Does an E-5 Reduced to E-4 Get a Relief for Cause or Change of Rater? | AskTOP.net – Leader Development for Army Professionals

Does an E-5 Reduced to E-4 Get a Relief for Cause or Change of Rater?

TOP, I have an NCO that was given a Field Grade and reduced to SPC. I want to give him a Change of Rater because I believe he was and could be a good NCO again. My leadership is stating I must give him a Relief for Cause. I understand he made a mistake and his punishment was warranted and he was never "relieved' him from his position. Can I be forced to write a Relief for Cause NCOER when I don't agree with it?

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Bottom line

Yes- they get a Relief for Cause Report; you do not have to agree with the type of report.

Discussion

Was the Soldier Relieved?

If the Soldier is being demoted, he is being relieved of his duties, as an NCO correct? Can he continue to be in charge of the same personnel and duties that he was in charge of as an E5? No, therefore, it should be a relief for cause:

Relief for Cause Defined

As the removal of an NCO from a specific duty or assignment based on a decision by a member of the NCO’s chain of command or supervisory chain. A relief for cause occurs when the NCO’s personal or professional characteristics, conduct, behavior, or performance of duty warrants removal in the best interest of the U.S. Army.

Will HRC Track the Type of NCOER?

I’m sure the Soldier was flagged and HRC knows that he was demoted. HRC will not contact the unit looking for the Relief for Cause NCOER but it’s the right thing to do.

The Soldier cannot get an NCOER as an E4 without stating relief for cause.

Do I have to Agree with the Type of Report?

You do not have to agree with the type of report. The rater does NOT have to give him a relief for cause but the Senior Rater or someone else in the chain can direct:

If it’s the rater, he/she will explain reason in on DA Form 2166–9–1, part IV, block i “COMMENTS”.

If it’s the Senior Rater, he/she will clearly explain the reason for the relief in part V, block b “COMMENTS.”

When the relief is directed by an official other than the rater or senior rater, the official directing the relief will describe the reasons for the relief in an enclosure (not to exceed one page) to the NCOER (see AR 623–3 for a sample memorandum of “Relief for Cause” directed by a nonrating official).

Regardless of who directs the relief, the rater will enter the comment, “The rated NCO has been notified of the reason for the relief” within the reference location annotated in paragraph b.

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Mark is a Retired Command Sergeant Major with 26 years of military leadership experience. He held 3 military occupational specialties (Field Artillery, Nuclear Weapons Tech, and Ammunition Ordnance). Mark is one of the leading military authors in the fields of leadership, counseling, and training.

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    Comments

  • Kayleigh

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    AR 623-3 specifically states that a “CHANGE OF RATER” report is MANDATORY when the rated NCO is reduced to SPC or below. Only when the leadership directs a Relief for Cause (such as the case here) is a RFC required. ““Relief for cause” is defined as the removal of an NCO from a specific duty or assignment based on a **decision by a member of the NCO’s chain of command or supervisory chain**.”

    It would help if dates are posted with these questions as regulations change.

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