Out of ranks vs. FTR (Failure to report)?

SGT Suraj Dave — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 03:17:15 -0400

In my time, I noticed FTR and out of ranks were used interchangeably for a soldier missing formation for an unknown reason. My leadership before me used it interchangeably, and I did also. The response from 1SG at formation was always "Find him".

Is there a difference and one of them is being use inappropriately or is out of ranks just the more formal way to say FTR?

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Jul 29 at 2020 3:34 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 03:34:31 -0400

I always used the term "Absent" if I did not know where the Soldier was. Out of ranks implies that you know where he is. My opinion only though

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2020 8:26 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 08:26:20 -0400

To me, they have meant the same thing. FTR is the formal way I would use for the written counseling and Out of Ranks is what I use at formation.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Jul 29 at 2020 9:00 AM

SFC Robert Walton — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 09:00:46 -0400

I am old school so things may have changed but Out Of Ranks Means i know where they are and can account for them, FTR is just that they did not show up for formation and i have NO idea where they are at this time because they have not called or reported for formation. I only used the term of absent once and after a one sided conversation with the 1st shirt i mentally erased absent from my report.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2020 10:30 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 10:30:24 -0400

Back in my NCO days we would report with “3 out of ranks and accounted for” or “one FTR” or “one unaccounted for”.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jul 29 at 2020 12:26 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 12:26:57 -0400

There is a difference between the two.

Out of ranks: Not in formation, but I know where you are.

Failure to Report: We have no clue where you are.