I am using the html:option tag I must set the scope of the parent form to session for the tag to generate the correct selected = "selected" Html on the page when the form is submitted (it is bouncing back to the same page) Why is this? The request hits the server with the values in it The action servlet creates the formbean and populates it. The form bean has the correct values when queried from the action class that services this request The jsp containing the html:option tag is the last thing the request is forwarded to Why then does the tag not correctly locate the reference (in the parent form) to the actionform that has the correct values when the scope of this Form is set to request. We come from the land of the ice and snow With the midnight sun, where the hot springs glow The hammer of the gods, will drive our ships to new lands Fight the horde, Sing and cry Valhalla I am coming