Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 4/9/2011

Question
I am a 1LT in the Army. I am Finance Branch detailed to Armor. I was recently informed by my Senior rater that I will be getting a "do not promote" oer because I told him I was not ready to take over as a Platoon Leader of an Armor Platoon. It was for personal issues which I worked out and after talking to my new Senior Rater, I will get another shot at a Platoon. My question is will I not make Captain? I have two previous OER's as an XO and they were both marked as "outstanding performance, must promote". I have never received a letter of reprimand or anything else negative. I will be done with my Armor branch detail time in 2 years and will go to be a Finance Officer. If I continue to get great OERs will the Board overlook the one that said "do not promote"? If I do not get promoted the first time, what is the chance I will get promoted the next year if I continue to receive good OERs? Will the board look at the fact that I will be a Finance Officer in two years and not an Armor Officer anymore? Do you know if Finance or Armor are over strength for officers?

Answer
The problem is that you are getting what is called a 'referred OER' which means that it is negative and will impact your chances of getting promoted. Your chances of getting promoted to Captain with a referred OER in your file are severely degraded and you may, in fact, face a show cause board which will detail why you should serve or not serve in the military.  You need to do all you can to avoid a referred OER.  As for being over strength, almost all branches are over strength and looking to 'trim the fat' so to speak.  Your job is in jeopardy with this OER if you get it.