The Instructions To Defer Advancement Or Frocking Of Enlisted Members

Deferring Advancement: A Comprehensive Guide for Enlisted Members

The prospect of advancement in the military is a significant motivator for many enlisted personnel. It represents increased responsibility, higher pay, and enhanced career opportunities. However, there are circumstances where deferring advancement, also known as "frocking," might be the best course of action. This comprehensive guide explores the reasons why an enlisted member might choose to defer, the process involved, and the potential implications of this decision.

Understanding Advancement and Deferment

Before delving into the specifics of deferring advancement, let's clarify the fundamental concepts. Advancement is the formal promotion of an enlisted member to a higher rank, conferring greater authority, responsibilities, and pay. This is typically based on performance, time in service, availability of vacancies, and other factors specific to each branch of the military.

Deferment, or frocking, is the act of postponing acceptance of a promotion. This means an enlisted member is eligible for promotion but chooses to remain at their current rank for a specific period. It's crucial to understand that deferment is not a rejection of the promotion; it's a temporary postponement.

Reasons for Deferring Advancement

The decision to defer advancement is a personal one, driven by a variety of factors. These reasons can be broadly categorized as follows:

Personal Reasons:

• Family Matters: Significant family events, such as the birth of a child, a serious illness of a family member, or relocation, might make accepting a promotion inconvenient or challenging. The additional responsibilities of a higher rank could exacerbate these existing pressures.
• Educational Goals: Enlisted members might be pursuing a degree or certification. Deferring advancement allows them to focus on their studies without the added workload and potential deployments associated with a higher rank.
• Personal Financial Situations: Sometimes, a higher tax bracket associated with a promotion could negatively impact an individual's financial situation. Deferring can provide time to manage finances before accepting the increased responsibility and pay.
• Significant Life Changes: Major life transitions, such as buying a house or dealing with significant debt, can make accepting a promotion seem overwhelming. Deferring allows for greater stability before taking on more responsibility.

Career Reasons:

• Specific Job Opportunities: An enlisted member might be aiming for a specific role or assignment that requires their current rank. Accepting a promotion could disqualify them from this opportunity.
• Specialized Training: Some specialized training programs might be only open to certain ranks. Deferring allows an enlisted member to complete the necessary training before advancing.
• Career Planning: A well-defined career progression strategy might dictate waiting for a specific opportunity at a higher rank. Deferring ensures the member is optimally positioned for future career advancements.
• Leadership Development: An enlisted member might wish to further hone their leadership skills at their current rank before seeking a higher position. More experience in a lower rank can provide a stronger foundation for leadership at higher levels.

Operational Reasons:

• Pending Deployment: Deferring advancement might be strategically advantageous if a deployment is imminent. The additional responsibilities of a higher rank might add unnecessary stress during a deployment.
• Specialized Skills Requirement: In certain units or roles, the specific expertise of an individual at their current rank might be more valuable than having a higher-ranked individual with less experience in a specific area.
• Unit Needs: The unit might benefit more from the enlisted member remaining in their current rank due to their specific skills and experience.

The Process of Deferring Advancement

The process of deferring advancement varies slightly among the different branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force). However, some common steps usually apply:

1. Submit a Formal Request: The first step involves submitting a formal written request to the appropriate commanding officer. This request should clearly state the reason for deferment and the desired duration of the deferral. The specific format and required information will depend on the branch and unit.
2. Command Approval: The commanding officer will review the request and determine if the deferment is justifiable and in the best interest of the unit and the individual.
3. Documentation: Thorough documentation supporting the reasons for deferral is crucial. This could include letters from family doctors, school transcripts, financial statements, or other relevant materials.
4. Review and Decision: The request will likely be reviewed at various levels of command before a final decision is made. The approval process may take several weeks or even months.
5. Notification: Once a decision is made, the enlisted member will be officially notified, either in writing or through a formal meeting.

Important Considerations:

• Time Limits: There are usually time limits on how long an advancement can be deferred. The exact limits depend on the service branch and the specific circumstances.
• Re-evaluation: The deferral might be subject to periodic review, and the commanding officer may request updates on the reasons for deferment.
• Consequences of Withdrawal: If circumstances change, and the enlisted member wishes to withdraw their deferral, they must go through a separate process to accept the promotion.

Potential Implications of Deferring Advancement

While deferring advancement offers several benefits, it's essential to understand the potential drawbacks:

• Delayed Pay Increase: The most obvious consequence is the delay in receiving the higher pay associated with the promoted rank.
• Lost Opportunities: Deferring could mean missing out on certain assignments, training opportunities, or leadership roles that are only available to higher ranks.
• Impact on Career Progression: While deferment might be beneficial in the short term, prolonged deferrals could potentially impact long-term career progression.
• Administrative Burden: The process of requesting and obtaining a deferment can be time-consuming and administratively burdensome.

Conclusion

The decision to defer advancement is a complex one that requires careful consideration of personal, career, and operational factors. While it offers potential benefits in specific circumstances, it's crucial to weigh these benefits against the potential drawbacks. Open communication with superiors and a thorough understanding of the process and implications are essential for making an informed and well-considered decision. Remember, seeking guidance from your career counselor or senior enlisted advisor can provide invaluable support in navigating this important career choice. Thorough planning and proactive communication are key to successfully managing a deferment and ensuring it aligns with your overall career goals. This guide provides a framework; however, consulting with your specific branch's regulations and your chain of command is always recommended.