Barred from promotion, what happens now?

PVT(P) Aaron M. M. Bryant — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 12:42:18 -0500

Failed four promotion boards. Getting barred prior to my four year mark.
I’ve heard different things: that I may get chaptered for “failure to promote” or something along the lines. If that true how does it work. The main question I have is how long do I have left in the service. Any kind of reference material would be appreciated.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2019 12:54 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 12:54:03 -0500

The NCOs should be able to answer this question.

Response by Cpl Shane Cunningham made Mar 5 at 2019 12:56 PM

Cpl Shane Cunningham — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 12:56:06 -0500

Revolt! Just kidding. Eh, it happens. On the Marine side you generally just ride out your contract unless you are retirement eligible. They could potentially admin separate you, but if you are still working, why would they. If it is because of poor performance or NJPs, if they were going to boot you they probably would have done it already.
It's kind of a wait and see because it is a case-by-case situation generally. Good Luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2019 1:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 13:17:26 -0500

You'll be reviewed at 90 and 180 days. After the second review you should be separated under any applicable section of 635-200. If none apply then you will ETS with a bar in place and receive an RE3 code.
AR 635-200 is your separation reference. AR 601-280 is your bar reference.

Response by Sgt Charles Welling made Mar 5 at 2019 1:23 PM

Sgt Charles Welling — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 13:23:28 -0500

Why aren't you asking your superiors? Your 1st Sgt. etc. Why did you fail four promotion boards? It seems the most pertinent questions are those you should answer to yourself...……..

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2019 1:24 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 13:24:02 -0500

Army Directive 2017-28 and
ALARACT 114/2017 are short references. See also, (AR 601-280 and AR 140-111).
Your counseling should address the bar and what other actions may be be under consideration, including a Chapter 13 if you fail to become qualified for promotion after 12 months of being barred if the commander believes you won't become eligible.
See AR 635-200 for information on Chapter 13.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2019 2:00 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 14:00:10 -0500

I really hate seeing stuff like this because it makes me feel like your NCO's and you have failed yourself. I never like seeing a soldier get forced out because of stuff like this. I can guarantee you your CSM doesn't like it either especially if you are a motivated soldier especially a grunt. I hope your COC still give you a shot I don't know the full regs but after being barred and you are given another shot at a board I would fully recommend you go full hoah and get guidance from past specialist you know that have passed the board.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Mar 5 at 2019 3:58 PM

SGT Richard H. — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 15:58:15 -0500

My understanding is that currently the RCP (retention control point) for privates through privates first class is five years. The RCP for corporals and specialists are eight years of service. That being the case, I'm not sure that being chaptered for "failure to promote" would apply, since technically by that metric you would still have 4 more years to figure it out. Assuming that in spite of that, the bar is even valid, I would think you shouldn't be barred from reenlistment as long as you keep your act together and the 90/180 day reviews come out OK. I would suggest that you at least pose these questions to your BN reenlistment NCO and/or chain of command.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2019 4:38 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 16:38:18 -0500

You’re not barred from promotion. You’re barred from continuing service. You failed four boards which is almost unheard of unless you give 0 F$&@?! about getting promoted. Your commander will give you a 90 review. If you have done nothing to warrant him lifting the bar. He will then give you a 180 days bar review. If nothing has changed you will be processed for separation

Response by SGT Jim Ramge, MBA made Mar 5 at 2019 5:41 PM

SGT Jim Ramge, MBA — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 17:41:25 -0500

Couple of questions that come to my mind... How did you make it through the Soldier of the Month boards with a recommendation for the promotion board? How much time and effort did you put into practicing for the boards? What areas did you have problems with in the boards? Did anyone in your chain of command sit down with you and evaluate your score and the areas you had difficulties and a provide you with an action plan for studying? Did you request by chance? How much effort did your chain of command actually provide in your success? Are your efforts during the day in your job worthy of your command retaining you - how so, what makes you stand out?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2019 5:49 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 17:49:04 -0500

I think you are being given some good feedback. If it were me, I would ask for an office call with the 1SG. Ask him to consider being a mentor to help you understand what you are missing on these boards.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 5 at 2019 8:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Mar 2019 20:02:49 -0500

I had a guy in my unit in a similar situation. He was told he would not be able to reenlist if he could not pass a board, long story short he reclassed to another MOS and got out from under the CoC that was giving him grief. Smart guy but when he got nervous he came off as arrogant and cocky the board made him nervous and he could not project the confidence needed to pass the board on at least 3 occasions.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2019 10:24 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 10:24:47 -0500

Were you barred for reenlistment or from attending future boards?
In what aspect were you coming up short for promotion selection?
I am trying to understand your situation so I can give you more quality advise.
To answer your direct question, your RCP for E4 is 8 years, so you have a while.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 6 at 2019 5:26 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 17:26:49 -0500

So your best bet is to look into AR 600-8-19 Enlisted promotions and reductions for specifics, as anything I post here will be based on my current understanding. My current understanding is the bar is for reenlistment purposes based on the Army putting an up or out policy on their junior enlisted. If you are barred for a period of six months your unit can start chapter proceedings based on continued misconduct. My experience is if your unit maintains the bar you will just be allowed to ride out your contract and not be allowed to reenlist. As always if your future is uncertain in the military start to prepare yourself for transition. Continue to look for opportunities to advance if staying in is your goal but be aware that that decision could be made for you now and be ready for whatever happens

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2019 4:42 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Mar 2019 04:42:24 -0500

I am never seen a chapter called failure to promote. I have seen Soldiers reach their Retention Control Point. It use to be 8 years as a Specialist. I think it recently changed.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2020 7:44 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 19:44:43 -0400

You’ll be barred, COC can review it after 90 days, after the 90 days they will lift your bar, they can’t bar you again unless you mess it up for yourself. Once that happens your Plt Sgt doesn’t have to send you to the board anymore but you’ll start to get counseled on why you are not going back to the board. You haven’t hit RCP and are not anywhere near it. They can not separate you from the Army because you haven’t passed a board in the 4th year of your enlistment. Once you are not barred anymore I would try my best to get from underneath your COC and start somewhere fresh. I don’t see why a COC is allowing a soldier to continue to fail a board 4 times. I hope your doing practice boards in front of other NCOs so you can build confidence. There’s no way you slip past them and then get in front of a whole bunch of senior leaders just to fail 4 times. You COC has to take some accountability for that and that’s why I say get from underneath that COC because it’s not just your fault, it’s there’s as well.