The Army is rolling out its long-standing Qualitative Management Program, dormant during more than a decade of conflict, to trim total strength to 490,000 from 510,000 troops. Under the program, known as QMP, promotion and retention officials pore over service records and take note of any derogatory reports, bad decisions, or incidents of “stupidity” – particularly as soldiers achieve higher ranks. As such, a QMP panel may overlook the transgressions of a junior soldier who received non-judicial punishment under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Not so, however, for higher enlisteds. “As you progress in grade there’s less tolerance,” said Sgt. Maj. Russell Paradis, command career counselor at Fort Sill, Okla. Soldiers who are selected for separation under QMP do have the option to appeal. They are responsible for providing proof that their separation under QMP is unwarranted. They also have the option of accepting the QMP, and gaining at least one year to transition out of the Army. Career counselors can provide more information.