FORT SILL, Okla. -- While visiting units across the Fires Center of Excellence over the last few months, we noticed particular trends involving the suspension of favorable actions for Soldiers.

We wanted to share this information with the Fort Sill team to clear up any misconceptions regarding flags.

A flag is emplaced during some type of disciplinary or administrative action until that action is concluded. It should be initiated on a DA Form 268 (Report to Suspend Favorable Personnel Actions) within three working days after identification of the Soldier's unfavorable status (i.e., APFT failure). The effective date of the flag will be the date the Soldier became unfavorable (i.e., failed APFT, adverse action, etc.).

The flagging authority, unit commander or first line supervisor will counsel all Soldiers in writing upon initiation of any flag within two working days unless notification would compromise an ongoing investigation. Take note, that it is not the platoon sergeant or first sergeant who counsels the Soldier, unless he or she is the first line supervisor.

The counseling should include the reason for the flag, requirement(s) for flag removal, and actions prohibited by the flag (school attendance, promotion, re-enlistment, etc).

After the flag has been approved by the commander as well as when it is removed, the flagged Soldier will be provided a copy of the DA Form 268.

The day the action is completed, the commander must remove the flag within three working days as well.

For instance, if a Soldier received nonjudicial punishment under an Article 15 hearing, on the last day of punishment or suspension of punishment, the flag must be removed within three working days.

Another deficiency that is commonly found pertains to managing the records of flags. When discussing the suspension of favorable actions with command teams, it was noticed in some cases that proper documentation was not being maintained at the unit level. Army Regulation 600-8-2, "Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions (Flags)" states "Units will maintain the following documents: DA Form 268 and supporting documentation on active flags for all Soldiers within their unit; current Suspension of Favorable Personnel Actions Management Report (AAA-095)."

The AAA-095 must also be signed by the battalion commander if the report contains flags that are more than six months old. When flags are closed, units will maintain both DA Form 268 (initiating and removing flag) with supporting documentation for one year on all Soldiers to include those who separate, retire or are discharged while flagged.

Soldiers or civilians who are working in human resources for organizations should not suspend favorable actions of Soldiers in the Electronic Military Personnel Office until a DA Form 268 has been approved by the Soldier's commander, not a vocal order.

To further assist commanders, S1s, G1s, and the installation Military Personnel Department, AR 600-8-2, Appendix C has an Internal Control Evaluation that must be evaluated at the company or battery and battalion level every two years, as well as every five years for brigade level elements.

Certification that the evaluation has been conducted must be accomplished on DA Form 11-2 (Internal Control Evaluation Certification).

For more information, the Office of the Inspector General is at 1643 Randolph Road next to Nye Library. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays except for regularly scheduled training and federal holidays.

Our contact numbers are 442-3109/3224 or you may email us at: usarmy.sill.fcoe.mbx.fort-sill-inspector-general@mail.mil. If you call during nonduty hours, leave a voice mail and we will return your call the next duty day.