Reference AR 600-8-2.

Does a Commander have discretion on wheather or not to impose a Flag
(Suspension of Favorable Action) on a Soldier who has failed a record
APFT (Army Physical Fitness Test)? In other words, is a Flag mandatory
for a Soldier who has failed a record APFT?  Does a Commander have no
choice, but to impose a flag?

I have read the above Army Regulation and found that Suspension of
Favorable Actions are mandatory when a Soldier is under investigation
by civil or military authorities; however, it is still unclear to me
if the same is true for a record APFT failure.

I have spent considerable time researching this question on the
internet to no avail.  Pending your answer, my next source is the Army
JAG (which will probably be my last stop anyway).  Please advise. Thank you.

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Request for Question Clarification by denco-ga on 29 Nov 2006 01:31 PST

Howdy chuckchuck-ga,

Section 1?13(c) - Circumstances requiring a transferable flag - of Army
Regulation 600?8?2 - Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions (Flags)
appears straight forward on this situation.
http://www.usapa.army.mil/pdffiles/r600_8_2.pdf

"Failure to pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) or failure to take
the APFT within the required period. Remove the flag (code E/type report)
on the day the soldier passes the APFT or at expiration term of service
(ETS)/expiration of service agreement (ESA)/mandatory release date (MRD)."

Note that Section 1-13 is titled "Circumstances requiring a transferable
flag."  Please note the word "requiring" within that title.

There are "Processing Exceptions" as noted under Section 1-15(a).

"(1) Flags for APFT failure block promotion, reenlistment, and extension
only.
(2) A flag is not initiated if the soldier has a limiting physical profile
that specifically prohibits taking the APFT."

There are notes and exceptions for "Weight Control" issues as well, if
that is a factor.

Barring an exception, it would appear the imposition of a Flag under the
circumstances you have described is required and not at the discretion of
a Commander.

Even though it is not the best of messages, if the above answers your
question, please tell me and I will post it as such.  Thank you.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher