Can a Commander stop me from submitting an IRR Packet?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 13:47:41 -0400

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)

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2022 2:04 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:04:46 -0400

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?

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 24 at 2022 2:39 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:39:11 -0400

Units don't start medboards. Medical does. This isn't something the unit Commander requests or initiates. Your Military provider does that.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2022 6:36 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 18:36:39 -0400

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

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2022 6:53 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 18:53:40 -0400

I know a major who wanted to get out of Army reserve unit but his was a ready Force unit. ( ready force X). I retire on the first of the year so I don't know if that special unit designator is still around and those people are right to the point and it's really hard to get out of those units that have that designation. Major I know had a hell of a time trying to get out. He also had to make sure the packet didn't sit on some DOD civilians desk and collect dust and not get processed. Is your unit a ready Force unit? If so, that is half the problem but don't give up.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2022 7:15 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 19:15:44 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Jun 26 at 2022 12:23 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 12:23:15 -0400

You can always submit the packet. They're not obligated to approve it.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jun 27 at 2022 10:38 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 22:38:17 -0400

I'm with MSG Private RallyPoint Member's answer.