Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/29/2009

Question
Ma'am:

I an a sailor of 6 years.  I was recently selected to advancement as well as have recently run a PRT.  I failed the BCA portion of the PFA with an outstanding overall score.  Reading the PRT instruction, I saw that I qualify for the DOD max 26% waiver (mine is 23%), as long as I present a professional military appearance as decided by the CO.  While running my request, my immediate supervisor denied because he feels I should meet standards and this waiver clause is not meant for me, and furthermore that he strongly suspects the upper chain of command will also deny my request.

Does the justification for denying my chit have to match the criteria I am applying under, or can it be denied for any reason?  And what can I use to determine if I am presenting a professional military appearance?  I keep my uniforms well maintained.

Answer
Dear Tim --

I am unfamiliar with your acronyms in the Navy.  But I believe you are stating that you miss the body fat allowance by 3% and would like your commander to waive the requirement for you because you are an excellent Sailor and you believe you meet the required military appearance standards.

That clarified, you may make this request.  Leaders in your intermediate chain of command may annotate your request with their recommendation to approve or deny, but they MUST forward your request up the chain of command.  The only person in your chain that can deny your request is your commander.  If your immediate supervisor denies your request, make an appointment to see the next higher person in your chain of command.  Do this until you are able to speak directly to your commander.

I know this will be a difficult task, because you will annoy your chain of command.  However, they are not doing their job by denying you a hearing with the commander.  Only your commander has the authority to make this waiver decision.  They do not have the authority to deny your petition by refusing to forward your request.  

Good luck to you.  Please write back, if you have additional questions.