Temporary rank, given for up to a year unless a subject one course is completed. Photo by Pte Simone Heyer, 1JPAU(P)

He who giveth, also taketh

In an environment where demand is often greater than supply, it is not uncommon to find a situation where a soldier is required to work to the next rank level.

This article highlights situations where approval of temporary promotion may be appropriate and discusses long-term implications of temporary promotion.

DI(G) Pers 10-4 and Army-specific, is DI(A) Pers 116-8 details the list of criteria addressed when considering a soldier for temporary promotion.

• It is quite straight forward to determine whether a soldier has completed the requisite time in rank or have completed Subjects Two and Four.
• The criterion that generally dictates the appropriateness of temporary promotion is whether the rank is deemed essential for the performance of the duties.

The fact that a soldier is posted to a higher position does not automatically justify that the rank is essential to perform the duties.

This is emphasised in the reference, that temporary promotion is neither a right, nor justified by the fact that a soldier occupies an establishment position requiring a higher rank.

For temporary rank to be deemed essential it must be demonstrated that the soldier will be significantly impeded in performing the duties of the position without holding the rank.

Each case is considered on its merits by SCMA and circumstances may include positions where trade related or financial delegations can only be exercised by a soldier holding a specific rank.

• There may also be a case for temporary promotion where a soldier is in an instructional position must maintain rank balance between student and instructor.
• Command positions where it is essential for a soldier to be able to administer discipline may also provide adequate justification.
• Finally, temporary rank may be justified if the soldier is in a position where he or she is required to represent Army or ADF interests in a joint or combined environment.

SCMA must also consider the overall impact of temporary promotion on the Army. To create a regime of temporary promotion soldiers would create a flow of promoted personnel who are not qualified for the rank.

This situation would undermine the value and necessity of promotion courses and result in skill degradation.

This further emphasises the need for the rank to be deemed essential before approving temporary promotion.

In all cases higher duties allowance should be considered as an alternative to compensate soldiers for added responsibility.

Once temporary promotion has been approved the focus should then be on the management of the particular soldier through to substantive rank.

Before a temporary promotion is affected, a soldier must sign a temporary rank undertaking.

They acknowledge an understanding they will revert to their original rank if they do not satisfy the requirements for substantive rank by a certain date or cessation of duties.

SCMA maintains a database of temporary promotions and frequently reviews the end date indicated on each undertaking.

If a soldier does not satisfy the criteria on the undertaking, he or she will be required to relinquish rank.

Having a situation where a soldier is required to relinquish rank is not considered ideal.

For this reason, the onus is on the soldier, their commander and SCMA to create an environment that gives the soldier every chance to gain substantive rank.

SCMA fulfils its obligation by only approving the temporary promotion of soldiers that are expected to be competitive for promotion within the ensuing year.

This is in accordance with DI(A) Pers 116-8. SCMA will not undermine the merit principle by giving preference to temporarily promoted soldiers for attendance on promotion courses ahead of more competitive peers.

Once panelled, the onus is on commanders to make soldiers available for courses.

Promotion courses should not be delayed because a soldier is already at the next rank. SCMA will not waive the requirement for a soldier to attend a promotion course based on experience at a temporary rank.

Temporary promotion is a mechanism provided to address situations where the rank is essential to perform the duties of a position.

The granting of temporary promotion has long-term implications for both the soldier and the Army and must be managed accordingly.

Once approved, the commander and soldier have a responsibility to create an environment that gives the soldier maximum opportunity to gain substantive rank before the expiration of the temporary promotion conditions.

• For further advice on temporary promotion, contact SCMA, Maj Rob Archer, SO2 Pay/Trade/Postings/Promotion, on (03) 5258 0611.

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