https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN11826_AR15-80_FINAL.pdf
UNCLASSIFIED
Army Regulation 15–80
Boards, Commissions, and
Committees
Army Grade
Determination
Review Board
and Grade
Determinations
Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
12 February 2020
SUMMARY of CHANGE
AR 15– 80
Army Grade Determination Review Board and Grade Determinations
This major revision, dated 12 February 2020—
o Updates information on the policy and procedures for the operation of the Army Grade Determination Review Board
(chap 2).
o Deletes the requirement that grade determinations in 30-year cases (not involving reductions for misconduct,
inefficiency, or cause) be conducted at time of retirement (para 3 – 2).
o Authorizes retirement grade determinations for warrant officers in accordance with the amendment of Section 1371.
Title 10, United States Code (para 4 –2).
o Supersedes Army Directive 2016– 08, Authority to Conduct Warrant Officer Grade Determinations at Retirement
(para 4– 2).
o Implements internal control provisions in accordance with AR 11 – 2 (app B).
o Updates titles and addresses (throughout).
*This regulation supersedes Army Regulation 15-80, dated 12 July 2002 and AD 2016-08 dated 1 March 2016.
AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020
UNCLASSIFIED i
Headquarters
Department of the Army
Washington, DC
*Army Regulation 15–80
12 February 2020 Effective 12 March 2020
Boards, Commissions, and Committees
Army Grade Determination Review Board and Grade Determinations
History. This publication is a major revi-
sion.
Summary. This regulation governs the
actions and composition of the Army Grade
Determination Review Board established
by Department of the Army General Order
1985 –16. This regulation also sets forth
grade determination policy. The Army
Grade Determination Review Board deter-
mines or recommends the highest grade sat-
isfactorily held for service/physical disabil-
ity retirement, retirement pay, and separa-
tion for physical disability. In discussing
the authority of the Board, this regulation
also references other organizations that
have been delegated authority to make
grade determinations on behalf of the Sec-
retary of the Army.
Applicability. This regulation applies to
the Regular Army, Army National
Guard/Army National Guard of the United
States, and the U.S. Army Reserve, unless
otherwise stated. This regulation remains in
full effect during mobilization.
Proponent and exception authority.
The proponent of this regulation is the As-
sistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower
and Reserve Affairs). The proponent has
the authority to approve exceptions or
waivers to this regulation that are consistent
with controlling law and regulations. The
proponent may delegate this approval au-
thority, in writing, to a division chief within
the proponent agency or its direct reporting
unit or field operating agency, in the grade
of colonel or the civilian equivalent. Activ-
ities may request a waiver to this regulation
by providing justification that includes a
full analysis of the expected benefits and
must include formal review by the activ-
ity’s senior legal officer. All waiver re-
quests will be endorsed by the commander
or senior leader of the requesting activity
and forwarded through their higher head-
quarters to the policy proponent. Refer to
AR 25 – 30 for specific guidance. The Assis-
tant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and
Reserve Affairs) has delegated this ap-
proval authority to the Deputy Assistant
Secretary of the Army (Review Boards).
Army internal control process. This
regulation contains internal control provi-
sions in accordance with AR 11 –2 and
identifies key internal controls that must be
evaluated (see app B).
Supplementation. Supplementation of
this regulation and establishment of com-
mand and local forms are prohibited with-
out prior approval from the Assistant Sec-
retary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve
Affairs) (SAMR– RBL), 251 18th Street
South, 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA
22202– 4508.
Suggested improvements. Users are
invited to send comments and suggested
improvements on DA Form 2028 (Recom-
mended Changes to Publications and Blank
Forms) directly to the Assistant Secretary
of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Af-
fairs) (SAMR– RBL), 251 18th Street
South, 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA
22202– 4508.
Distribution. This regulation is available
in electronic media only and is intended for
the Regular Army, the Army National
Guard/Army National Guard of the United
States, and the U.S. Army Reserve.
Contents (Listed by paragraph and page number)
Chapter 1
Introduction, page 1
Section I
General, page 1
Purpose • 1– 1, page 1
References and forms • 1– 2, page 1
Explanation of abbreviations and terms • 1– 3, page 1
Responsibilities • 1 – 4, page 1
Records management (recordkeeping) requirements • 1 – 5, page 1
Statutory authority • 1 – 6, page 1
Section II
Responsibilities, page 1
Contents—Continued
ii AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020
Secretary of the Army • 1 – 7, page 1
Chief of Staff, Army • 1 – 8, page 1
Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs) • 1 – 9, page 1
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Review Boards) • 1 – 10, page 2
Director, Military Review Boards, Army Review Boards Agency • 1– 11, page 2
Senior Legal Advisor, Army Review Boards Agency • 1 – 12, page 2
Army Grade Determination Review Board • 1 – 13, page 2
Commanding General, United States Army Human Resources Command • 1– 14, page 2
Separation authorities • 1 – 15, page 2
Chapter 2
General, page 3
Section I
Army Grade Determination Review Board Establishment and Functions, page 3
Army Grade Determination Review Board establishment • 2 – 1, page 3
Army Grade Determination Review Board functions • 2 – 2, page 3
Automatic grade determinations • 2 – 3, page 3
Section II
Guidance, page 3
Grade determination considerations • 2– 4, page 3
Unsatisfactory service • 2 – 5, page 4
Service in lower grade • 2 – 6, page 4
Period of service • 2 – 7, page 4
Information to be considered • 2 – 8, page 4
Forwarding cases for review • 2 – 9, page 5
Reviews • 2 – 10, page 5
Chapter 3
Enlisted Personnel Grade Determinations, page 5
General • 3– 1, page 5
Thirty-year cases • 3 – 2, page 5
Physical disability cases • 3 – 3, page 8
Reserve enlisted members reduced not as a result of the member’s misconduct • 3– 4, page 8
Chapter 4
Officer Personnel Grade Determinations, page 8
General • 4– 1, page 8
Warrant officers • 4 – 2, page 9
Physical disability cases • 4 – 3, page 9
Appendixes
A. References, page 10
B. Internal Control Evaluation, page 13
Figure List
Figure 3– 1: Sample application to initiate a 30-year grade determination, page 7
Glossary
AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020 1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Section I
General
1– 1. Purpose
This regulation establishes policies, procedures, and responsibilities of the Army Grade Determination Review Board
(AGDRB) and other organizations delegated authority to make grade determinations on behalf of the Secretary of the
Army (SA).
1– 2. References and forms
See appendix A.
1– 3. Explanation of abbreviations and terms
See glossary.
1– 4. Responsibilities
Responsibilities are listed in section II of chapter 1.
1– 5. Records management (recordkeeping) requirements
The records management requirement for all record numbers, associated forms, and reports required by this regulation are
addressed in the Army Records Retention Schedule-Army (RRS– A). Detailed information for all related record numbers,
forms, and reports are located in ARIMS/RRS– A at https://www.arims.army.mil. If any record numbers, forms, and reports
are not current, addressed, and/or published correctly in ARIMS/RRS– A, see DA Pam 25– 403 for guidance.
1– 6. Statutory authority
The AGDRB reviews cases referred for purposes of secretarial grade determinations under the following or similar statutes:
Sections 1212, 1370, 1371, 1372, 1401, 1406, 7343, 7344, and 12771, Title 10, United States Code (USC). Additionally,
the AGDRB will review any other cases referred by the SA.
Section II
Responsibilities
1– 7. Secretary of the Army
The SA retains the prerogative to accomplish discretionary grade determinations without referral to the AGDRB. The SA
retains sole authority to make discretionary grade determinations in cases involving brigadier and major generals. Under
the provision of 10 USC 1370, in the case of an officer who is requesting active duty retirement in the grade of general or
lieutenant general, the SA may retire such officers in one of those grades only after the Secretary of Defense certifies in
writing to the President and Congress that the officer has served satisfactorily on active duty in the grade of general or
lieutenant general. The SA retains authority to take final action in any case in which a subordinate authority, including the
AGDRB, would otherwise be authorized to take final action. Final determinations of grade rest exclusively with the SA
and the Secretary’s designees. No one will enter into any agreement that will in any way limit the exercise of that discretion.
1– 8. Chief of Staff, Army
The CSA, or designee, will recommend general officers to the SA, or designee, to serve as members of the AGDRB when
it considers cases involving general officers.
1– 9. Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs)
The ASA (M&RA), after consultation with the CSA, will appoint general officers for the AGDRB when it considers cases
involving general officers. The ASA (M&RA) retains the authority to take final action in any case in which a subordinate
authority, including the AGDRB, would otherwise be authorized to take final action.
2 AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020
1– 10. Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Review Boards)
The DASA (RB) will—
a. Appoint general officer members of the AGDRB when it considers cases involving individuals in the grade of colo-
nel.
b. Make discretionary grade determinations on behalf of the SA for officers below the grade of brigadier general in-
volving service retirement, physical disability retirement, computation of retired pay, or other separation for physical dis-
ability. The DASA (RB) retains the authority to take final action in any case in which a subordinate authority, including
the AGDRB, would otherwise be authorized to take final action.
1– 11. Director, Military Review Boards, Army Review Boards Agency
The Director, Military Review Boards, Army Review Boards Agency (ARBA) will—
a. Appoint members of the AGDRB (except for general officers) to consider cases involving individuals below the
grade of brigadier general.
b. Publish the decisions of the AGDRB when it acts as the final authority for grade determinations.
1– 12. Senior Legal Advisor, Army Review Boards Agency
The Senior Legal Advisor, ARBA will—
a. Monitor the Army grade determination review process.
b. Compile and organize evidence for review by the AGDRB.
c. Serve as recorder or appoint an attorney designee as recorder for the AGDRB involving general officers.
d. Report AGDRB recommendations to the appropriate official for final determination when appropriate.
e. Provide legal advice to the AGDRB.
f. For officer grade determinations, provide notice and an opportunity to respond to individuals being considered by the
AGDRB or assign an attorney designee to do so.
1– 13. Army Grade Determination Review Board
The AGDRB will make final discretionary grade determinations on behalf of the SA for—
a. Enlisted Soldiers at time of separation; this will usually apply only to disability cases.
b. Retiring or retired enlisted Soldiers or warrant officers in 30-year cases.
c. These final grade determinations will be by majority vote. In all other cases considered by the AGDRB, the members
of the AGDRB will recommend to the appropriate authority the highest grade satisfactorily served.
1– 14. Commanding General, United States Army Human Resources Command
a. The CG, HRC will—
(1) Support the grade determination process by compiling records for consideration by the AGDRB.
(2) Make automatic grade determinations when acting as the separation authority (see para 2– 3 and the glossary).
(3) Ensure retiring officers’ records are reviewed for referral to the AGDRB.
(4) Serve as the waiver authority for the active duty service obligation (ADSO) when a Soldier requests retirement
before the expiration of an ADSO (see para. 2– 4).
b. Cases in which grade determination authority as set forth in paragraph 1–14a has been withheld will be forwarded
by HRC for final grade determination by the AGDRB or higher authority.
1– 15. Separation authorities
Separation authorities will accomplish automatic grade determinations at the time of a Soldier’s separation. Separation
authorities will ensure that the personnel records of individuals not subject to automatic grade determinations are forwarded
to the proper authority as identified in this regulation for grade determinations.
AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020 3
Chapter 2
General
Section I
Army Grade Determination Review Board Establishment and Functions
2– 1. Army Grade Determination Review Board establishment
The AGDRB operates within the Office of the Secretary of the Army under the supervision of and as a component board
of the ARBA. The AGDRB consists of military officers senior in rank to and in at least a grade equal to the highest grade
held by the individual whose grade is being considered. Additionally, at least one member of the AGDRB will be at least
one grade higher than the highest grade held by the individual whose grade is being considered. If the individual whose
grade is being considered is a member of the Reserves, at least one member of the AGDRB must be a member of the
Reserves in accordance with 10 USC 12643. The member is not required to be a member of the same component of the
Reserves. For example, if the individual under consideration is a member of the U.S. Army Reserves, the Reserve member
may be part of the Army National Guard. Three members constitute a quorum. A board recorder, if appointed, will be an
additional member without vote who assists the AGDRB with its deliberations.
2– 2. Army Grade Determination Review Board functions
The AGDRB considers individual cases that are referred to it in accordance with this regulation. It directs or recommends
the final grade determination that affects an individual’s separation or retired pay. The AGDRB decides cases on the
evidence of record. It is not an investigative body. AGDRB discussions and individual votes of members are privileged
and confidential and will be disclosed only to those individuals in the decision-making process with a need to know.
2– 3. Automatic grade determinations
a. Most grade determinations do not require action by the AGDRB or the exercise of discretion by other authorities
because they are automatic grade determinations that result from the operation of law and this regulation. For example,
under 10 USC 7341, an enlisted Soldier will normally retire at the grade held on the date of retirement. Under 10 USC
1370, an officer will normally retire at the highest grade served, unless service at that grade is deemed unsatisfactory, or
the officer failed to meet statutory time in grade (TIG) requirements. Circumstances requiring referral for discretionary
grade determinations are discussed in chapters 3 and 4.
b. Automatic grade determinations do not include cases where—
(1) Reversion to a lower grade was expressly for prejudice or cause, owing to misconduct, or punishment pursuant to
Article 15, Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ, Art. 15) or court-martial.
(2) In cases involving officers, there is information to indicate that service in the highest grade served may not have
been satisfactory.
Section II
Guidance
2– 4. Grade determination considerations
A grade determination is an administrative decision to determine appropriate retirement grade, retirement pay, or other
separation pay. Although a lower grade determination may affect an individual adversely, such determinations under this
regulation are not punitive. The AGDRB will consider each case on its own merits. Generally, determination will be based
on the Soldier’s overall service in the grade in question, either on active duty or other service qualifying the Soldier for
retirement, receipt of retired pay, or separation for physical disability. Circumstances pertinent to whether such service is
found satisfactory include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Medical reasons, which may have been a contributing or decisive factor in a reduction in grade, misconduct, or
substandard performance.
b. Compassionate circumstances.
c. Length of otherwise satisfactory service in the grade in question, before and after the misconduct. Additionally, the
AGDRB cannot waive statutory TIG requirements for retirement at the current grade, such as the 31 or more days of
service required at a previously held higher grade for a warrant officer to retire at the higher grade under the provisions of
10 USC 1371; the 6 months for second lieutenants through majors; and the 3 years for lieutenant colonels and above under
4 AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020
the provision of 10 USC 1370, except as otherwise specifically authorized by law. For instance, TIG requirements can be
negated by operation of law in disability cases under provisions 10 USC 1372.
d. The following examples help explain how ADSO policies affect grade determinations. (Policies regarding the retire-
ment processing of Soldiers having ADSOs and policies regarding the promotion and reduction of enlisted Soldiers are
addressed in AR 350 – 100, AR 635 – 200, AR 600 – 8 –19, and AR 600 – 8 – 24. Consult these regulations for current and
definitive policies and procedures.) For example, Soldiers promoted to sergeant first class, master sergeant/first sergeant,
or sergeant major/command sergeant major incur a 2-year ADSO (see AR 600 – 8 – 19). If a Soldier requests retirement
effective before the expiration of this ADSO, a retirement approval authority can deny the request or CG, HRC can waive
the ADSO and approve the retirement. A promoted enlisted Soldier may not be reduced administratively only to terminate
a promotion. ADSO, and the waiver of an ADSO, will normally result in the individual’s retirement in the grade to which
promoted if that is the highest grade satisfactorily held (see AR 635– 200). Note this circumstance would not require referral
to the AGDRB because the grade determination would be automatic. The Soldier would retire at the promoted grade,
unless the Soldier was entitled to retire at a higher grade under some other provision of law. An ADSO can also be waived
by operation of law in disability cases.
e. Performance level, as reflected in evaluation reports and other portions of the service record that reflect performance.
In reviewing these matters, the AGDRB will consider whether reporting officials were aware of the performance giving
rise to the grade determination.
f. Nature and severity of misconduct, if any. Although the punishment an individual has received may be one factor in
determining the seriousness of misconduct, the amount of punishment will not be considered in determining whether the
individual has been “punished enough.” Grade determinations are not considered punitive, and the standard for grade
determinations is “highest grade satisfactorily served,” not whether the individual has been sufficiently punished.
g. The grade at which the misconduct was committed.
h. The grade at which the misconduct was addressed by proper authorities.
2– 5. Unsatisfactory service
Service in the highest grade or an intermediate grade normally will be considered to have been unsatisfactory when:
a. Reversion to a lower grade was—
(1) Expressly for prejudice or cause.
(2) Owing to misconduct.
(3) Caused by nonjudicial punishment pursuant to UCMJ, Art. 15.
(4) The result of the sentence of a court-martial.
b. There is sufficient unfavorable information to establish that the Soldier’s service in the grade in question was unsat-
isfactory. One specific act of misconduct may or may not form the basis for a determination that the overall service in that
grade was unsatisfactory, regardless of the period of time served in grade. Retirement in lieu of or as the result of elimina-
tion action will not, by itself, preclude retirement in the highest grade; however, the underlying misconduct and/or sub-
standard performance can result in a determination that service in grade was unsatisfactory.
2– 6. Service in lower grade
If service in the highest grade held was unsatisfactory, the Soldier can be deemed to have served satisfactorily in the next
lower grade actually held, unless paragraph 2– 5 applies with regard to that next lower grade.
2– 7. Period of service
All active service may be considered as continuous, or each period of duty may be considered separately if it is to the
Soldier’s benefit and there has been a break in service, unless a specific interpretation is required by statute. For example,
under 10 USC 1371, “Served on active duty satisfactorily, as determined by the Secretary, for a period of more than 30
days” requires a call or order that does not specify a period of 30 days or less (see 10 USC 101).
2– 8. Information to be considered
The Soldier whose case is being considered is not entitled to appear before the AGDRB. The AGDRB may consider any
evidence relevant to the grade determination regardless of whether or not the information is part of the Soldier’s Army
Military Human Resource Record (AMHRR). Any evidence not contained in the Soldier’s AMHRR will be referred to the
Soldier for review and comment, unless the Soldier has previously been provided the evidence or the Soldier is known to
possess it. Before the AGDRB may consider any evidence, the individual will be advised—
a. That their grade will be considered by the AGDRB.
b. Of what evidence will be considered.
AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020 5
c. Of the right to consult with a military lawyer, or seek private civilian counsel at no expense to the Government.
d. Of the opportunity within a reasonable period of time to submit matters in writing for consideration by the AGDRB.
Thirty days from the date of notification will usually, but not always, be deemed a reasonable period in which to respond.
The Senior Legal Advisor, ARBA, or an attorney designee, may grant requests for extensions of time to respond based
upon a showing of good cause. In cases initiated by a request from the subject individual (see para 3–2b), the applicant
need not be given this notice when the only evidence to be considered is contained in the applicant’s AMHRR or is sub-
mitted by the applicant. These applicants, however, have the same rights to counsel as discussed in paragraph 2–8c.
2– 9. Forwarding cases for review
Cases for review by the AGDRB will be forwarded through the appropriate personnel command to the Army Review
Boards Agency, Army Grade Determination Review Board, 251 18th Street South, 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA 22202– 4508.
2– 10. Reviews
If a Soldier, retiree, or other former Soldier believes an error or injustice has occurred with respect to their grade determi-
nation by the AGDRB, the individual can apply to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR). AR
15– 185 sets forth procedures for petitioning the ABCMR for relief.
Chapter 3
Enlisted Personnel Grade Determinations
3– 1. General
a. Enlisted Soldiers will usually retire in the grade held on the day before their placement on the retired list and are not
subject to discretionary grade determinations, except for disability separations and 30-year cases set forth in this chapter.
For enlisted cases, the AGDRB will make final determinations on behalf of the SA unless that authority is reserved by
higher authority in a particular case or type of cases. It will determine the highest grade in which a Soldier has served
satisfactorily for purposes of 30-year cases, physical disability retirement, other computations of retired pay (see 10 USC
1406 or 10 USC 1407), or separation for physical disability with severance pay. While enlisted Soldiers may be reduced
in grade by courts-martial, nonjudicial punishment proceedings (see UCMJ, Art. 15), administrative separation proceed-
ings, or inefficiency boards, enlisted grade determinations cannot result in reduction of an enlisted Soldier’s or retiree’s
current grade. Enlisted grade determinations will result in either a decision to retain the individual’s current grade or to
advance to a higher grade in which the individual satisfactorily served or to which advancement is otherwise provided by
law. Enlisted Soldiers who are determined not to have served satisfactorily in the highest grade held and who first became
members after September 7, 1980, and therefore would normally fall under the high-36 month average for calculation of
retired pay, do not get the benefit of that averaging if reduced in grade as the result of court-martial, nonjudicial punish-
ment, or an adverse administrative action (see 10 USC 1407).
b. The AGDRB has the authority to advance an individual to the grade of E– 8, but does not have the authority to change
or correct a record from being a retired E– 8/Master Sergeant to a retired E– 8/First Sergeant or retired E– 9/Sergeant Major
to retired E–9/Command Sergeant Major. Such requests must be made to the ABCMR.
3– 2. Thirty-year cases
a. 10 USC 7344 entitles retired members of the Army who are retired with fewer than 30 years of active service, when
such member’s active service plus service on the retired list totals 30 years, to be advanced on the retired list to the highest
grade served during active service satisfactorily. The AGDRB reviews each case individually to determine the highest
grade served during active service satisfactorily. This is not an automatic advancement on the retired list. 10 USC 7344
does not apply in retirement for non-regular service (Reserve retirement) cases. 10 USC 7344 applies to warrant officers
of the Army; enlisted members of the Regular Army; and Reserve enlisted members of the Army who, at the time of
retirement, were serving on active duty (or, in the case of members of the National Guard, were on full-time National
Guard duty). These individuals are eligible for advancement on the retired list when their active service plus service on the
retired list totals 30 years. Individuals to be placed on the retired list with at least 30 years of active service will be consid-
ered for immediate advancement on the retired list. “Highest grade served on active duty” is the grade to which a Soldier
was actually promoted and paid pursuant to a lawful promotion. If the highest or intermediate grade was an officer grade,
the statutory TIG requirements for that grade must also be met to be deemed satisfactory (see para 2–4c). “Highest grade
served on active duty” does not include merely being in a promotable status or serving in, “acting,” or holding a position
or job title authorized at a higher grade, such as acting first sergeant or acting sergeant major. Former officers who reverted
to a prior enlisted or warrant officer status for retirement (because they failed to satisfy the commissioned officer service
6 AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020
requirement of 10 USC 7311 to retire as a commissioned officer) qualify for potential advancement under this procedure.
Thirty-year cases are the only type of grade determinations that are initiated by the individual concerned. Thirty-year cases
must be initiated by a written request from the retiree concerned. When a reduction from the highest grade served was
caused by misconduct, inefficiency, or for cause, the retiree can initiate the grade determination process within 6 months
before the 30-year mark or later. In such cases, the retiree is presumed not to have served satisfactorily in the higher grade.
Regardless of when the 30-year grade determination is accomplished, any resulting advancement on the retired list will
not be effective until the 30-year mark or the receipt of the request, whichever is later. Figure 3 – 1 provides a sample
application to initiate a 30-year grade determination. An individual whose grade was not determined at the time of retire-
ment will mail an application to Army Review Boards Agency Screening Team (SAMR– RBD– MS), 251 18th Street
South, 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA 22202 – 3531. The applicant’s military records will be forwarded with the application to
the AGDRB for consideration. In the case of an individual whose grade is being determined at the time of retirement,
retirement authorities will send the application to Commander, Human Resources Command, (AHRC– OPL), 1600 Spear-
head Division Avenue, Department 280, Fort Knox, KY 40122 – 5208.
b. If the AGDRB advances an applicant’s grade, any increase in retired pay will be retroactive to the date of eligibility
for advancement (that is, the 30-year mark) or the date the request for advancement is received, whichever is later. In some
circumstances, advancement on the retired list to a higher commissioned grade will result in a loss of retired pay. For
example, a CW4 with more than 24 years of service is paid more than an O – 3E with more than 24 years of service. Under
10 USC 7345, an individual so advanced as a 30-year case may petition within 3 months of the advancement to be restored
on the retired list to the former grade. In those cases when advancement would result in a loss of pay, the AGDRB will
notify the applicant of that outcome and allow the individual to withdraw the application for advancement. As an alterna-
tive, the applicant can apply to the ABCMR as a matter of equity to retain the higher grade determined by the AGDRB
and the higher pay of the lower grade. If the ABCMR denies the application, the applicant can request restoration on the
retired list to the former grade. AR 15– 185 sets forth procedures for petitioning the ABCMR for relief.
AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020 7
Figure 3–1. Sample application to initiate a 30-year grade determination
8 AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020
3– 3. Physical disability cases
An enlisted Soldier being processed for physical disability separation or disability retirement, not currently serving in the
highest grade served, will be referred to the AGDRB for a grade determination, unless the Soldier is entitled to a higher or
equal grade by operation of law (see 10 USC 1212 and 10 USC 1372). 10 USC 1212 and 10 USC 1372 provide generally
that a Soldier separated for physical disability will have retired or severance pay calculated based upon the higher of current
grade, highest grade satisfactorily served (if not the current grade), or the grade to which one would have been promoted
had it not been for the physical disability (that is, was on an approved promotion list). Soldiers denied advancement under
this provision are not eligible for consideration later as a 30-year case.
3– 4. Reserve enlisted members reduced not as a result of the member’s misconduct
A Reserve enlisted member who, at the time of regular retirement after September 30, 1996, is serving on active duty or
full-time National Guard duty in a grade lower than the highest enlisted grade held by the member while on active duty or
full-time National Guard duty, and was previously administratively reduced in grade not as a result of the member’s own
misconduct, as determined by the Secretary of the Army, will be retired in the highest enlisted grade served satisfactorily
on active duty or on full-time National Guard duty, as determined by the Secretary of the Army. See 10 USC 7343.
Chapter 4
Officer Personnel Grade Determinations
4– 1. General
a. An officer is not automatically entitled to retire in the highest grade served on active duty for regular retirement or
the highest grade served for non-regular retirement. Instead, an officer is retired in the highest grade served on active duty
satisfactorily for regular retirement or the highest grade satisfactorily served for non-regular retirement, as determined by
the SA or the Secretary’s designee. For officers below the grade of brigadier general, the AGDRB will recommend to the
DASA (RB), for final determination, the highest grade in which an officer has served satisfactorily for purposes of ser-
vice/physical disability retirement, computation of retired pay, or separation for physical disability. The AGDRB recom-
mendation is advisory, and the SA or the SA’s designee, including DASA (RB), is not bound by that recommendation.
b. Except as noted in this paragraph, officer grade determinations will result in either a decision to retain the individual’s
current grade as the retired grade or change the retired grade to a grade lower than that currently held. However, physical
disability cases may result in a higher grade by operation of law than that actually served (see para 4– 3).
c. Officer grade determinations are normally accomplished at time of retirement or disability separation, and the of-
ficer’s grade is fixed at that time. A grade determination can be reopened or determined by the Army after separation, if—
(1) The separation and/or accompanying grade determination was procured by fraud.
(2) Substantial new evidence discovered after, contemporaneously with, or within a short time before separation could
result in a lower grade determination and there was insufficient time to complete the grade determination before retirement.
For example, if an officer’s misconduct while still on active duty is later documented by completed investigation, memo-
randum of reprimand, nonjudicial punishment, or conviction after retirement, and such misconduct was not discoverable
through due diligence in a reasonable time before retirement to allow a grade determination, a new grade determination
may be completed. (See 10 USC 1370.)
(3) A mistake of law or mathematical miscalculation led to an improper separation or grade determination.
(4) It is a 30-year grade determination for a warrant officer.
(5) It is a non-regular retirement. Non-regular retirement grade determinations must be completed before receipt of
retired pay, unless one of the earlier exceptions applies.
d. All retirements, except for disability separations, involving officers who, since their last promotion, have been the
subject of any substantiated adverse finding or conclusion from an officially documented investigation, proceeding, or
inquiry (except minor traffic infractions) will be forwarded to the AGDRB for a grade determination, provided such infor-
mation is reflected, or should be reflected by regulation, in the officer’s AMHRR. Examples of such findings or conclusions
include, but are not limited to, a memorandum of reprimand; nonjudicial punishment under UCMJ, Art. 15; or court-
martial or civilian conviction. Even if the information is not required to be filed in the officer’s AMHRR, the separation
authority may forward for a grade determination any retirement of an officer when there is information deemed substanti-
ated, adverse, and material to determination of retired grade.
e. Officers who are determined not to have served satisfactorily in the highest grade held and who first became members
after September 7, 1980, and therefore would normally fall under the high-36 month average for calculation of retired pay,
do not get the benefit of that averaging. See 10 USC 1407.
AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020 9
4– 2. Warrant officers
Warrant officer cases will be processed as follows:
a. For advancement to a higher grade after 30 years of service, cases will be administered in the manner set forth for
enlisted Soldiers (see para 3–2).
b. Unless entitled to a higher retired grade under some other provision of law, a warrant officer will be retired in the
highest Regular or Reserve warrant officer grade in which the warrant officer served satisfactorily, as determined by the
SA or the SA’s designee. Grade determinations will be conducted as set forth in paragraph 4– 1.
c. Warrant officers do not have to meet the commissioned officer active service requirement of 10 USC 7311 to retire
as warrant officers.
d. All other cases will be administered in the manner set forth for other officers.
4– 3. Physical disability cases
Officers being processed for physical disability separation or disability retirement, not currently serving in the highest
grade served, will be referred to the AGDRB for a grade determination, unless the officer is entitled to a higher or equal
grade by operation of law (see 10 USC 1212 and 10 USC 1372). The AGDRB cannot waive the statutory time in grade
requirements for officer positions; however, these provisions are waived by operation of law in some automatic grade
determinations for physical disability separations or retirements.
10 AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020
Appendix A
References
Section I
Required Publications
This section contains no entries.
Section II
Related Publications
A related publication is a source of additional information. The user does not have to read it to understand this publication.
Unless otherwise indicated, Department of the Army publications are available on the Army Publishing Directorate website
(https://armypubs.army.mil). USC material is available at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/.
AR 11– 2
Managers’ Internal Control Program
AR 15– 185
Army Board for Correction of Military Records
AR 25– 30
Army Publishing Program
AR 27– 10
Military Justice
AR 135– 18
The Active Guard Reserve Program
AR 135– 180
Retirement for Non-Regular Service
AR 135 – 200
Active Duty for Missions, Projects, and Training for Reserve Component Soldiers
AR 140– 185
Training and Retirement Point Credits and Unit Level Strength Accounting Records
AR 350– 100
Officer Active Duty Service Obligations
AR 600– 8– 19
Enlisted Promotions and Reductions
AR 600– 8– 24
Officer Transfers and Discharges
AR 635– 40
Physical Evaluation for Retention, Retirement, or Separation
AR 635– 200
Active Duty Enlisted Separations
DA Pam 25– 403
Guide to Recordkeeping in the Army
DOD 7000.14 – R, Volume 7B
Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (Military Pay Policy–Retired Pay) (Available at https://comp-
troller.defense.gov/fmr.aspx.)
UCMJ
(Available at http://www.ucmj.us.)
10 USC Chapter 47
Uniform Code of Military Justice
AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020 11
10 USC Chapter 1223
Retired Pay for Non-Regular Service
10 USC 101
Definitions
10 USC 1212
Disability severance pay
10 USC 1370
Commissioned officers: general rule; exceptions
10 USC 1371
Warrant officers: general rule
10 USC 1372
Grade on retirement for physical disability: members of armed forces
10 USC 1401
Computation of retired pay
10 USC 1402
Recomputation of retired or retainer pay to reflect later active duty of members who first became members before Septem-
ber 8, 1980
10 USC 1406
Retired pay base for members who first became members before September 8, 1980: final basic pay
10 USC 1407
Retired pay base for members who first became members after September 7, 1980: high-36 month average
10 USC 1552
Correction of military records: claims incident thereto
10 USC 7311
Twenty years or more: regular or reserve commissioned officers
10 USC 7341
General rule
10 USC 7342
Higher grade for service in special positions
10 USC 7343
Highest grade held satisfactorily: Reserve enlisted members reduced in grade not as a result of the member's misconduct
10 USC 7344
Higher grade after 30 years of service: warrant officers and enlisted members
10 USC 7345
Restoration to former grade: retired warrant officers and enlisted members
10 USC 12643
Boards for appointment, promotion, and certain other purposes: composition
10 USC 12771
Reserve officers: grade on transfer to Retired Reserve
Section III
Prescribed Forms
This section contains no entries.
12 AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020
Section IV
Referenced Forms
Unless otherwise indicated, DA forms are available on the Army Publishing Directorate website
(https://armypubs.army.mil). DD forms are available on the Office of the Secretary of Defense website
(http://www.esd.whs.mil/directives/forms).
DA Form 11– 2
Internal Control Evaluation Certification
DA Form 2028
Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms
DD Form 214
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (Referenced in figure 3– 1.)
AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020 13
Appendix B
Internal Control Evaluation
B– 1. Function
The function covered by this evaluation is the conformance to higher statutory and regulatory authorities referenced in this
regulation.
B– 2. Purpose
The purpose of this evaluation is to assist assessable unit managers and internal control administrators (ICAs) in evaluating
the key internal controls listed. It is not intended as a guide and does not cover all controls.
B– 3. Instructions
Answers must be based on the actual testing of key internal controls (for example, document analysis, direct observation,
sampling, or other). Answers that indicate deficiencies must be explained and corrective action indicated in supporting
documentation. These key internal controls must be evaluated at least once every 5 years or whenever the ICA changes.
Certification that the evaluation has been conducted must be accomplished on DA Form 11 – 2 (Internal Control Evaluation
Certification).
B– 4. Test questions
a. Do the provisions of this regulation conform to federal statutes that address grade determinations?
b. Do the provisions of this regulation conform to DOD regulations that address grade determinations?
c. Do the provision of this regulation conform to any Department of the Army directives or other Department of the
Army policy pronouncements that address grade determinations that have been promulgated since this regulation was last
revised?
d. Do the provisions of this regulation take into account the practicalities regarding how grade determinations are pro-
cessed and adjudicated at Army Review Boards Agency?
B– 5. Supersession
Not applicable.
B– 6. Comments
Help make this a better tool for evaluating management controls. Submit comments to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of
the Army (Review Boards) (SAMR– RBL), 251 18th Street South, 3rd Floor, Arlington, VA 22202 – 4508.
14 AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020
Glossary
Section I
Abbreviations
ABCMR
Army Board for Correction of Military Records
ADSO
active duty service obligation
AGDRB
Army Grade Determination Review Board
AMHRR
Army Military Human Resource Record
AR
Army regulation
ARBA
Army Review Boards Agency
ARIMS
Army Records Information Management System
ASA (M&RA)
Assistant Secretary of the Army (Manpower and Reserve Affairs)
CG
commanding general
CSA
Chief of Staff, Army
DA Form
Department of the Army form
DA Pam
Department of the Army pamphlet
DASA (RB)
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Review Boards)
DD Form
Department of Defense form
DOD
Department of Defense
HRC
United States Army Human Resources Command
ICA
internal control administrators
RRS– A
Records Retention Schedule-Army
SA
Secretary of the Army
TIG
time in grade
UCMJ
Uniform Code of Military Justice
AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020 15
USC
United States Code
Section II
Terms
Active duty
Full-time duty in the active military service of the United States, including full-time training duty, annual training duty,
and attendance while in the active military service, at a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary of
the military department concerned.
Active duty service obligation
Time period during which an individual is required to serve on active duty based on statutory, regulatory, or contractual
requirements.
Active service
Service on active duty or full-time National Guard duty (see 10 USC 101).
Army
The Regular Army, Army of the United States, Army National Guard of the United States, and the United States Army
Reserve.
Automatic grade determination
A nondiscretionary grade determination dictated by law or regulation. Does not include cases where—
a. Reversion to a lower grade was expressly for prejudice or cause, owing to misconduct, or punishment pursuant to UCMJ,
Art. 15; court-martial; or adverse administrative action.
b. In cases involving officers there is information to indicate that service in the highest grade served may not have been
satisfactory.
Discretionary grade determination
A grade determination that results from the conduct of a deliberative decision process.
Grade
A step or degree in a graduated scale of military rank that is established as a grade by law or regulation.
Grade determination
Administrative process by which the Secretary of the Army or the Secretary’s designees determine the pay grade at which
an individual will receive retirement or other separation pay.
Highest grade served on active duty
The highest grade to which an individual on active duty was actually and lawfully promoted and paid. It does not include
being in a promotable status for the higher grade or serving in a position authorized a higher grade than actually held.
Intermediate grade
Grade served falling between the highest grade served and the grade held at the time of grade determination.
Officer
Except where expressly indicated otherwise, includes commissioned or warrant (regardless of whether commissioned)
officer, but excludes noncommissioned officer.
Retirement approval authority
The official authorized by Army regulations to approve requests for retirement.
Retirement for length of service
Retirement of Soldiers who have served 15 or more years in the active military service.
Retirement for non–regular service (Reserve retirement)
Retirement granted members or former members of the Reserve Components after completion of 20 or more years of
qualifying service (points and active duty) and on attaining age 60 (which age can be reduced based on time deployed).
Pay is based on the highest grade satisfactorily held at any time during an individual’s entire period of service, other than
in an inactive section of a Reserve Component or a retired section not on active duty.
16 AR 15–80 • 12 February 2020
Retirement for physical disability
Retirement of Soldiers by reason of physical disability. Such Soldiers are placed on either the permanent or temporary
disability retired list as directed by the Secretary of the Army, as prescribed in AR 635– 40.
Senior in grade
Holding a higher grade.
Senior in rank
Senior by grade, date of rank, or order of precedence among members of the Armed Forces.
Separation
An all-inclusive term applied to personnel actions resulting from release from active duty, discharge, retirement, being
dropped from the rolls, release from military control of personnel without a military status, or death.
Separation authority
The official authorized by Army regulations to take final action on specified types of separations.
Served on active duty satisfactorily for a period of more than 30 days
For some warrant officer grade determinations 10 USC 1371 requires a call or order that does not specify a period of 30
days or less (see 10 USC 101).
Service retirement
Includes retirement for length of service and retirement for non-regular service, but excludes disability retirement.
Thirty–year cases
Cases in which certain retired or retiring enlisted Soldiers and warrant officers are eligible for advancement on the retired
list to the highest grade satisfactorily served upon attaining a total of 30 years of active service and time on the retired list.
Does not apply to retirements for non-regular service (Reserve retirements).
Time in grade
Amount of time served at a particular grade, typically used in reference to eligibility for promotion or separation.
UNCLASSIFIED PIN 060021–000