What is IPERMS and how does it work? Simply put, the IPERMS Army is a database and/or information system used for storing and managing military personnel records. It electronically stores evaluations, transcripts, awards, diplomas, and much more. It’s designed to eliminate the need for stockpiling paperwork and records at the unit level. It also makes it much easier for the individual Soldier to access his or her personnel file from anywhere in the world.

In essence, IPERMS simplifies the entire personnel records management process. At least it’s supposed to. Unfortunately, things don’t always work that way. Any time you involve people in a process, you create opportunity for errors and mistakes. So I’ve created this article to help you avoid the mistakes. And if you can’t do that, you will at least be able to fix the mistakes.

I believe that successful Army Officers and leaders proactively manage their career. One aspect of officer career management is managing your personnel files. Failure to do so can have a negative impact on your career. And you don’t want that to happen. So, here are four simple things you can do to manage your IPERMS file better.

Check Your IPERMS file Once Each Month: One day each month, preferably on the first or last day of the month, you should check your IPERMS file. You can access your file by logging into your Army AKO account. Once you do that, review your IPERMS file to see if any new documents have been added or removed. If you do this, you can find mistakes and fix them immediately.

Get to Know Your IPERMS Manager: I believe in the chain-of-command, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have strategic relationships with people outside your chain-of-command. At a minimum, you should find out WHO is responsible for managing the IPERMS program within your state. Find out who the NCOIC or OIC is or find out which person is responsible for managing files for your unit. Once you find out who they are, give them a call and/or send them an email to introduce yourself. Treat them nice. Ask if you can set up an appointment with them to learn about the IPERMS process. I’ve found that if you have a good relationship with someone (regardless of their rank), they will be more willing to help you out when a problem arises.

Submit New Files to Your S1 When You Receive Them: Whenever you get a new file, such as an evaluation or an award, submit it to IPERMS through your S1 channels. Make sure they attach a TL to your document and that they submit it to the IPERMS people in a reasonable amount of time (less than two weeks). After two to three weeks, check to see if the document has been uploaded into your IPERMS file. If it has, call them up and thank them for processing your files fast. If it isn’t in your records, move to the next step.

Follow Up, Follow Up, Follow Up: The secret is in the follow-up. In the event you have a discrepancy in your file, follow up with your S1 and/or IPERMS manager. Send them emails and call them. Even if you annoy them, that’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with annoying people from time-to-time, when it comes to managing your career.

By following the steps outlined above you will manage your IPERMS records effectively. Your records will be up to date and accurate. Good luck. 

Leave the IPERMS page and check out our ARNG Officer Career Guide.