When an Army National Guard officer is promoted, they endure an uncharacteristically lengthy delay for federal recognition of the new grade. While temporary progress was made a few years ago, it has backslid to the abysmal wait times of the recent past. ARNG officers are routinely waiting 6 to 9 months between state and federal recognition of their new grade. This delay in effective date of promotion adversely impacts myriad aspects of the officer’s career path. The obvious example is pay. However, the more significant impact is on the officer’s career progression and grade at retirement eligibility.