Posted on Jun 24, 2022
Can a Commander stop me from submitting an IRR Packet?
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Long story short I have developed serious medical issues that my unit has known about for a couple years now and does nothing to start a medboard process. I elected to submit an IRR packet under medical hardship as my unit is quite far and travel has become very difficult for me. I was told that they will not be pushing the packet up due to the fact it looks bad on the unit because they have known about these medical issues for at least 2 years and haven't done anything about it. Ive been told from friends no one can stop a soldier from submitting a packet, of course that does not guarantee it will be accepted and I understand that. It seems like every month someone will call me and tell me the commander will be requesting the medical evaluation but nothing ever happens. I just do not want to have to attend drill anymore, I routinely develop blood clots that have hospitalized me on several occasions and sitting for hours driving is probably the most sure fired way to develop a clot. Thus, the IRR seems like the quickest way to achieve this. Does anyone know the regulation or anything more about the topic? Edit*** (Im in the Army Reserve)
Posted in these groups: 
IRR
Medical Board
IRR Medical Board
Edited 2 y ago
Posted 2 y ago
Responses: 7
I'm not sure where you got your information, but where ever that was...it was wrong. Your Commander can do NOTHING in regards to starting a MEB, your military medical provider initiates that....if you have a P3 or P4. A P2 will not trigger a MEB. As for the IRR packet, there is a process for that. And that process includes you, your Commander AND your Retention NCO/Career Counselor all working together. Your Regulation reference is Army Regulation 140–10. You also have to remember that Commanders aren't exactly required to approve transfers
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Please change your profile to Army Reserve, it helps seeing it before reading the question, because different compos have different answers for most questions here.
As stated already, a doctor initiates a MEB, not a commander.
Also, your commander cannot refuse to submit anything, his job is to recommend or non-recommend and forward. If you ask IG, after a lengthy delay they will give you a lengthy answer that just says this.
But you should notify your commander that you will contact IG to ask them this same question.
Also, you may want to consider requesting a transfer to a unit closer to you, and if you still want to go IRR, submit again from there.
As stated already, a doctor initiates a MEB, not a commander.
Also, your commander cannot refuse to submit anything, his job is to recommend or non-recommend and forward. If you ask IG, after a lengthy delay they will give you a lengthy answer that just says this.
But you should notify your commander that you will contact IG to ask them this same question.
Also, you may want to consider requesting a transfer to a unit closer to you, and if you still want to go IRR, submit again from there.
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You can always check with your Jag or talk to the chaplain as well. You would be considered non Deployable anyways. I don't see why a commander would not want you to go into the IRR. On a side note, did you refuse the covid-19 vaccine because of possibility of blood clots? Did you ask for a waiver and will that also make you not fit for Duty?
CSM Charles Hayden COL (Join to see) COL (Join to see) 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel CPT (Join to see)
CSM Charles Hayden COL (Join to see) COL (Join to see) 1st Lt Padre Dave Poedel CPT (Join to see)
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SPC (Join to see)
No sir, I received all required Covid vaccinations and did not receive a waiver as I was diagnosed after joining the reserves from active duty, and I am sure I would be considered not fit for duty as I am on anticoagulants for life. Thank you for your prompt response!
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LTC (Join to see)
SPC (Join to see) I also included two chaplains and two former Brigade Commanders. I was only a staff officer so maybe they have more insight with issues like this. In my past military career, transferring from one unit to another to go to combat was no issue with my Battalion Commander at the time. Switching from the Idaho National Guard to the irr to transfer into the Army Reserve was no problem with them either. I know you'll have to go sign some Cal statements by the retention NCO and a few other people to sign in with your CAC card and it should be pretty easy. I don't understand what the problem is? That's why I'm trying to get guidance here from one divisional sergeant major, two former Brigade commanders one retired and one serving chaplain. Hopefully, they can get you some better information. I don't know if an IG complaint is warranted but maybe they'll tell you what to do. Not sure if you need to make an IG complaint or an equal opportunity complaint showing that you want to prove that you are not fit for Duty and they don't get you to the people that validate your health condition. Just go to the Commander in person and if he says no, Then make your equal opportunity complaint. Others here should give you some more guidance
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