Who makes the final decision about an IPCOT?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 06:24:58 -0500

I would like to extend my tour in Korea by submitting an IPCOT. My Brigade Commander is denying every IPCOT that he receives and that's where it ends. The Soldiers aren't even being told the reason. Are IPCOTS supposed to go all the way up to HRC even if someone in the chain of command disapproves it?

Response by COL Randall C. made Nov 21 at 2022 7:14 AM

COL Randall C. — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 07:14:34 -0500

Suggest you read AR 614-30*. The commander* can approve of disapprove COTs at their level (read table 6-2 - approval authority). However, as with most things, it can be delegated down.

Is your unit a separate command or part of 8th Army? What is the higher headquarters policy regarding IPCOTs? APPROVED COTs/IPCOTs have to be sent up to HRC, but it isn't HRC that is approving them - they are just executing them.

Yes, COTs and IPCOTs are encouraged by the military because it means they don't have to pay to move you and then pay to move another Soldier in behind you. Win-Win. However, it's up to the command to say yes or no.

If you are in certain situations described in the regulation, they do have to go up to the first GO or even up to the CG, HRC for approval, but those probably don't apply to you (serving in Allied Command Europe, Officers, etc). Even then, in those situations your command will give a recommendation and forward it (again, it's a very doubtful that you fit into any of the situations).
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* "Commander" in this case is defined as a commander of an ACOM, ASCC or DRU.
* AR 614-30 - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/AR614-30_Web_Final.pdf

AR614-30_Web_Final.pdf

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Nov 22 at 2022 1:16 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 01:16:27 -0500

Why would anyone disapprove an IPCOT in Korea?