Can the Marine Corps force you to go to an event and pay for it?

I would recommend the Marine consult with an SJA at the base Legal Office after confirming the requirement with his Commanding Officer. Considering the years since I was on active duty, the regulations may have changed, but in my experience, if a serviceman is required to perform duties away from his assigned duty station, transportation, quarters, meals, and all expenses relative to the temporary assignment are to be covered by their unit. There is also the question concerning his medical suitability for performing the duty.
Frankly, this sounds more like threats at the section level since I cannot imagine a Commanding Officer issuing such a requirement.

Ball attendance is generally required but the ticket is normally associated with the meal and sitting at a table. Most balls have gallery seating for those not sticking around for the meal. This seems less an issue with being on a med board and more about not wanting to spend $60 for a ticket. I'm sure this Marine isn't the only one on a budget. I'm sure they could carpool with other Marines. 49 Miles isn't that much of a commute. I'm sure if he stated he only wanted to attend the Ceremony and not receive a meal (which is what the price is associated with) there would be something worked out. I attended many a ball and nobody was forced by threat of NJP to pay for a ball ticket. I'm sure speaking to EO or FRO could help add some common sense to the conversation.

If they so order him to be at the Ball as his designated Place of Duty, then yea....which would suck for this kid.

Seen similar situations, you can not be forced to buy anything that isn't mandatory for service. Uniform items and gear are issued, clothing allowances given, anything extra is on you. A ball ticket or a forced meal? Can not be forced, at least in the Army.

For example I knew of a MSG that got in trouble for forcing a Soldier in his section to buy a specific phone so that they could communicate in a way the MSG liked. A CPT that forced his troops to buy specific after market gear as a "mission necessity". Complete no go.

Now the Marine can be ordered to attend the ball and report in a specific uniform, but if he has a profile the order can not violate that profile.

The Marine should consult with his servicing Judge Advocate and the Doc that issued the profile before making any decisions but likely he'll have to attend

Personally, anyone who's medically ate up shouldn't be forced anywhere by brass polishers and frayed stripes just so they can feel good about themselves.

I'm thinking there is more to this Marine's story than is being given... There could be a perception of malingering in his leadership. If he doesn't want to go, did he offer to take duty for those that want to go? Is his separation purely medical or is there some disciplinary action accompanying the discharge? The answer is no, they couldn't force him to go to the Birthday Ball, that is always an optional activity, now a Mess Night is not optional... either way, if you don't want to go, the honorable things is to offer to take duty on that night...

I would ask for the order in writing, then go speak to base legal. I was never forced to attend and not sure why he would be force to stay over night.

In all my years I never saw or attended a ball that was mandatory for E4 and below. Having said that my units Family clubs always raised money for this who could not afford to attend. The Color Guard was always placed on TDY as they had rehearsals and the like usually leading to a couple of days at least.

It sounds to me as if the NCOs (junior) are probably applying the same pressure to there troops as is the command on them. I would very simply as to speak to the Co and or 1SG asap. Not sure anyone can be punished.

It is clearly unauthorized to make anyone pay for an event that they cannot afford. So while I agree that it is legal to require folks to attend, I have never seen it enforced. These events are amazing and fun if sone well, so little motivation is required.

Again I would be surprised if the command the intends to hurt or punish anyone. Hell the CSM can use them for a detail and pay there way through TDY

Welcome to politics in the military 101. If you want to be accepted and one of the guys you will go along to get along. The military can be a pretty lonely place. Also whenever there is a sh..t job that needs doing who do you think will get the gig?

No. I was in several decades ago and was injured in a car accident with a full leg cast. I was ordered to returned to base because they were put on alert. All functions are mandatory. He should check to see if the base has a hotel or housing for him for the night. Not sure why he is having to pay to attend the ball it should be or used to be free. I believe he is within the mile range for participation and should have been informed that he had to return if requested. In the end he should go, it's not worth it not to go it could get him in trouble and maybe court martialed. The marine corps is a strict organization. This could mess with his medical discharge. Then again maybe he can get a medical note for nonattendance. But it has to be a military doctor. Another thing i don 't understand is if he is medically separated why they are asking him to attend. He needs to check his discharge date on his dd214. It sounds like he is not completely discharge yet.

They can't make him pay for that.