Expert: Rod Powers - 11/20/2009

Question
Hello-I am a Capt in the AFRES Nurse corps. I am a critical care nurse, with a secondary AFSC as a flight nurse. I had been inactive nars for 4.5 yrs. I came back drilling 2 years ago in 2007 feb- 6 mos after my return to drilling- my life fell apart: my husband left, and 6 weeks later my sister died unexpectantly. My entire support system was gone-no family left. However, I kept drilling and did my job well. I met or exceeded my job, however, I missed passing my fitness run by 4 points-the grief from the death I felt was very deep and effected my running performance that year. So my unit gave me a referral opr. (everything else on my opr was great).  All  my prior oprs were great, and never a discipline issue. The next year's opr was good with an over 81% on my fitness score. I also completed putting a program together that the wing (4th AF) wants to benchmark this year.
I did not know that I met the boards feb 09- I never received paperwork stating I was to meet the board. I was notified this month that I was already passed over last feb, and next feb 10 will be my second time to meet the boards.I have finished all my appropriate PME for my rank- january 09. I was told to submit a letter to the board president with an explanation of these things one month before the boards meet. Is it possible that I can still be promoted even though that referral opr is there?
thank you.

Answer
Hi Marie,

It's possible, but to be truthful, it's not very likely. Officer promotions are much more competitive than enlisted promotions, and even the slightest blemish can result in an officer being passed-over.

I would definately recommend submitting a letter to the board. Without that, they only see one side of the issue.

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my US Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
About.com US Military Guide
http://usmilitary.about.com