Guardmembers earn discretionary points for joint designation Published Dec. 30, 2008 ARLINGTON, Va. -- Discretionary points can now be earned through the Joint Officer Management Program (JOM) to achieve the Joint Qualified Officer designation. NGB's JOM staff administers a Joint Qualification System (JQS) enacted by the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007, which provides for the attainment of these points. While the JQS mandates minimum educational requirements in Joint Professional Military Education (JPME), the JQS experience-based track allows for discretionary points to be awarded for additional education, training and exercises. An approved exercises and training course list can be found on the Joint Electronic Library Web site at: www.dtic.mil/doctrine/jqs.htm. Points for an exercise depend on the officer's role as a participant, leader or planner. A participant is a person actively involved in an event capable of making positive contributions to the mission. A leader exercises formal authority and direction over significant organizational elements or major tasks. A planner serves as the focal point for an activity or organization and is empowered to speak on behalf of their organization and make commitments for specified support. There can be more than one planner for an event. Education refers to instruction other than JPME. Officers may be awarded discretionary points for JS/J7 approved joint education completed through distance learning while serving in a Standard Joint Duty Assignment (S-JDA). They may also be awarded discretionary points for JS/J7 joint education completed through distance learning during periods where the officer is also awarded Experienced Joint Duty Assignment (E-JDA) points. Officers may not be awarded discretionary points for joint training or joint exercises while serving in an S-JDA assignment or during any period for which the officer is awarded E-JDA points. National Guard officers can nominate themselves for credit toward joint officer qualification until Sept. 30, 2010.