Should someone be denied a retirement award, after 20 years of service and 4 deployments, because they're flagged for being overweight?

Some of out countries greatest General Officer tnroughtout history wouldnt pass the current Army height and weight standards. We've developed a culture that it is all about height and weight and APFT score. The amount of emphasis on physical apprearance versus intellectual abilities is highly skewed.

What the heck is a retirement award? Unless that was added in later years in the Navy, never heard of it. As someone pointed out all that matters is the DD-214, a retirement check and the associated benefits. That was and is my award.

THIS IS EXACTLY THE THING THE NEW RETIREMENT PLAN WILL PREVENT!!!! Thanks for a great example of why the retirement systems needed to be changed.

As to this guy if he was over 19 years and knew he was in trouble he should have filed for retirement at the earliest possible moment so as to become record status code 20....probably would have saved him verses being in denial and trying to tough it out.

Also if he was over 20 at the time of the admin separation he can petition to have it reversed.....had a friend many years ago who filed congressional for similar situation....took 5 years but he did get his retirement awarded, with back pay.

Reading these comments is revealing. It is clear that those who are fortunate enough to be genetically mesomorphic invest a lot of their self esteem in body image and the antiquated mindset regarding weight gain. Its simple.to look up relevant medical research using "Google Scholar.". In a few minutes there is a wealth of info including studies of fraternal twins with the same diet and and activity profiles whose BMIs are drastically different.

Overall, this issue depends on the circumstances. I guess I tend to look at this topic via the big picture. I don't know all the facts, however, devoting 20 yrs plus all the sacrifices shouldn't result in a big middle finger when you retire. I've seen a lot of turds get medals they didn't deserve because they pmc'sd a vehicle correctly, submitted a timely report, carried the generals briefcase around and so on. If a person honorably served and is retiring, not giving them recognition by the common manner of the military (a medal) is wrong in my book. The regs should be changed - getting a 1 star to sign off will always be hit and miss especially for nco's. I find it interesting how many people here keep the "regulation" blinders on and can't see beyond that. Having spent 10 yrs in SOCOM u learn that sometimes u break the rules. As a CI agent and a Humint'r, we also tend to bend the rules. I suppose it's all a matter of perspective. I have never been one to blindly follow the rules - the Army taught me that. In SF, it was lie, cheat and steal - do whatever it takes to accomplish the mission.

AR 600-22 para 1-17c: A waiver of the overweight or Army Physical Fitness Test flag must be processed for length of service retirement awards to the first general officer in the Soldier’s chain of command with award approval or disapproval authority. All waivers will be processed as separate and distinct actions from the award recommendation, and should be submitted and adjudicated prior to submission of the award recommendation.

Total BS. Same with taking the apft before retirement. Absolutely outrageous.

You are retired, and who cares about an award. You made it across the finish line. You will get the real retirement award the end of each month.

Straight BS! But in the end all that matters is that DD214 and blue retirement card.

SSG Brian Marshall you probably already know this, but the recommender can request an exception to policy to the first general officer in your chain of command. This is straight from AR 600-8-22, para 1-17. Based upon your AWCP history and the work put in, it is something worth considering. Thank you for what you did regardless.