Can you get involuntarily separated for not going to the board?

2018-05-11T10:05:44-04:00

ETS in 7 months not planning on re-upping. New leaders are saying for not going to the board or trying to progress they are going to kick me out. Do they have the grounds to do this? What’s the chapter it’d fall under, since it’s not a negative chapter (I’m guessing) and it’s involuntary I get a severance check correct? Correct me if I’m wrong. Thank you!

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 11 at 2018 10:10 AM

2018-05-11T10:10:52-04:00

No idea what chapter they would attempt, and that is a great question to ask of your leadership.

Perhaps company level leadership wither NCO side or Officer side is being hammered and pressured from a more senior leader to send all qualified to the board.. still, makes no sense why any level leader would want an unmotivated, uninterested E4 to be sent to the board... Its a waste of everyone's time.
That said, some of the best NCO's I worked with, were pushed to go to the board as an E4.. some dont think they will make a good NCO and liked being a follower, till pushed a little, and they found they were good at it, were a good leader and enjoyed the new found commitment and responsibility. .

Response by LTC Kevin B. made May 11 at 2018 10:27 AM

2018-05-11T10:27:46-04:00

I'd end this scenario by just agreeing to go to the board. I was in a similar situation when I was a young enlisted soldier. I was an E-4 squad leader, but I was getting out within 6 months (to attend college), and I had no intention of re-enlisting. They asked if I wanted to go to the promotion board, and I just didn't feel the need to expend the energy on making the effort. Bottom line...that decision didn't reflect well on me (and it won't reflect well on you). They can't make you re-enlist, so just view the board as a developmental opportunity for yourself. Do it, kick butt, become promotable, and then ETS.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made May 11 at 2018 11:06 AM

2018-05-11T11:06:15-04:00

IMHO go to the board. It could come in handy down the road.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 11 at 2018 11:10 AM

2018-05-11T11:10:58-04:00

So you have 7 months left in the Army? Your leaders need to move on.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 11 at 2018 11:15 AM

2018-05-11T11:15:08-04:00

I don't think they will/can chapter you, but the possibility of flagging you is real. That means no personnel actions- promote/award/schools, etc. As for involuntary- all chapters are pretty much involuntary actions. I really don't think the Army gives severance pay- that's a business term- they can and do pay separation pay.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 11:31 AM

2018-05-11T11:31:32-04:00

Why don't you want to go?

If it is just that you don't want to put in the effort-- suck it up and go to the board. It is what you are getting a paycheck to do.
If it is for some other reason-- discuss your reason with your CoC. They may either accept it if it is a legitimate reason, or be able to provide guidance to ease your mind if it is not.

When I was a young E-3-- like had been wearing E-3 for about 3 months-- my SSGT tried to send me to a meritorious promotion board. I told him I wasn't going to do it because I didn't have the experience to put on E-4 (NCO in the Marines- it usually takes about 2 years as an E-3 to make it) and it was pretty common (albeit unofficial) knowledge that the meritorious boards gave preference to women and minorities. I was not willing to risk taking someone in a closed MOS's well-deserved promotion because I am a girl.
He accepted my reasoning and dropped the issue.

Of course, I later discovered that the main reason this particular SSGT wanted to fast-track me to E-4 is that it would have made it a little less inappropriate for him to pursue a physical interest in me if I were only 2 paygrades beneath him as opposed to 3... He tried to pursue a 'relationship' anyway despite the 3 paygrade difference, about 15 years of age difference, and the fact that he was my immediate supervisor... I mean, I realize I'm God's gift to men and all, but... Really, Dude? (#sarcasm)

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made May 11 at 2018 11:48 AM

2018-05-11T11:48:56-04:00

It seems petty to do that. They should just let you ETS. The only reason why they would typically do paperwork is to prevent you from coming back in. Some people don't have it in them to lead. If you completed your service honorably, I would have said that you're square with me and let you leave gracefully.

Response by 1SG Dennis Hicks made May 11 at 2018 12:15 PM

2018-05-11T12:15:50-04:00

You already received so VERY good advice from this site so far, I would only add that my first enlistment was for 3 years, roughly 9 months out I decided that I wanted to get out, grew my hair a smidgen longerger my 70's **** Mustache, laughed at the retention NCO who was making me bonus offers etc. A very wise MSG at Battalion who knew me pulled me aside and asked me why I was getting out, what happened to make me want to get out and told me even if I do get out I should still do my best to get promoted, keep stepping up and look for more responsibility and worry about ETS 30 days out. I followed all of that, went to the board, had some really good leadership come into the Company and Battalion and we did things that were every motivating and rewarding. I changed my mind and re-enlisted and 35 years later retired. The bottom line is don't burn your bridges before you get to them, let alone cross them, situations change and why limit you choices when you can keep them all open with just some effort. You may say never to re-enlisting but you may change your mind if your unit becomes better or you are offered a sweet deal transfer, school or position. You never know :) Good luck in whatever you decide.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 1:17 PM

2018-05-11T13:17:20-04:00

As stated below I don't think they can kick you out under the new policy but - I'd just go. If you get promoted before you get out, that's a little extra money. If not, oh well. It's just a board.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 1:36 PM

2018-05-11T13:36:37-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I noticed you are in Warhorse. I was in 3/4 and this is no joke. Your unit leaders have no decision making authority here. This is driven by the 4th ID SGM and is briefed monthly during USR. The stats get reviewed by the CG, SGM, CoS and the SJA.

Recommendation- Smile and take the medicine or my money will be on 2/4 making you completely miserable until you ETS. I'd also publicly state that I am reassessing my options and not show your cards to unit leadership. There are some A-holes in 4th ID that would be pleased to see you leave the gates as an E-1.

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made May 11 at 2018 3:22 PM

2018-05-11T15:22:29-04:00

Just go to the board already. I went to Soldier of the Quarter and E6 board the same week, 12 days later my request for School Release came through. While that is not seven months, pretty much the same scenario.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 11 at 2018 3:49 PM

2018-05-11T15:49:43-04:00

The Army has some fairly recent changes to retention as it relates to promotions. I would recommend you check with your S1 and find out what the time in grade/service requirments are for attending the promotion board. If you fall within that criteria they can, and I. Some cases must separate you. Just study and go to the board, it would improve your resume anyway. Thank you for your service.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 11 at 2018 3:54 PM

2018-05-11T15:54:06-04:00

My apologies if this sent as I could not see the post. The Army has some recent changes to retention specifically regarding promotions. Check with the S1 to determine where you stand. Based on your status will determine what action the unit can or must take regarding separation. In any case you should simply attend the board and pass, it will serve to enhance your resume upon separation. Just go!!! Thank you for your service.

Response by 1SG D S made May 11 at 2018 9:24 PM

2018-05-11T21:24:08-04:00

They can bar you from reenlistment. They dont have grounds to chapter out of the army provided you meet Army standards and comply with army regulations and policies.

Response by SPC Tony Ross made May 24 at 2018 8:21 AM

2018-05-24T08:21:37-04:00

Go to the board. I was a short timer and they told me I had to go knowing I couldn’t reup (family), so i did. Aced it with a 199. I ETSd as a Specialist (Promotable). Kick @$$ and take names.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2018 6:54 AM

2018-12-18T06:54:21-05:00

I have had to deal with this in Navy, every time due to the Command or Regional leadership assuming that filling their own Eval with how many attempted advancements and actually advancements made them look better. Not because leadership in those advanced or accomplishments of the same group but just a numerical value of those eligible and those advanced seemed synonymous with their own accomplishments. There is undoubtedly no specific article for them to charge you with other then a stretched misconduct or conduct unbecoming, to be rounded out with the general article for good measure. I once worked in the administration of a “Transient” unit for personnel on administrative holds, or transitioning to a command or out of service while a command was deployed and they LDO(XO) was a malicious and seditious asshat that would Perdue these types of BS cases. He would do his level best to make life miserable for those deciding to leave the service instead of dedicate their life to it. While the CO was a decent guy who stepped in occasionally the XO would have needed a daily babysitter. My point being is there are two roads as Robert Frost said and they are not the same. Unfortunately until military leadership starts to be held accountable for real metrics you and others will be held to account for misers who will undoubtedly retire with no real accomplishments in their careers and will undoubtedly believe they saved the world in doing so.
So buck up, you will be through this shortly and be on the track you have chosen. I have never believed that non-combat related environments were meant to be used to force leadership out of or onto servicemembers. It’s contrary to what leadership and advancement stands for.