Other than HRC, who should I petition for an exception to policy in awarding the Basic Army Instructor Badge?

SFC Jeremy Boyd — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 20:35:47 -0400

I recently submitted an inquiry to HRC Awards and Decorations Branch, asking how to go about submitting a petition for exception to policy in awarding the Basic Army Instructor Badge to all former Instructor/Writers, whom to contact with such a request, and what supporting documentation should be sufficient. As a former Instructor/Writer (SQI 8) for the U.S. Army Armor School from April 2009 to November 2012, I would personally love to be awarded the badge, but unfortunately the current earliest cutoff date for the badges is 7 June 2013. I know for a fact that I, at the VERY least, accomplished the minimum requirements to earn the BAIB, as I'm certain any prior Instructor/Writers have. My intended petition would be strictly for retroactively awarding the BAIB only, as the requirements for the Senior and Master level badges are far more stringent and would be too difficult to prove, plus I wouldn't want to dillute the prestige of those ones so much by blanket awarding them. My suggestion is for the BAIB to be awarded to all SQI 8 qualified Soldiers, provided they were not relieved for cause from their instructor position, and that documentation used as proof for submission be DD 214 (if discharged/retired like me), ERB/SRB, NCOERs from the time of assignment, certificates showing completion of Instructor Training Course or Army Basic Instructor Course, certificates showing instructor certification at the unit level, award certificates for achievement from the time of assignment, etc.

My question would be...does anyone here already know of a POC other than HRC that it would be prudent to send my proposal to? Also, how many people here on Rallypoint would get behind such a petition? I truly feel that any instructor, past or present, deserves recognition for the countless hours poured into leading, training and mentoring young Soldiers. I understand that some may say the service itself is enough, or that we don't all need badges to know what we did. I agree in a way, yet Drill Sergeants, Recruiters and Career Counselors all get badges for doing their jobs too, as well as Special Duty Pay, which Instructor/Writers don't get. Please let me know,what do you all think?

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Mar 21 at 2020 3:07 AM

SGT Robert Pryor — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 03:07:56 -0400

Have you checked with the National Archives? Sometimes awards and decorations are authorized a few years after the service member separates.
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records

military-service-records

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Mar 21 at 2020 10:25 AM

SSG Robert Webster — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 10:25:44 -0400

I know it is unfair, but that is how it was originally written. I am in a similar position as you, I am actually about as or more irritated than you are about the situation.
My case is a little bit different than yours. I spent a full 3 year tour as an Active Duty Junior ROTC Instructor, and when I was selected it was deemed unnecessary for me to attend the Instructor Course. Interestingly enough my fellow Instructors were already school qualified Instructors or Drill Sergeants.

It is also interesting to note that a couple of years ago (in 2018) they started tightening up on the standards and requirements, in some areas reducing some of the requirements, and increasing evaluation requirements. See TRADOC Reg 600-21. https://adminpubs.tradoc.army.mil/regulations/TR600-21.pdf

TR600-21.pdf

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2020 10:33 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Mar 2020 10:33:05 -0400

Why would you be authorized an exception to the policy? When the policy of the award was written, somewhere along the line the policy makers analysed whether or not to make an award retroactive and decided against it. So, you would have to show how you or your situation was so exceptional as to warrant an exception and still keep within the spirit and intent of the policy.

I think what you are asking for would be a policy change to make it retroactive. Who and what time period should be covered are the first two things determined when creating an award. I don't see HRC going back and changing their mind just because someone asks them to re-look at the same question over that they've already answered

Response by SFC Jeremy Boyd made Mar 23 at 2020 3:31 PM

SFC Jeremy Boyd — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 15:31:55 -0400

I thank everyone that took the time to read my question and give me feedback. I received a reply email today from HRC Awards and Decorations Branch, and they informed me that I must submit my request to TRADOC, as they are the proponents for the badge and are the ones who determine the criteria. Wish me luck!

Response by SSG Kevin Pendelton made Jan 24 at 2022 7:00 AM

SSG Kevin Pendelton — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 07:00:46 -0500

i am in total agreement

Response by SFC Alvin Jackson made Jan 6 at 2024 8:10 PM

SFC Alvin Jackson — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 20:10:13 -0500

I know that I would qualify and definitely would like the recognition. I ran an instructor Training Course, became Instructor of the Year prior to that and received a MSM based on my instructor abilities alone. Yes I would like the recognition. These instructor medals are nothing new, units were doing this as early as the 1980’s that I know of.