https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN16075_AD2019-14_Web_Final.pdf
S E C R E T A R Y O F T H E A R M Y
W A S H I N G T O N
MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2019-14 (Posthumous Graduation and Commission of
United States Military Academy Cadets)
1. References:
a. Title 10, United States Code, section 1521 (Posthumous commissions).
b. Executive Order No. 13358 (Assignment of Functions Relating to Certain
Appointments, Promotions, and Commissions in the Armed Forces), September 28,
2004.
c. Memorandum, Secretary of Defense, Nov 17 2008, subject: Redelegation of
Authority Under Executive Order 13358 – Assignment of Functions Relating to Certain
Appointments, Promotions, and Commissions in the Armed Forces.
d. Army Regulation (AR) 150-1 (United States Military Academy Organization,
Administration, and Operation), 5 March 2019.
e. AR 601-100 (Appointment of Commissioned and Warrant Officers in the Regular
Army), 21 November 2006.
2. This directive establishes the Army’s policy and procedures for the posthumous
conferring of a baccalaureate degree, designation as a graduate of the United States
Military Academy (USMA), and commissioning for USMA cadets.
3. A cadet may be posthumously conferred a baccalaureate degree and designated a
graduate of USMA under the following conditions:
a. The USMA Academic Board determines that a first class cadet successfully
completed the necessary academic, military, physical, and character development
programs required to receive a posthumous diploma and graduate with a bachelor of
science degree.
b. The Secretary of the Army determines that awarding the posthumous degree and
diploma is in the best interest of the Government.
4. Pursuant to references 1a–1c, the Secretary of the Army may posthumously
commission a USMA cadet who:
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2019-14 (Posthumous Graduation and Commission of
United States Military Academy Cadets)
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a. was appointed a second lieutenant, but was unable to accept the commission
because of death; or
b. was officially recommended for appointment to the grade of second lieutenant,
but was unable to accept the appointment because of death; and
c. the Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) advises the
Secretary of the Army that the cadet was qualified for appointment to the higher grade
at the time of death.
5. A cadet who, at the time of death, is not in good standing pursuant to reference 1d
may not be conferred a baccalaureate degree, designated a graduate of USMA, or
issued a commission. This may apply to a cadet who:
a. is under investigation for violation of the Honor Code, misconduct, or immorality;
or is the subject of an administrative action that could result in separation or the award
of punishment.
b. is deficient in the academic, military, physical, or character development
programs.
c. is not in good standing due to violation(s) of the Cadet disciplinary system.
6. Requests for consideration of posthumous graduation and commission will be
submitted through the Director of Military Personnel Management, Office of the Army
Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1.
7. The Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, under the oversight of the Assistant Secretary of the
Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), is the proponent for this policy and will
incorporate the provisions of this directive into AR 150-1 and AR 601-100 within 2 years
of the date of this directive.
8. This directive is rescinded upon publication of the revised regulations.
Mark T. Esper
DISTRIBUTION:
(see next page)
SUBJECT: Army Directive 2019-14 (Posthumous Graduation and Commission of
United States Military Academy Cadets)
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DISTRIBUTION:
Principal Officials of Headquarters, Department of the Army
Commander
U.S. Army Forces Command
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command
U.S. Army Materiel Command
U.S. Army Futures Command
U.S. Army Pacific
U.S. Army Europe
U.S. Army Central
U.S. Army North
U.S. Army South
U.S. Army Africa/Southern European Task Force
U.S. Army Special Operations Command
Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command
U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Strategic Command
U.S. Army Cyber Command
U.S. Army Medical Command
U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Army Military District Washington
U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command
U.S. Army Installation Management Command
U.S. Army Human Resources Command
U.S. Army Financial Management Command
Superintendent, United States Military Academy
Director, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center
Superintendent, Arlington National Cemetery
Commandant, U.S. Army War College
Director, U.S. Army Civilian Human Resources Agency
CF:
Director, Army National Guard
Director of Business Transformation
Commander, Eighth Army