What is needed for Retention APFT Waiver packet documents?

SSG(P) Joshua Stulman (Retired) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:05:12 -0400

I have a soldier at my unit (TXARNG) who needs three more good years to meet retirement. Great NCO, hard worker, but has medical issues preventing him from passing APFT (has been improving though and hasn't been able to take one due to COVID recently). I'm working with the BSM to get a one year exeption to policy waiver done to get him to sanctuary so he can meet his 20 years for retirement (currently has over 20 years, but three years were IRR so don't count towards retirement). Only things I'm missing from the packet is his letter requesting extension, the 4856 with action plan, letter of lateness (ETS is 04 JUL 20 and should have been submitted NLT 90 days out) and the letter of input. Has anyone done this, had it go through and have examples of what you did? I have never done this before and I don't want him to get screwed over by something I did/didn't do. Thanks in advance.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jun 10 at 2020 5:08 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:08:11 -0400

Dear Joshua: I pray; that you are successful; at finding an answer to your questions. SSG(P) Joshua Stulman (Retired)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2020 5:08 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:08:27 -0400

If he failed his APFT, regardless of medical concerns, he is ineligible for re-enlistment and should subsequently be flagged for separation. If the medical concerns are so great, he should be going through a MEB. Ref: 601-280

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 10 at 2020 5:27 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:27:04 -0400

He needs to be at medical getting evaluated and a temporary profile for his issues. He should have did this before he was too injured to pass an APFT. He needs to get to medical ASAP for an evaluation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 11 at 2020 1:52 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 01:52:08 -0400

First - COVID does not stop Soldiers from taking an APFT or being required to meet ABCP. The policy only lifts the responsibility of commanders to conduct an APFT every six months. The policy is clear that Soldiers MUST still meet APFT and HT/WT standards.

Second- the exception to reenlist while flagged for APFT has to go to the first General in his chain of command. He should he able to be be extended a few months to allow him to pass an APFT. But anything longer that that will require a General. You’ll have to explain to a General why this person who has been able to take an APFT has not, and has a failed APFT from before COVID, and why this person should be allowed to be retained instead of separated for medical reasons.

Third - Sanctuary is an Active Duty program. Unless he is AGR or going onto AGR, he’s not eligible for Sanctuary. Feel free to Google Army Enlisted Sanctuary Program. There are other reasons he wouldn’t be eligible for it, but the fact he isn’t on AD right now is the most important one.

You said “good years” which means Reserve retirement. Your Soldier can ETS and rejoin the ARNG shortly afterwards to finish their three good years once they can pass an APFT. But, as it is now, 20 good years means 20 years of satisfactory drill attendance, APFTs, and meeting ABCP in order to retire. He’s not getting screwed, he’s just not meeting the requirements, which is what the CG and the CSM will see when that waiver hits their desk.

Response by SSG(P) Joshua Stulman (Retired) made Jun 11 at 2020 7:00 AM

SSG(P) Joshua Stulman (Retired) — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:00:39 -0400

I appreciate all the feedback. Thank you all very much. However, with all due respect to all, I am aware of what you are all saying and what is and isn’t applicable to this situation. I want to at least try. Will it work? Probably not but I can’t try if I don’t know exactly how each of the documents listed above need to be put together properly so I can send it up the chain. Does anyone have examples of those listed above or can point me to a place where I can find them? My google searches have been less than helpful. Thanks to all again.

Response by SSG(P) Joshua Stulman (Retired) made Jun 11 at 2020 2:35 PM

SSG(P) Joshua Stulman (Retired) — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 14:35:52 -0400

I’ve got what I need. Thanks for everyone’s help/advice.