Reading Time: 2 minutesI have said it before and I will say it again, the United States Army is quite similar to a large corporation. If you want to work for any large corporation, you will first go through Human Resources in that company. It is quite similar with the United States Army. While you won’t go to … Read more
Reading Time: 7 minutesIn today’s post, I’d like to share some tips and ideas about how to manage your military records and personnel files. While these tips are geared toward Army Reserve and National Guard personnel, most of this information will benefit veterans, too. Smart Soldiers ACTIVELY manage their personnel files and records. This includes their evaluation reports, … Read more
Reading Time: 3 minutesIn the National Guard, you should have gotten your first DD Form 214 when you finished AIT. There probably wasn’t much on it, so it was easy to keep track of. If you’ve deployed, or done any kind of active duty school (BOLC, etc), you should have gotten a DD Form 214 from those courses, … Read more
Reading Time: 2 minutesMost people have heard at one point or another that they need an “I Love Me” book or binder. This is another term for a three ring binder that you keep all your important military related documents in. Whether you use a three ring binder, a filing cabinet, or something else is totally up to … Read more
Reading Time: 3 minutesIf you are currently serving in the Army National Guard or Army Reserves, you should consider the ADSW Program. This stands for Active Duty Special Work. In the past, it has also been referred to as ADOS, which is Active Duty Operational Support. In either case, this program is reserved for traditional, one weekend a … Read more
Reading Time: 2 minutesAs a Company Commander or small unit leader, you should familiarize yourself with AR 600-8-2. This Army Regulation covers all aspects of initiating, transferring, and removing Personnel Flag Actions. As a leader, you a responsible for the discipline of your unit. From my personal experience, I’ve found that FLAGS are a very effective way to handle … Read more
Reading Time: 4 minutesThe Unit Manning Report, often referred to as the Unit Manning Roster is quite perhaps the most important personnel document a small unit leader can use to track the readiness of their unit. It provides both a snapshot and an in depth analysis of the personnel strength of an Army Unit. When used wisely, this … Read more
Reading Time: 4 minutesWhen it comes to planning for your retirement benefits in the National Guard, one form stands out as being absolutely critical: the NGB Form 23. This document is essential for tracking your retirement points, which are the building blocks of your retirement pay when you reach the required age for National Guard retirement. The form … Read more
Reading Time: 6 minutesIn the Army, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard, officers and NCOs are expected to have a current DA Photo. The DA Photo is used to assess a soldier’s professionalism and appearance. In most cases, a photo is good for five years. According to Army Regulation 640-30, an officer or NCO is required to update a … Read more
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat is IPERMS and how does it work? IPERMS is an acronym that stands for Interactive Personnel Electronics Records Management System. Simply put, IPERMS is an online database and/or information system used for storing and managing military personnel records. It electronically stores evaluation reports, some medical documents, college and military transcripts, awards, diplomas, and much more. … Read more