Posted on Jan 6, 2016
Can I receive an article 15 for unknowingly being AWOL for a year? Help!?
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UPDATE 02/12/2021
WOW! This thread really blew up! And people are still commenting (some ruthless) for the past 5 years, so an official update and hopefully this thread dies down, like, completely.
I finally obtained an IST after a year of trying. State of Indiana never sent my paperwork to Missouri, so I had to call IG to figure out what was going on (that's how I found out that Indiana never sent my paperwork - I wasn't showing up on Missouris' roster, and Indiana wasn't showing me on theirs either, just that I had been discharged from Indiana NG). 3 weeks after the phone call, I was officially in the Missouri ARNG. I drilled faithfully for the remaining 4-5 years, and ETS'd in February 2020. I also had a hysterectomy that same month, and I do feel much better now. The previous November I had my miracle baby, as you can read in the update following this one. He is now 15 months old, and my pride and joy.
To clear the air a bit: No, I was NOT receiving pay while I was AWOL - that comment meant I didn't want to lose the money I COULD BE EARNING while drilling faithfully.
I plead my case to my Commander, 1SG, PS and new SL (he was team leader before this stupid mishap). The NCO that told me I was being discharge DID own up to his mistake. A case of mistaken identity (there was another girl in the unit that it was meant for - we looked a lot alike. A unit of that size, I can understand the mistake, however, I guess I should have stated who I was and maybe all of this wouldn't have happened). Also with that being said, I was never previously discharged before, so I didn't know about the paperwork needing to be signed. ALSO with that note, I still haven't received anything about my recent discharge/ETS as of yet, and it has been a year.
Since I had paperwork with me upon my return, it helped my case. Everything from the miscarriage until my doctors release. After the miscarriage, I did supply my unit with a doctors note - that must have been lost in a pile and never submitted, therefore my unit couldn't process an "in-house medical leave" as some could call it, profile, whatever the case. My then Squad leader didn't even pass on the message of my being in the hospital after my miscarriage, as it was the Friday before drill. One would think he would have the brain capacity to do so - no.
I had a very large fibroid on my uterus. I lost my baby when I was 14 weeks pregnant, but registering as I was almost 20 weeks pregnant. 2 weeks prior to the miscarriage, the tumor, as I called it, and the baby were fighting each other for survival. For those who don't understand fibroids, it's basically a mass of cells (benign, non cancerous) that survives off of blood flow, and so does a baby/fetus. The tumor was dying, and so it was trying to fight to survive. It caused excruciating pain, almost paralyzing pain, and honestly, the way Indianas' healthcare system is set up, I couldn't receive the treatment I needed. I had already known about the fibroid a good 3 years prior to this, and upon being assigned a General MD (until 36 weeks pregnant, then the pregnant woman gets referred to an OB/GYN for the remainder of her pregnancy - no choosing a doctor in this instance), but no one was listening to me when I stated that I would be high risk until it was too late. Due to this nature, my uterus wasn't shrinking like a normal one would - prolonging my healing. I did communicate with my SL during this time, he would say "Just keep me posted", not knowing he wasn't passing the message on. Finally I received release paperwork from my doctor, and I immediately went straight to my unit to give them said paperwork, and that is when the NCO told me the "bad news". I was being discharged. So, what I'm curious about, is why you all say I should have given them my phone number or address after being told about the "discharge"? In my mind, I was getting out. No need for future correspondence. Thank god for Facebook, huh? A non-acceptable form of communication really did work out in the end. I honestly don't know why it took the new SL to get ahold of me, I still wonder to this day, but I'm honestly not going to lose sleep over it.
Times were getting tough for us, my then boyfriend/now Husband relocating for work, and us not knowing anyone, no babysitter for the older kids caused us to move to Missouri so we could be with my aging father and take care of him/him take care of us kind of deal. I didn't think giving my old unit my new forwarding address or phone number mattered, as I "thought" I was being discharged. However, if all that didn't happen, I do believe I would still be in that wretched state (can you guys tell I despise Indiana? I was born there, moved her to Missouri in 1996, and moved to Indiana to be close to my biological dad after my mom passed in 2013, AND hopefully get free of my abusive ex-husband (yes, it worked), where I met my current husband). Ironically, 2 weeks prior to our move to Indiana, I ran into my PS at the restaurant I worked at, and he didn't even seem to know about my miscarriage (which should have thrown flags up by his confused look) and he DID come back for me once he realized I was still on their roster, however we had already moved at that time. So yes, he did try.
SOOO... I think that sums it up.
PLEASE, for all things holy, do not respond to this thread.. It is very old, and it gets tiring repeating myself to new comments (which, hopefully with this update being first on the list, you guys won't need to comment).
Was I a crappy soldier? I don't think so. I always did what was asked of me, within reason. Did I stop caring after being AWOL for a year and coming back? Yes. I know I probably didn't "deserve" respect, perse as far what had happened, but there should be a line as to how to treat a soldier no matter what their APFT score is, their height/weight, etc. Some of the leadership in that unit really sucked, and some of those leaders treated others like shite no matter their stance in the unit....
For instance: a PV2 that never had a passing PT test was able to be team leader before a SPC. Doesn't make sense, does it? I'm not sure what the term is... Hazing, maybe? Bullying definitely. Belittling in front of others, etc. that happened quite a bit. Thats not professionalism. So yes, I stopped caring. Because I was the target. From my own squad leader. No matter what had happened, I didn't deserve that. I could have easily taken a dishonorable being so many states away, but I didn't. I went back and tried my hardest to be a good soldier, 12 hour drive one way. There was even a time that I VOLUNTEERED to be on door guard duty for someone so s/he could use the latrine and get something to eat, to NOT be released the entire day and watching all the other platoons and companies of the Battalion be released to go home. No relief. I got a phone call when I was on my way home asking where I was at, and that "You weren't relieved of your duties, you need to come back" My response? "We were released" to be told "No, the unit was released. You were not." Shit ass unit. Sorry for my language. Once I got my IST I never looked back. Even my new unit had to un-f*ck my paperwork that was sent over. The new unit treated me like I was family, like a unit should (IMHO).
Thank you all for reading the new update. Things are going very well for me. So well in fact, that an injury I sustained in BCT/AIT 14 years ago is now being reviewed for VA Disability. Tinnitus was approved, just waiting on the others.
UPDATE 11/15
Since so many people have been responding to this 3 year old thread, and not really reading updated comments, here is an official update:
So, when I returned to my old unit, I have medical documentation, and also provided insight on the miscarriage and baby as well. He would’ve been born with Trisomy 13, which also gives a short life span as well, so in my eyes the miscarriage is kind of a blessing. My commander and 1SG were informed of what happened, made copies of my medical documents, and asked what I wanted. I requested to stay in (since I was originally looking at a hardship discharge due to the pregnancy in the first place, since I was no longer pregnancy and physically/mentally stable, I requested to stay in). At this time, I had an actual discharge packet at state for being unsat, and my CO informed me that if she could pull it then she will, but if not then it would go through and I would receive a general discharge. The following Monday I received an email stating that she successfully pulled the packet.
From then on (that is January 2016) until August, I continued to drive 12 hours one way to drill; I had to miss in July due to family reasons, but I’m August I went up early to make up the July drill. When I was an hour away, I called to make sure someone would be there, so I could sleep in the armory. At this time, I was asked if I wanted to do an IST, I said yes. I was also informed that my July drill had been excused (more non communication from my CoC- go figure). That following September, I was drilling with a new unit in my current HOR state. That unit was scheduled to deploy to Cuba the following summer. I wanted to go. However, my transfer wasn’t complete at that time, come to find out, Indiana has discharged me from their records (so Missouri could pick me up), but never sent the paperwork. From July until September 2017, I was in Limbo - not actively drilling because “I didn’t exist” in ANY states records. I called IG, and within 3 weeks I was on the roster to a different unit (the one I was trying to deploy with had already left, so I found another unit). Currently still in said unit, and on good drilling status.
Since I couldn’t go to Cuba in 2017, there was another unit scheduled to deploy May of this year to Kuwait. I wanted to go as well. And my name was actually on the roster to deploy.
Why didn’t I?
I found out I was pregnant in february; and on 11/3 I delivered a healthy, beautiful baby boy. My miracle finally happened! I had a rough beginning of pregnancy, when I was 6 weeks I went to the ER due to severe cramping (thought I was having a miscarriage again); doctor said it was a blighted ovum (Empty sac) because my HCG/PH levels weren’t as high as they should’ve been. So I went home, waiting to pass the fetus. A week went by, and still nothing.
Come to find out, I was a week behind. So instead of being 6 weeks at that time, I was actually 5 weeks. I still have the tumor, and in the spring time everything will be taken out.
And yes, the fibroid has and still is registering me as pregnant, by the measurement guide. When I was pregnant, I started out measuring at 12 weeks; towards the end I was only a week ahead (measuring).
No, I was not receiving pay while I was absent, and the “warrant” for my arrest was a ploy to get me back, which he didn’t have to threaten with and lie about. I would’ve been back to drill that May if they had informed me of my actual status; but honestly, why would I keep in communication with a unit that is discharging me, and telling me I no longer have to show up? In my eyes, I was done. That unit wasn’t my favorite, so I’m not gonna go back and talk to people like they were my teachers from High School, post graduation.
I had a miscarriage last January, and by not healing quick enough my former Readiness NCO told me that I was being discharged (In April). This past December, My "new" squad leader had gotten ahold of me via Facebook and let me know what was going on, if I didn't show up then I was going to be arrested, et cetera.
What I don't understand, is why didn't my platoon sergeant tell me that I was still on the roster when I saw him in August? I have moved two states away since then, and now I have to travel 12+hours to go to drill.
I need help, I don't know what to do, say, et cetera. I'm in the National Guard, and I was told long ago that article 15 can't be given to National Guard soldiers due to just being one weekend a month. Honestly, I'm scared. I waited a long time to get E4, and I don't want to lose it, nor my pay because I'm hurting as it is.
Any questions, just ask. But I really need advice. I plan on showing up for drill, and I don't want to be discharged, but a part of me thinks this is a set up to arrest me, which apparently there is a warrant for my arrest, and I don't know how to look that up either.
Thankyou.
WOW! This thread really blew up! And people are still commenting (some ruthless) for the past 5 years, so an official update and hopefully this thread dies down, like, completely.
I finally obtained an IST after a year of trying. State of Indiana never sent my paperwork to Missouri, so I had to call IG to figure out what was going on (that's how I found out that Indiana never sent my paperwork - I wasn't showing up on Missouris' roster, and Indiana wasn't showing me on theirs either, just that I had been discharged from Indiana NG). 3 weeks after the phone call, I was officially in the Missouri ARNG. I drilled faithfully for the remaining 4-5 years, and ETS'd in February 2020. I also had a hysterectomy that same month, and I do feel much better now. The previous November I had my miracle baby, as you can read in the update following this one. He is now 15 months old, and my pride and joy.
To clear the air a bit: No, I was NOT receiving pay while I was AWOL - that comment meant I didn't want to lose the money I COULD BE EARNING while drilling faithfully.
I plead my case to my Commander, 1SG, PS and new SL (he was team leader before this stupid mishap). The NCO that told me I was being discharge DID own up to his mistake. A case of mistaken identity (there was another girl in the unit that it was meant for - we looked a lot alike. A unit of that size, I can understand the mistake, however, I guess I should have stated who I was and maybe all of this wouldn't have happened). Also with that being said, I was never previously discharged before, so I didn't know about the paperwork needing to be signed. ALSO with that note, I still haven't received anything about my recent discharge/ETS as of yet, and it has been a year.
Since I had paperwork with me upon my return, it helped my case. Everything from the miscarriage until my doctors release. After the miscarriage, I did supply my unit with a doctors note - that must have been lost in a pile and never submitted, therefore my unit couldn't process an "in-house medical leave" as some could call it, profile, whatever the case. My then Squad leader didn't even pass on the message of my being in the hospital after my miscarriage, as it was the Friday before drill. One would think he would have the brain capacity to do so - no.
I had a very large fibroid on my uterus. I lost my baby when I was 14 weeks pregnant, but registering as I was almost 20 weeks pregnant. 2 weeks prior to the miscarriage, the tumor, as I called it, and the baby were fighting each other for survival. For those who don't understand fibroids, it's basically a mass of cells (benign, non cancerous) that survives off of blood flow, and so does a baby/fetus. The tumor was dying, and so it was trying to fight to survive. It caused excruciating pain, almost paralyzing pain, and honestly, the way Indianas' healthcare system is set up, I couldn't receive the treatment I needed. I had already known about the fibroid a good 3 years prior to this, and upon being assigned a General MD (until 36 weeks pregnant, then the pregnant woman gets referred to an OB/GYN for the remainder of her pregnancy - no choosing a doctor in this instance), but no one was listening to me when I stated that I would be high risk until it was too late. Due to this nature, my uterus wasn't shrinking like a normal one would - prolonging my healing. I did communicate with my SL during this time, he would say "Just keep me posted", not knowing he wasn't passing the message on. Finally I received release paperwork from my doctor, and I immediately went straight to my unit to give them said paperwork, and that is when the NCO told me the "bad news". I was being discharged. So, what I'm curious about, is why you all say I should have given them my phone number or address after being told about the "discharge"? In my mind, I was getting out. No need for future correspondence. Thank god for Facebook, huh? A non-acceptable form of communication really did work out in the end. I honestly don't know why it took the new SL to get ahold of me, I still wonder to this day, but I'm honestly not going to lose sleep over it.
Times were getting tough for us, my then boyfriend/now Husband relocating for work, and us not knowing anyone, no babysitter for the older kids caused us to move to Missouri so we could be with my aging father and take care of him/him take care of us kind of deal. I didn't think giving my old unit my new forwarding address or phone number mattered, as I "thought" I was being discharged. However, if all that didn't happen, I do believe I would still be in that wretched state (can you guys tell I despise Indiana? I was born there, moved her to Missouri in 1996, and moved to Indiana to be close to my biological dad after my mom passed in 2013, AND hopefully get free of my abusive ex-husband (yes, it worked), where I met my current husband). Ironically, 2 weeks prior to our move to Indiana, I ran into my PS at the restaurant I worked at, and he didn't even seem to know about my miscarriage (which should have thrown flags up by his confused look) and he DID come back for me once he realized I was still on their roster, however we had already moved at that time. So yes, he did try.
SOOO... I think that sums it up.
PLEASE, for all things holy, do not respond to this thread.. It is very old, and it gets tiring repeating myself to new comments (which, hopefully with this update being first on the list, you guys won't need to comment).
Was I a crappy soldier? I don't think so. I always did what was asked of me, within reason. Did I stop caring after being AWOL for a year and coming back? Yes. I know I probably didn't "deserve" respect, perse as far what had happened, but there should be a line as to how to treat a soldier no matter what their APFT score is, their height/weight, etc. Some of the leadership in that unit really sucked, and some of those leaders treated others like shite no matter their stance in the unit....
For instance: a PV2 that never had a passing PT test was able to be team leader before a SPC. Doesn't make sense, does it? I'm not sure what the term is... Hazing, maybe? Bullying definitely. Belittling in front of others, etc. that happened quite a bit. Thats not professionalism. So yes, I stopped caring. Because I was the target. From my own squad leader. No matter what had happened, I didn't deserve that. I could have easily taken a dishonorable being so many states away, but I didn't. I went back and tried my hardest to be a good soldier, 12 hour drive one way. There was even a time that I VOLUNTEERED to be on door guard duty for someone so s/he could use the latrine and get something to eat, to NOT be released the entire day and watching all the other platoons and companies of the Battalion be released to go home. No relief. I got a phone call when I was on my way home asking where I was at, and that "You weren't relieved of your duties, you need to come back" My response? "We were released" to be told "No, the unit was released. You were not." Shit ass unit. Sorry for my language. Once I got my IST I never looked back. Even my new unit had to un-f*ck my paperwork that was sent over. The new unit treated me like I was family, like a unit should (IMHO).
Thank you all for reading the new update. Things are going very well for me. So well in fact, that an injury I sustained in BCT/AIT 14 years ago is now being reviewed for VA Disability. Tinnitus was approved, just waiting on the others.
UPDATE 11/15
Since so many people have been responding to this 3 year old thread, and not really reading updated comments, here is an official update:
So, when I returned to my old unit, I have medical documentation, and also provided insight on the miscarriage and baby as well. He would’ve been born with Trisomy 13, which also gives a short life span as well, so in my eyes the miscarriage is kind of a blessing. My commander and 1SG were informed of what happened, made copies of my medical documents, and asked what I wanted. I requested to stay in (since I was originally looking at a hardship discharge due to the pregnancy in the first place, since I was no longer pregnancy and physically/mentally stable, I requested to stay in). At this time, I had an actual discharge packet at state for being unsat, and my CO informed me that if she could pull it then she will, but if not then it would go through and I would receive a general discharge. The following Monday I received an email stating that she successfully pulled the packet.
From then on (that is January 2016) until August, I continued to drive 12 hours one way to drill; I had to miss in July due to family reasons, but I’m August I went up early to make up the July drill. When I was an hour away, I called to make sure someone would be there, so I could sleep in the armory. At this time, I was asked if I wanted to do an IST, I said yes. I was also informed that my July drill had been excused (more non communication from my CoC- go figure). That following September, I was drilling with a new unit in my current HOR state. That unit was scheduled to deploy to Cuba the following summer. I wanted to go. However, my transfer wasn’t complete at that time, come to find out, Indiana has discharged me from their records (so Missouri could pick me up), but never sent the paperwork. From July until September 2017, I was in Limbo - not actively drilling because “I didn’t exist” in ANY states records. I called IG, and within 3 weeks I was on the roster to a different unit (the one I was trying to deploy with had already left, so I found another unit). Currently still in said unit, and on good drilling status.
Since I couldn’t go to Cuba in 2017, there was another unit scheduled to deploy May of this year to Kuwait. I wanted to go as well. And my name was actually on the roster to deploy.
Why didn’t I?
I found out I was pregnant in february; and on 11/3 I delivered a healthy, beautiful baby boy. My miracle finally happened! I had a rough beginning of pregnancy, when I was 6 weeks I went to the ER due to severe cramping (thought I was having a miscarriage again); doctor said it was a blighted ovum (Empty sac) because my HCG/PH levels weren’t as high as they should’ve been. So I went home, waiting to pass the fetus. A week went by, and still nothing.
Come to find out, I was a week behind. So instead of being 6 weeks at that time, I was actually 5 weeks. I still have the tumor, and in the spring time everything will be taken out.
And yes, the fibroid has and still is registering me as pregnant, by the measurement guide. When I was pregnant, I started out measuring at 12 weeks; towards the end I was only a week ahead (measuring).
No, I was not receiving pay while I was absent, and the “warrant” for my arrest was a ploy to get me back, which he didn’t have to threaten with and lie about. I would’ve been back to drill that May if they had informed me of my actual status; but honestly, why would I keep in communication with a unit that is discharging me, and telling me I no longer have to show up? In my eyes, I was done. That unit wasn’t my favorite, so I’m not gonna go back and talk to people like they were my teachers from High School, post graduation.
I had a miscarriage last January, and by not healing quick enough my former Readiness NCO told me that I was being discharged (In April). This past December, My "new" squad leader had gotten ahold of me via Facebook and let me know what was going on, if I didn't show up then I was going to be arrested, et cetera.
What I don't understand, is why didn't my platoon sergeant tell me that I was still on the roster when I saw him in August? I have moved two states away since then, and now I have to travel 12+hours to go to drill.
I need help, I don't know what to do, say, et cetera. I'm in the National Guard, and I was told long ago that article 15 can't be given to National Guard soldiers due to just being one weekend a month. Honestly, I'm scared. I waited a long time to get E4, and I don't want to lose it, nor my pay because I'm hurting as it is.
Any questions, just ask. But I really need advice. I plan on showing up for drill, and I don't want to be discharged, but a part of me thinks this is a set up to arrest me, which apparently there is a warrant for my arrest, and I don't know how to look that up either.
Thankyou.
Posted in these groups: 
Army National Guard
Army National Guard
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 475
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This post is 5 months old but I got drawn into the comments and mainly the misinformation, read the comments, most of these Senior NCO's that ARE National Guard or Reserve know what they are talking about, those that have NEVER been in the Guard or Reserve have no clue what your talking about and its painfully obvious you're giving bad information. YES she should have followed the procedures for moving but YES she can move and yes she can do it without asking for permission, we are not "stationed" in the traditional active duty sense. YES she should have remained in contact with her unit but in the GUARD the NCO's are responsible for contacting their Soldiers. I have seen it many time were a Readiness NCO tells a soldier for whatever reason they are being discharged and turn in their gear and don't come back (sometimes administratively, Hardship, others for coming up hot on a UA) and then 12 months later they are still on our books (yea the drug addicts still sit there also), then there is a leadership change somewhere and then questions start getting asked and as a squad leader my response is we have been asking for 12 month why they are still on the books because as far as we know they were discharged, then the PSG says the same thing and it is back to the AGR's who usually pass it up to battalion dropping the ball, etc etc. Then next month they are still on the books and no one asks anymore questions because its done and over with. It isn't right but her situation is not as uncommon as you may think. Hell one of my friends retired as an E-5 and it took the unit 2 years to get him off the books and 3 before he received any documentation. I am not justifying her actions but her "story" is very plausible from my experience in 3 different states and 5 different NG units, and 1 reserve unit.
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SFC Robert Luscomb
Common sense and pure dedication to duty dictates that you notify someone in your current guard unit that you are moving out of state. Unless of course your a shit show and don't care and to that you deserve an AR15.
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SSG Brian Lovins
SFC Robert Luscomb - I agree 100 percent BUT I have seen this scenario play out numerous times just as she is describing. Due to the way the Guard pay system works I doubt she was receiving pay since it is manually inputed by the readiness NCO, unfortunately the scenario she describes is all too common. Regardless she should have been out processed after the 9th missed UTA, which is 2 months and 1/2 day worth of drills. By the end of the 3rd missed drill she should have been out processed for unsat, that is a failure on the AIR and leadership regardless of what she was told that is NGB policy, had her unit followed the policies this would not be an issue and the unsat has almost no bearing on her future possibilities UNLESS she was receiving a bonus or education benefits.
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My best advice is to request an audience with your 1SG and Commander through your Chain of Command/NCO Support Channel. If they're hell bent on the UCMJ, you have the right to consult a Staff Judge Advocate (JAG Officer). You may have a case that should be heard in a courts-martial to ensure proper AWOL contact/recovery procedures were followed.
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I really hope every sees this...
I forgot to mention that I have a very large fibroid on my uterus, which caused the abrupt miscarriage. It took my 4 months to heal because my uterus wasn't decreasing in its size, and the fibroid kept me (bleeding) heavily. Even after a year after the miscarriage, I'm still registering At 16 weeks pregnant.
Also, I wasn't getting paid while I was (yes- unknowingly AWOL.) Mind you, when I say unknowingly, this is after being told I was being discharged. I've never been discharged apart from my normal ET back in 2012, and didn't know there was paperwork I had to sign. How was I supposed to know? Not like I've been discharged other than honorable, and even that took a year to get, including my DD214. With that being said, I say unknowingly. Also, how could I be in the wrong for moving and not letting them know, after what I was told? You guys make my head hurt because you all think you know the whole story. Seriously, quit assuming I was paid. I was not. I meant I didn't want to lose my pay I am entitled to receive with my rank and maxed out on my time as an e4. Especially with living two states away.
Now, to sum up what has happened since then: I am now in good standing with my unit. My commander had a good heart, and knew about the NCOs past with giving the wrong information. I am not the only one that he had screwed over.
My (referring to my former team and squad leaders), never once checked up on me. They knew where I was living. I informed them that I was temporarily living with my sister and how to reach me, and even knew how to get there. When I was in the hospital I didn't even get one one call, or a get well card. Not that I expected a card, but it's the thought that counts. My squad leader didn't even pass on the news of my loss to our passion sergeant. He didn't even know I had a miscarriage when I seen him in August. Neither did my commander. So, how's that for crummy leadership? Most of you are showing signs of their personality as well. All I wanted was answers, not bashing. Congrats on making things better, your a super trooper. For those who did read the message cuddly and had a heart, you're awesome. I'll follow you in battle any day.
Now I am trying to get an interstate transfer. I heard word that there's a deployment coming up, and I want to go. Is that wrong of me for trying? Sine of you might have something to bash on that as well, and if so, leave a private message so YOU guys don't get belittled. And you say to need to grow up? I took care of my responsibility. Do your part and be the NCO you took an oath and follow a creed by. If you can't, then you shouldn't be where you are, honestly. You make good nco's look bad. I'm at least trying to make things right.
Respects to all nco's and officers, by the way. To many to list.
I forgot to mention that I have a very large fibroid on my uterus, which caused the abrupt miscarriage. It took my 4 months to heal because my uterus wasn't decreasing in its size, and the fibroid kept me (bleeding) heavily. Even after a year after the miscarriage, I'm still registering At 16 weeks pregnant.
Also, I wasn't getting paid while I was (yes- unknowingly AWOL.) Mind you, when I say unknowingly, this is after being told I was being discharged. I've never been discharged apart from my normal ET back in 2012, and didn't know there was paperwork I had to sign. How was I supposed to know? Not like I've been discharged other than honorable, and even that took a year to get, including my DD214. With that being said, I say unknowingly. Also, how could I be in the wrong for moving and not letting them know, after what I was told? You guys make my head hurt because you all think you know the whole story. Seriously, quit assuming I was paid. I was not. I meant I didn't want to lose my pay I am entitled to receive with my rank and maxed out on my time as an e4. Especially with living two states away.
Now, to sum up what has happened since then: I am now in good standing with my unit. My commander had a good heart, and knew about the NCOs past with giving the wrong information. I am not the only one that he had screwed over.
My (referring to my former team and squad leaders), never once checked up on me. They knew where I was living. I informed them that I was temporarily living with my sister and how to reach me, and even knew how to get there. When I was in the hospital I didn't even get one one call, or a get well card. Not that I expected a card, but it's the thought that counts. My squad leader didn't even pass on the news of my loss to our passion sergeant. He didn't even know I had a miscarriage when I seen him in August. Neither did my commander. So, how's that for crummy leadership? Most of you are showing signs of their personality as well. All I wanted was answers, not bashing. Congrats on making things better, your a super trooper. For those who did read the message cuddly and had a heart, you're awesome. I'll follow you in battle any day.
Now I am trying to get an interstate transfer. I heard word that there's a deployment coming up, and I want to go. Is that wrong of me for trying? Sine of you might have something to bash on that as well, and if so, leave a private message so YOU guys don't get belittled. And you say to need to grow up? I took care of my responsibility. Do your part and be the NCO you took an oath and follow a creed by. If you can't, then you shouldn't be where you are, honestly. You make good nco's look bad. I'm at least trying to make things right.
Respects to all nco's and officers, by the way. To many to list.
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SGT (Join to see)
Not to mention "read the message cuddly, and had a heart"? Seriously? YOU. ENLISTED. IN. THE. ARMY. Not a daycare center
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SGT (Join to see)
Some of these people seriously have no clue what they're talking about. This is why such misinformation is passed around, and people end up in this young soldier's situation in the first place. First, if you're not at your ETS date, you don't get a DD214. I left my reserve unit in 2014 to deploy as a contractor, and didn't receive squat as far as paperwork. It took them 5 months to out process me from the unit, and by the time it reflected in iPerms, I had been in Afghanistan for over 4 months. In the mean time, I was still showing up on the roster, but my chain of command kept each other informed about my situation so that I wasn't counted as AWOL. Once my ETS date hit in June of last year, I received a paper from the actual Army HQ, not my unit, with my discharge information. It was automatically processed.
And seriously: "female problems as a guise"? Some of you people really are the reason why we have to go through so much damn SHARP and EO training anymore. This is a case of poor LEADERSHIP, hands down, do not try to make this out to be her fault, muchless portray her as weak for having what is a very common albeit traumatic health condition. It shows lack of bearing and empathy--both key components in a quality leader.
And seriously: "female problems as a guise"? Some of you people really are the reason why we have to go through so much damn SHARP and EO training anymore. This is a case of poor LEADERSHIP, hands down, do not try to make this out to be her fault, muchless portray her as weak for having what is a very common albeit traumatic health condition. It shows lack of bearing and empathy--both key components in a quality leader.
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SPC(P) Delcina Myers
Msgt Terry Anne, I would love to know where you get your information about fibroids, because that sounds like heaven compared to what actually happened. If you should like documentation, I would gladly send it to you, or anyone else. At least I can back up my story, which others may not be able to do. The team leader I was dealing with never passed along information, at all. My commander didn't even know what had happened, and in the past if I had a problem that wouldn't get solved by my team leader and I jumped chain of command to get a resolution, I got my backside reemed, so I apologize for not doing it then. I had thought it was all handled, basically had the benefit of the doubt, or whatever that saying is.
To fast forward: I ended up getting an interstate transfer, and couldn't be happier. Still have the tumor, which developed while I was on birth control and it isn't as rare to have a miscarriage. Do research on them, every medical site you view will even tell you that it will be difficult to get pregnant, and carry full term.
Now, don't think this was a retort or childish back talk, this is me standing my ground to SNCOs who bully lower ranking service members instead of giving them the advice they needed, which, if I may, is what an NCO is supposed to do. It's part of their creed, even in the TM on being an NCO. I can't help it that I was stuck in a squad with someone who didn't fulfill their commitment, so I had to reach out to peers to get answers I needed.
Respectfully,
SPC Myers
To fast forward: I ended up getting an interstate transfer, and couldn't be happier. Still have the tumor, which developed while I was on birth control and it isn't as rare to have a miscarriage. Do research on them, every medical site you view will even tell you that it will be difficult to get pregnant, and carry full term.
Now, don't think this was a retort or childish back talk, this is me standing my ground to SNCOs who bully lower ranking service members instead of giving them the advice they needed, which, if I may, is what an NCO is supposed to do. It's part of their creed, even in the TM on being an NCO. I can't help it that I was stuck in a squad with someone who didn't fulfill their commitment, so I had to reach out to peers to get answers I needed.
Respectfully,
SPC Myers
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I am reserve administrator on the civilian side and see this all the time. Shoot me a message and I will point you in the right direction
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Your readiness NCO is also a doctor? Well either he is an over educated readiness NCO or a lousy Doctor. Why he was providing a prognosis is beyond me
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SFC (Join to see) hit the nail on the head. Let me ask some questions/statements for clarity.
You had a miscarriage in Jan 2015 (my condolences on what me a very painful time in your life)
You were told you would be discharged in April, presumably for missing drill?
In Dec you were told if you didn't show up you'd be arrested?
What extent did you go to in order to keep your unit informed of your medical condition? The RNCO doesn't determine when you are healed from anything. Your personal DR does. It's YOUR responsibility to provide the unto with this info. All your RNCO can do is what the states AWOL policy dictates if you aren't keeping them informed.
After finding out the potential discharge scheduled for April, what did you do? Contact RNCO about your situation? Provide medical documentation?
In Dec did you do anything?
Did you inform them you moved? They would have initiated a transfer for you had you signed a letter saying you wanted too.
People are not mind readers. YOU must keep YOUR unit informed of any and all life changing events. To include medical issues that might precede you from attending drill.
If you go to your unit you will probably be arrested in front of the formation. You may hear the phrase, WHAT TYPE OF BIRD DON't FLY? Someone will holler out JAIL BIRD.
It's a trick I used many many times as a RNCO.
You had a miscarriage in Jan 2015 (my condolences on what me a very painful time in your life)
You were told you would be discharged in April, presumably for missing drill?
In Dec you were told if you didn't show up you'd be arrested?
What extent did you go to in order to keep your unit informed of your medical condition? The RNCO doesn't determine when you are healed from anything. Your personal DR does. It's YOUR responsibility to provide the unto with this info. All your RNCO can do is what the states AWOL policy dictates if you aren't keeping them informed.
After finding out the potential discharge scheduled for April, what did you do? Contact RNCO about your situation? Provide medical documentation?
In Dec did you do anything?
Did you inform them you moved? They would have initiated a transfer for you had you signed a letter saying you wanted too.
People are not mind readers. YOU must keep YOUR unit informed of any and all life changing events. To include medical issues that might precede you from attending drill.
If you go to your unit you will probably be arrested in front of the formation. You may hear the phrase, WHAT TYPE OF BIRD DON't FLY? Someone will holler out JAIL BIRD.
It's a trick I used many many times as a RNCO.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGM Billy Herrington Had that happen ONCE. AWOL Soldier showed up to drill after warrants had been sworn out. 3 Sheriffs deputies showed up and hauled him off in front of unit. Amazing how some Soldiers attitudes turned around after seeing that.
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SSG (Join to see)
When I was in the SCARNG my squad leader was a Deputy Sheriff and the Friday following drill weekend they would go out and pick people up on a bench warrant for being AWOL from drill. They would have to spend the weekend in jail.
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SSG Brian Lovins
SSG (Join to see) - In the 3 states I was in the guard the warrant was only good for the days that drill occurred on, so our troops would disappear from their HOR and show up monday because they knew the warrant had expired, one was a title 32 mil tech, he would miss drill then Tuesday morning be at work on time, even if we had a MUTA 5 he would get off work and disappear before drill started..that would have been useful to be able to have it issued for a following weekend.
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SGM Billy Herrington
SSG Brian Lovins - that's a commanders warrant. Pursuing a warrant through the municipal court was the ticket.
The mil tech has a job because he's in the guard. He should be coded awol, the he can be fired after discharge. Typically
The mil tech has a job because he's in the guard. He should be coded awol, the he can be fired after discharge. Typically
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Ok. Couple of questions here.
1. Did you keep your unit informed and turn in the proper medical documentation?
2. Are you currently drilling anywhere? If I'm understanding your post are you saying Jan of 2015?
No. The Guard does not do the Art 15. NG Soldiers fall under each States codes.
I don't know want your units policy is on AWOL. I can only speak for what we have in my unit, but part of our AWOL policy is yes a warrant is sworn out (per state code) after 6 UTA's missed.
1. Did you keep your unit informed and turn in the proper medical documentation?
2. Are you currently drilling anywhere? If I'm understanding your post are you saying Jan of 2015?
No. The Guard does not do the Art 15. NG Soldiers fall under each States codes.
I don't know want your units policy is on AWOL. I can only speak for what we have in my unit, but part of our AWOL policy is yes a warrant is sworn out (per state code) after 6 UTA's missed.
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CPT Morris Carter
UTA is unit training assembly and on a normal weekend drill you perform 4 of them. So it would be a UTA -4 etc.
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Well, speaking form a old commander perspective:
From the govt side my questions would be:
1.) If you need the money and don't want to lose it, as you stated above, insinuates that you have been receiving it since Apr when you left. If that is the case, you knew you were getting paid for something you weren't providing the government.
2.) Why didn't you verify with the 1Sgt or the orderly room of your status prior to you moving...especially 12 hours...i.e., unit activation or recall for natural disaster or another call up with a very short reporting time.
3.) As a commander, me and my SGM would be calling the personnelist, your squad leader, and 1Sgt in to ask why hasn't this been brought to our attention in Sept when you didn't show up for drill. They would be getting some accountability as well.
From your perspective:
1.) I would show up and see what happens. You also have the right to a Defense Counsel if you feel you need it. That would be my first call to get the correct and proper legal advice versus advice from barracks/platoon/Rally Point lawyers. Ask them to be available if no other way by phone when you report in.
2.) Soldier up and get it done. Most times the real event is no where as tough as the anticipation of the real event. Get it done, and request a transfer to a Guard unit near your new address.
Without all the facts in the case this is all I can say. Good luck.
From the govt side my questions would be:
1.) If you need the money and don't want to lose it, as you stated above, insinuates that you have been receiving it since Apr when you left. If that is the case, you knew you were getting paid for something you weren't providing the government.
2.) Why didn't you verify with the 1Sgt or the orderly room of your status prior to you moving...especially 12 hours...i.e., unit activation or recall for natural disaster or another call up with a very short reporting time.
3.) As a commander, me and my SGM would be calling the personnelist, your squad leader, and 1Sgt in to ask why hasn't this been brought to our attention in Sept when you didn't show up for drill. They would be getting some accountability as well.
From your perspective:
1.) I would show up and see what happens. You also have the right to a Defense Counsel if you feel you need it. That would be my first call to get the correct and proper legal advice versus advice from barracks/platoon/Rally Point lawyers. Ask them to be available if no other way by phone when you report in.
2.) Soldier up and get it done. Most times the real event is no where as tough as the anticipation of the real event. Get it done, and request a transfer to a Guard unit near your new address.
Without all the facts in the case this is all I can say. Good luck.
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SGT (Join to see)
>Soldier up and get it done.
We should not have outgrown a solid advice like this one. Kudos.
We should not have outgrown a solid advice like this one. Kudos.
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SSG (Join to see)
If she was still getting paid why would she think she was discharged? This is a pretty good question that she needs to answer. I'm think fraud charges here if she was.
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SGT Eliyahu Rooff
I find it a bit odd that someone could miss drills for a year without anyone noticing or taking any action. Where are her squad leader, platoon sergeant, platoon leader, First Sergeant, company clerk, etc, during all of this?
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SPC(P) Delcina Myers
Completely oblivious to the medical problem that was at hand, at the time, SGT Eliyahu Rooff... My commander didn't even know until I had told her in the meeting with her.
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I just have to say that this does not make sense. First, I will assume that medical documents were not produced to authorize three months (Drills) of medical leave. I believe the no contact started in January and this was the result of both the WORD of discharge and the article 15 (and yes you can get one for willful absence). It seems to me that the decision was to just not go back and no follow up was done. Without a MEB or NGB22 you are not out. I think you know that. Supposedly being a E-4 and promotable at that, I assume you had to board for your promotable status to a leadership NCO position. I find it hard to believe that you don't know how it all works. Two other things that bother me about your statement 1. "I waited a long time to get E4" WAITED? I had to work for mine and I also had to learn to be worthy of the rank. I boarded for "P" status twice. One for one MOS and giving it up to reclass to another MOS in which I boarded again. 2. You made it sound as if you still got paid. You don't get paid if you don't show up. If by some chance you did then you will probably be paying all that back when you are tried and convicted of being AWOL.
Bottom line is this, We all have unfortunate life events. You had one, but in my opinion it does not relieve you of your commitment of duty and the responsibility to have due diligence of handling your military obligations and affairs. Therefore, in my opinion, I find you negligent and willful in your absence of duty. I say face the repercussions of your decisive action and move on. With the information provided I feel you have no case regardless or what command "said" did or didn't do. It sounds to me you like you were willful absent from place of duty without leave or authorization. Your case of "I didn't know" will not hold up SPC (P)
Bottom line is this, We all have unfortunate life events. You had one, but in my opinion it does not relieve you of your commitment of duty and the responsibility to have due diligence of handling your military obligations and affairs. Therefore, in my opinion, I find you negligent and willful in your absence of duty. I say face the repercussions of your decisive action and move on. With the information provided I feel you have no case regardless or what command "said" did or didn't do. It sounds to me you like you were willful absent from place of duty without leave or authorization. Your case of "I didn't know" will not hold up SPC (P)
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SSG Jeffrey Monk
I agree. She gives excuses like a year one private but wants to be treated like a junior leader. The Army doesn't work that way.
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SGT (Join to see)
Lots of people on here wants to blame the leadership. It's amazing how that is the direction it is going. What happened to personal responsibility?
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Based on what you are saying, some NCOs in your unit need to get counselled. What bothers me is that nobody from your unit has been following up on you. No, you cannot get an Article 15. You were not absent without leave (AWOL) since you are not on active duty. Yes, you can be discharged, but that is not likely to happen. The commander may reduce your rank for missing more than four battle assemblies, but he/she does not have to.
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CPT Ray Doeksen
SSG (Join to see) - True, it's her responsibility ... that's clear, no argument that the SPC fell short there. I am not surprised that it took a new SL to think to look on social media to track her down. The old ways die hard, but in 2015/2016 it is no big feat to find just about anyone who isn't trying to hide or in the Witness Protection Program ... kudos to the new SL for thinking outside the alert roster box.
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CPT Ray Doeksen
I wonder if the old SL and PL, PLT SGT, company HQ, and BN S-1 were doing for a year? There may be something fishy about a unit that thinks a soldier on the roster but not attending is not a big deal. They definitely have broken-down processes, and there might be some malfeasance.
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LTC (Join to see)
I just want this Soldier to return to her unit, become productive again, possibly recover, and eventually leave the Army with honor, dignity, and justice.
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SPC(P) Delcina Myers
LTC Chester,
I have returned, and have been transferred. I've picked up to where I should have been, and doing far better now. Thank you for your concern, sir. I haven't had the surgery to remove the fibroid, it is to expensive, even with insurance.
I have returned, and have been transferred. I've picked up to where I should have been, and doing far better now. Thank you for your concern, sir. I haven't had the surgery to remove the fibroid, it is to expensive, even with insurance.
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