Posted on Jan 6, 2016
Can I receive an article 15 for unknowingly being AWOL for a year? Help!?
617K
3.14K
1.01K
186
186
0
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
4
4
0
Apologies for my previous confused remarks SPC(P) Delcina Myers.
For one; your Command has no right to discharge you for being absent due to a miscarriage - shows insensitivity on the part of your Command and lack of compassion.
After you didn't arrive at drill, did your Command try and contact you or even send someone to check on you, perhaps? If not, you Command cannot punish you without the facts. An Article 15 without trial is absurd.
After 12 months your Command contacts you and orders you to report for duty; something smells fishy here and can't be good, in my opinion. However, you can't avoid your Command.
Your option is to take the trip with medical records of miscarriage in hand and meet your leadership. If they give you an Article 15 then, inform your Command that you intend to fight it. If your Command wants to board you out then, ask for legal counsel and fight it out. However, never allow fear to get the better of you in this battle girl. Fight for what you know is right.
For one; your Command has no right to discharge you for being absent due to a miscarriage - shows insensitivity on the part of your Command and lack of compassion.
After you didn't arrive at drill, did your Command try and contact you or even send someone to check on you, perhaps? If not, you Command cannot punish you without the facts. An Article 15 without trial is absurd.
After 12 months your Command contacts you and orders you to report for duty; something smells fishy here and can't be good, in my opinion. However, you can't avoid your Command.
Your option is to take the trip with medical records of miscarriage in hand and meet your leadership. If they give you an Article 15 then, inform your Command that you intend to fight it. If your Command wants to board you out then, ask for legal counsel and fight it out. However, never allow fear to get the better of you in this battle girl. Fight for what you know is right.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
To all:
For the responses on sympathy: thank you.
To clear the air for everyone else: I was not, say again, was NOT receiving pay of any sorts while "AWOL". I had the miscarriage in January at 14 weeks gestation, showing 18 weeks. For those who aren't accustomed to female anatomy, it takes roughly 6 weeks for the uterus to shrink back to original size, body functions "normal". The fact that I had lost so much blood in the first few hours, along with the grapefruit sized tumor on my uterus, which caused my miscarriage in the first place, and slowed healing even more. I want fit for duty, even to walk long distances, standing, etcetera, until my "inners" was back to pre-pregnancy size. During this time frame, I did try to communicate with my TL, I sent him my paperwork, and I thought all was good. By the time I was cleared for duty, that is when I was told I had been discharged. Come to find out, that was meant for someone else, whom I looked alike and sounded alike. I didn't move two states away until September. That's roughly 5 months, and during that time frame I had seen my platoon Sergeant, and he didn't say a word about my being absent. I believe he told me that the week I had moved, he came back to my work (waited on him at a local sports bar) to infirm me I was still on their roster. To late, oops. I did have mail forwarded, so anything that could have been sent out would have eventually found me. Nothing was sent. Honestly, I'm glad the new TL found me on facebook, and the threats worked. I traveled twelve hours to go to drill once a month, I had a good job, good income, I could afford it. September of last year, my new readiness NCO offered me to do an IST, since October I have been attending drill at a unit close to me, have gone through a lot on dental work to get transferred (had dry socket... Egh!) but I'm finally in my new home. If anyone else has any questions, please send me a message, I'll be happy to explain further.
The outcome of my AWOL, my commander tried pulling the discharge papers that were actually in the system at state, and it was a success. She had no idea what had happened to me, I had all documents with me, made copies for my "file". Although I wasnt looking for sympathy when I was giving my "testament" in front of her, top and my TL, and looking for a second chance, I was relieved when she fought for me. I will forever be grateful to her, now I hear she's a MAJ. I have 2 1/2 years left of this contract, and trying my best to deploy before its up. Any more questions, please message. It's simpler.
For the responses on sympathy: thank you.
To clear the air for everyone else: I was not, say again, was NOT receiving pay of any sorts while "AWOL". I had the miscarriage in January at 14 weeks gestation, showing 18 weeks. For those who aren't accustomed to female anatomy, it takes roughly 6 weeks for the uterus to shrink back to original size, body functions "normal". The fact that I had lost so much blood in the first few hours, along with the grapefruit sized tumor on my uterus, which caused my miscarriage in the first place, and slowed healing even more. I want fit for duty, even to walk long distances, standing, etcetera, until my "inners" was back to pre-pregnancy size. During this time frame, I did try to communicate with my TL, I sent him my paperwork, and I thought all was good. By the time I was cleared for duty, that is when I was told I had been discharged. Come to find out, that was meant for someone else, whom I looked alike and sounded alike. I didn't move two states away until September. That's roughly 5 months, and during that time frame I had seen my platoon Sergeant, and he didn't say a word about my being absent. I believe he told me that the week I had moved, he came back to my work (waited on him at a local sports bar) to infirm me I was still on their roster. To late, oops. I did have mail forwarded, so anything that could have been sent out would have eventually found me. Nothing was sent. Honestly, I'm glad the new TL found me on facebook, and the threats worked. I traveled twelve hours to go to drill once a month, I had a good job, good income, I could afford it. September of last year, my new readiness NCO offered me to do an IST, since October I have been attending drill at a unit close to me, have gone through a lot on dental work to get transferred (had dry socket... Egh!) but I'm finally in my new home. If anyone else has any questions, please send me a message, I'll be happy to explain further.
The outcome of my AWOL, my commander tried pulling the discharge papers that were actually in the system at state, and it was a success. She had no idea what had happened to me, I had all documents with me, made copies for my "file". Although I wasnt looking for sympathy when I was giving my "testament" in front of her, top and my TL, and looking for a second chance, I was relieved when she fought for me. I will forever be grateful to her, now I hear she's a MAJ. I have 2 1/2 years left of this contract, and trying my best to deploy before its up. Any more questions, please message. It's simpler.
(4)
(0)
SPC(P) Delcina Myers
CW3 Susan Burkholder - Chief, I wasn't looking for sympathy in the first place, just answers, which people who are mature enough would recognize that and help guide a lower ranking individual to the right answer, and not haze them over miscommunication.
Honestly, the hate-filled replies pissed me off, and showed me the type of leader I shouldn't be whenever I reach those ranks. Especially for not knowing me, and not knowing what kind a soldier I am, it was ridiculous to see such responses labeling me as a POS. I've been dealt the shit card for NCOs majority of the units I've been in, and I never once gave up on my military career because of them, I just keep them in mind as I rise on the enlisted side.
Have a good day, ma'am!
Honestly, the hate-filled replies pissed me off, and showed me the type of leader I shouldn't be whenever I reach those ranks. Especially for not knowing me, and not knowing what kind a soldier I am, it was ridiculous to see such responses labeling me as a POS. I've been dealt the shit card for NCOs majority of the units I've been in, and I never once gave up on my military career because of them, I just keep them in mind as I rise on the enlisted side.
Have a good day, ma'am!
(1)
(0)
4
4
0
I was told to not show up to drill due to a MRI result. It was an E5 who gave me that news. After two years I found out that I was still suppose to come to drill. You are not in trouble. Your last direct order was to not come in. You were only following orders. If anyone is in trouble it is your platoon sergeant.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
I was AGR for 10 years and can't tell you how many times people thought they were discharged but weren't. I always asked two things: Who told you you were discharged? And, did you ever receive orders?
Pretty much every time the answer was, "I don't no and no." Young junior enlisted don't know what they don't know. But if their NCO don't teach them it's a shared failure.
Pretty much every time the answer was, "I don't no and no." Young junior enlisted don't know what they don't know. But if their NCO don't teach them it's a shared failure.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
It's probably not a setup to arrest you. I was in a similar situation, where I thought I was being discharged and did not show up to drill for a year, only to be told a year later that I was still on the roster, and if I did not show up, I would have a warrant issued for my arrest. I contacted the higher-ups and got some clarification, let them know I was willing to work with them, and ended up serving out the rest of my enlistment, without even getting any time tacked on to make up for the drills I missed. As long as you cooperate, it's much easier on everyone to let you serve out your enlistment, rather than go to the trouble of an article 15.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
This is an example of poor leadership, just because a Soldier is a Soldier, they do not know everything. The Command Group is responsible for this mishap and this Soldier needs a lawyer.
(4)
(0)
4
4
0
How can you not know that you're still in the military? If you haven't out processed and signed discharge papers, why would you think you're discharged?
(4)
(0)
LTC Jason Mackay
The reserve components can chapter you by mail. If you do not reply in a certain amount of time, you are separated. It is usually done for non-participation in battle assembly or AT.
(0)
(0)
LCpl Steve Smith
Yup the Reserves is a entirely different creature with the way they run their processes and on and off duty times stuff... I was active duty and had contact with Reservists a few times... Lets just say I was glad to be an Active duty Marine lol...
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
4
4
0
AWOL is a crime and punishment shall be administered. You know what is right and wrong. This kills me. When people go to prison for murder and then 15 years pass they think they are innocent and should be set free. LOL.
(4)
(0)
SSG Jeffrey Monk
That's right Master Sergeant. We all got the same UCMJ Brief and the same soldiers manual no mater where you go to Basic Training. Hell I still have mine 20 years ago last week. A Privates excuse from a Spec just doesn't cut it.
(0)
(0)
CPT Ray Doeksen
Well, that escalated quickly! From missing drill to murder? A SPC that screws up is not exactly front page news ... a unit that can't keep track of their soldiers and loses track of one for a year, that's more interesting.
(0)
(0)
SGT David Schrader
Master Sergeant was making a good point. Of course she didn’t commit murder, but point is that she had to have known that she was AWOL otherwise she would have received separation and discharge paper. AWOL is a punishment offense and should be held accountable for her actions. Lucky there was not a Court Marshal.
(0)
(0)
4
4
0
Since you are in the national guard/reserves you should have already received a DD-214 upon completion of basic training, and therefore you are not subject to the UCMJ when not drilling- including missing drill (it only counts if you are mustered at drill). The only way you can get charged is if you were to show up to drill on a Saturday and then not show up on a Sunday. Trust me- national guard/reserve units don't have the teeth do arrest you outside of drill let alone the ops tempo to even consider it.
The issue isn't punitive action; the problem is that you have been gone for so long that you probably have an admin sep package waiting to be signed. If you want you could just wait it out and eventually it will mean total separation with an OTH; the only thing they care about is getting any issued gear back which they will bill you with and eventually check against your credit. Another issue is that you have not been receiving letter is the mail I take it? So if you want you could fight it under the claim that you were never informed via letter that you were AWOL and get into a whole legal mess- not your best option.
If you want to stay in, you will have to travel the distance, request billeting, and make up all those missed drills -unpaid- until you are back in good standing with your unit. Once that is accomplished you will be able to inquire about transferring to a national guard unit closer to home, but they won't even consider that until you are in good standing with your current unit.
This is all under the assumption that you have this type of time; get in contact with your FIrst Sergeant and see if a package has even been started, then follow the steps. If it's already in the works, you might as well just make the drive to turn in your gear and stay home until you are separated.
Sorry if that's not the answer you are looking for, but that is the most realistic.
The issue isn't punitive action; the problem is that you have been gone for so long that you probably have an admin sep package waiting to be signed. If you want you could just wait it out and eventually it will mean total separation with an OTH; the only thing they care about is getting any issued gear back which they will bill you with and eventually check against your credit. Another issue is that you have not been receiving letter is the mail I take it? So if you want you could fight it under the claim that you were never informed via letter that you were AWOL and get into a whole legal mess- not your best option.
If you want to stay in, you will have to travel the distance, request billeting, and make up all those missed drills -unpaid- until you are back in good standing with your unit. Once that is accomplished you will be able to inquire about transferring to a national guard unit closer to home, but they won't even consider that until you are in good standing with your current unit.
This is all under the assumption that you have this type of time; get in contact with your FIrst Sergeant and see if a package has even been started, then follow the steps. If it's already in the works, you might as well just make the drive to turn in your gear and stay home until you are separated.
Sorry if that's not the answer you are looking for, but that is the most realistic.
(4)
(0)
SSG (Join to see)
Your argument doesn't work because she moved and probably failed to inform the unit of her new address. The unit cannot notify you by mail if they do not know where you are. I really doubt that any unit is going to waste the effort on someone who went missing for a year, it is not worth the effort or the possibility of it happening again. She needs to accept the fact that she screwed up and accept the punishment and the discharge.
(0)
(0)
SSgt (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - It depends. I've seen this play out in the individual's favor before, primarily because of a First Sergeant getting relieved. So the process took way, WAY longer than it should have because he was the one handling it, and it took nearly a year for his replacement to come in and say "what the hell is going on?" And fix the issue. So, it is possible that a similar issue could be happening here; we had two chronic UAs at my reserve unit that got kicked out last year- they went UA in 2012.
(2)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google