the COL promotion board (between years 22-25). So "no", this LTC would not get an extension approved to be looked at again by a promotion board that passed him/her over at least twice already. It's a different topic if the LTC is trying to get an extension beyond MRD for other reasons and there is a shortage of officers in his/her rank or specialty.