This is my first look for SFC, here is my dilemma.

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 16:40:23 -0500

I was originally scheduled for SLC in October and then my orders were cancelled due to the government shutdown. Now I am slotted to go in January. I graduate on the 24th. The board file update cut off I believe is the following Friday. Any suggestions on how I can update everything in time for my packet to be as up to date as possible? I will need a new DA Photo, ERB update, and IPERMS.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 30 at 2013 4:51 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 16:51:16 -0500

SSG Wiley, I would suggest two courses of action. One would be to get your photo, ERB update, etc done now, get it in, and validate. Then you could send a letter to the board upon graduation with a copy of your DA1059. You should be covered. COA 2 would be to schedule all of your updates now for right after your graduation. That way you will graduate, have your DA1059 in hand and be able to update everything, including your photo upon graduation. If you select COA 2, ensure that the document submission cut off is NOT before your graduation date. BLUF is ensure that you submit your documents and validate before the cutoff. If you graduate after that, write a letter to the board. Good luck!!!

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 5:03 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 17:03:17 -0500

It will be tough to get your letter viewed by the board. The screening process is pretty intense. Schedule your photo now for the first day possible after you get back and have your S1 ready to update your records and send off your 1059. Honestly a week is plenty of time as long as your S1 sends up your 1059. HRC will work tirelessly to ensure your files are updated for the board. If Im not mistaken there is a different channel that those board documents are sent up. Good luck.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Nov 30 at 2013 5:10 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 17:10:07 -0500

1SG Brock is spot on. A week is an eternity if you have everything scheduled.

To answer your question though, AR 623-3 gives specific guidance on letters to the board. The board MILPER MSG also should provide instructions. Again, good luck.

Response by MSG Martin C. made Nov 30 at 2013 5:16 PM

MSG Martin C. — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 17:16:18 -0500

Just like the 1SG said as soon as you complete the course scan your document to your personnel S1 pre- coordinate this with them. They can upload the same day you graduate I recommend to get you PLT SGT involved and your 1SG. A week is ample time as even when it closes they will always do a final pull as along as it arrives before the cut off. Ensure everything else is done ERB, Photo ETC have someone in your chain double check your uniform and records. Good luck and don't wait until the last day.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 9:11 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 21:11:20 -0500

CSM Maynard,

That inspires me that you wrote letters to the board and was selected. This is my first look therefore I don't want to get my hopes up but, I just got my Bacherlors and I have my Associates. I hope they take that into consideration. Thank you.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 9:11 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 21:11:32 -0500

CSM Maynard,

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 9:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 21:50:50 -0500

Good luck Battle and yes some documents and letters can be submitted electronically by your S1 personnel. I think the board memo I read last time actually stated that when you have updates or issues, your S1 has to send those.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2013 9:59 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 21:59:48 -0500

CSM Maynard,

Ever since I was a little PFC I learned the promotion system and I have been preparing myself for greatness. I volunteer for every school available and I always try to better myself. When you say it's not about luck I completely agree.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 7:52 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 19:52:25 -0500

tl;dr - upload everything to IPERMS, update your ERB, and take the photo; it'll most likely be too late to feed into the board process. Send a letter to the board stating that you are graduating SLC on the 24th and it will reflect well on you.

If I recall correctly, the deadline for IPERMS updates to take for the board file is the 24th.
Depending on the institution you're attending SLC in, they are either sending the DA Forms 1059 via snail mail or using the digital DA Form 1059 process in ATRRS. If you hand sign your 1059, then it's snail mail. Either way around, it is most likely not going to be instant.
Be advised that local S1 should no longer have the ability to update NCOES graduation status, that has been relegated to the actual schools.
Further, I believe the photo also takes a few days to process through DAPMIS from date taken.

Your best bet is writing a solid letter to the board that states when you graduate and that the records will most likely not reflect in the digital system by the deadline for updates.