Are you using a proprietary database?
Formats of dates aren't as important as the data type.
I will guess that what you're trying to say is that you have a non date type field, and you wish to treat it as a date.
First, tell your dba that you have a surprise for them outside, and when they leave, lock the door and have their badge cancelled.
Using a SQL based database you can create a SQL Expression in Crystal and base record selections off of the SQL Expression. Since you're using an Add Command, I would suggest that you build Views for any date field that isn't a date type and use the Views in lieu of the tables going forward.
-k