My wife is in the IRR and would like to promote. What’s the process? Who would she have to contact?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 17:35:34 -0500

My wife is in the IRR and would like to promote. What’s the process? Who would she have to contact?
Thanks in advance.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 5 at 2018 6:37 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 18:37:33 -0500

Let's ask around

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Nov 5 at 2018 7:47 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 19:47:31 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Silly question I have to ask....What has she done to get promoted? Did she max her APFT? Does IIR take one? Did she get 3 Army Commendation medals in the last year? Did she save lives? Did she always where her uniform correctly? Do they wear uniforms in IIR? I did not think they did, since they did not get paid, and they did not report to work? Again, why does she deserve this promotion? I have been retired over 20 years. I think I deserve a promotion also. Do you think the taxpayers should pay for my promotion? Do you think she and I deserve a promotion over the active duty soldiers in Iraq, AFG and Syria? (I do not deserve a promotion but glad you all think I should get promoted!)

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 5 at 2018 8:56 PM

SrA John Monette — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 20:56:26 -0500

I was IRR for the last 4 years of my contract. Actually had to report a total of one time. no promotions. no boards. I think she would have to go ARNG or Army Reserve to be promoted.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Nov 5 at 2018 8:56 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 20:56:53 -0500

By law, IRR are eligible and compete in the same pool as Ready Reserve, etc. I did copy a note out of the Navy side: "NOTE: personnel in the IRR must compete for promotion with those members who are drilling. Extended time in the IRR may make a member less competitive for promotion, especially since IRR members do not receive fitness reports." I sat a number of boards and the IRR types without paper NEVER got promoted unless they did something heroic on an ADT or whatever which garnered say a Bronze Star and Special Fitness Report. At the lower ranks where promotion percentages are greater than say 80-90%, that can happen. However, if the promotion rate is around 50%, no way. It's a paper vs. body count thing. Bottom line, on paper it's feasible. In reality, you don't see it.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Nov 5 at 2018 9:03 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 21:03:22 -0500

I found this really interesting! Thanks for asking!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Nov 5 at 2018 11:21 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 23:21:34 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, I was promoted to captain in the IRR in 1981. I just got a letter in the mail one day stating that I had been so promoted.
As I was told at the time, an Army reservist in the IRR would be promoted to the highest rank for which their military education allowed upon reaching maximum time in grade requirements for the previous grade.
I’m sure regulations have changed since then, but that’s what happened to me.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Nov 6 at 2018 8:23 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Tue, 06 Nov 2018 20:23:40 -0500

I know for officers, if you are selected for promotion and you are in the IRR, you get promoted once the list is confirmed. That happened to me for Major and for Colonel. For enlisted, I am not sure since there are difference promotion selection systems.