AR 600-78 — Army Suitability, Fitness, And Credentialing Program
AR 600-78 governs Army suitability, fitness, and credentialing for personnel assigned to trusted positions.
- Publication number: AR 600-78
- Title: ARMY SUITABILITY, FITNESS, AND CREDENTIALING PROGRAM
- Date: 03/08/2024
- Proponent: G-1
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 600-78 on armypubs.army.mil
Related publications
- ARMY DIR 2024-08 (armypubs)
It covers screening, investigations, adjudications, disqualifying offenses, appeals, and credential issuance. It establishes requirements for military positions, Army-affiliated civilians, contractors, volunteers, child-service personnel, and CAC applicants.
Topics covered
- Military position suitability screening
- Civilian and contractor fitness adjudications
- Child and youth services suitability standards
- Disqualifying offenses
- Common access card credentialing
- Trusted Associate Sponsorship System
- Volunteer Logical Access Credential
Questions and answers
Which military positions require suitability screening under AR 600-78?
The policy is designed to ensure the Army selects and assigns suitable Soldiers to the following positions: (1) Training cadre, which is described as those positions that instruct or train new personnel entering the military to include all drill sergeants and cadre, at the company level and below. (paragraph 3-1)
What must an appointing authority provide to a Soldier disqualified for adverse information?
The appointing authority must provide the Soldier with a copy of the disqualifying information or the name and address of the agency that reported the disqualifying information. (paragraph 3-1)
When must a Soldier be suspended from a position screened for suitability?
For Soldiers serving in positions screened for suitability, the removal authority must immediately suspend and temporarily reassign a Soldier upon notification that the Soldier is under investigation for an offense or upon notification there is adverse information that the Soldier has committed an offense listed in this regulation. (paragraph 3-9)
What is the objective of a suitability or fitness investigation?
The objective of the suitability or fitness investigation is to provide a measure of assurance that persons are of good character and reputation, trustworthy, and suitable or fit to promote the efficiency and protect the integrity of the Federal service. (paragraph 4-1)
What fitness requirement applies to contractors serving vulnerable populations?
Contractors with access to vulnerable populations must receive favorable fitness adjudication, just as military or Federal Civilian employees who work with vulnerable populations must receive a favorable suitability or fitness adjudication. (paragraph 1-3)